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 Bolingbrook’s senior population continues to grow (11.96% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Bolingbrook, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 56% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 31%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (4.09% in Bolingbrook 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 Bolingbrook. 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 Bolingbrook, 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:
Encore Memory Care at Bolingbrook provides comprehensive memory care services and amenities to seniors with mid-stage and advanced Alzheimer's, as well as other forms of dementia. Its services include 24-hour staffing and supervision, medication management, assistance with activities of daily living, a full-service beauty salon, scheduled activities, social events and group outings. Caregivers in the community strive to provide a safe and secure environment that is monitored and secured at all times. A variety of specialized programs encourage residents to engage and stimulate their minds, including a program that provides personalized activities and experiences. It features a wide range of amenities, such as a cafe, activity room, library and outdoor patio. Encore Memory Care strives to provide the highest quality of care and to honour each resident's legacies.
Family members appreciate the well-kept grounds and amicable staff. One reviewer writes, "The commons area is always very clean. [The staff] are very friendly [and] just so pleasant... My loved one is well taken care of."
Atria Park of Glen Ellyn provides memory care to seniors living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Nurses and caregivers are ready 24-7 to help with daily living activities, and each resident's care plan is individualized to include personal grooming, ambulation and escort assistance. The community provides activities and field trips for a variety of different interests. Caregivers consult with pharmacists and doctors to create a comprehensive treatment plan, and physical therapists help residents improve their strength. The community features a library, theatre and on-site salon. Seniors can participate in gardening or cooking groups through the Engage Life program. Landscaped outdoor areas wrap around the entire building with walking paths, free for residents to explore. Chefs prepare three fresh meals each day at the community cafe, and the staff handles housekeeping and laundry.
Visitors report the building was well-kept and the caregivers were knowledgeable and kind. One writes, "We thought it was well cared for and nicely laid out. It was clean, and the staff that we met all seemed very friendly."
Equipped with a Reminiscence neighborhood designed specially for memory care residents, Sunrise of Palos Park provides specialized care just 25 miles from downtown Chicago. The staff is trained to address the needs of those living with Alzheimer's and related dementias, and use the Validation method to learn more about their residents through understanding and empathy. Staff on-site 24-7 help seniors with daily living activities, including bathing, personal hygiene, grooming and dressing, plus routine tasks such as housekeeping and laundry. Activities are tailored to seniors's interests, giving them the opportunity to try a range of enriching programming, including fitness classes to stay strong and healthy, brain games such as trivia and crossword puzzles, games such as bridge and cribbage, gardening in secure outdoor spaces and visiting local cultural attractions. The neighborhood has an easy-to-navigate layout with life skills stations and personalized shadow boxes outside each apartment.
Visiting friends and family members praise the engaging atmosphere and devoted care team. One reviewer writes, "The staff go above and beyond to make all of us feel comfortable and at home. Most the times I would visit, [my loved one] would be participating in an activity or playing with the house dog, Ranger."
Residents entering the memory care program at Brighton Gardens of Wheaton are placed in one of two secure memory care neighborhoods, depending on the level of care needed and the stage of Alzheimer's or dementia symptoms. The staff caregivers are trained in treating dementia symptoms through the person-centered validation method, which is designed to reduce stress and anxiety through encouraging positive two-way communication. Life enrichment managers design tailored activity schedules that account for individual strengths, histories and interests, and residents are assigned one-on-one caregivers to assist with programmatic support. A resident nurse is on-staff to conduct periodic health and wellness checks, and 24-7 awake staff conduct emergency monitoring and provide assistance with activities of daily living. The activity roster includes musical events, gardening classes, light exercise, group off-site outings and spiritual services. Meals are served restaurant-style in the community dining hall, and housekeeping and laundry services are available on-site.
Residents and their families commend the community's dining options and approach to care. One family member writes, "[The staff members] help [my mom] with her shower and they have physical therapy for her. My mom loves the food and has never complained about a meal... The cleanliness is exceptional."
Sunrise of Naperville provides high-quality, Alzheimer's Association-approved care to seniors in need of extra assistance with activities of daily living. Memory care residents have Life Enrichment Managers monitoring their care and ensuring needs are addressed promptly, according to evidence-based Dementia Care Practice Recommendations by the Alzheimer's Association. The secure memory care neighborhood offers two care levels: The Terrace Club Neighborhood provides support for mild to moderate memory loss while facilitating independence, and the Reminiscence Neighborhood offers additional assistance for advanced stages of memory loss. This community encourages an active and healthy lifestyle, offering music therapy, pet therapy, art classes, music programs and in-house physical, occupational and speech therapies. Residents are free to spend their days pursuing what they love while staff provides daily meals, housekeeping and laundry services.
