The Hallmark

This is now called Brookdale. It is on the park and in a lovely neighborhood for walking. However they park their van in the sidewalk on Oakdale Avenue. It is a hazard for pedestrians and an eyesore. The alderman has asked them not to park on the sidewalk, I asked them to please not park on the sidewalk and the police have (i think) given them tickets. They still park on the sidewalk. During a snowstorm I asked them again to move the van thinking of the elderly and all of us fighting the snow and they said no, there is no where else to put it (they have a large lot in the back and a garage!!!)…I said, I will have to call the police and they said «you go right ahead» Apparently they believe they are above the law. It just isn’t right.

My mother has been a resident at The Hallmark for five years. No place is perfect and this is NOT the place to choose if your parent needs true assisted living. What I like about it is that the focus is on LIVING, not dying. The place is beautifully appointed with one-​bedroom apartments that average about 650 sq. ft. There are lots of activities, from traditional Bingo to News & Views lectures, concerts, theme parties, movie nights and more. It’s right next to Providence St. Joseph Hospital for medical emergencies. The dining room is lovely but the food isn’t all that great. Like I said, little complaints but all in all, I think this senior facility is about as good as it gets.

This review is not about the residential services, since I’ve not had occasion to use those yet, but I have had occasion to eat lunch at the little commisary/​café on the southwest corner of the first floor. If you are a fan of good deli sandwiches and soup, they have them here. The sandwiches are big and cost only $ 3.75, and soup is about $ 2.00 for a cup and $ 3.00for a bowl: Chicken Matzoball, Chicken noodle. Clam Chowder to name a few. There are only a few tables, buy you can get it to go. Great little tucked away spot with great deli choices at half the cost of most places in East Lakeview.