Dementia, and specifically Alzheimers, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Arlington Heights’ senior population continues to grow (9% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Arlington Heights, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 11% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 28%, showing that while Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region, the associated deaths have decreased recently. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (4.59% in Arlington Heights vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
To help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive impairment find the support and care their loved ones need, we applied our unique methodology and spent dozens of hours researching senior living communities in Arlington Heights. In addition to an overview of the communities’ best features, this guide highlights the best memory care facilities in the city, and gives information about pricing, types of care provided, residents’ reviews, and more.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.
In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.
To choose the best memory care facilities in Arlington Heights, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.
Overall, our team:
Waverly Inn Memory Care Community provides compassionate memory care centered on maintaining self-worth, skills and personal memories. All staff and caregivers are trained in Humanitude, a care methodology that emphasizes each senior's dignity, freedom and autonomy. Caregiving practices at Waverly Inn are both unique and effective; gaze techniques foster facial recognition, melodious tones facilitate a calm environment and vertical posture therapy offers empowerment and dignity to seniors in memory care. In addition to these practices, around-the-clock caregivers assist with tasks of daily living, medication management, mobility and incontinence needs. The Living Well program encourages residents to stay purposefully engaged with the community through individualized daily plans that include music, nature walks, spiritual activities, services projects and art. The restaurant-style dining in the community is dementia-friendly, and family is always welcome to come share a meal with their loved one. Housekeeping and laundry are included in the monthly cost.
Families praise the devoted team and enriching environment at Waverly Inn: "Wonderful, clean, caring and safe environment... the staff is genuine and truly welcomes the residents and families. Activities are scheduled through the day, meals and snacks are tasty, the entire community is very well planned out."
The Moorings of Arlington Heights in Arlington Heights, IL provides a range of memory care services and amenities to its residents. A secure, homelike environment is designed to make seniors with memory loss feel comfortable and safe. An open kitchen and dining room encourages socialization and sharing meals with friends, and the community hosts specialized activities and programming to provide stimulation and mental engagement. Its amenities include wall-mounted TVs with cable and Wi-Fi in each room, built-in night lights, private bathrooms with a walk-in shower and grab bars to help prevent falls, as well as a call system in each room to ensure that help is available at any time. The community also provides a vast array of health care services, including 24-hour staffing, medication management and assistance with activities of daily living.
Family members praise the high standard of care and professional team. One writes, "We are beyond happy with how the Moorings have treated our family member. The staff is extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful."
Brighton Gardens of St. Charles combines comfort and 24-hour senior support with convenient access to Chicago's amenities. Caregivers are certified in the Alzheimer's Association's essentiALZ program, so they learn evidence-based methods to help residents living with memory loss. Available around the clock, they help with the activities of daily living using individualized plans. Whenever seniors require assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming or mobility, experienced team members are standing by. Staff also utilizes the Validation method to empathize and understand seniors and to tailor services and activities to their needs. Designed specifically for those with dementia, the Reminiscence neighborhood features a centralized, easy-to-navigate layout equipped with motion sensors and contrasting colors for easy wayfinding. Enriching activities are scheduled daily to help maintain cognitive abilities, and life skills stations with items such as desks with typewriters and childcare accessories help seniors connect with cherished memories.
Loved ones appreciate the community's inviting atmosphere. One reviewer writes, "The care and warmth that the management and staff of this wonderful community gives to my mother is amazing. They are kind, responsive and communicative... the staff all know residents by name."
Sunrise of Park Ridge offers assisted living and memory care in Arlington Heights, IL. The Sunrise CareConnect electronic health system helps streamline residents's medical care, and a licensed nurse performs monthly wellness visits. Housekeeping, laundry services and scheduled transportation are available, and activity rooms and social areas make it easy for residents to connect with one another. Sunrise strives to offer a customized dining experience,each resident's personal tastes, preferences and dietary needs are digitally recorded using tablet technology so the meals they receive are tailored to them. In between meals, snacks are available in the bistro. Fitness activities include exercise essentials, moving and grooving and a walking club. Residents are encouraged to socialize through the baking club, worship club and afternoon card games. Sunrise of Park Ridge is a pet-friendly community and welcomes small cats and dogs.
Relatives appreciate the affable staff and the homelike environment. One writes, "I liked the way the facility is more of a home setting instead of a hospital or nursing home setting... that's what I really enjoyed most about the place. I would describe the staff as very friendly and very compatible with the residents there."