Residents and their families praise the quality care at Sunrise of Naperville. One reviewer writes, "I highly recommend Sunrise if you have a parent that needs a 'high standard' place to live. It is always clean, great food, and kind caretakers and management."
Harvester Place is a community dedicated to memory care. Caregivers meet with family members to get to know each resident's specific preferences, needs, stories and routines, then design a program of care and activity accordingly. Daily living activities, medication management, housekeeping and laundry services are all part of the plan, as are 24-hour monitoring and security. Activities are geared toward residents's interests and can include art classes, entertainment, exercise, educational opportunities and gardening. The It's Never 2 Late technology program guides seniors in using technology to communicate with family and access recreational and educational options online. The "Better Together" program unites seniors with young people for fun, enriching interactions, and pet visits are a big hit. The community serves three meals per day, with menus customized to each resident for optimal nutrition and enjoyment.
Family members praise Harvester Place's dedicated environment and easy-to-navigate structure: "Everything about the facility,architecture, interior design, personnel, programming, etc.,is built around the core mission of caring for people with cognitive and memory impairment."
Sunrise of Naperville North in Bolingbrook, IL offers a variety of memory care services and amenities in the dedicated Terrace Club and Reminiscence neighborhoods. Reminiscence is designed for those with advanced Alzheimer's or other dementias, while the Terrace Club is best suited to those with mild to moderate memory loss. Residents are able to enjoy meaningful activities, such as gardening, cooking and baking, with the help of caregivers who understand the special needs of those living with memory loss. The care team, who have completed the Alzheimer's Association's essentiALZ training, are dedicated to helping residents maintain their independence and dignity. The neighborhood also offers an array of amenities, such as a 24-hour staff and personalized care plans, and a safe and secure outdoor area for residents to enjoy.
Family members are grateful to the community for their high standard of care: "I couldn't be happier or more assured with the care, compassion and professionalism exemplified by the staff... They treat [my loved one] with dignity and have taken the time to actually get to know her!"
The memory care at HarborChase of Naperville centers around The Cove, a community setting where residents receive personalized care. Each senior has a Silhouette of My Life profile that presents life history, personal needs, preferences and personality. The community's calendar is packed with programming tailored to each resident's profile. There are games and music, movies and crafts, exercise sessions and stories. Every activity is designed to keep seniors' minds and bodies fit and to provide meaningful connections and plenty of fun. The Cove's design promotes comfort and easy navigation, and the neighborhood is fully secure. Residents are encouraged to try the It's Never Too Late (iN2L) technology program to access online programming and communications. The dining program offers numerous menu options created by chefs and geared toward nutrition, flavor and residents' tastes.
Residents and their families praise the caring staff at HarborChase of Naperville. "The compassion and care delivered by the staff is well above expectations," says one reviewer. "My mother has found a second family at HarborChase, who care for her and keep open communication with our family." Other reviewers mention the good food and fun activities.
Bright Oaks of Aurora provides memory care to residents of Aurora, IL. Caregivers assess each resident to learn their interests and form a personalized care plan. The community's design helps residents feel comfortable and safe, with emergency call systems that allow staff to respond 24/7. Doctors visit regularly, and physical, speech and occupational therapy are available through the EmpowerMe Wellness program. The Courtyard memory care program hosts activities that keep residents mentally active, including musical events and art classes. Residents can relax or socialize in the outdoor courtyards or get their hair cut at the onsite beauty salon. The community room hosts opportunities for life skills activities. Chefs serve snacks and meals 24/7, and the staff provides housekeeping and laundry.
Family members say the community is friendly and the rooms are beautiful. One says, "Bright Oaks of Aurora was a close-knit community so people knew each other and did activities together. They were friendly and the rooms were very nice. It's a newer facility."
Residents entering the Flourish Memory Care program at Charter Senior Living live in private or shared rooms with integrated safety features and 24-7 access to staff members for personal care and support. Easily navigable neighborhood design and structured daily routines aim to reduce stress, and the community's holistic program offering spans seven core areas to engage each resident's mind, body and soul. The community's innovative program elements include the Oshibori Experience, a routine aromatherapy session that serves to stimulate the senses while acting as a cue for mealtimes. To encourage positive communication within a group, staff caregivers organize impromptu activities with residents who share a similar set of needs or interests. Residents have secure access to outdoor areas and a walking path, as well as a host of indoor sensory rooms intended to promote a sense of calm. The community serves three nutritionist-approved meals daily, and offers a housekeeping and laundry service on-site.
Family members and residents appreciate the community's intimate setting and the professional team. One family member writes, "It's a great place, it's newer, and it's homey. The people there are lovely, and the staff is lovely, too... Everybody's like a real family."
