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 Elgin’s senior population continues to grow (9% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Elgin, 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 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 (4.59% in Elgin 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 Elgin. 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 Elgin, 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:
The Sheridan at Tyler Creek offers memory care, with experienced staff creating personalized care plans that include daily movement in the garden or group game nights to promote socialization. On-site nursing, secure courtyards and wellness checks provide emotional and physical safety to residents in the Embrace memory care program. Dining services are provided restaurant-style with a focus on taste preferences and medical and nutritional limitations, and daily housekeeping and laundry services are provided. The Sheridan is pet-friendly. Skilled nurses care for residents recovering from an illness or surgery, in need of comprehensive therapy or living with a complex chronic condition.
Residents and their families enjoy world-class service from the professional staff. One family member says, "The staff here are always receptive when I have questions or issues. The food is good, my dad's apartment is wonderful and the staff keeps the building very clean. The care staff has also been very good with my dad."
Brighton Gardens of St. Charles is located in a peaceful yet well-connected area of St. Charles, 37 miles west of Chicago. The Reminiscence neighborhood is specifically designed for seniors with Alzheimer's and features a range of services and amenities for residents to take advantage of, including access to a family engagement app, an electronic health record system and 24/7 staffing. Carefully designed therapies, such as validation therapy, promote independence and dignity. Trained caregivers follow individualized care plans that include assistance with tasks such as personal care, transportation and housekeeping. Engaging activities such as exercise classes, spiritual services and group trips are designed to stimulate cognitive processing and optimize well-being. There are also resident-sponsored clubs for various hobbies and interests. Three meals and snacks are available throughout the day, which residents can enjoy together in the dining room.
Visitors particularly like the helpful staff, with one reviewer saying, "It's a very relaxed feeling among the residents, and it looks very welcoming. The staff was wonderful. She answered all my questions. She even asked me questions and was very, very knowledgeable and caring. The residents looked like they were enjoying the food. They have on staff, doctors and podiatrists."
Bickford of St Charles is an assisted living community just a short drive from downtown Chicago. Caregivers with advanced training in dementia care are briefed on historical information about each resident. Memory care then integrates activities that reflect individual interests and hobbies to help maintain cognitive functioning. Licensed nurses are available to attend to minor health concerns, and help can be provided with walking or wheelchairs. Nutritious meals are served in a restaurant-style setting and can be customized to meet dietary requirements. The common area features a party space and beauty salon, and off-site activities are organized on a regular basis. The community provides laundry services and transportation for its residents when needed.
Family members of the residents speak highly of the staff at Bickford of St. Charles, noting their attentive and responsive nature. One reviewer says, "My mother-in-law has been in Bickford of St. Charles for two months now. The place is very nice. The staff members seem very helpful and very informative. With any questions, they get back with an answer right away."
Seniors in the memory care neighborhood of Belmont Village Senior Living Geneva Road have safe access to all the amenities of the main community, including a professionally supervised fitness center, a full-service salon and the casual bistro that serves snacks throughout the day. The memory care section provides a secure environment where residents are discretely monitored at all times. Each senior has a personalized care plan that focuses on their individual care requirements, preferences and life history. Staff members are on-hand at all times to redirect difficult behaviors, provide compassionate care and guide residents through their daily activities. The Whole Brain Fitness Lifestyle Program aims to find just the right activity for each resident to help provide a sense of accomplishment on a daily basis. Chef-prepared meals are served each day, and special diets can be accommodated.
One reviewer is very happy with the care provided to his wife, saying, "Belmont Village Geneva Road is an excellent facility. My wife likes it and she's happy there. It's very well-appointed, and well-lit, the rooms are nice, the lobby is excellent and wonderful, and the staff is very caring. The restaurant provides excellent food."
Heritage Woods of South Elgin is just a short drive from downtown Chicago. The spacious layout of the bedrooms provides a comfortable, homelike setting where residents can easily access urgent care with an emergency call system. The community provides personalized care plans for seniors living with Alzheimer's or dementia, which are reviewed on a quarterly basis. A registered nurse is available for minor health issues and to assist with medication management. Caregivers help with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, personal hygiene and grooming. Three nutritious meals are served daily in a spacious dining room where seniors can eat with guests or fellow residents. Meals can be customized to accommodate a number of dietary restrictions or allergies. Common areas include an activity room, a TV lounge and a spacious outdoor patio.