Belmont Village Senior Living Buffalo Grove offers memory care services tailored to meet the needs of its residents. Seniors with mild cognitive impairments can benefit from the Circle of Friends program, which provides a structured, seven-day program of mental exercises. A licensed, skilled nurse is on-site 24-7 for supervision, medication management and daily wellness checks. In addition, Belmont Village employs a team of professionals who provide 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living. Residents can rely on housekeeping and laundry services to keep their living spaces clean and organized, while transportation services make it easy to get around. A dedicated outdoor area is available for activities and exercise to promote physical and mental well-being. Brain fitness programs promote nutrition, physical exercise, mental exercise, lifelong learning, stress reduction, socializing opportunities and reinforcing a sense of purpose in the community.
Families appreciate the approachable staff and lively atmosphere. One relative writes, "We really like how easy it is when it comes to communicating with the staff members. Although our loved one does not always participate in the activities, we do see plenty of things going on, which is nice."
Through caring life enrichment strategies, Brighton Gardens of Wheaton provides personalized memory care services designed to meet each resident's needs. Memory care is carried out by designated caregivers who have familiarized themselves with seniors's unique circumstances and are ready to respond. Residents can engage in nature therapy or take a tranquil stroll through the well-kept gardens. The nearby Herrick Lake Forest Preserve, Danada Forest Preserve and The Morton Arboretum give seniors plenty more room to explore. Residents can take advantage of a diverse array of community-organized group discussions, creative workshops and fitness programs. The care team maintains a high standard of cleanliness, with complimentary laundry and housekeeping services freeing up time for residents to participate in a daily roster of activities.
Family members praise the well-kept grounds and compassionate environment. One relative writes, "This is a good community for my brother to be in. The staff is caring, and the community is clean... We would recommend this nice and caring community for the good care and value that is available for a loved one."
Heritage Woods of South Elgin offers personalized memory care in its dedicated White Oaks neighborhood, where residents's capabilities are emphasized and respected. Staff are trained to encourage residents to stay engaged with life and participate in meaningful activities such as a sewing circle, a book club, pet therapy and outdoor gardening. Trained caregivers can lend a hand with daily activities of living as needed, and housekeeping and laundry services are included for a maintenance-free lifestyle. Residents of the memory care program reside in private apartments and are served three meals daily. A nurse oversees health care, and an on-site beauty salon gives seniors the opportunity to get pampered. In their free time, residents can relax on the outdoor patio, in the activity room or in the TV lounge.
Reviewers speak highly of the staff and elegant accommodations at Heritage Woods of South Elgin: "I believe they were a very, very safe community, and really watched what was going on in there. They did a lot of activities and really kept the residents engaged."
Clarendale of Algonquin is a resort-style memory care community in Algonquin, IL. Indoor and outdoor common areas serve as gathering places for residents to connect, with a beauty salon, library, and fitness center on-site. Five signature programs underpin the service offerings, starting with The LifeSTYLE Promise, which gives residents choice and autonomy over the services they receive. The Extraordinary Impressions program makes hospitality a central focus, while the Health and Wellness Navigation Program focuses on eight dimensions of health, including emotional, intellectual, physical and social wellness. EverSafe 360 keeps residents safe by offering telehealth services, powerful sanitation systems and improved indoor air quality. Heartfelt CONNECTIONS, the dedicated memory care program, builds residents's self-worth and self-esteem by promoting a sense of pride and accomplishment. Memory care residents dine together in an intimate, family-style dining room, and a pub and a bistro offer other opportunities to snack in between meals.
Residents praise the friendly staff and home-like environment. One writes, "The staff has been so friendly and kind. It didn't take me long to get settled in here! I'm glad I made the move... I feel safe at Clarendale!"
At Sunrise at Fountain Square, seniors living with Alzheimer's and related dementias can rely on tailored support at every stage of memory loss. Seniors have access to a highly trained 24-hour team who help with the activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility and medication management. These highly trained caregivers are certified in the Alzheimer's Association's essentiALZ program to deliver specialized support. Terrace Club, a neighborhood for seniors with early-stage dementia, is complete with its own evidence-based programming. In this engaging atmosphere, seniors participate in memory support programs to help keep their cognitive abilities in check. The Reminiscence neighborhood is for those with advanced memory loss and features research-based programming tailored around seniors's interests, such as art, dance, fitness and music. The space is smaller and easy to navigate, with soft-lit reflection rooms, cozy common areas and enclosed outdoor spaces.
Visiting relatives value the ambiance and compassionate care team, with one reviewer writing, "The staff have truly become a part of our family. From the level of care... to the meals and activities, this place is top notch."