The Life Guidance Neighborhoods at Atria at River Trail offer a safe and secure environment for those who suffer from memory-related conditions. Residents receive personalized care that addresses their daily needs, such as grooming, bathing, dressing and toileting, round the clock. As mobility levels change over time the staff is trained in dementia-specific care to ensure their needs are met. Licensed nurses, technicians and physicians provide medication assistance, reviews, consultations, and prescription support. Memory care residents can feel safe with secure entries and exits. Housekeeping services relieve the burden of mundane chores. Individual interests are considered when planning events, opportunities and outings for residents. The community offers family-style dining during meal times to encourage social interaction between residents. Monitoring residents on low-salt and low-sugar diets let residents dine without having to worry about maintaining complex diets.
Family members appreciate how the staff encourages their loved ones to participate in community life. One reviewer writes, "We have moved mom to Atria at River Trail because she needed more care. They make sure mom goes down for meals and try to get her out of her room. They do a good job and I'm not complaining."
StoryPoint Naperville offers memory care services and amenities to its residents including personalized dining, beauty salon, and pet-friendly environment. The personalized dining service offers residents a variety of menu options to fit individual needs and preferences. Residents are served meals in a comfortable, home-like setting and encouraged to socialize with their fellow residents. The beauty salon offers hair styling, manicures and pedicures, and other services to help residents look and feel their best. Pets are also welcome in the community, allowing residents to enjoy companionship with their furry friends. There's a host of activities and programs designed to keep residents engaged and entertained, such as exercise classes, crafts, music and outings. StoryPoint Naperville also provides access to 24-hour nursing staff, medication management, and assistance with activities of daily living.
Family members give StoryPoint Naperville positive reviews. One reads, "Storypoint is a really beautiful place. They care about their residents and provide fun activities and good food. I can't forget to mention the great nurses and friendly support staff. And it's always clean. They have little surprises for the residents from time to time and always have time to talk to residents and visitors alike."
Willow Falls Dial Senior Living is a senior living community that offers memory care in a secure area of the community. The memory care community has been designated as an "I'm Still Here Center of Excellence," which means all staff completed a 6-month rigorous Alzheimers and dementia training program. Memory care residents receive subtle cueing and assistance with the daily activities of living and have access to trained caregivers 24/7. All rooms include housekeeping and laundry services and have television and Internet services. Memory care residents have personalized care plans and are encouraged to engage in daily activities such as the travel club social, bingo, ice cream socials and movie nights.
Willow Falls Dial Senior Living has many glowing reviews, including one reviewer who writes, "It can be a hard transition to put your loved one in a care center, but this one is phenomenal...He and the other workers are so patient and helpful. It has helped my grandmother flourish in ways I haven't seen in years."
Belmont Village Senior Living Geneva Road provides memory care in Carol Stream, IL. Licensed nurses are available 24/7 to perform daily wellness checks or assist with medications. The staff assesses each resident to determine an individualized treatment plan. The Whole Brain Fitness lifestyle includes the Circle of Friends Program, which combines social engagement with ability-centered physical and mental exercises. Belmont's memory care neighborhood is a secure and comfortable area that helps those needing more advanced care. Physical, speech and occupational therapy are available onsite. Private outdoor areas allow guests to relax or exercise. The community provides transportation, housekeeping and laundry services. Chefs prepare three meals each day.
Family members appreciate the kindness of the staff and the appearance of the rooms. One writes, "We visited Belmont Village Senior Living Geneva Road. We were impressed with everything -- the overall appearance, the room sizes, the cleanliness and the brightness. The staff was very outgoing, friendly, and helpful. They were just lovely. "
StoryPoint Romeoville in Bolingbrook, IL, provides a variety of memory care services designed to meet the needs of those living with dementia, Alzheimer's, and other forms of memory loss. Its care team is specially trained to provide assistance, guidance and support to residents and their families. Memory care services include 24/7 staffing to provide supervision, assistance with medication management and daily health checks, activities tailored to the individual's interests and abilities and specialized dining experiences. StoryPoint Romeoville also offers a secure environment and tailored programming designed to help those with memory issues stay engaged, active and safe. The care team is knowledgeable about the various stages of memory loss and works with the resident and their family to create an individualized plan for their care.
All members of staff are regarded by family members as exceptionally compassionate. One reviewer says, "We moved mom to the memory care housing at Senior Star, and she lived the balance of her life there. We found the staff across the board to be tremendously caring. There were occasional challenges with the response team, but, ultimately, we were grateful for the staff; they eased worried minds."
