The food and beverage here is amazing! Right on par with some of the best restaurants in the city.

Folks, don't believe the 1 star reviews. It is literally impossible to please everyone but before admitting my father to this facility i too was very leary of retirement homes Make no mistake The Clare was absolutely terrific and the level of care was amazing! My dad was well taken care of staff were super friendly and I highly recommend this retirement home. My dad was in such bad shape, the Clare even assigned 4 caregivers and PT staff to give him 1 on 1 attention. They sat with him to discuss everything from his life stories etc.. My family.are deeply indebted for the kind and generosity they have shown. They even comped us 4 days free because our insurance only covered so many days. The Clare were truly compassionate and I can definitely say with confidence your loved ones will be well taken care of read more

NEGATIVE STARS. You will be told the Clare is one of the nicer facilities and it may be true for the nursing home portion however I have nothing nice to say regarding their rehab center. I met Amy the case manager to tour the facility and discuss what my mother had been through and the level of care she required. I was told the Clare was more than capable of handling her needs however that was a blatant lie. This is NOT an adequate rehabilitation facility for post hospitalization patients. The staff is under trained, under qualified and under staffed. I was incredibly clear on my mothers condition and the level of patience and care needed to keep her comfortable. Not only did they not respect our wishes; they did the exact opposite. They bullied my mother and when she asked them to please be more gentle with her and to stop hurting her she was told if she didn't like their treatment she could go back to the hospital. They also told her she needed to leave because they were incapable of helping her. NONE of this was communicated to me directly. When I called to speak to the nurse on duty I was told that the doctor recommend she go to the hospital because their staff could not manage her care. This is the same doctor who couldn't be bothered to actually see her in person and only met with her for 5 minutes on the first day and was not seen or heard from again. I can not stress enough just how INADEQUATE, UNDER TRAINED AND INCAPABLE this staff was. No one seemed to know what they were doing or even cared about the residents. This place is dirty and not well managed. If you have a loved one who needs any sort of care that extends beyond the bare minimum DO NOT SEND THEM HERE. read more

Moving to The Clare was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It provides anything and everything a senior needs or wants. Friends and family told me I wasn't ready to move to a retirement community but I have discovered that if you are "ready," it is probably too late. In addition to the wonderful services and programs offered in the building, living in the heart of Chicago is energizing. I have made many new friends and am truly happy to call The Clare "home." Betsy Kennedy read more

My 92 y.o. aunt spent a month at The Terraces at the Clare after she broke her hip. She went in wanting to die and left a month later like it never happened. The staff at the Clare are top notch. I received regular updates from the nurses, physical therapists, nutritionists and social worker. She wasn't happy about going there but on the day I moved her back to assisted living she said "do I have to leave?" read more

This is an exceptional community for both residential senior living and also rehabilitation. The location and the amenities are amazing. The staff really cater to the residents. read more

My husband's grandparents have lived here for 5 years and couldn't be happier. We visit a few times a year (usually on holidays) and have never had a bad experience. From the valet to the serving staff, everyone has treated us in a professional and respectful manner. The food is amazing, and as mentioned before the service is even better. And the location? It doesn't get any better living in the city. Win! Win! read more

I am so grateful to The Clare and each staff member. My mother has lived there for almost four years and they have provided her with care, safety, love, attention and dignity. There isn't a single employee in that building who doesn't say "hello" and smiles. I have such peace of mind knowing my mother lives at The Clare. read more

The Clare. I think it stands for The (most) Classy-Luxurious-Attentive-Regal-and Extraordinary senior living center in Chicago. My uncle is currently a resident at The Clare and absolutely loves it. My family also loves it there because of its awesome loop location, so whenever when we go to visit we make a day of it. It's just a top notch facility with unmatched service by the employees. I honestly find the reviews below mine hard to believe, because I have only heard and seen positive things from my uncle. If there weren't age requirements, I'd send in an application to live there myself! read more

