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 Des Plaines’ senior population continues to grow (9% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.Â
In Des Plaines, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 11.27% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 29%, 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 Des Plaines vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).Â
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 Des Plaines. 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.Â
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 Des Plaines, 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:Â Â
Asbury Court provides a full continuum of care, including independent and assisted living and memory care. The team includes nurses specially trained to care for people with memory loss, along with a cardiologist, audiologist and psychiatrist to support residents' health and well-being. The memory care team emphasizes structure and community participation in each resident's day, such as helping set the table, doing laundry and performing other tasks to maintain their independence and involvement. Residents can also enjoy common areas, including a home theater, an on-site library and an activity room that offers arts and crafts, trivia contests and a full, changing calendar of events. Asbury Court also has an outdoor patio for socializing. Other amenities include an on-site barber, a beauty salon and a health and exercise room. The resident rooms feature accessible private baths with walk-in showers.
Families praise the staff and atmosphere at Asbury Court. One resident's daughter says, "This place is truly special. I toured many facilities before deciding on this one for my mom. ... The entire staff is wonderful and I am glad that my mom can call it home."
Less than 10 miles from downtown Des Plaines, Lincolnwood Place serves as a continuing care retirement community that allows seniors to age in place. Its embrace Memory Care program promotes physical, mental and emotional well-being by providing a safe environment, regular wellness checks and personalized care plans developed by the certified memory care director. Staff encourages residents to participate in daily enrichment activities that best match their interests and cognitive abilities, such as games, movies and social events. On-site amenities include an on-site movie theater, hydration stations and a fitness room, and the kitchen staff serves nutritious meals and snacks in the main dining hall. Monthly fees cover scheduled transportation, housekeeping and concierge services.
Residents speak highly of the staff and services provided at Lincolnwood Place. One family member states, "The staff members are great. They're very helpful and very attentive. We've just enjoyed them. They've been very nice to my mom and her husband. I've had dinner with them several times, and the food is really good."
Sunrise of Park Ridge, just minutes from downtown Chicago, offers memory care through its Terrace Club and Reminiscence neighborhoods. Terrace Club residents participate in small-group activities and life skills tasks, such as cooking and folding laundry, to improve cognition, and they transition to the Reminiscence neighborhood if their needs change. Those with advanced dementia engage in activities that tap into their memories, such as working their favorite jobs and getting married. The community also encourages residents to personalize their apartments, each featuring a kitchenette, closet space and an emergency call system to enhance safety. The kitchen staff prepares and serves brain-healthy diets or healthy meals high in vitamin E and antioxidants and low in sugar and saturated fat.
Visitors like the clean apartments and the helpful staff. One writes, "Touring Sunrise of Park Ridge was like touring a five-star hotel. It was great. The memory care was clean and wide open. ... They have a library and different sitting areas for families to visit. ... The staff member was informative and nice."
Belmont Village Buffalo Grove sits along Highway 83, providing a direct route for visiting family members to reach the memory care and assisted living community. The trained staff and a licensed nurse offer 24/7 care and support, including medication management and assistance with activities of daily living. Through the Circle of Friends program, seniors with mild cognitive impairment live in a nonsecure community within the assisted living neighborhood. Personalized and therapeutic activities, including daily mental workouts, aim to preserve cognitive abilities within a structured daily routine. When cognitive impairments become more severe, seniors reside in the secure, monitored memory care neighborhood overseen by a memory program coordinator. They live a Whole Brain Fitness lifestyle encompassing seven areas, including nutrition, socialization, lifelong learning and physical activity, with residents organized into small, ability-centered groups for guided activities.
Reviewers appreciate the communication within the community. One says, "We really like how easy it is when it comes to communicating with the staff members. Although our loved one doesn't always participate in the activities, we do see plenty of things going on, which is nice. Based on our experience we would recommend Belmont Village Buffalo Grove to other families."
Bridgeway of Bensenville is a luxurious senior living community located downtown in the small city of Bensenville, IL, offering independent living, assisted living and memory care services. Dedicated professionals work closely with family members to develop individualized care plans that focus on managing daily lifestyles while preserving dignity and independence. Therapeutic activities, including seniors' personal stories and lifelong achievements, are incorporated into daily routines to help slow cognitive decline and maintain memories, and social activities include on-site entertainment and games and contests. To fulfill spiritual needs, church and worship services are available on-site. The Bridgeway of Bensenville's campus features restaurant-style dining, a health and wellness center and a hair salon and barbershop. Inside each resident suite, individually controlled heating and air conditioning, fire alarms and smoke detectors support comfort and safety.
Reviewers note the community's cleanliness. One says, "My parents moved into Bridgeway of Bensenville. I liked that they were able to socialize with other people in their age group. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, and the facility is clean."