Family members speak warmly of the welcoming atmosphere at Heritage Woods of South Elgin. One reviewer says, "I really liked Heritage Woods of South Elgin very much. It was clean, updated, and cheerful. I toured the cafeteria, and it was very clean, too. I liked that their menu had a large assortment."
Sunrise of Bloomingdale provides specialized memory care to residents at all stages of need. Sunrise's Reminiscence program assigns a care worker to each individual to create service plans tailored to residents' specific needs, such as daily showering, personal hygiene and medications. Caregivers use validation methods to match residents' emotions and memory-focused activities to engage them. This pet-friendly community hosts scheduled family meetings and provides housekeeping, trash removal and laundry services. Community-provided iPads help residents connect with their loved ones daily. The community hosts events and celebrations that offer outside music, spiritual instructors and movie matinees.
Reviewers talk of the staff's friendly demeanor. A daughter of a resident says, "Sunrise of Bloomingdale is by far the most outstanding facility. Their management and staff are very friendly and provide the best care for my dad. The food is fantastic as well. I am very pleased with this facility and would highly recommend them."
Memory care is housed in its own devoted neighborhood at Clarendale of Algonquin. This area is staffed with highly trained professionals and nurses who provide individualized, compassionate care for each resident. The staff prides itself on its Heartfelt CONNECTIONS, a recognized memory care program that promotes dignity, pride, self-esteem and accomplishment. Nutrition and dining are prioritized in the community. Chefs and dieticians work together to create menus that are gourmet and cater to the specialized diet needs of each resident. The memory care neighborhood boasts a secure outdoor courtyard where seniors can garden, feed the birds, walk safely and visit with family members.
Family and residents appreciate the thoughtful care at this community. One reviewer says, "The facility is beautiful and the staff has been wonderful in all areas. The tour gave an excellent overview of the amenities and apartments available. Take comfort in knowing your family member will be cared for."
Located a quick 15 minutes from O'Hara, Sunrise of Schaumburg is an assisted living and memory care community that offers seniors access to personalized care delivered by life enrichment managers. Memory care residents live within the secured Reminiscence neighborhood and receive support for memory loss associated with Alzheimer's and dementia via the Sunrise Reminiscence Memory Care Program, which combines memory-focused activities with five-star dining and purposefully built hallways to create a comfortable and engaging environment. Throughout the day, memory care residents can stroll through the landscaped outdoor patio, snuggle with the neighborhood's golden retriever or participate in themed socials.
Reviewers frequently mention the layout of Sunrise of Schaumburg and comment on the supportive staff that enables an easy transition for their loved ones. One reviewer writes, "We have chosen this place because of the location, proximity to our home, professionalism of the staff and some very positive references we had from people who have been there. The facility looks very good, and the layout is well thought out."
Bickford of Crystal Lake provide quality care for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's. The professional memory care staff focuses on the three core needs of each resident: basic needs, care needs and unrecognized needs. Offering dementia programming, skilled nursing, medication management, registered nurse care coordination and assistance with daily living tasks, the community meets the physical needs of memory care residents. A "from-scratch" kitchen, life enrichment program, transportation services and chaplain provides comforts that make the community feel like home. Rooms are equipped with cable, internet and an emergency call system. Housekeeping, laundry services and community activities are also offered.
Family and residents speak highly of the staff and care at the community. One reviewer states, "Bickford of Crystal Lake is my first choice. The director who gave me the tour spoke very genuinely to the residents. It's just a really friendly, confident professional feeling that I got."
Located about 16 miles from Elgin, Illinois, Sunrise of Crystal Lake's secured Reminiscence community for seniors experiencing dementia and Alzheimer's features a beautiful courtyard and garden with inviting walking paths. A robust activity schedule helps enhance residents' cognitive functions, with life enrichment managers using Validation Therapy. Community members can benefit from assistance with daily activities, housekeeping, laundry, trash removal and meal preparation. Through Sunrise CareConnect, medical providers can seamlessly track residents' medication and health progress electronically.
Family members appreciate the professional care team. "This was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made, and I investigated multiple facilities before choosing Sunrise," says a resident's daughter. "Now that Mom is living at Sunrise, I visit daily and continue to be impressed by the care offered and the joy found in the facility."
