Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer’s, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Dekalb's senior population continues to grow (9.1% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Dekalb, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 39% between 2015 and 2020. Additionally, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 21%, 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 (5.9% in Dekalb 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 Dekalb. 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 Dekalb, 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:
Conveniently located in a quiet suburb of Chicago, Bickford of Aurora offers quality memory care to seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's. Caregivers undergo regular training to ensure they are up to date on the latest evidence-based techniques in memory care. They assist residents with personal hygiene, continence care, medication management and mobility, all according to each senior's personalized care plan. The staff also prepares Lifesong baskets for memory care residents. They are full of activities and photos that are personally meaningful, and they help staff engage purposefully with residents. A full life-enrichment calendar with activities such as dance classes, musical performances and pet therapy keeps residents socially connected. The community also offers modified small-group activities for seniors in the later stages of memory loss. Other amenities include daily meals, scheduled transportation, nurse care coordination and chaplain services.
Caregivers at Bickford of Aurora are well-loved by residents for their compassion and kindness. The child of a resident comments, "The staff is kind, friendly, knowledgeable and attentive to my loved one. I am never concerned that my Mom is not being cared for not only appropriately but lavishly. Bickford of Aurora is outstanding in every single department."
Alden Courts of Waterford is dedicated to memory care. The community offers specially designed amenities, life enrichment, therapies and dining just for seniors struggling with memory loss. Amenities include furnishings and decorations in colors and styles that provide stimulation and comfort. Task boards help residents orient themselves to their day, and natural light streams into the community. The life-enrichment program guides residents through activities geared toward their skill level and interests. These include crafts, music and socials. On the therapy side, the community makes use of animal therapy in the Best Friend Program, music therapy in the Cadence Program and art therapy in the Expressions Program. Gardening, light therapy, aromatherapy and spirituality are also part of this element of care. Finally, the Unique Wellness Dining Program provides healthy foods that are easy to eat and appealingly served.
Residents and their families are happy with the excellent care and good food at Alden Courts of Waterford. A reviewer whose brother lives in the community says, "He's very happy there. The nursing staff is very kind and understanding and willing to accommodate." The food is tasty and plentiful and enough to satisfy even the reviewer's brother's large appetite.
Lincolnshire Place is a community fully dedicated to memory care. Caregivers pay close attention to the health and well-being of each resident, creating a personal care plan to meet changing needs. Staff members assist with the activities of daily living and medication and provide health monitoring and 24-hour safety and support. Residents have plenty of choices when it comes to activities. They can create delicious snacks in the activity kitchen, watch a film in the movie theater or work on crafts in the art room. Frequent musical events, socials and pet therapy provide even more variety. For those who feel like simply relaxing, secure outdoor courtyards and walking paths provide fresh air and sunlight, or seniors can gather around the fireplace in the living room. The community's dining program includes three meals per day and nutritious snacks.
Reviewers of Lincolnshire Place are amazed at the excellent care residents receive. "The staff is without a doubt the most compassionate and well trained staff that we have ever seen," a reviewer remarks. "They do such a great job of getting into the world of their residents and becoming a safe and friendly presence in their lives."
The Whitley offers the custom-crafted Courtyard memory care program, which is designed for residents' comfort and safety. They can get full assistance with personal care, including bathing, grooming and dressing, and each one receives an individual care plan. Staff members also help with medication, housekeeping and laundry. The community serves three meals per day, and healthy snacks are available at any time so that seniors can get enough calories and nutrients. Activities are plentiful as well. Residents are invited to take part in art sessions, musical entertainment, games and puzzles that get their brains working. The community's environment focuses on relaxation. Cozy furnishings and decorations help seniors remain calm, and the neighborhood is fully secure to prevent wandering. Seniors can safely enjoy the sunshine and fresh air in an enclosed outdoor space.
Reviewers of The Whitley appreciate the caring staff, engaging activities and welcoming community. Caregivers have made one reviewer's mother "feel very welcome." Caregivers are attentive, and the community is clean. "They're doing really well with her care and physical therapy ... We couldn't have asked for a better experience."
Ascension Living Fox Knoll Village provides memory care in a dedicated neighborhood called The Gathering Place, which features monitored courtyards, secure walkways and screened porches to prevent residents from wandering. Community members reside in private rooms, and families are encouraged to decorate living quarters with seniors' personal items to foster a sense of belonging. For personalized care, staff members are trained in the Compassionate Touch program, which uses affirming communication techniques and therapeutic touch to reduce anxiety and confusion. Residents can also benefit from dementia-friendly technology systems, allowing them to video chat with loved ones and socialize with fellow community members. Seniors are monitored via 24/7 emergency alert systems, and staff members handle housekeeping while residents join programs such as music therapy and senior-friendly video games.