Belmont Village Glenview, IL, provides a wide range of care services and sits near major hospitals, including Lutheran General, Skokie and Glenbrook Hospital. The dedicated memory care neighborhood's small, intimate layout makes it easier for seniors experiencing memory loss to navigate. Specially trained 24-hour caregivers help with daily living tasks, while an on-site registered nurse monitors the health and well-being of each resident. Belmont Village's evidence-based Whole Brain Fitness program, Circle of Friends, improves brain health through mental workouts such as puzzles, proper nutrition and guided group activities. Couples can stay together under one roof and receive the support they need. Chefs at Josephine's Kitchen serve healthy meals, with 24 menu choices available. Residents also have access to physical, occupational and speech therapy services in the fitness center.
Families appreciate the community's attentive staff and stimulating activities. One reviewer writes, "Everyone at Belmont Village is very sweet and caring with my mom. ... They have all different types of activities, such as musical entertainment twice a week, which my mom really enjoys. There are activities morning and afternoon that help with mental sharpness."
Sunrise of Schaumburg offers assisted living and memory care services near the St. Alexius Medical Center and several rehabilitation clinics. In the community's two memory care neighborhoods, Terrace Club and Reminiscence, around-the-clock caregivers practice the Validation method to assist residents with daily tasks and minimize anxiety. The Terrace Club's compact floor layout makes it easier for seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer's to get around the neighborhood. Additionally, the Reminiscence program builds the confidence of seniors in the late stages of dementia by helping them recall their favorite past interests and passions. Staff encourages residents to participate in small-group activities such as SingFit to improve their cognitive skills and speech. In the dining room, chefs serve wholesome meals on colorful dinnerware, proven to increase the appetites of older adults with dementia.
Families praise the community's activity calendar. One resident's son writes, "In addition to the quality hands-on care, the activities and sense of community have been instrumental in my mom developing friendships and participating in daily activities. I can honestly say that my mom is more active and involved in life than she had been before joining the Sunrise neighborhood."
Located 20 miles from downtown Chicago, IL, Clarendale of Addison offers a range of senior care. Heartfelt CONNECTIONS, the community's memory care program, employs proven techniques to help residents with cognitive impairments feel a sense of accomplishment and increased self-worth. The holistic Health and Wellness Navigation program addresses eight pillars of wellness through life-enhancing initiatives, from physical and mental exercises to spiritual programs and on-site nursing care. Each memory care apartment has a memory box outside its door that helps seniors find the right entrance to their residences. An open, eat-in kitchen or family-style dining area provides a space for residents to share healthy meals and snacks. In Clarendale's secure memory care courtyard, community members can garden, bird-watch and engage in outdoor social activities with friends and family.
Family members praise the community's supportive staff and atmosphere. One reviewer writes, "The staff is very compassionate about serving and caring for each resident. They are extremely dedicated to ensuring that the residents are well provided for. They spend countless hours of time planning creative activities and fun events to keep the residents happy and engaged with the staff."
Arden Courts of Northbrook, IL, cares for the special needs of seniors with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other forms of memory impairments. The memory care community includes four individual "houses," each featuring separate living, eating, full bath and laundry areas, along with private and shared bedrooms. Seniors residing in these houses can also access shared common spaces, including a craft studio, beauty/barber salon and wellness center. Visual way-finding cues, such as colors, symbols and photos placed throughout the community, help seniors navigate the halls and minimize confusion. Specially trained caregivers assist with bathing, grooming and other daily living tasks, and 24-hour nurses treat medical issues. Staff members lend residents a hand with eating specially prepared meals that fulfill their dietary needs. Arden Courts' secure walking trails and backyard allow seniors to interact with their peers.
Reviewers are impressed by the community's intimate setting and attentive staff. One reviewer writes, "My mother has been at this community a little over 2 months now, and we loved it. It is a good place for her. They take excellent care of her. We finally have the peace of mind that she is being well taken care of."
North Shore Place offers assisted living and memory care services in the Chicago community of Northbrook, IL. The community's Embrace memory care program addresses the unique care needs of seniors with memory loss through five pillars of wellness. A full calendar of enriching activities, such as singing and music therapy, word challenges and outings to familiar places, helps improve cognitive abilities. Plus, weekly worship services give community members a sense of comfort and routine. In addition to regular medical examinations, residents in this program receive 24/7 care and assistance with daily living tasks. An on-site restaurant serves three chef-prepared meals daily, and hydration stations with infused water ensure residents remain hydrated throughout the day. Other amenities include housekeeping services, transportation to appointments and a beauty salon for self-esteem-boosting grooming.
