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 Tinley Park’s senior population continues to grow (9.4% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Tinley Park, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease only increased by 11% between 2015 and 2020. Additionally, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 28%, showing that while Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region, the associated deaths have not increased as rapidly recently. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (4.8% in Tinley Park 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 Tinley Park. 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 Tinley Park, 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:
Located 30 miles from downtown Chicago, Bickford of Tinley Park offers memory care and assisted living. Its Mary B neighborhood encourages social connections through a homelike design. Residents' private rooms open into hallways where seniors find stations that contain meaningful items reflecting their lives. These stations help trigger memories and spark conversations between neighbors. Daily activities also offer a primarily social experience but take place in small groups to minimize anxiety. Seniors enjoy various experiences, including guitar sessions, outdoor exploration in a secure courtyard and pet therapy. Bickford also provides plenty of amenities, such as multi-faith religious services to help seniors maintain their spiritual wellness and private dining rooms where residents can eat meals with visiting relatives.
Bickford of Tinley Park attracts praise for its cleanliness. Reviewers mention how the staff excels at communication with families. One writes, "The staff at this community is always around and there to answer all our questions. Mom thinks the food is wonderful, and the staff accommodates her dietary needs."
Porter Place provides award-winning memory care across a 4-acre campus in Tinley Park. Designed exclusively for seniors with memory loss, the community uses advanced monitoring and reporting technologies to promote safety while preserving dignity. While secure, the neighborhood's common areas encourage free movement and socialization between seniors. Residents join social activities and games as part of Porter Place's Pathways of Purpose program. However, seniors with less mobility can also utilize iN2L virtual programming to participate in recreation, learning and socialization tailored to their ability levels. Complementing its use of specialized technologies, the community also offers many traditional supportive services, including pet therapy and multigenerational programming. Additionally, seniors benefit from physician-directed, customized meal plans. Chefs adjust each offering to fulfill residents' nutritional needs while accommodating individual taste and texture preferences.
Families praise the staff's willingness to help loved ones acclimate to their new home. They also appreciate the security and safety features throughout the premises. One person mentions, "I like that they have alarm systems in the various rooms. If a person has a fall, they have a system to let them know there was a fall."
Located in Hazel Crest, IL, Waterford Estates Retirement Community offers a nurturing environment designed to meet the specific needs of individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia. Staff members receive specialized training designed to cater to the needs of memory care patients. They assist 24/7 with medication reminders, grooming, bathing, mobility and meals. Fully secure, the community prevents wandering for peace of mind, and residents may bring small pets for added comfort. Activities include fitness classes and swimming in the indoor heated pool, weekly worship services and social activities. Other community amenities include a hydro tub spa to soothe tired muscles and made-to-order restaurant-style meals that cater to special diets.
Family members appreciate the atmosphere in the community, with one commenting, "My father has been living in the memory care community, Reflections, for a year. The atmosphere of the facility is cheerful, decorated with bright colors and residents walk around freely within secure premises. The knowledgeable staff recognizes the distinctive behaviors and personalities of all the residents."
Brookdale Orland Park, near medical clinics, offers memory care through its Clare Bridge Program. Prioritizing independence, the community follows a structured routine with brain games and stimulating discussions to help dementia residents preserve their skills. Older adults with late-stage dementia benefit from the Solace program, which highlights music therapy, activities that involve the senses and more time for grooming. Residents receive assistance with activities of daily living from the same staff whenever possible to build trust and familiarity, and the monthly fees include three healthy meals daily. Leisure options include relaxing in the secured outdoor common areas, socializing with friends at the cafe and cuddling with a pet.
Visitors like the small community as it means staff can focus on providing personalized care. One commenter writes, "The staff seemed well-trained. They showed us their common areas, eating areas and places where they get together and do therapy and memory exercises. That looked all good. They have a nice outside area, too."
Sunrise of Flossmoor lies 40 miles south of Chicago, close to the Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Hospital. The community offers comprehensive memory care programs tailored to varying needs. The Terrace Club provides brain-boosting activities for those in the early stages of memory loss, while the Reminiscence program supports residents in more advanced stages. All care staff receive certifications through the Alzheimer's Association essentiALZ training program and help with personal care needs, such as grooming, dressing, bathing and mobility. Seniors take part in engaging activities, such as arts and crafts, music and gardening, in either small groups or one-on-one with staff. Residents also take part in special events in the spacious event rooms.
Residents' families appreciate the level of care their loved ones receive, with one person commenting, "Sunrise Flossmoor is a very warm and welcoming community, from the staff to the residence as well. They made my mom Esther feel very much at home, and I feel very secure knowing that she is in their care."