Seniors living with Alzheimer's and other dementias will find compassionate care from specially trained staff at Celebrate Niles. Caregivers follow individualized care plans and are available around the clock to assist with personal hygiene tasks, medication management and mobility. Programming at Celebrate Niles is intentionally designed to help memory care residents maintain their skills and independence, while adding value and joy into their day-to-day lives. Some of these daily activities include brain puzzles, walking clubs, computer lessons, exercise classes, socials and spiritual services. For memory care residents who would like to take advantage of the landscaped walking paths or outdoor tented area, escorts are available as needed. Other features of the community include a chapel, library, beauty salon, ice cream parlor, theater and themed sunrooms on every floor. Meals, housekeeping and laundry are included in the monthly cost.
Families comment on the attentive caregivers and engaging environment. One reviewer writes, "The staff is extremely friendly, extremely responsive and professional... They are also very active in terms of extracurricular activities. [It] has been very positive."
Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights, IL, provides a wide range of memory care services to its residents. The care team at Lutheran Home is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment where individuals with memory issues can live, learn and thrive. MyTapestry is one of the primary services offered at Lutheran Home, providing a personalized approach to care. This program utilizes the latest technology to provide the most effective, individualized care and support. In addition to MyTapestry, Lutheran Home also offers a wide range of other care services, including shower assistance, music therapy, massage therapy, and pet therapy. The shower assistance program is designed to help residents with bathing and assist with dressing. Music therapy helps to reduce anxiety and improve quality of life for residents. Massage therapy is beneficial for relaxation, pain relief, and increasing range of motion. Finally, pet therapy helps to reduce stress and promote positive emotional responses.
Family members are satisfied with the memory care services Lutheran Home provides. One adds, "The time that my mother spent at the Lutheran Home Memory Care unit was an unexpected blessing for her and our family. The thoughtful care that she received from everyone on the staff gave her a sense of safety that I had not anticipated, and that made it possible for us to spend our family time together socializing."
At Church Creek, seniors struggling with memory loss participate in the Bridge to Rediscovery Alzheimer's and dementia care program. Residents live in an intimate neighborhood that is designed with plenty of visual cues, comfortable furniture, shadowboxes for special memories and themed areas so that seniors can navigate more easily. Programming is intended to maintain and build skills and to promote meaningful connections. Games, puzzles, art and music are popular brain boosters while exercise sessions and walking clubs keep bodies active. The Ageility gym is available on-site as well as therapy as needed. The community serves meals family-style and residents are encouraged to make choices to suit their own tastes, although nutrition is a major focus, too. Each senior receives a personal care plan, and the entire program is customized to each individual for maximum benefit.
Reviewers praise the community's staff and environment. One says staff members "have been helpful, and we have good communication with them." The reviewer's mother enjoys the food, particularly dessert, and the daily activities are fun. The community presents a beautiful atmosphere, and the reviewer highly recommends it to other families.
The staff at Brookdale Senior Living practice an individualized approach designed to help residents feel a sense of belonging and purpose while preserving their dignity and sense of self. The community consistently assigns the same associates to residents whenever possible to create a sense of familiarity. Depending on the level of care needed, residents in the community typically start their day with breakfast in the dining room and then proceed to join one of the B-fit classes. Afterward, they may choose to work on a puzzle, play some games or join an educational session on current events. Lunch is served in the dining room, where everyone has their own assigned seat and access to their personalized menus. Other activities that keep everyone active and engaged are art projects, crafts and group projects such as cooking class. Most afternoons end with musical entertainment, classic movies or reminiscence with friends as they receive refreshments.
Family members appreciate the serene environment created in the community for their loved ones. One family member says, "My father has been residing at Brookdale in Vernon Hills for over a year. I can't say enough about the facility, staff and management. They are very professional and have created a safe environment for my father during these most difficult times."
Residents entering the memory care program at Atria Park of Glen Ellyn live in private studios or one-bedroom apartments complete with a kitchenette, roll-in shower, individual thermostat control and included utilities. Each unit is designed with safety and accessibility in mind, and residents have access to 24/7 awake staff for emergency monitoring. Staff performs health and wellness checks, medication management and assistance with activities of daily living. Fully trained and dementia care-certified staff members support residents throughout their daily routines. Seniors can join activities and events such as culinary classes, educational seminars, group outings to cultural events and religious services. Memory care residents have access to a secure outdoor courtyard and walking path, as well as a fitness center and physical therapy studio. The kitchen staff can accommodate a range of special dietary requirements, and the community provides routine housekeeping and laundry services.
Residents and loved ones commend the community's approach to memory care and inviting atmosphere. One reviewer states, "As you entered into the memory care, I liked that they had pictures for the residents there, so it would help them remember the loved ones in their life. It was just very warm walking toward them and interacting with them."