Couples appreciate being able to stay together under one roof. One resident writes, "I lived in assisted living and my husband in memory care. The team is knowledgeable in caring for all its residents. ... My being here makes it easy for me to be with him whenever I want to see him day or night.
Situated northwest of downtown Chicago, IL, Aspired Living of Prospect offers assisted living and memory care services. Its embrace Memory Care program features engaging activities, from music therapy and cognitive games to craft projects, that keep residents' minds active. In addition, self-care options, such as aromatherapy and massages, help seniors feel relaxed and comfortable to minimize anxiety. To ensure overall well-being, around-the-clock caregivers assist with daily living activities, manage medications and conduct periodic health screenings. Residents gather for chef-prepared meals in a familiar dining area, where flexible mealtimes and menu options accommodate their personal schedules and dietary needs. A secure courtyard with gardens, walking trails and gardening boxes enables community members to enjoy time outside. Other community amenities include a beauty salon, spa and movie theater.
Families are grateful for the care their loved ones receive. A resident's daughter writes, "While my mom has been in memory care for the last year, I've seen how much care and love has been showered on her and the tremendous delight the staff at Aspired Living of Prospect Heights takes in doing so."
Located in northern Chicago, IL, Emerald Place - Glenview provides care for individuals experiencing Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. The community's memory care program, Pathways of Purpose, supports each resident by promoting independence, security and self-worth. Trained caregivers help with grooming and medication management. Chefs prepare nutritious, visually appealing meals in the dining area. Student volunteers visit the secure community, encouraging older adults to interact with young people and create new memories. To help staff react promptly, the AI technology service SafelyYou is installed in each resident's room to detect falls. Additionally, the It's Never 2 Late interactive program allows community members of all cognitive skill levels to keep mentally stimulated and in touch with family and friends.
Reviewers praise the community for its excellent care and numerous activities, with one reviewer writing, "The place is great. I would highly recommend them. They are on top of things; they take good care of the residents and get them involved in activities. Overall, I was very happy."
Harbor House Memory Care in Wheeling, IL, meets the care needs of older adults with Alzheimer's, dementia and related memory disorders. The community includes three small, independent memory care homes where seniors reside with others in similar stages of dementia. Experienced caregivers, trained through the Dementia Live programming, also stay in the same home, so residents feel safe and at ease with them. A variety of group and one-on-one activities helps seniors build confidence and maintain cognitive skills. Harbor House uses proven techniques, including cueing, coaching and redirection, that encourage community members to feel good about their successes. An enclosed outdoor patio and secured walking paths allow seniors in memory care to socialize with family and friends safely. Residents can also access medical care from on-site physicians, therapists and nurses.
Families love the community's intimate atmosphere. One reviewer writes, "I have been very happy with my decision to place my mom at Harbor House. ... I believe the small community provides more personalized care for the residents. The houses do not seem at all institutional; they are very cheerful and cozy."
Situated in the Portage Park neighborhood of Northwest Chicago, IL, Clarendale Six Corners offers independent living, assisted living and memory care options. Heartfelt Connections, the community's memory care program, focuses on helping older adults diagnosed with dementia lead a healthier lifestyle and maintain a sense of purpose. Caregivers have years of specialized training in dementia care to meet the needs of each resident and ensure they feel safe. Social events and stimulating activities, such as exercise classes at the fitness center, enable community members to remain physically and mentally fit. Resident-focused apartments feature bathrooms with grab bars for enhanced safety, and monthly fees include housecleaning services and all utilities except phone. Clarendale's in-house restaurant provides made-to-order chef-prepared meals that give seniors plenty of menu options.
Family members of residents appreciate the community's attentive staff and the quality of care. One reviewer writes, "The Clarendale at Six Corners is a very special place. For those of you looking for memory care for a family member that offers not only an expert caring staff but also a vital, engaging environment, this is the place."
Sitting across the street from the AMITA Hospital and numerous medical offices, Amazing Grace Senior Living in Chicago provides assisted living and memory care services. Each memory care suite's thoughtfully designed floor plan fosters a sense of safety and familiarity while helping build the resident's confidence. In addition to performing daily wellness checks, trained caregivers lend seniors a hand with everything from bathing and grooming to managing medications. Community members have access to cognitive-based programming, including art and music therapies, as well as engaging activities, such as fitness exercises and live entertainment. Amazing Grace also utilizes iN2L, an interactive computer technology, which helps residents connect with their peers, caregivers and families in a fun, social environment. Other amenities include a fitness center, a theater and a bistro for coffee and snacks.
Reviewers like the community's programs, great dining experience and group activities. One reviewer writes, "Very friendly staff. They take good care of you and are always trying to make their residents comfortable. Very nice accommodations. My dad has enjoyed the food and most of the get-togethers they organized."
