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 Waukegan’s senior population continues to grow (12.3% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Waukegan, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 56% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 26%, 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 (7% in Waukegan 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 Waukegan. 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 Waukegan, 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 Auberge at Highland Park is a luxurious memory care community in a quiet suburb just north of Chicago. Memory care draws on Montessori teachings to evaluate seniors' strengths and design tailored care plans that provide a sense of accomplishment. Gardening, cooking classes, pet therapy and yoga are among many of the stimulating activities that bring meaning to daily life. Seniors can spend time with friends and loved ones during scheduled socials and hobby club meetings, and get involved in the resident council that decides on community events and initiatives. Amenities such as the spa, the lush terrace and the stately common areas promote a warm and relaxing setting, one with plenty of large windows for natural light. A wide selection of pork-free meals are served restaurant-style, including holiday menus. Apartments come with built-in desks and modern furnishings.
Residents and family members note staff's commitment to seniors' comfort and wellness. One resident's son writes, "The staff is very attentive to all residents' needs. Staff will also notify you immediately if something has changed in care. [.] Activities are always being done keeping the residents sharp in the mind."
Bickford Of Gurnee community provides specialized care for memory care residents. The community takes a personalized approach to seniors with dementia. The facility staff is highly trained to provide medication management to residents under treatment and assists residents with activities of daily living. A registered nurse who visits regularly offers care in the community and coordinates with nearby hospitals to ensure the residents are in peak health. The nearby NorthShore University HealthSystem provides options in case of medical emergencies in the community. Residents participate in various activities, including arts and crafts and piano lessons which help to remain active and engaged. Picnics, holiday parties and theater performances are also part of the lifestyle for memory care residents. Other perks include resident parking and paid transportation that enables residents to attend off-site devotional activities, honor offsite appointments and access amenities in the neighborhood.
People who have family members in the community appreciate the personalized care and coordinated staff. One family member says, "[They are] constantly attentive to my dad's needs and it feels like a partnership in managing his care."
Gurnee Place Memory Care Community in Gurnee, IL, is dedicated to providing residents with specialized dementia and Alzheimer's care. The facility has weekly focused one-on-one resident activities including educational exercise, physical activity and artistic expression. Gurnee Place specializes in personalized care, offering complete and total care and attention for each individual and their journey within the community. Residents can also enjoy community programs designed to help keep ties with the local community. This is done through activities, events and other social gatherings through on-site visits and field trips. The facility also has a hair salon, permits pets and has a library for communal use.
Families of residents appreciate the support and care their loved ones receive at Gurnee Place Memory Care Community. One viewer says, "Autumn Leaves of Gurnee is all for memory care, and it's a very nice community. When we visited they were doing some kind of a presentation with the residents. It's newer compared to its sister community and looked very nice with nice grounds. The rooms were OK and had two different types. They had a room that you can share with another memory care person and private rooms. You can take your own furniture but obviously not very much."
Brookdale Vernon Hills is located near Waukegan, IL. Each resident receives a personalized care plan that helps them complete daily living tasks with independence. Staff is ready 24/7 can react quickly thanks to the community's emergency alarm systems. Residents can participate in light exercises that aim to extend mobility and functionality. Staff hosts failure-free activities for residents based on their current skills. The Crossings program hosts field trips to local museums and restaurants for guests in the early stages of memory care. The Solace memory care program dedicates extra time to personal grooming for those that require extra care. Residents can enjoy the community pool or live music therapy sessions. Staff provides housekeeping and laundry services, and chefs prepare three healthy meals every day.
Guests enjoyed amenities which include a swimming pool and indoor rain forest. One writes, "Everybody was unbelievable, wonderful, and kind at Brookdale. They have a swimming pool, and they do have exercise equipment. There's a chapel and a rain forest, which is very interesting and very tropical."
StoryPoint Libertyville provides comprehensive memory care services designed to help those with memory impairments lead rich, fulfilling lives. Staff is specially trained and dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care. Activities and opportunities for socialization are provided, as well as personalized therapy and nutrition plans. Its team is available around the clock to ensure that our residents receive the best possible care and support. StoryPoint also works with family members to create tailored care plans and provide support for them as well. Its memory care services extend beyond just day-to-day care; it also provides educational and recreational activities designed to stimulate and engage the mind. The community understands that each resident has unique needs and strives to create a safe, nurturing environment where they can reach their full potential.
Family members are quite happy with StoryPoint's services. One remarks, "While our mom has recently passed, I can say that she enjoyed her time at StoryPoint. She had good friends and was engaged in a multitude of activities. I found the staff attentive, helpful, and cheerful, particularly at any time when mom needed a bit more attention and support."