The Garlands of Barrington is nestled in a tree-lined suburb of Barrington, Illinois, approximately half an hour from the city of Elgin. The Prairieview Memory Care Program cultivates a comfortable, secure environment by providing residents access to warm, inviting common spaces and an outdoor sensory garden. Two levels of memory care are offered: level one for residents who need less assistance with daily tasks and level two for those who need more assistance. The community's memory care staff receives specialized training to help them serve the unique needs of residents with memory loss. They organize therapeutic activities based on each memory care resident's abilities and personal preferences.
The Garlands of Barrington earns rave reviews for being a well-designed community with a resort-like atmosphere and delicious menu items. One reviewer writes, "The Garlands is a beautiful facility. It's like a club They have good food there. The vegetables are good, and the rest are good too The place is secure."
Sunrise at Barrington offers assisted living through the Terrace Club neighborhood and full memory care through the Reminiscence neighborhood. The Terrace Club is designed for seniors who are experiencing some memory issues but do not need the complete support of memory care. Residents in this program receive memory support, occupation-based activities in the Live With Generosity program, physical fitness through the Live with Action program, a personalized calendar and an individualized care plan. Seniors in the Reminiscence neighborhood receive more comprehensive care. A life enrichment manager works directly with each resident using the Validation method and a personal Reminiscence care plan. Staff members assist with daily living activities, medication, housekeeping and laundry while seniors can enjoy activities such as exercise sessions, socials, music, crafts and movies.
Residents and their families appreciate the excellent care and flexibility at Sunrise of Barrington. One reviewer notes that her mother is a rather picky eater, but staff members fix her meals according to her preferences. "They take good care of her, and we never had any problem," the reviewer adds, praising the range of activities available and beauty of the accommodations.
The Auberge at Lake Zurich is located 37 miles northeast of Chicago, next to the beautiful Lake Zurich. The community is organized into four charming cottages, with each set up like a home with spacious seating areas and cozy bedrooms. Seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia have a specialized memory care program that includes 24/7 support with tasks such as personal care, medication management and transportation. Each resident receives an individualized care plan tailored to their unique needs, preferences and abilities. The award-winning Spark engagement program provides residents with meaningful experiences that optimize cognitive skills and enhance quality of life. Activities include cooking classes, musical performances and bowling. Three nutritious meals are served daily in the dining room.
Visitors appreciate the thoughtful community layout, with one reviewer saying, ?"Auberge at Lake Zurich was exceptional. It's a very good place. I liked the layout of the place and how they designed it so that the communication and contact with the residents were at a very good ratio."
White Oaks at Spring Street is a comfortable senior community dedicated to caring for individuals with memory-related issues. The community offers private studio apartments with several shared spaces including a dining room, activity space and exercise room to encourage socialization. An outdoor patio and warm living room are perfect for relaxation. All staff members are supervised by a licensed nurse and receive ongoing training on memory care topics. Upon entering the community, residents receive a custom care program that is tailored to their individual needs and personality. Families play an active role in developing the care plan and ensuring the plan is executed successfully. By incorporating engaging community events, tailored memory care activities and minimizing stress and anxiety, memory care programming is designed to help seniors with memory issues live a full and active life.
The White Oaks community is known for its dedicated and skilled staff. One reviewer writes how the staff "constantly goes above and beyond when caring for an elderly cognitively impaired resident."
Charter Senior Living of Glen Ellyn specializes in dementia and Alzheimer's care. It has a safe, regulated setting with regular senior activities and routines that lessen dementia patients' stress. The community's signature research-backed Flourish Memory Care program centers enabling people with Alzheimer's or dementia to grow and flourish while their memory declines. Trained to handle challenges particular to Alzheimer's and other dementias, the memory care team helps individuals with personal care and everyday living. The community features a beautifully manicured, safe courtyard and walking path as well as several activity areas and lounges for programming and socializing with friends, family, and staff. Sensory rooms are available to create a sense of peaceful tranquility.
Family members are pleased with the compassionate care provided by the community's staff. One says, "I asked my loved one once, 'What is your favorite happy place?' and she answered, 'Right here.' She is always clean and well groomed. The staff obviously care deeply for her, and the administrative staff communicates well with me, working with me when I make suggestions."