Residents and visitors appreciate the community's cleanliness and compassionate caregivers. They also speak highly of the enriching activities and use of technology. One reviewer says, "I was impressed with the professionalism, organization of activities and the way they had embraced technology. Everyone was helpful and friendly. [The community is] a clean environment."
StoryPoint Naperville is a premium senior living community that offers multiple care levels. The secure memory care neighborhood, designed with high ceilings and large windows, provides a light-filled, spacious interior that promotes comfort and easy navigation. Compassionate caregiving staff, specially trained to support seniors with cognitive disorders, is on-site 24/7 to assist residents with all aspects of their lives, including bathing, dressing and medication management. Tailored to memory care residents' abilities, daily activities, including brain games, movement classes and art therapy, nurture a sense of accomplishment and encourage mental stimulation. There is a beauty salon on-site to ensure residents continue to feel confident about their appearance, and pets are permitted to join seniors in their studio and one-bedroom apartments. Three chef-prepared meals are served each day, and extra assistance is available at times in the dining room.
Family members appreciate the wonderful staff with one reviewer saying, "The Memory Care unit is small and well-staffed. The staff are excellent, very helpful and capable. They know how to work with residents with dementia and other needs. It is difficult work. The staff are dedicated. I am so grateful to them. That includes the front desk, facilities, and administrative staff, too."
Sunrise of Naperville North offers personalized memory care within the proximity of medical providers, physicians and support at Edward Hospital. Its Reminiscence neighborhood is purposefully designed for seniors living with Alzheimer's and related dementias, so it has a small, central layout that's easy to navigate, carefully chosen furniture and decor, and motion sensors to aid wayfinding. Caregivers are specially certified in Alzheimer's Association's essentiALZ training to support the needs of those with memory loss, and they use evidence-based practices to help seniors with their daily needs 24/7. Staff uses the Validation method to boost happiness, and life-enrichment managers offer companionship and personalized support. Live With Purpose programming ensures seniors explore their interests each day, with activities ranging from music to fitness, art and cognitive activities. These are conducted one-to-one or in small groups to encourage connections.
Visiting relatives are impressed by the team's loving care. One says, "All the staff in the Memory Care unit was extremely helpful. The rest of the staff, from the administration to the food servers have always addressed my sister by name and hugs are the form of greeting. I feel she is extremely loved and safe."
HarborChase of Naperville offers quality memory care just 15 minutes from Aurora's urban amenities and medical options. For residents living with Alzheimer's and related dementias, The Cove offers a welcoming environment where seniors can receive around-the-clock support from specially trained team members. These compassionate caregivers learn to use the latest evidence-based therapies and approaches to help those dealing with the challenges of memory loss, such as wandering behaviors. This community utilizes iN2L (It's Never Too Late) programming with its engaging content that helps stimulate residents and create meaningful experiences each day. Activities help seniors stay active while connecting with others, with options including low-impact exercise, baking classes and art projects. The community offers six distinct dining choices, so residents can enjoy classic American fare, artisan cafe favorites, including soups, salads and pastries, and even an upscale steakhouse serving five-course gourmet dinners.
Residents value the staff's individualized care approach. "The personal touch exhibited by the professional staff at HarborChase allows me to have a high level of comfort and optimism," says one reviewer. "I feel like a member of the HarborChase family. Nurses and care partners are highly skilled ... while providing care in a highly personal manner."
Memory care at The Reserve at Oswego follows the SPARK program. This Montessori-based program offers seniors meaningful activities and connections as well as a strong sense of purpose in life. Residents can participate in all kinds of activities, from games to pet therapy to exercise sessions. The community's common areas are created for comfort. Seniors can lounge in the sunroom, read in the library or watch movies in the TV room. Caregivers tend to residents' needs 24/7, helping them with personal care, medication and housekeeping. They also provide gentle guidance to reduce agitation and confusion in people struggling with memory loss. The community's chefs make dining extra special with tasty meals that incorporate residents' favorite foods and dietary needs. Holiday dinners are a particular treat and are accompanied by fun-filled celebrations.
Reviewers of The Reserve at Oswego praise the community's comfortable atmosphere and caring staff. One reviewer notes that staff members communicate well with him about his wife's care. "She has a very comfortable, private room," he adds. "It's a pretty good size, and everything that we need is there." He also appreciates the good food and many activities.
Life at The Auberge at Naperville incorporates the Montessori method of inclusion and engagement to assist residents with Alzheimer's or dementia. The community's trained staff uses the SPARK program, which uses rehabilitation techniques to let seniors live a meaningful life. It also follows the Four Pillar method, which includes social roles, skills focus, procedural memory and goal setting. Residents can participate in fun activities such as crazy hat day, art therapy, bingo, cooking classes, happy hour and group exercise classes. Social activities include the Women's Group and Men's Club. On-site amenities include a communal dining room, religious services and a beauty salon. Group outings are also arranged and include visits to local attractions and lunch outings.
