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 Northbrook's senior population continues to grow (14.29% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Northbrook, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased 3.4% between 2014 and 2019. To put that into perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 1.5%, showing that Alzheimer's is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (8.1% in Northbrook 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 Northbrook. 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 Northbrook, 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:
North Shore Place uses its Embrace system to deliver all-encompassing memory care to seniors living in its neighborhood. Residents follow individualized routines and participate in activities matched to their abilities as they receive support and guidance from caregivers, who also handle medication management needs. This community takes care of weekly housekeeping and laundry services for residents so they have more time to enjoy social activities in the communal rooms as well as the outdoor spaces, which are open to everyone in the community. A secured courtyard prevents seniors in the memory care neighborhood from leaving unsupervised.
Family members praise caregivers and administrators at North Shore Place. One says "I was very impressed with how caring and attentive the staff were. I have also found the staff extremely responsive to any questions I have about my parents' health and happiness, including the directors of medical care and activities."
Arden Courts of Northbrook offers a safe, welcoming environment for memory care residents. Each resident undergoes an initial assessment by a trained professional to receive an individualized care program. Levels of ability, interests and needs are taken into account, and care alters as these change. The layout of the community ensures residents are secure. Designed as four self-contained houses, each pod shares areas such as the activity room, beauty salon, porch and extensive walking paths. Visual cues and colors help with navigation and to stimulate memories. Residents may bring their own furnishings or use those belonging to the community. Structured activities and programs help keep community members engaged and mentally stimulated. Staff is available 24/7, and each one offers compassionate, understanding care. Three nourishing daily meals and snacks ensure residents eat well, and assistance with dining is provided.
Family members believe the community offers a good environment. A loved one says, "I was particularly impressed by the physical layout and the safety of the facility. The residents are able to move around the entire facility as well as move outside to the secure walking paths and outside garden areas." Another comments "Arden Court has amazing staff."
An award-winning community just 15 minutes from Chicago's bustling downtown, Sunrise of Park Ridge offers a high level of care within close reach of department stores, movie theaters and restaurants. Its Reminiscence neighborhood is a secure, intimate environment specially designed for residents living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Through personalized plans, the community's trained team offers support with bathing, dressing, grooming and medication while getting to know residents' needs, monitoring behaviors and encouraging socialization. The neighborhood features relaxing common areas, activity spaces for residents to enjoy art projects, puzzles and crafts, soft-lit reflection rooms for holding club meetings and secure outdoor areas, plus friendly resident pets to encourage a sense of home. Activities include range from multisensory experiences to local outings, art and music therapy, exercise classes and small group programming.
Visitors note the ambiance and experienced staff. "The place had a nice relaxed warm vibe to it," says one reviewer. "I like that they have a dog and two cats there. I love all the details of how they ensure disabled people keep their dignity. So many of the staff have been there many years."
Life at Belmont Village Senior Living Buffalo Grove provides residents with comfort and assistance in a peaceful setting with hospitals nearby. The community features enriching programs and activities tailored to suit the unique needs of seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The staff follows a person-centered approach to care for residents with memory loss, assisting them with daily living and medication management. The Whole-Brain Fitness Program helps improve the brain health of residents and nurtures their mind, body and spirit. Seniors remain safe and comfortable with the help of 24/7 on-site healthcare and clinical staff. Residents can access a fitness center, outdoor seating areas and an on-site salon. Seniors can savor three delicious and nutritional chef-prepared meals in a restaurant-style setting. Special dietary menus are also available.
Located in a peaceful residential neighborhood, Belmont Village Senior Living Glenview offers a broad spectrum of care services for seniors, minutes away from the Northshore Glenbrook Hospital and Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. The community offers individualized care plans, which focus on the unique needs and abilities of residents living with Alzheimer's, dementia and other memory limitations. An on-site licensed nurse and trained staff are available 24/7 to assist residents with wellness checks, medication management and activities of daily living. Seniors are encouraged to socialize and participate in various activities organized in a safe, secure and monitored setting. The community follows an ability-centered and adaptive enrichment approach to help residents maintain their physical and mental well-being. Whole-brain fitness programs and physical, occupational and speech therapies help residents improve their agility, flexibility and strength. Residents can relish chef-prepared delicious meals that adhere to their specific dietary requirements.