Springs of Vernon Hills is a memory care community 15 miles southwest of Waukegan. Thanks to its close proximity to the Advocate Condell Immediate Care Center, seniors can quickly address health concerns with a physician. Seniors can choose between studio and companion suites with shared or private bathrooms. The community takes a person-centered approach to memory care, learning about the individual's hobbies and interests to ensure a high quality connection between residents and caregivers. Routine housekeeping and laundry services allow seniors to focus on wellness, recreation and socializing with fellow residents. Amenities include landscaped grounds with walking paths. Additionally, the community regularly organizes social events for both residents and their loved ones to ensure a fun and convivial quality of life.
Family members are complimentary about the quality of care and the accessibility of this community for seniors with mobility issues. One relative says, "I took mom to respite care at The Springs of Vernon Hills and they did an excellent job. They have daycare and respite care. They took excellent care of her. They did activities, they did her hair, and they polished her nails. She had a room to herself with an adjoining bathroom. She can roll in her walker right in the bathroom."
Memory care Waukegan, IL - New Perspective Long Grove provides daily assistance with activities and care for those facing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. This community offers supervised care around the clock, emergency call systems for the extra safety of the residents, and regular medical monitoring so relatives can feel confident about the health of their loved one. Unique secure spaces ensure that residents who need memory care can enjoy their independence while remaining safe. Calming spaces are available for easy relaxation, and the community provides comfortable rooms and housekeeping and cleaning services. Three meals are provided daily for residents. Seniors can access exercise and social programs to support skill maintenance. Transportation is available.
Reviewers appreciate the opportunities for socialization, in particular, One resident says, "Living here has been a true blessing. Had I only known how much it would enhance my life to be around others more, I'd have moved a lot sooner."
Anthology of Grayslake is nestled near a tree-covered suburb just 2 miles from the Almond Marsh Forest Preserve in Grayslake, IL. The Virtue Memory Care Neighborhood cultivates a homelike atmosphere by putting up artwork with nostalgic images and placing memory boxes filled with residents' favorite mementos outside their rooms to foster familiarity. Memory care residents can enjoy access to salon services and spend time at the community activity center, which has game rooms, reading rooms and a theater. They can also benefit from activities developed to improve brain health by participating in the Fit Minds program and can reduce falls and improve their balance by taking part in the Balanced Living program.
Anthology of Grayslake earns high praise for being a warm, welcoming community and offering convenient amenities. One reviewer writes, "I thought the atmosphere was very pleasant (.) They had a garden that the residents plant and take care of, and enough outings and activities every day. I think he'll be happy there, the place is just bright, cheerful and pleasant."
The Sheridan at Green Oaks features an award-winning memory care program that engages each resident's mind, body and soul within comprehensive care plans that encourage close contact with friends and family members. Each studio, one- or two-bedroom apartment comes equipped with a kitchenette, washer and dryer and is located in a secure memory care neighborhood with emergency notification systems and an on-call resident nurse. Three chef-inspired meals are served daily in the dining hall, and the kitchen staff is able to accommodate individual dietary restrictions and preferences. Group activities are organized by each resident's cognitive and physical capabilities and include light exercise classes, arts and crafts workshops, live entertainment, on-site social events and off-site group outings. The community allows for small pets, and housekeeping services are available on-site.
Residents and families commend the staff's attention to memory care residents' needs. One reviewer states, "The staff is outstanding, helpful, and very responsive to my mom's needs. They're very professional."
The Village at Victory Lakes offers a range of memory care services, programs, and amenities designed to promote independence and quality of life. Residents receive individualized care plans and attentive care 24/7. Personal care assistance such as bathing, dressing and hygiene care is provided, and housekeeping services ensure a chore-free lifestyle. Residents can also look forward to three well-balanced meals daily plus snacks throughout the day. Individualized activities promote daily participation and socialization among community members. Secure walking paths and landscaped grounds provide scenic walking opportunities in the community. There's a meditation room for spiritual reflection, and daily mass takes place in the on-site chapel.
Family members have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are well taken care of by an attentive and patient staff. One happy reviewer says, "The Village at Victory Lakes is a good place for my father. The staff are very accommodating, patient, helpful and pleasant with the residents and the families."
Green Oaks Senior Living is a 15-acre senior care community located in Libertyville, IL, just 40 miles north of Chicago and 10 miles south of Waukegan. The staff gives each new memory care resident the St. Louis University Mental Status Exam, an 11-question assessment designed to help determine individuals' current cognitive conditions to ensure they receive appropriate care for their needs. This community's memory care program follows a Montessori-based philosophy that focuses on encouraging residents' unique abilities and interests. Memory care residents are encouraged to do what's familiar, such as completing simple cleaning tasks. Staff also foster meaningful moments through playing carnival games and hosting scheduled concerts.
Loved ones appreciate that Green Oaks Senior Living has friendly, helpful staff members. One resident's family member writes, "My dad was in memory care. The staff was always gentle and kind and treated everyone with dignity and respect. I am so happy we made the decision to move my parents there."