Belmont Village Senior Living suits memory care residents who need a carefully monitored, secure environment and would benefit from more personalized care and programs. The staff understands that cognitive decline affects each resident differently. Consequently, caregivers in Belmont Village create unique plans for each resident focusing on individual needs and abilities while preserving the residents' happiness and dignity. Residents are scheduled to follow a whole-brain fitness lifestyle combined with social activities while participating in onsite physical, occupational and speech therapies overseen by a memory program coordinator and led by a dedicated enrichment specialist. The memory care wing maintains the look and feel of the rest of the community while providing a navigable space for residents. Residents get three delicious, chef-prepared meals a day in Josephine's Cafe. Residents benefit from the community transportation services that help them honor off-site medical appointments.
The staff is comfortable with all the residents and mingles with them freely. One reviewer says, "From the moment we walked in, we felt the warmth and friendliness. Staff and residents smile, seem happy and content. The facility is clean and easy to get around. Everyone is helpful! We couldn't be more pleased."
Belmont Village Senior Living Geneva Road is a premium senior care community that is located close to medical facilities and shops. The Circle of Friends memory support program is designed to meet the needs of seniors in the early stages of memory loss. The program uses research-based therapies and activities to help slow the progression of memory loss disorders. There is a dedicated memory care neighborhood that has been specifically designed for seniors in the moderate to advanced stages of memory loss. Each resident has a personalized care plan that includes details of their life history, personal preferences and care requirements. This plan helps caregivers to provide care that is tailored to the unique needs of each resident. The Whole Brain Fitness Lifestyle Program creates daily activities to challenge residents and promote a sense of accomplishment.
Online reviewers are impressed by the quality of care provided and the delicious food with one family member saying, "Belmont Village Geneva Road is an excellent facility. My wife likes it and she's happy there. It's very well-appointed, well-lit, the rooms are nice, the lobby is excellent and wonderful, and the staff is very caring. The restaurant provides excellent food. "
Sunrise of Bloomingdale provides a cozy, pet-friendly community where seniors can receive assistance with activities of daily living from 24/7 staff on-site, and regular housekeeping and laundry services. Residents can enjoy the beautiful gardens and forest preserves on the property or spend time attending the various activities and socials offered. The secure memory care neighborhoods have two levels to address needs based on the progression of memory loss. The Terrace Club Neighborhood is suited for early to moderate memory loss while the Reminiscence Neighborhood provides additional support for advanced Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Life Enrichment Managers work with residents in the memory care community to create individualized care plans that reflect the Alzheimer's Association's values and recommendations, with Orientation Training incorporating evidence-based Dementia Care Practice Recommendations. Many caregivers also hold certifications in the Alzheimer's Association's essentiALZ program.
Residents and their families praise the attentive staff. One reviewer writes, "The staff is amazing. I am pleasantly surprised at how they get to know each of the residents and their family members. You can walk in there and they know who you are, and they know who you're going to go see, so that's nice."
StoryPoint Libertyville provides specialized programming and amenities to meet the unique needs of residents with memory care needs such as dementia and Alzheimer's. The community offers a wide range of amenities, including a secure outdoor courtyard, 24-hour on-site licensed nursing staff, specialized activities and therapies and a restaurant-style dining experience. The chef-prepared meals are specially designed to meet the dietary needs of memory care residents. Residents can also enjoy activities such as music, art and pet therapy. The beauty salon and library also provide residents with a comfortable, calming atmosphere to relax and enjoy. Additionally, the community boasts a robust security system and supportive staff that are trained to provide around-the-clock care. It has a variety of specialized programs such as cognitive therapy and exercise centers to help residents stay engaged and active.
The community and its staff have earned the family members' high praise. One declares, "Great staff, very invested in and caring about their residents; the facility is undergoing great remodeling; the rooms my father was in were very, very nice. Anything you needed was done for you. Overall, a fantastic experience; thank you."
Park Place of Elmhurst is a retirement lifestyle community that offers memory care services in the Chicago suburbs. A resident-led welcome committee receives and familiarizes new seniors with the facility. A wine and cheese welcome reception is held monthly for newcomers. Residents can participate in diverse programs with physical, intellectual and spiritual elements. The community has a safe, dignified setting equipped with a wonder management system that ensures the safety and independence of active residents. The caregivers staff receives continuos specialized dementia training that helps them design customized service plans that improve residents' quality of life. The community crafts person-centered activities and individualized programming that resonate with each resident creating meaningful experiences and forging personal connections. Licensed nurses are available around the clock to administer medication. Personal grooming and assistance with daily living activities such as bathing and toileting ensure the safety of residents and preserve their dignity. Seniors can access delicious, nutritious meals in the dining room.
Family and friends speak highly of Park Place of Elmhurst. One reviewer says, "My mother lives in the independent living portion of Park Place. She is very happy there. Her first year,before COVID restrictions,she participated in activities and exercise classes, and was excited to tell us about it, and to meet her new neighbors when we would visit."