Nestled in a suburban community just 30 minutes outside Chicago, Sunrise of Highland Park provides award-winning memory care with convenient access to city amenities. Through individualized service plans, residents receive the assistance they need 24 hours a day. Purposefully designed for seniors with Alzheimer's and related dementias, the Reminiscence neighborhood features secure areas that promote easy navigation, with spacious living and dining areas adjacent to resident suites, softly lit reflection rooms with relaxing elements and country-style kitchens. Chef-prepared meals feature fresh choices paired with resident preferences via tablet technology. Trained in validation therapy, life enrichment managers learn about personal needs and preferences, ask open-ended questions and put their full focus on every resident, becoming trusted care partners. Seniors enjoy days filled with multisensory experiences, exercise classes, art projects, puzzles, group activities and outings to local attractions.
Visitors like the amenities and robust schedule. "They had a lot of activities for family who came in and out all day long," says one reviewer. "They could have meals with them. They could go for walks. It was close to places downtown. They showed me the library. They served two or three meals a day."
Emerald Place is located close to Glen View Town Center. Among the many features of the community is the state-of-the-art reporting system that keeps residents safe. This specialist Alzheimer and dementia community offers residents stimulating activities and lifestyle programs that engage the mind, body and soul. The residents receive the very best specialized care from the trained staff who treat them with a personal touch and dignity according to their specific needs. To keep residents' minds engaged, there is a wellness program that provides social and therapeutic activities geared to the resident's needs in a safe, nurturing environment. The tasty, nutritious meals prepared by the chefs are served to residents three times a day and are designed to match their personal preferences.
Residents and their family members only have amazing things to say about this community, particularly about the loving nature of the staff. One relative said, "There are simply not enough words to say how blessed and truly grateful I am to the team at Emerald Place.They are simply the best.and will make you feel part of them as they are truly one big family. I will be forever grateful to them!!!!"
Summit of Uptown welcomes seniors living with dementia to its Evergreen memory care neighborhood, which creates a safe and structured environment where skilled nurses tend to each resident's daily health needs and licensed therapists offer physical and cognitive therapy. This community, which has served those with dementia for over 30 years, coordinates social engagement between residents as well as shared meals that provide a sense of community. Medication management, housekeeping and other cleaning services are provided. Summit of Uptown's concierge team helps family members coordinate travel plans and other arrangements.
Family members are positive about the dementia care program at Summit of Uptown. One relative comments, "Summit of Uptown has done a wonderful job caring for my mother who has dementia. She can be disruptive and difficult, but they have been patient and caring."
The Landing on Dundee Senior Living, owned and operated by the senior living company Frontier Management, offers Frontier's award-winning memory care program, SPARK. The program, based on the research of Maria Montessori, helps significantly improve skills, increase engagement and give a sense of purpose to those with memory loss. Each new memory care resident is assigned a concierge to make sure they have a smooth transition into the community. The care team uses proprietary assessment tools beyond traditional healthcare assessments that focus on what each resident can do instead of what they cannot. Caregivers also employ therapeutic techniques, including occupational, physical and speech therapy, and specialized touch-screen technology to ensure 1residents remain engaged and fulfilled. SPARK also offers residents lifelong learning opportunities through various programs, such as group crafts, guest speakers and interactive lectures.
Family members rave about the staff and the care provided, and they love how beautiful this community is. One writes, "My Aunt is currently living in this community. It is brand new and so beautiful, but we are so impressed with the care and staff. Everyone has been so great and she is so happy."
Located in the heart of Lake Country, The Auberge at Highland Park offers residents a holistic experience with private rooms in its safe memory care community. The award-winning SPARK memory care program keeps residents engaged through regular activities such as town hall meetings or social events such as cheese and wine evenings. The on-site, specialized staff and a skilled nurse provide health care 24/7, and occupational and speech therapy are available, as are trips to the doctor's office, health care plans and medication management. Seniors can also participate in a range of creative programs and group exercise classes daily. Homemade soups, delectable salads and seasonally based entrees are served in the communal dining room.
My wife has been a resident of Auberge for more than a year, during which time she has received the kindest of care by staff and nurses who see their work as a calling and who genuinely love their residents. It doesn't get better. I recommend Auberge warmly, says one family member of a resident.