The Clare is a independent living facility. Some of the higher up staff doesn't like to be bothered and can be a little entitled. Otherwise, doctors and nursing stations , and places to eat are convieniently located for residents. read more

First of all, I would beware of some of the other 5-star reviews here - they smack of reviews that have been written by the facility themselves. Did you notice that they all went up within two days of each other by people who have never reviewed anything else on yelp and that their language sounds the same like they were written by the same person. The experiences also sound like vague marketing language - with the exception of the guy who is moving out because of financial reasons - the rest really don't make them sounds like real people. Now on to my review: For over a year we have worked with sales representatives at The Clare at Watertower Place. We were looking for a CCRC or assisted living facility in which to place a family member in Chicago. We began working with The Claire sales reps prior to the completion of the building. They were extremely helpful, had good meetings, they gave us as much information as possible. We got all the sales pitches about how the building was designed by exclusive architects and interior designers who work especially with the needs of aging people. We put a $1,000 refundable deposit down to hold a space. A lot of people check out CCRCs thinking they are healthy and will never need an Alzheimer's unit. So I think they don't usually look too closely at that floor. We on the other hand looked very closely at the Alz floor and would never want a family member living there. Here is what is wrong: 1. The main hall curves so nurses cannot look down the corridor to see if a resident is lost or wandering and residents have to walk the full length of the hall to see where they are going. Very confusing for an Alz. patient. 2. The dinning room, TV room, and activities room are enclosed rooms with no interior hallway windows - meaning the only way you know which room you are going to is by going there and opening the door. The entire floor is just a series of doors everywhere. Horribly confusing for Alz patients. Other places we looked at had open dining rooms and family rooms that encouraged residents to come in and participate rather than festering alone in their rooms. 3. The dinning, TV and activities rooms only have the capacity for half of the residents. When asked, they said - oh residents can eat in shifts or whenever they feel like it. The best thing for people with Alz is cuing through routine. If you see people eating in three waves and cannot remember if you've already eaten - it is extremely confusing. 4. The furniture in the TV room had settees with no arms!!! WTF! Old people cannot get up from furniture without arms. Many of them have balance problems from side effects of Alz meds and would fall right out of the couch or chairs because of no arms. 5. The rooms are extremely small. Zero space to bring personal belongings like a favorite chair or a favorite lamp - things that remind a person of home. 6. This place has beautiful flower arrangements, lovely interior decor fabrics and wall coverings. But who cares if you don't understand the most basic things about safety and comfort for a deteriorating mind. We recently learned in a financial journal that The Clare at Watertower had to dip into their reserves. They are just in their infancy and not even able to stay afloat financially. We had to ask three times to get our deposit back before receiving it. The Clare is fantastic on paper and looks great as an example of pretty interior design. However, I would not place a family member there is they offered it for free. read more

As you read the reviews for this place you will do well to note the dates of them. The Clare is now under new management/ownership and has undergone significant changes. As with anything you purchase, there is always a buyer beware unwritten clause that cannot be avoided. The facility has a variety of services that can take you through your golden years starting at 52 and seems to be able to handle virtually any level of care you need. The occupancy rate is going up constantly and has made significant strides in the last 6 months. It was in financial trouble, but that also seems to be resolved through the new ownership. Since I only visit this facility I have the benefit of being an outside viewer looking in. The facility is very clean, personnel that works there is very friendly and helpful. Many have been there for some time and know the residents very well. There are two restaurants, meeting facilities, parking, a swimming pool, workout facility and much more. Depending on your preference there are views of Chicago to impress most discriminating viewers. In addition, there are many residents with an active social calendar who actively participate within and outside of the building activities. Residents plan trips, play bridge and socialize as much as they choose. Security is the top most priority in the building. You cannot get past the lobby without proper access and authorization. If you are a visitor you a greeted with a friendly smile, but that smile won't let you get any farther unless you are an approved visitor and the building escorts you to the elevator. Hopefully the updated review helps those of you that are curious. read more