The high level of care loved ones receive is important to relatives. A resident's child writes, "My mother has been in Auberge for 3 years. I am very happy with the level of care support she receives. Get direct care providers are amazing - so caring, loving and personalized to her care."
Seniors and their families can choose from two levels of memory care at Arbor Terrace Naperville. The Bridges Neighborhood is for people experiencing mild forms of dementia. Caregivers provide necessary assistance and guidance while allowing residents to maintain as much independence as possible. Activities are geared toward meaningful social connections, artistic expression, learning and physical exercise. Seniors can also enjoy the community's dining program with its focus on chef-prepared meals, socialization and discreet assistance. The Evergreen Neighborhood is for those with more advanced memory loss. This fully secure neighborhood's design helps residents feel safe and comfortable. Each resident receives a customized care plan and an activities program to keep them engaged. These seniors participate in the Dining with Dignity program, which offers easy-to-eat menu options that provide nutrition and flavor.
Residents and their families are thrilled with the excellent care provided by Arbor Terrace Naperville. One reviewer says, "[My mother] is so well cared for, always clean, well fed and kept very busy. Her caretakers treat her like their own mother. They are knowledgeable and creative, hardworking and so personable." The reviewer has never had a complaint.
GreenFields of Geneva offers memory care in a secured building with 24/7 resident monitoring. To promote a sense of familiarity, the community is designed to feel like a small neighborhood, with cozy living areas and an intimate dining room. Seniors live in private apartments with customized memory boxes featuring personal mementos, which help those with memory loss recognize their homes. The community's layout also promotes socialization among residents, and caregivers foster these social connections through daily group activities. Many events target happy memories, such as playing with bubbles during childhood or gardening, which can help residents' days feel safe and comfortable. Community members can relax in a monitored, enclosed patio to safely enjoy fresh air, and families are encouraged to visit their loved ones throughout the week. Residents also receive priority access to on-site skilled nursing care through the Briarwood Healthcare Center.
Visitors say this community feels lively and welcoming. They also praise the caregivers and food options. One comments, "I very much like the atmosphere there. It's very homelike and very well-kept. The residents that I encountered were all so pleased to be there. ... The food was excellent, too."
The memory care neighborhood at The Springs at Monarch Landing encourages connections with its small-group household design. Within the neighborhood, memory care residents have a separate kitchen, dining area and living space. A secure outdoor courtyard allows for safe outdoor time and features walking paths, a garden, bird feeders and furniture to create a comfortable space. Individualized care plans are a group effort, with physicians, therapists, nurses and family members contributing to the plan. Licensed nurses and caregivers receive training to provide the necessary person-centered care each resident needs. The community uses the Heartfelt Connections program, designed to provide those in memory care with a sense of purpose and add joy to life. Some activities offered include pet therapy, games, reminiscing, art and gardening to accommodate different interests.
Reviews often mention the caring staff. One reviewer says, "The Springs at Monarch Landing has been such a blessing for our family! Starting with the smiles &greetings at the front desk.from day 1 my mom has been so well cared for by her nurses, aides, PT, life enrichment, guest relations, social workers and the entire staff!"
Brighton Gardens of St. Charles offers award-winning memory in a peaceful environment. Its Reminiscence memory care neighborhood is purposefully designed to meet the needs of seniors living with Alzheimer's and related dementia conditions, so it features a centralized layout that's easy to navigate with motion sensors and contrasting colors. Life skills nations encourage interactions and help residents recall favorite memories through items such as vanities filled with jewelry and accessories for childcare. Residents can feel secure with 24/7 access to team members who are highly trained in memory care. Staff offer personalized assistance with the activities of daily living, while life-enrichment managers get to know their unique needs and act as trusted friends. Through Live With Purpose Programming, seniors get to enjoy activities they love each day, including music, gardening, painting and art projects, plus cognitive options such as brain teasers, trivia and word searches.
Loved ones value the compassionate staff. "The care and warmth that the management &staff of this wonderful community gives to my Mother is amazing," says one reviewer. "They are kind, responsive, and communicative. The dining program is wonderful. The facility is warm and friendly. ...The staff all know residents by name."
At Clarendale of Algonquin, a comfortable community featuring modern accommodations and resort-style amenities, seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia benefit from Heartfelt CONNECTIONS, a program providing abilities-based care that boosts self-esteem and promotes quality of life. Memory care residents receive assistance with the tasks of daily living as well as intellectual stimulation through educational classes and planned outings, while exercise, nutrition and stress management help maintain their physical fitness. Personal touches, such as memory boxes to help seniors identify their studio apartments and customized closets to aid in independent dressing, help evoke feelings of home and family and increase mental function. There are 24/7 on-site nursing services, and a secured courtyard allows seniors to safely spend time outdoors visiting with loved ones, gardening and watching birds.