Harbor House is a safe and secure environment providing memory care to seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia. Residents live in one of three separate homes, based on the stage of their condition reside. Specially trained staff is available 24/7 to provide personalized assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating and ambulation. Since each home houses a small number of seniors, the high staff-to-resident ratio allows caregivers to provide more personal attention to help address clinical and psycho-social issues related to memory loss. Group and individual programs engage residents in life-enriching activities. Residents can get some fresh air in the enclosed outdoor patio or take a stroll on the beautifully landscaped walking path. Three delicious and nutritious meals are served family-style.
People love the resident-to-staff ratio and excellent care provided by experienced staff members. One family member says, "I appreciate the small group setting, which provides for more personalized. hands-on care and provides a community for both residents and their family, you know the people there and they know you. Very supportive to the patient and those who love them."
The Sheridan at Park Ridge offers an award-winning memory care program, embrace Memory Care, that supports the mind, body and soul of each resident dealing with memory loss. It provides a personalized and holistic experience that sparks the imagination and promotes social connection while keeping each resident safe. The care team, available 24 hours a day, helps residents with various activities of daily living, including dressing and grooming. Assistance with household tasks, such as daily tidying-up, weekly housekeeping and laundry services, is also provided. Residents enjoy restaurant-style dining with support for special dietary needs, including customized diets, pureed meals and feeding assistance. The on-site staff performs regular wellness checks and provide medication reminders, while transportation is available to residents who need to go offsite for doctor's appointment. This community offers a wide variety of activities, including happy hours and outings.
Family members love the caring staff. One writes, "My grandma is happy to call The Sheridan at Park Ridge her home. The place is very clean and well kept. The staff is caring and can be trusted to go the extra mile to accommodate the residents' needs. I'd highly recommend The Sheridan at Park Ridge."
An award-winning community nestled in a suburban setting, Atria Glenview provides the full spectrum of senior support, from independent living to memory care. Life Guidance is a specialized program for residents living with Alzheimer's and related dementias, with 24-hour assistance available from specially trained caregivers. From help with bathing and grooming to medication management and transportation to local appointments, staff is standing by. Residents also enjoy a lively lifestyle filled with engaging activities, including daily exercise programs, such as stretching, dancing and restorative yoga. Through music and social events, seniors can boost mood, improve focus and connect with fellow residents. The environment is designed to feel like home, with memory displays for favorite photos and mementos, artwork featuring local landmarks and cozy common areas. Through the Culinary Excellence program, seniors enjoy seasonal meals made from scratch, all presented with restaurant-style service.
Loved ones praise the friendly, compassionate team. "Witnessing the opening and welcoming of new residents gave me goosebumps. The employees are absolutely wonderful," says one relative. "They really roll out the red carpet with love, professionalism and compassion. I heard a new resident say after her first night, 'This is truly amazing!'"
Atria Highland Park offers a full spectrum of care in a convenient location, just a short distance from Route 41. Residents living with memory loss experience person-centered support through the Life Guidance program, specially designed for those affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias. A highly trained team is available 24/7, helping with bathing, grooming and medication management to provide peace of mind. Daily activities focus on physical activity and social connections, with opportunities to stretch, dance, work with weights or try restorative yoga, and diverse programs use music to encourage social connections and awaken memories. Within the secure Life Guidance neighborhood, residents have memory displays equipped with their favorite photos and mementos, artwork with nostalgic images and furniture arranged to feel like home. Transportation is provided to off-site appointments, events and errands.
Loved ones appreciate the convenient layout. "Living in Memory Care is like living in a house with other people," says one reviewer. "My mom has a beautiful unit a large bedroom with a nice entryway. She walks out her door and there she is in the living area with lovely furnishings, a huge tv, gorgeous fireplace."
Wickshire Wilmette is a senior community with a bed-and-breakfast atmosphere that enables older people with memory care needs to live within a friendly and secure environment as they receive 24/7 attention. It schedules dementia programming to address each person's specific circumstances and organizes activities that provide mental stimulation and opportunities to socialize with peers. This community performs consistent maintenance of each resident's apartment and the entire grounds, so they can live in a clean and comfortable environment as dedicated caregivers help them to fulfill personal needs such as eating, bathing and getting dressed. Restaurant-style dining service simplifies mealtimes for residents at Wickshire Wilmette while still offering them various choices each day and tailoring meals to their preferences and dietary requirements. A wellness center is available.