After more than four years at The Clare we both are so happy to live here. The staff if terrific; the food is exceptional; the services, amenities and programming are excellent; but most of all, it's the people who make this a community, not just a place to live. We are surrounded by people who care, who rise to the occasion when you need something and who become good friends. Perfect? No. And not for everyone. But when I read old reviews from people who don't live here and were furious because of a phone call or posted their reviews years ago, I hope readers bypass them. If you're interested, the only way to know is not through Yelp! but by coming here, staying a few days and experiencing for yourself what a fine community it is. read more

I was here for a few weeks following surgery and felt like a princess. The room was nice and comfy; huge TV, adjustable bed, someone to help me bathe. Food was fantastic, either in your room or small, intimate dining rooms on each floor. The main reason I was there, physical therapy, was very professional and friendly. I was almost totally spoiled when I got home. The only downside was a lack of privacy when they were full and I shared a room. Visiting hours were not restful. The staff were terrific, even when I was in a lot of pain and crabby! read more

I've lived at the Clare for almost four years, and find the social opportunities perfect for my active life style. The food is varied and wonderful. We always have 6-8 choices of entree along with many salads, soups, and desserts. Our chef is especially good with fish. I am glad I decided to live in such a great community read more

Nine years at The Clare gives me some credence. It is wonderful--I am so glad to be here. In those years, life has had its predictable ups and downs, death of a spouse, illnesses etc., and with each one the Clare community was the warm blanket of compassion I would not have had access to in any of my earlier homes. Add that to the usual kudos regarding excellent food, attentive staff, excellent security and a plethora of opportunities to keep learning, stay fit and LIVE, not "settle for." It is terrific! K.s. read more

My parents have lived at The Clare for six years now and couldn't be happier about their decision to move there. It's more than just a residence, it's a community and just about every time I talk with them they're telling me about a new friend they've met. I have also stayed at The Clare a couple of times when visiting and found it to be a luxurious treat. The place is immaculate, the near north side location can't be beat, valet parking convenient and the food is fantastic. There are multiple dining areas, if not cooking in your own residence, and I especially like having breakfast up on the top floor looking out over the city. The building and services are continuously being upgraded for residents and the latest includes a larger dining area to provide even more options. We've come to know many of the staff at The Clare and while remaining diligent about security and checking-in guests, they are always professional and friendly. Even the new valet staff get five stars. Great improvement! My parents both take advantage of the facilities available from the exercise room to the pool where you can now reserve your own pool time. There is a packed schedule of programming for residents from movie night or cards night to music and workshops, and many group event/outings around the city to take advantage of. I know my parents have enjoyed their trips to the dragon boat races in Chinatown, area casinos and sing-a-longs. It is so comforting to know that my parents are happy and in good hands at The Clare. read more

The Clare is horrifying beyond words. There's no end to their greed. Someone called me from there a couple days ago who could not even pronounce "Clare". She said she was from the "Cloyer." I told her not to contact me again and to take me off their mailing list. She had the nerve to ask why and if I had found "other arrangements." The last time we had any contact with the Clare was over 5 years ago but she came after me a few days ago and had the audacity to ask why I didn't want to hear from them again. I told her that our "other arrangements" were that my mother had passed away a year ago. The other reviews confirm how horrifying this place is. A good medical director would never say that someone "should be DNR." That's a family and patient decision. Disgusting! Stay away! read more

Lovely and luxurious place with risky financials. Detailed financial information on The Clare is available through the MSRB bond site. http://emma.msrb.org/SecurityView/SecurityDetailsARD.aspx?cusip=45200BTF5 read more

Do your homework before choosing this place. All the bad reviews I find online must be true. I left a VM with a sales person named Marilyn and after four days of waiting for a response I called back; Marilyn told me I did not leave a message! I then requested her boss whose is named Lynn. I told Lynn the problem. Her response was not I'm sorry, it was 'Well I can send you some information, what's your address?". I live in front of this place and well over half of the windows are dark. Little wonder why with the attitudes displayed. When I tried to explain to Lynn what I wanted she again said she would send information and spoke over me. If this is the service you get from sales, IMAGINE THE SERVICE YOUR LOVED ONE WOULD GET! No thanks, Clare, I'll find another place. read more