Only an hour from Chicago, Melody Living Lake in the Hills offers three lifestyle options to cover the majority of residents' needs. The community approach centers on Eight Dimensions of Wellness to improve the emotional, occupational, environmental and physical wellness of seniors. The memory care neighborhood is designed so resident movements can be tracked through key logs to maximize security, autonomy and independence. Residents can receive 24/7 support and full-time concierge care coordinated with physicians, enabling independent access to medications and other necessities. Memory-focused activities range from crafts and music to gardening, peer-focused mentorship and off-site shopping. This location allows pets, offers a chef-inspired dining menu and provides private areas for residents and family to visit.
Reviewers have positive comments about Melody Living's activities. One resident says, ". I'm so happy to be living here now with my cat Smoky. There is always something going on, something to do. We get to take trips to enjoy the city, to the stores, restaurants, zoo, the parks. If I need anything I just call for help and the staff is right there to help. "
Clarendale of Addison is an assisted living community providing specialized memory care services to seniors living with dementia. Its Heartfelt Connections program features a daily schedule of puzzle and cognitive challenges, creative activities, and exercise and recreational activities. Staff members provide support with activities of daily living, such as using the restroom, changing clothes or moving around safely. An outdoor courtyard that provides a sense of freedom and views of nature is secured with anti-wandering measures for everyone's safety. Social opportunities help prevent isolation and slow further cognitive decline.
Residents mention a high quality of care and professionalism. A resident's child says, "My father was a resident at Clarendale of Addison, and our family was very happy with the care he received during his residency. We were especially thankful and happy with his caregivers."
Trained professionals at Silverado St. Charles Memory Care Community enrich the lives of memory care patients and create a comfortable atmosphere. The Silverado community is split into three neighborhoods: Nexus, for independent residents with high cognitive function; Sensory, for residents at later stages of memory care who require help with activities of daily living and communication; and Enrichment, which is a transitory community between Nexus and Sensory. A physician medical director coordinates clinical care, supported by 24/7 licensed nurses. Frequent outings and stimulating activities help residents maintain their health and well-being. Amenities include laundry, housekeeping services, and nutritional, restaurant-quality meals.
Relatives of residents at Silverado praise the welcoming, caring atmosphere and the staff. One relative remarks, "Silverado is an amazing, warm, welcoming facility. Once you've been to Silverado, you're family." Another says, "The residence facility employs professional and pleasant staff members who truly care about the residents."
Heritage Woods of Huntley provides memory care to seniors in Bourbonnais, Illinois. It's in a peaceful, secure neighborhood with convenient access to barbershops, restaurants and parks. The memory care unit offers specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia-related conditions. Licensed resident nurses are available 24/7 to conduct medical assessments and provide supervision, support and guidance to ensure seniors stay healthy. The community partners with physicians from nearby hospitals to provide residents with specialized medical services. Seniors can get three meals daily in the community's dining room. Common areas such as the fitness center, TV lounge and serenity room allow residents to participate in various activities to maintain an active and happy lifestyle. Residents get help with housekeeping and laundry services from their rooms.
Residents and their loved ones say Heritage Woods offers a very welcoming atmosphere. One says, "Everyone seemed like a family at Heritage Woods of Huntley. All the residents, the people that work there, even the cleaning people gave us a very good feeling about the place."
Anthology of Wheaton is a memory care and assisted living community nestled next to Northside Park in the wooded suburbs of Wheaton, Illinois. Its memory care neighborhood provides a secure, nurturing setting with comfortable common areas and landscaped outdoor spaces. Memory care residents can benefit from specially designed programming organized by staff members who receive ongoing training centered on residents' care and well-being. This includes the Fit Minds program, which focuses on improving brain health using cognitive stimulation therapy, and the iN2L program, which focuses on fostering person-centered engagement using technology-based wellness initiatives. The community's memory care residents can also enjoy beauty and barbershop services and the on-site activity center, which has game rooms, a library and a theater.
Reviewers are impressed by Anthology of Wheaton's tidy living spaces, helpful staff members and array of scheduled activities. One resident's loved one writes, "My mom has lived on the memory care floor It is clean, the staff is attentive to residents' needs. Most of all they offer a lot of activities."