Family members are satisfied with the amount of individual attention residents receive from caregivers at Wickshire Wilmette. One says, "The staff to resident ratio is higher than many facilities, which is especially important since the facility specializes in dementia and Alzheimer's."
Elevate Saint Andrew is a senior living community provides a dignified life for those with dementia and other memory impairments in a secure and friendly environment. Its Reflections memory care program is staffed by trained caregivers who help older adults with bathing, dressing, grooming, incontinence care and other daily living tasks. On-call nurses and visiting physicians manage the resident's medications and any health needs that arise. A wireless personal emergency response system allows seniors to call for assistance 24/7. Other amenities and services at Elevate Saint Andrew include housekeeping, laundry, garbage removal, chef-prepared meals and a beauty salon/barber shop.
Elevate Saint Andrew works with families, staff and physicians to design a care plan that meets the needs of each resident. One reviewer remarks, "Elevate Saint Andrew Living Community was nice. The staff was very friendly and very helpful. The facility was clean and very well kept. I liked the rooms too. They were nicely kept and large enough for my sister."
Hartwell Place is an adult care community serving those with dementia and other memory conditions on an intimate campus within a residential neighborhood. Art therapy, including both music and memory therapy, is a prominent aspect of the memory care programming at this community. Aside from enrichment and socialization, residents also have their medical needs tended to by skilled nurses and their personal needs, such as room cleaning, laundry, and hygiene needs, handled by professional caregivers who also help them to complete various day-to-day tasks. Hartwell Place maintains a high caregiver-to-resident ratio so that its seniors can access caregivers at any time. This community is secured to prevent anyone from wandering off or accidentally hurting themselves.
Many family members are particularly satisfied with the nurturing environment fostered by caregivers at Hartwell Place. One says, "Without exception, all of the caregivers have demonstrated a genuine compassion and empathy for the residents under their care. They know the patients intimately and adapt their caregiving to the needs of each individual."
The Carrington at Lincolnwood places emphasis on providing an environment of well-being and engagement. The Tessera long-term memory care neighborhood offers personalized care to residents in a secure environment. Residents in the private and shared studio and companion suites bring their own furnishings to make them feel completely at home. The enclosed courtyard and walking paths provide space for relaxing and socializing. Trained staff members care for community members in a compassionate, dignified manner, and activities include exercise such as stretching, swimming and walking, while music and art enrich the lives of residents. The Carrington at Lincolnwood also has a bridging care program, Mezzanine, that caters for residents in between assisted care and memory care. Residents receive individualized assessments and partake in engaging and therapeutic activities separately or in group settings.
Family members and residents view this community as friendly and welcoming. One resident says, "I have made a lot of new friends since I moved here. The staff is kind and courteous" This relative comments, "The buildings are modern, well equipped and immaculately clean. The staff and service are exceptional."
The memory care residents of St. Joseph Village of Chicago stay in a specially designed neighborhood featuring secure outdoor walking paths and landscaped courtyards, and each resident receives a personalized care plan. The memory care team provides weekly housekeeping and laundry services, as well as help with the activities of daily living, including grooming, medication reminders and administration, personal hygiene and verbal cueing. On-site health clinics offer dental hygiene, massage therapy and foot care. Residents can reach the staff 24/7 through the emergency response system. Activities and amenities include a spa with a hydrotherapy whirlpool, a beauty salon and an exercise room.
Family members praise how loving the staff is. A reviewer writes, "My mom was able to get into this facility rather quickly for which I am forever grateful. Everyone there was extremely fantastic. She was treated and cared for with such respect, dignity, love (yes love) and everyone was so communicative with us for every little detail."
Museum Residences on Oak provides assisted living and memory care facilities in a serene and calm neighborhood, minutes away from Evanston Hospital and AMITA Health Saint Francis Hospital. The community offers individualized care plans for seniors with Alzheimer's, dementia and other memory-related impairments. Registered nurses and caregivers are available 24/7 and assist residents with their activities of daily living, diabetes management and medication administration. Emergency call systems and secure and alarmed premises provide a safe environment for residents prone to wandering off-site. Residents are encouraged to participate in cognitively enriching activities such as music, dance, art and gardening to keep them physically and mentally active. Seniors can access a fitness center, movie theater, library, saloon and landscaped gardens. Residents can relish delicious, nutritious chef-prepared meals in a restaurant-style setting, and private dining rooms are available for celebrations with friends and families.