Unfortunately, my mother had a rough time on the rehab floor at The Clare, so much so that she left after two days. (They had said she needed two weeks.) She was there solely for physical rehab after joint replacement, and yet on her second day received zero physical rehab. (The hospital's physical therapist had referred her to move to rehab because the hospital could only provide 2 PT visits a day, and he thought she needed more than that!) She also found the food almost inedible and lacking in vegetables/nutritional value. When her roommate was having difficulties, my mother tried to call for help, but it took so long for someone to come that my mother (who was not supposed to get up on her own) tried to run down the hall for help. (A couple of the RNs are a real bright spot, by the way, and do what they can to help!) read more

Unfortunately, our family had a horrible experience here. My 64 year old mother was stricken with an infection and hospitalized for a long time. When she was ready for discharge, she was not ready to go home as she lives alone and required physical therapy so she could get around on her own again. I was informed that the Clare was a posh place that was now accepting Medicare patients. Since the location was convenient for our family I agreed to meet with the nursing director to discuss my mother's needs. Instead I met with an aggressive sales representative. I became suspicious when before the needs of my mother were discussed, I was interviewed by a financial officer who asked to bring a deposit. I had no problem setting up a payment plan but was concerned that I was not learning more about my mother's care plan. Upon my mother's admission, I met the medical director. I found him to be extremely unprofessional and inappropriate. During the first twenty minutes that we spoke he tried tirelessly to convince me that my mother should be "DNR" because "...well look at her...she is so frail...if they attempted to resuscitate her...her bones would simply crack..." I could not believe what I was hearing as he spoke in front of my mother who is completely cognizant! I explained to him that my mother was not there for hospice care but he insisted that DNR was the best for my mom? There were various other incidents with this doctor that were pretty scary and at one point I felt like I was in an episode of the Twilight Zone. At one point I learned the medical director had ordered a medication that was specifically contraindicated due to an antibiotic she was taking. The warning was on her hospital discharge instructions. Good thing I caught this and told the nurse. The medical director never did reply to my messages regarding my mother's medication and IV therapy. They did not order her proper medications or the proper amounts. I had to bring in her medication on various occasions myself. The staff was misreading her blood pressure due to wrong size cuff even though I informed them that my mom required a smaller cuff. She seemed to be over medicated and was not provided the physical therapy as promised. There are no phones in the rooms and it was very challenging to get an answer at the nurses station. I was often told by the security officer that the nurse was possibly on the other floor? After several bizarre incidents regarding my mother's care, my family decided to request a transfer. However, the social worker who was supposed to help with this transfer ignored my calls. Then she tried offering my family a overnight stay in one of the luxury suites to keep my mom there?? Bottom line the clinical requirements for my mother were not met. While it was challenging to get my mother discharged from this place, we finally were able to rescue her and take her home. We were prepared to take her home AMA (against medical advice) to keep her safe. Be very careful if you plan to bring your loved one to the Clare. It is a very nice looking place in a great location. However, I do not recommend this place if your loved one needs competent, compassionate care. read more

My mom has lived there for five years and LOVES it and all the staff and the food and the facilities. Dining there with her is like dining out at a fine restaurant. I am baffled by the negative reviews. The place is gorgeous and the employees are outstanding. Believe me, if something were wrong, my outspoken mother would let us all hear about it! read more

My mom was in here a few times for rehab...Yes it is a nice place and the staff was good. But there is one thing worth commenting on..The valet service is the worst downtown. You can wait forever to get your car or to have it parked. I do not believe it is understaffed. The people working there are not capable, slow, and inefficient. I would fire the entire parking staff. Next time she is in just do to this issue. I will have her stay down the street at another senior complex. You might say that is kind of drastic. But I once waited 20 minutes to get my car parked,,and over 30 minutes for them to give it back..Who has an hour to spend parking your car? You cant just hand them your keys and go. They arent around. Any way average park time in and out on a weekend..40 minutes. Not just for me. Everyone standing around waiting for their vehicle is irate... read more

The noise from adjacent building air handling units disturbs sleep and makes patients nervous.