Located just 20 miles outside Chicago, Sunrise at Fountain Square provides specialized memory care in a vibrant environment. Its programming is tailored for seniors at every stage of memory loss, with the Terrace Club neighborhood for early to moderate dementia and Reminiscence for those with more advanced symptoms. Both neighborhoods feature a smaller, easy-to-navigate setting staffed by highly trained caregivers 24/7. Through individualized plans, these team members help with daily tasks such as grooming, bathing, dressing, mobility, medication management and transportation as needed. In Terrace Club, staff helps residents maintain their cognitive abilities through small-group programming, including occupation-based activities, resident support groups, fitness classes and home and life skills activities. In Reminiscence, seniors are partnered with life enrichment managers who offer consistent companionship and enjoy engaging activities to improve both physical and cognitive health, including crafts, puzzles and brain games.
The team is frequently complimented by loved ones, with one reviewer saying, "The entire staff at Sunrise consistently went above and beyond to ensure my father had a positive experience. The environment the staff created was one of a family. I can't say enough how appreciative my entire family is regarding my father's experience."
Residents entering the memory care program at Sunrise of Willowbrook live in one of two memory care neighborhoods, Terrace Club and Reminiscence, depending on the level of care needed. Staff caregivers are fully trained and certified to treat residents with moderate to advanced stages of Alzheimer's and dementia symptoms, employing the Validation method to convey empathy and reduce agitation and stress. Life enrichment managers develop a comprehensive understanding of each resident's needs, preferences and interests to formulate a daily schedule of group and one-on-one activities meant to instill a sense of purpose and bring joy to residents' lives. The community employs an electronic health record system to monitor each resident's health and wellness progress, schedule telephonic health appointments and coordinate with health care providers. Nutritionist-approved meals are served daily, and the community offers housekeeping and laundry services.
Residents and family members value the ratio of caregivers to residents and courteous staff. One reviewer mentions in their review, "[The community] just seemed to be a little newer, a little more well acquainted, and it seemed like a slightly higher staff ratio. I liked the nice atmosphere, the positive folks that were there, and the professionalism of the staff."
Memory care at Lexington Square of Lombard follows the Best Friends approach. Caregivers begin by learning each resident's life story and then designing a care plan and activity program around the resident's needs and preferences. Staff members help seniors with their daily living activities and medication. They guide them throughout the day with cues that provide a sense of security. Housekeeping and laundry services are provided as well as transportation. The community serves three homemade meals per day plus snacks. Activities are scheduled for both groups and individuals according to residents' interests and may include games, puzzles, crafts, movies, music, exercise and outings. Caregivers are present 24 hours a day, and licensed nurses are on-call at all times. Families are always welcome to visit and participate in residents' lives as much as possible, and the community offers support from them, too.
Residents and their families appreciate the excellent staff at Lexington Square of Lombard. One reviewer remarks that caregivers are "attentive, caring and wonderful." They go above and beyond for residents. The community is scrupulously clean, too. Other reviewers appreciate the comfortable common areas and fun activities. Overall, the community provides good care and plenty to keep seniors busy.
HarborChase of Plainfield's memory care program, The Cove, provides personalized care for residents with Alzheimer's and other dementias in a small intimate setting. Upon arrival, the staff creates each resident's Silhouette of My Life profile, allowing associates to get to know each one individually to deliver better-tailored care. Trained associates are available 24/7 to assist with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing and medication management. The community provides stimulating group activities and guided fitness allowing individuals with memory loss to remain active and socially engaged. They offer engaging classes in cooking and art to bring out the creativity in residents, along with exciting excursions and social events for them to look forward to. They also offer spiritual services for those interested, providing much-needed mental nourishment.
During a tour, visitors were impressed by the conscientious staff, the friendly atmosphere, and the clean environment. One reviewer writes, "I like this community for care. The staff is caring and attentive. The community has a nice atmosphere and is very clean."
The community offers a place where residents can find the same calmness and delight they lived through their early years. The staff works closely with residents' families and friends to make a transition from previous caregivers as easy and comfortable as possible. The community staff encompasses trained nutritionists and chefs who create carefully crafted meals for residents to cater to their cuisine preferences and nutritional needs. The carefully thought-out activity schedule keeps residents active in fitness and community development programs. Residents participate in evidence-based programs and mind-captivating activities that appeal to their interests and passions, such as off-site devotions and live performances. This devoted team also helps with laundry and daily living activities to enable residents to lead a comfortable life in the community.
Family members and friends who visit the community appreciate the amenities available to their loved ones. One reviewer remarks, "Bickford of Oswego was really beautiful. The room that I saw was very simple. It was just like a bed area where you could fit a dresser, with a short walkway to the bathroom. The staff member who gave me the tour was very good. We saw the dining hall, and it was very nice. They have a little TV area where people can congregate."