Clarendale of Mokena, surrounded by parks and near a health center, offers memory care through the Heartfelt CONNECTIONS memory care program. Focusing on seniors' remaining abilities, staff plans enriching daily activities that instill a sense of purpose in each resident. The resort-style senior community provides a secured courtyard where older adults can safely take walks and explore the areas. Trained staff assists with daily tasks, such as grooming and bathing, to help older adults improve their quality of life. The community also guarantees no increase in rates after the move-in. Its Health and Wellness Navigation Program prioritizes the eight dimensions of wellness, with discussion groups, educational classes, exercises and stress management. Leisure activities include bird-feeding and bird-watching, gardening and spending time with family in the common areas.
Family members are satisfied with their experience at Clarendale of Mokena. One writes, "I felt so at ease dealing with knowledgeable professionals. I'm always immediately welcomed, and small hiccups with the move from rehab were handled promptly. ... [My loved one] loves the beautiful fitness center, and I'm thankful the team handles concerns quickly."
Sunrise of Palos Park offers memory care, assisted living and respite a few miles from Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital and UChicago Medicine Orland Park. While this allows convenient access to medical services, the community also provides monthly checkups on-site by a licensed nurse, reducing travel for health care. Sunrise's personalized memory care prioritizes small-group activities and dedicated care assignments to prevent residents from becoming overwhelmed. Caregivers receive certification from the Alzheimer's Association's essentiALZ training program. This training enables them to identify behavioral cues and communicate in both verbal and non-verbal ways to pierce through the fog of memory loss. Throughout each day, the staff also assists residents to enjoy interests such as painting, yoga, gardening and meditation as part of Sunrise's Live With Purpose lifestyle program.
Reviews mention the staff's excellent communication skills, and families appreciate the clean, well-maintained condition of the premises. One resident's relative writes, "The grounds, rooms, dining and recreational areas are all lovely. The staff is friendly and helpful. We feel that Mom is in a good, safe place."
Charter Senior Living of Hazel Crest lies near the center of town, approximately 30 minutes south of Chicago. Seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia follow regular routines in a safe and secure environment that safeguards against wandering. The personal care team helps with activities of daily living, including dressing, bathing, grooming and mobility. The community's Flourish memory care program provides activities that focus on the Six Pathways to Supportive Care, which include restoring, enriching, connecting, creating, engaging and uplifting. These activities include daily devotions, exercise, music, games and trivia. The community has an on-site chapel for weekly worship, a resource library with computers that allows residents to stay in touch with family and transportation services to and from medical appointments.
Family members appreciate the number of amenities for residents, with one commenting, "I like the activities that they have available for the seniors. I like the fact that they cook on-site. They have the barbershop, they have the physical therapy, they have the occupational therapy, and they have outdoor options for the seniors to move around in the summertime."
Heartis Village Orland Park sits in a convenient location just off West 159th Street, minutes from UChicago Medicine and a host of other health care providers. In addition to assisted living services, the community offers its Generations Memory Care program to support seniors with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Its person-centric philosophy focuses on residents' remaining strengths and abilities to encourage independence. Staff offers 24-hour support, including assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and medication management. Its signature dementia programs stand as a hallmark of the community. These include the Life Story Display program, which celebrates seniors' past experiences, Tune Into Me personalized playlist creation and Culinary Creations nostalgic meal preparation. The staff also plans intergenerational activities and local community events to promote connectivity. Residents can enjoy time outdoors in the community's enclosed courtyard and walking paths.
Heartis Village Orland Park earns accolades for its welcoming atmosphere and compassionate staff. A resident's loved one shares, "Every time I walk into this community, it truly feels like a family. You can instantly tell how much the staff cares! ... The memory care team especially always warms my heart with how they love and support each and every resident."
The Cottages of New Lenox, about 10 miles southwest of Tinley Park, features five 16-bed, homelike residences and an enclosed, landscaped courtyard with a tiered water fountain. The community's signature memory care programming, Flourish, helps minimize the physical and cognitive effects of dementia through individualized support tailored to personal preferences and specialized daily activities that offer opportunities for creativity, meaningful contribution, restoration, social connection and life enrichment. Activities include trivia games, crafts, baking, seated yoga, outdoor lemonade socials, park picnic outings and indoor walks with music. Residents see familiar faces daily, as the community boasts an intimate neighborhood design and a long-tenured care team. Team members, trained to engage with seniors as if they were personal friends or relatives, routinely interact with residents, giving each day structure, with licensed skilled nurses also on-site around the clock.
Reviewers praise the community for providing a "just-like-home" atmosphere and engaging daily activities for residents with every stage of dementia. One resident's son says, "It's clean and I'm well-informed of everything that's going on. The staff is courteous, kind, and friendly. ... My mom has advanced Alzheimer's, but still [has] activities every day."