Clarendale of Algonquin is often described as a beautiful, homey community. One relative says, "From the moment you walk in the door, you are greeted with a cheerful welcome ... The building is . well organized with a variety of activities ... The dining is top-notch . The residents treat each other like family and warmly welcome new residents."
Residents at The Heathers Senior Homes receive assisted living and memory care services in two spacious, one-story, sunlit houses with a cozy fireplace. Enlight, a lifestyle enrichment program offered by the Heathers, promotes socializing and cognitive function through a variety of daily activities in a stimulating setting. The community uses Purposeful Living, engaging residents in tasks that add value to seniors' lives, such as folding laundry and participating in service projects. A team of specially trained care partners is always ready to lend a hand when needed and keep residents healthy and happy. The furniture in the home is designed so that seniors with mobility challenges can comfortably and easily use them. A covered pavilion, walking trails, a hair salon and an exercise area are a few included amenities. To keep residents from wandering, the home is always locked and continuously monitored by security cameras.
Family members recommend this community for its caring staff and intimate feel. One reviewer writes, "This is a wonderful place. It is a smaller community that is privately owned, and new. Everyone is very caring and friendly. The community feels like home. Housekeeping, all the meals, linen changes, room, and all the utilities are included in the monthly fee."
Chapters Living of Northwest Chicago is an assisted living and memory care home with individual plans and programming tailored to support the physical and mental well-being of each resident. Its welcoming memory care community offers compassionate care and a variety of specialized therapy options and on-site activities for those living with dementia, Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive impairments. A professional caregiving team is available 24/7 to assist with daily personal care tasks, including bathing, dressing, grooming and managing medications. Seniors in memory care always know where to rest their heads thanks to memory display boxes positioned at the entrance to every residence. Housekeeping, laundry and transportation services are also taken care of by staff.
Residents and their families like the intimate and caring community. One reviewer writes, "We immediately knew this was going to be Dad's new home. The staff treated Dad like family from day one. The place was very clean and always welcoming."
The Landings Senior Living is a memory care community in the charming and historic city of Batavia, IL, providing a safe and comfortable home for seniors with dementia or other memory impairments. The staff is trained in memory care, including communication techniques and life enrichment, creating a supportive, upbeat and engaging culture throughout the facility. The community offers a variety of amenities, including 24-hour assistance, television and internet, along with a full calendar of activities and entertainment options. Residents also enjoy housekeeping, laundry services and fine dining, and they live in private rooms with private bathrooms. The community offers special programs and activities to promote socialization and engagement among residents.
The facility is highly regarded by residents and their family members. One commenter writes, "The Landings in Batavia has welcomed my mom with open arms. Every single staff member, regardless of their title, are kind and accommodating. The nurses are incredibly hard working and make sure my mom is safe and well taken care of."
The Sheridan at Tyler Creek delivers high-quality memory care for individuals coping with Alzheimer's or dementia. By managing environmental stressors and minimizing overstimulation, the community ensures a secure setting for residents. Embrace Memory Care, a specialized program utilized by the staff, focuses on maintaining each resident's unique routine. The staff also promotes wellness and social engagement through activities such as fitness classes, gardening, board games and movie nights. Daily meals, prepared with special dietary requirements in mind, are served in a communal dining area. The Sheridan at Tyler Creek's on-site amenities feature a library, a beauty salon and barber shop and outdoor walking paths with a secured patio, providing residents with a safe space to enjoy the sunshine.
Residents at The Sheridan at Tyler Creek appreciate the community's convenient location as do their families. One of the reviewers say, "I was able to go up to the assisted living apartment. It's relatively new, but it's very well maintained ... There's a nice public area for people to socialize in."
Bickford of Crystal Lake is an assisted living and memory care community located in Crystal Lake, IL, offering care to seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The facility offers a range of services and amenities to its residents, including an array of special programs to boost residents' quality of life. These include pet therapy, music therapy and social events. Residents live in comfortable accommodations that include studio apartments and companion suites, and they enjoy three home-cooked meals a day along with snacks throughout the day. Staff members work hard to keep residents engaged and active, offering activities such as exercise classes and excursions to local attractions.
Reviewers speak highly of the facility itself as well as of the staff. One writes, "Bickford in Crystal Lake is a wonderful community. The community is secure so the loved ones who reside here are safe. It's always clean and there's always a friendly face to greet you. It's also a smaller community, so the residents aren't waiting and waiting for help."