Unreal. Yesterday I received a phone call asking if my deceased relative was still interested in The Clare. Seriously?

My husband and I are looking to move into the hub of Chicago from the burbs and are taking a serious look at moving to The Clare. First, given the devastating cost of needing medical care, as did three of our four parents, we were attracted to The Clare versus a Gold Coast condo. Their lifecare contract is the kind of insurance we want. Since we are just in our mid-sixties, we did not want to stop traveling for months at a time, going to plays and out to dinner. The Clare's food is amazing and they have a flexible meal plan so we can get credit for the meals we don't eat there. Their Athletic Club is as well equipped as our suburban club. We have looked at both downtown condos and senior living communities in Chicago. This is the choice we are making for so many good reasons. We are very excited about moving here. read more

After living at The Clare for more than a year we can attest first hand to the excellence of this community. It is very well run - staff are like family- our neighbors are friendly and supportive, the food is first class and our home is spacious and comfortable. We never tire of watching the sunrise and sunset or the ever - changing lake. We and our neighbors love it. read more

My aunt left this facility several months ago - it's taken that long for me to calm down before writing this review. The staff and managers are all very friendly and helpful to get someone in, but then when the person arrives, it is buyer beware. My aunt was being transitioned from the hospital to skilled nursing, then assisted living, then go home. When we arrived, there was not one at the front desk and there were no wheel chairs. This all took about an hour to figure out. Then we get up to the nursing floor and the nursing staff was surprised - they were not told of her arrival. They were also clearly miffed that they would have more work at the end of a shift. Problems during my aunts' stay. 1. During her first shower, the shower handle disconnected from the hose and water was spraying all over the bathroom. 2. The toilet broke in the middle of the night and water ran all over the bathroom floor flooding out to the carpeted room. 3. Alarms accidently went off in the middle of the night a few times, scaring the residents. 4. The 911 button and the residents wear around then neck on a chain did not work several times. My aunt sat in her kitchen chair at least 3 times until 1am trying to get someone to come help her get ready for bed. 5. Aid staff were abusive, yelling at my aunt to put on and pull up her own pants. 6. Nursing staff were just plain stupid at times. My aunt had a skin infection on her legs and needed to have nightly foot soaks with medicine. The night nurse was busy in the evening and came at 2am to get her out of bed and into the kitchen chair for her foot soak. 7. Except for breakfast, all food is very difficult to chew and there are limited options for residents with poor teeth - they end up having lots of soup. All of this happened over a few months. Staff turnover and shortage was constant, especially on weekends. This is a terrible place for assisted living because they don't assist and they don't care. The skilled nursing floor is a bit more attentive. read more

Consummate professionals. I spent six weeks in rehab at The Clare. The location is so central to the city. The marvelously diverse staff cannot be beat. The nurses and the CNAs go out of their way, often anticipating needs. The therapists (OT and PT) are so encouraging and are a joy to work with. Rooms, even the smallest, are comfortable if plain, but the vistas of the Magnificent Mile environs make the room seem huge. And if the weather cooperates you can revel in their 9th floor roof garden with its intelligent landscaping and metropolitan milieu. You can meet other patients/residents easily on the floors, in therapy, or in the dining rooms, but it's important to make allowances for wide-ranging levels of cognitive abilities. Food services are only somewhat institutional. They have alternative dishes for every meal, and sometimes they excel. The staff is always open to constructive criticism. They have a range of social activities every day that you can opt into or out of. Just be wary they don't spoil you. read more