The Gardens at Arlington Heights, IL, provides personalized memory care services in a secure, safe setting. Trained caregivers, on-site 24/7, assist with daily living tasks, handle housekeeping chores and offer medical care. A full schedule of daily therapeutic and social activities, such as music and pet therapy, helps seniors bond with one another. As part of the community's nutritional program, professional chefs cook and serve healthy meals that meet the dietary needs and preferences of each resident. A variety of amenities, including an arts-and-crafts room, movie theater, fitness center and outdoor recreational areas, give seniors plenty of opportunities to fill their day with joy and purpose. Residents can also access essential concierge services, such as transportation and security.
Reviewers appreciate the compassionate staff and the homelike atmosphere. A resident's son writes, "My dad is at this place, and my mom goes over often to visit. Very clean and modern facilities. There is ample staff to take care of him, and they dote on him. My mom, who's a super critic, couldn't be more pleased so far."
The Landing on Dundee Senior Living, conveniently located in Wheeling, a Chicago, IL, suburb, offers 24-hour care to seniors experiencing various forms of memory loss. The community's Montessori-based SPARKS memory care program uses assessment tools to design a personalized care plan for each individual that promotes independence, preserves cognitive skills and ensures social engagement. Seniors in this program remain active by taking part in stimulating activities, from baking classes and art therapy to group exercises and ice cream socials. Around-the-clock caregivers deliver comprehensive health and wellness services and help community members complete daily living tasks. In the restaurant-style dining room, residents gather for chef-prepared meals or special occasions with family and friends. Other amenities include housekeeping services, scheduled transportation, a secure courtyard and a beauty salon.
Families comment positively on the personal care their loved ones receive. A resident's daughter writes, "The Landing is a wonderful community. The staff is amazing, and they are so attentive. I have such peace of mind knowing that my father is so well taken care of and safe. I highly recommend The Landing."
The Sheridan at Park Ridge, IL, offers personalized assisted living and memory care services in an urban setting. In addition to monitoring the well-being of each resident, caregivers lend a hand with bathing, dressing and other daily living tasks. The community's Embrace memory care program helps awaken the imagination of seniors experiencing memory loss through stimulating small-group activities, ranging from word games and simple chair exercises to gardening in the enclosed memory garden. A culinary staff prepares and serves three meals daily in the open dining area that provides familiarity, routine and comfort to help residents with dementia feel less anxious. Hydration stations with infused water ensure community members stay hydrated throughout the day. Other on-site services at Park Ridge include housekeeping, laundry, daily rhythm plans and transportation to appointments.
Families often praise the care and amenities provided. One reviewer writes, "I could not be more pleased with my choice. The Sheridan looks more like a beautiful boutique hotel than an assisted living and memory care facility. The people who work there really care about the residents, the food is fabulous and the activities are amazing."
Waverly Inn, situated in Arlington Heights, IL, serves the care needs of individuals experiencing Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other types of memory impairments. The community features extra-wide hallways, motion sensors to help discourage straying, and shadow boxes to showcase sentimental items that jog memories. Caregivers with training in Humanitude, an approach that prioritizes independence, assist with daily living tasks and medication management. Innovative care methods include gaze techniques that help seniors in memory care recognize faces, melodic tones to create a soothing atmosphere and vertical posture therapy for a sense of confidence and strength. Waverly Inn's wellness program, the Seven Pillars of Living Well, enhances cognitive abilities through activities such as music and nature walks. Residents can also access 24-hour nursing care, nutritious meals, an interior courtyard and gardens.
Families commend Waverly Inn for its dedicated care staff and stimulating activities. One reviewer writes, "Wonderful, clean, caring and safe environment for someone with any form of dementia. The staff is genuine and truly welcomes the residents and families. Activities are scheduled throughout the day, meals and snacks are tasty, and the entire community is very well planned out."
Located in a village outside Chicago, the retirement community of Mount Prospect Senior Living provides assisted living and memory care options. In the Generations memory care community, care partners receive ongoing certified training to better support and guide seniors with dementia through their path of care. Tune Into Me, one of several signature programs, uses a personalized playlist of residents' favorite music to enliven old memories. One-on-one and small group activities, ranging from chair yoga and brainteasers to painting, help seniors maintain their cognitive skills. The Elevate dining program allows community members to share their recipes and participate in cook-offs to highlight their culinary talents. Mount Prospect also offers an AI video technology called SafelyYou Respond in each memory care apartment that detects when residents fall and improves staff response time.
Families appreciate the care provided at Mount Prospect. One reviewer writes, "Dad moved to the memory care unit and is safe, well cared for and able to walk with his sun downing. He gets physical therapy, which is included, and the staff is so nice to him and my mom. They exercise every day and play games."