Located south of downtown Chicago, Evergreen Senior Living - Orland Park cares for adults with Alzheimer's through The Legacy: Memory Support program. As part of the community's person-centered approach, the care team and nurses provide around-the-clock assistance with daily tasks, personal hygiene and medication management. Wellness checks offer a seamless continuum of care and allow caregivers to coordinate as-needed therapy and physician appointments. Each day, residents participate in engaging activities to build cognition. Mental workouts, yoga, reminiscing exercises and group games create structured routines for seniors. Memory care apartments feature shadow boxes for memorabilia, walk-in showers with grab bars and a sprinkler system. A secured outdoor patio and courtyard allow residents to explore and socialize freely. Staff also ensures seniors' safety by escorting them to and from their apartments and common spaces. Anytime restaurant-style dining serves homemade favorites and seasonal options.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the caring staff and welcoming environment. One family member writes, "My mother-in-law has moved into Evergreen Senior Living - Orland Park. It has been a good experience. Friendly staff. Everything is good over there. The community is friendly and clean. The people inside seem to enjoy themselves."
Located in Crestwood, approximately 30 minutes south of Chicago, The Pointe at Kilpatrick provides personalized care and support to seniors at varying stages of memory loss. Residents receive assistance 24/7 from certified nursing assistants who help with personal care needs, such as grooming, mobility, meals, dressing and medication reminders. New Day, the community's memory care program, focuses on each resident's physical, mental and emotional well-being through a calendar of events and amenities. Activities include ice cream socials, daily devotions, trivia, chair exercises and music. Additional amenities include a library with a computer for emailing family and friends, a small country store for purchasing necessities and a private dining room for entertaining visitors. Secure outdoor areas, such as walking paths, a gazebo and a landscaped pond, offer supervised outdoor areas for socializing and exercise.
Family members appreciate the well-kept community, with one person mentioning, "My mom is at The Pointe at Kilpatrick. The facility was nice, well-kept, and clean. The staff has been super helpful. They had quite a few activities for the residents to take part in. The wonderful lady who gave me the tour was fabulous."
Victorian Village provides memory care and skilled nursing alongside assisted and independent living. Accredited by JCAHO, the community meets high standards for staff training, safety and activities. Seniors begin their day with reminiscence therapy to engage their minds and light exercises to stretch their muscles. Personalized routines then allow them to participate in other activities they enjoy, such as art and Bible studies. Victorian Village offers additional therapeutic programming for residents with more severe memory loss, including pet, art and music therapies. Accommodations include many safety features, such as bathroom handrails to prevent falls, and seniors can seek emergency assistance at any time through their apartment's 24-hour call system. In addition to the convenience of weekly housekeeping and laundry, residents receive three chef-prepared meals daily.
Victorian Village earns acclaim for its cleanliness and the high quality of its food choices. The staff also excels in care and friendliness, according to one reviewer. They note, "Our family member was a resident of Victorian for three years, and we were very pleased with the facilities and staff. The staff always showed our relative respect and cared for her well."
Grace Point Place, located in Oak Lawn, IL, a suburb of Chicago, specializes in memory care for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia. The community employs Anthem Memory Care's Pathways of Purpose program, which takes a holistic view of dementia care. This approach considers biological factors, such as cognitive limitations and psychosocial factors, including personal history and preferences. Its senior technology program, Its Never 2 Late interactive system, enhances residents' experiences by offering recreation, learning and mental stimulation. The staff provides 24/7 monitoring for resident safety. Activities include multigenerational programs with student volunteers and pet therapy visits. Grace Point Place offers therapeutic activities for various ability levels, personal grooming services and social activities geared to each individual. The secure environment features state-of-the-art monitoring systems and common areas designed for safe freedom of movement.
Families appreciate the engaging environment. One family member shares, "When I went to see Grace Point Place, it was phenomenal. It was very beautiful, very clean. ... I love that they keep [my grandmother] busy, like yesterday, she was out of her room the whole day. She never would do that, so she's learning to interact with people."
Situated north of Palos Park, Arden Courts of Palos Heights positions seniors near Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital and several medical specialists. The community's design replicates family homes with individual bedrooms that flow into shared spaces. Seniors also spend time outdoors, where they enjoy secured amenities such as courtyards and walking paths. Indoors, the halls feature colorful and distinct decorations that aid navigation. Photos and symbols create additional visual cues, enabling residents to find their accommodations and communal amenities. To encourage active socialization and preserve their autonomy, seniors begin their daily routines with life skill practice. They then participate in therapeutic activities such as news discussions and games that stimulate the mind. However, the community also fosters fun and creativity through cooking classes and poetry clubs.
Arden Courts stands out for its friendly staff, extensive range of activities and myriad outdoor spaces. One reviewer notes, "The staff was very professional, caring, nurturing and communicated frequently. Mom was very happy there, and they kept her occupied with activities while she could still participate."
