Little Sisters of the Poor Home

Little Sisters of the Poor is truly heaven on earth for the elderly. Run out of a calling to serve the elderly, the nuns overlook every aspect of the residents care with skill, passion and love. It’s nearly impossible to find a nursing home that is run this way!
Our background: I needed to find a nursing home for my mother in June of 2012. I toured over 20 nursing homes in Chicago and the suburbs that met her needs. We thought we found the right home in July that made alot of lovely promises (see review «The Regency Rehabilitation Center» in Niles) but they SO under-​delivered it was ludicrous (and we were paying almost $ 6,000.00 a month for this abuse.) Her health took a fast & dire turn for the worse in only 4 months.
We were literally saved by The Little Sisters of the Poor. OK, here are the highlights for my Mom and our family:
1. My mother has a private room. Unlike almost every other nursing home that houses 2 to 4 people in a shared room, all of the residents at Little Sisters of the Poor (LSP) have a private room. The philosophy is to provide dignity to all residents. (Until you visit other nursing homes, you’ll never appreciate how extraordinary this is!!!) So she is not lying in bed all the time because there’s nowhere to go (unlike at The Regency, when she was in bed every time I came) now she’s up and moving around, exploring her domain! Plus, it’s a joy to have a couch, book cases, dining table and other ‘homey’ touches for visitors to visit too.
2. The staff is stellar. Every person I’ve talked to from CNA’s to dining room helpers to nurses love working there, and have been there years. They’d never even consider working elsewhere (and some of them commute over an hour each way to work.) When they interact with the residents, there is genuine caring. They take time with everyone. For example, when they bring pills for her to take they come into her room, have a little chit-chat…sit down beside her and take care of pills while making it feel more like a social visit!
3. The FOOD is delicious. Meals for most people living is a home are the most important activities of the day! The LSP dining room is bright, cheerful and smells great. The menu changes frequently, and most of the food feels chef prepared and home made…(yes, real mashed potatoes & beef stew with large chunks of meat.) And for residents who cannot feed themselves, the staff is right there… patient & caring.
4. The atmosphere is all about COMMUNITY. There is so much generosity that keeps LSP going. Whether it’s financial benefactors, contributors, or volunteers there’s a ton of support here! Students from De Paul are helping the nursing staff, or serving residents meals… residents families are keeping a fantastic gift shop going, or arranging special events, or just available to help with anything Mother Patricia needs. If you take the time to look into the history of LSP which started with Jeanne Jugan, you’ll find that the nuns actually still go out and beg for the residents to get them what they need. It’s an inspiration to be a part of this!!!
5. A FIVE STAR MEDICAID RATING. Not easy to get, or maintain, but LSP is one of the only nursing homes that has maintained this for years. Rated in Quality, Safety, Nursing Staff… and only 12% of nursing homes in Illinois have a 5 star rating.
I could go on and on… the cleanliness of the facility, the great outdoor space, the wonderful activities calendar & staff that really engage the residents!!!
The staff of admissions can explain the process, how to apply to this home, and the levels of care. The number is: 773.935.9600. Or for even more information, go to:
We can only comment on our family and our mother. She’s happy, her medical condition has stabilized… she’s enjoying her life again after 4 months at The Regency in Niles (a 2 star facility).
WE COULDN’T BE HAPPIER for our beloved Mother. Knowing when we’re not there that LSP is delivering on their promises gives us tremendous peace of mind. And the only way we believe this is happening is what we see everyday when we visit. And the true test is seen in the contentment on our mother’s face. (SEE MY PHOTOS)