Located on the edge of Palos Park, Peace Village offers memory care, assisted living and independent living. An interdisciplinary team coordinates the community's dementia care, allowing seniors to engage the assistance of specialized caregivers and nurses. They also see a physician and consult with specialists on-site. With its 16 private suites, the Courtyard memory care neighborhood offers an intimate, family-like setting for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's. However, residents can access additional community amenities, including secure outdoor areas where they play cognitive-boosting games and a fitness center that hosts group exercise classes. Scheduled programming enriches each day with social events, professional performances and spiritual counseling. Seniors also benefit from music therapy to relieve stress and evoke memories. Additional services the community delivers include on-site postal, banking and pharmacy services.
Reviewers appreciate Peace Village's homelike, welcoming environment and highlight its food quality. One person comments, "What made Peace Village stand out to us was the dining room and the food served there. It seemed higher quality than other places we looked at."
Smith Village, a continuing care retirement community, sits approximately 10 miles northeast of Tinley Park in southwest Chicago. This nonprofit community provides assisted living memory care for seniors with mild-to-moderate dementia as well as skilled nursing memory care for those with late-stage dementia requiring 24/7 specialist care. Residents live in private studios in a homelike setting, where they can benefit from round-the-clock access to licensed nursing staff and daily programming designed to celebrate strengths, slow memory loss progression and promote holistic well-being. A team of specialists, therapists and experienced dementia caregivers develops personalized care plans for each resident based on individual personalities, abilities, life stories and medical histories. The team also provides family support. On-site therapies include music, pet, cognitive, physical, speech, occupational and respiratory. Monthly health clinics also offer dental, audiology, podiatry and ophthalmology care on-site.
Residents and their families remark on the high-quality care and impressive cleanliness standards at Smith Village. One commenter says, "The staff is very caring and compassionate and ... truly goes above and beyond for their residents. My mom loved living there, and we were always very impressed with how clean everything was and the quality of care she received."
Smith Crossing in Tinley Park offers memory care for seniors with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. The secure neighborhood features spacious, private studio apartments with full baths. A team of specialists, therapists and experienced caregivers create personalized care plans to help residents thrive. The community employs state-of-the-art programming designed to slow memory loss and sustain current abilities while focusing on residents' strengths. Activities include fitness programs and music and pet therapies. Smith Crossing provides 24/7 on-site licensed nursing care and medication administration. Amenities include three restaurant-style dining options, a wellness center and a fully equipped fitness center with a full-time exercise physiologist. The community offers life enrichment activities, such as outings to theaters and museums, lectures and resident-run clubs. Smith Crossing also provides family support through regular meetings and updates.
Families appreciate the attentive care at Smith Crossing. One family member shares, "My mother-in-law is currently at Smith Crossing for rehab. She has actually been there twice. Both times were wonderful. The staff is kind, friendly and attentive. As soon as she presses her call button, someone is there within a minute."
Approximately 40 miles southwest of Chicago, Cedarhurst of Frankfort offers personalized support for seniors experiencing all stages of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. The thoughtfully designed, secure campus provides communal amenities, such as on-site therapy rooms, activity spaces and landscaped courtyards with raised garden beds. Wheelchair-accessible apartments feature spacious bathrooms and a 24-hour emergency call system. Professional caregivers provide round-the-clock assistance with personal care tasks, while licensed nurses conduct ongoing health monitoring and assessments. Cedarhurst's signature Living True program strives to honor each resident's needs and personal preferences. It encompasses customized exercise and therapy sessions, opportunities for socialization, intergenerational programs and other activities. The community's culinary program reflects this individualized approach and includes gluten-free, heart-healthy and diabetic-friendly meal options, with foods that optimize cognitive functioning.
Residents and their families appreciate the dedicated staff members. One resident's daughter writes, "I would highly recommend Cedarhurst of Frankfort to others. The staff did an awesome job of taking care of the residents, the food was very good, and the move-in process went well. The nurses always found time to discuss any new issues with the family."
Autumn Leaves of Orland Park, located 4 miles from downtown Tinley Park, provides specialized Memory Care services for residents with Alzheimer's and other dementias. The Inspired Connections program offers biography-based care, focusing on residents' unique cultures, hobbies and histories. Daily activities, such as gentle exercise, art and music, support seniors' overall well-being. Meals are prepared from scratch to accommodate dietary needs and preferences, and in-house rehabilitation services include physical, occupational and speech therapies. The facility emphasizes creating a sense of belonging and purpose through personalized experiences and daily engagement, carefully managing residents' nutritional needs and marking special occasions and holidays with tailored dining experiences.
Residents' families praise the care and compassion provided by staff. One reviewer states, "They made my father feel like this community was his home, and we were treated like family. The wonderful caregivers, the nurses, management, cooks and even the custodial members of this community were so kind, caring and loving to my father and our family."