A specialized community for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, Harbor House Memory Care provides a warm, encouraging environment that promotes the self-worth of its residents and the development of heartfelt relationships. Safe and secure as well as cheerful, the community is fully supervised 24/7 by trained caregivers. Each resident at Harbor House is provided with an individual support plan so that his or her unique needs are fully met. Other amenities and services include ongoing health monitoring by medical professionals, bathrooms with safety features, medication management and housekeeping services. A secure, campus-wide walking path is another popular feature of the community, enabling residents to enjoy fresh air when the weather permits.
Residents and their families love the homelike atmosphere and genuinely caring staff at Harbor House. One family member says, "I appreciate the small group setting which provides more personalized, hands-on care and 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."
Sedgebrook in Lincolnshire is a senior care provider offering memory care services for residents experiencing the effects of Alzheimer's disease or dementia in a safe environment. A team of state-certified specialists in Alzheimer's care is available 24/7 and helps residents with daily living activities depending on their levels of independence. Other on-site specialized medical services include podiatry, dentistry, audiology and psychiatric care. Seniors can participate in activities at the community's secured courtyard garden or enjoy waterfront views. The community has a full-time calendar of cognitive activities, such as art and music therapy, and daily exercises. Seniors and their families can enjoy meals in the full-service dining room. They can stay in furnished private or shared residential suites with access to daily housekeeping services. Other amenities and programs for residents include a spiritual center and a daily fitness program.
Many people compliment Sedgebrook's high-quality memory care services. One person says, "I moved to Sedgebrook 13 years ago with my husband, who had Alzheimer's. The support I received with his care was amazing, from home health care so I could have some free time to move to assisted living and, finally, nursing care as needed. I had peace of mind knowing he was receiving the best care and I could visit daily.''
Arden Courts of Northbrook offers high-quality memory care services for those living with memory loss and dementia. Its team of experienced professionals provides personalized care to meet the unique needs of each resident. Its services include 24-hour skilled nursing and assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing. The community provides a secure and safe environment, as well as social events and activities designed to help with cognitive stimulation and enhance engagement. It focuses on creating individualized care plans that are tailored to each resident's specific needs, ensuring that they receive all the support they require. The community strives to provide a comfortable and home-like environment with compassionate care and a supportive atmosphere. With comprehensive memory care services, the community is committed to helping its residents live their best life with dignity and respect.
Family members have nothing but praise for the employees that work there. One says, "If you are looking for a memory care facility, my advice is to look at the staff. Arden Court has amazing staff. My mom has been at Arden Court for over 6 years. I attribute her longevity to the structured and stimulating environment, the nourishing and creative meals, and the conscientious and, yes, loving care she receives there from everyone."
North Shore Place is a memory care community offering residents a comfortable, home-like environment for residents. The community's comprehensive approach to wellness aims at helping each resident achieve an individual daily rhythm. Residents with dementia are attended to by an on-site nursing staff that performs wellness checks and provides a medication management service for seniors under medication. The community has a security and emergency response protocol that guarantees a secure environment for memory care residents. The memory care plan includes specialized offerings such as nutritious meals and transportation to doctor's appointments. There are many activities residents can participate in to remain engaged and active. Besides happy hour and holiday parties hosted in the community, they are also treated to outings within Northbrook.
Residents in the community are comfortable, and the staff makes transitioning easy. A loved one of a resident in the community remarks, "My mother-in-law is still in the phase of transitioning from her home to this place but then again no matter where we had placed her she would have had a hard time. She is doing much better thanks to the staff of being empathetic and patient."
Sunrise of Highland is situated in scenic Highland Park and offers numerous amenities, including laundry and housekeeping services. An in-house chef provides home-cooked meals, giving residents the option to dine with the group or in their private living quarters. Memory care is administered through the Reminiscence neighborhood, with staff members that use the Validation Method to communicate with residents. This method allows for emotional matching during interactions and also includes asking open-ended questions and making direct eye contact. The Reminiscence segment is designed for easy physical navigation, with short hallways and centralized common areas with living suites along the perimeter. This community has life skills stations with components like vanities with jewelry or desks with typewriters to promote nostalgia. Memory care activities include brain games and crossword puzzle sessions, art and group exercise.
Sunrise of Highland Park reviews underscore the many community amenities provided for residents as well as the skilled staff. One resident notes, "I moved into Sunrise of Highland Park. It's excellent. The staff is excellent, very attentive. I've got plenty of room. It's very homey and cozy, and has a very big window. Right now, we're getting ready to have a casino party, and they have exercise every day, and movie nights."
HarborChase of Long Grove is located on the outskirts of Chicago and boasts a sophisticated environment. This pet-friendly community has an array of amenities, including upscale dining, housekeeping and laundry services and planned outings. Memory care is administered through The Cove, which is a special segment of the larger HarborChase community. Each memory care resident receives a specialized care plan, specific to their memory-related condition. The Cove has fully secured indoor and outdoor spaces, so that residents can feel independent as they move around common areas. Activity offerings here include "Remember When." discussion sessions as well as spiritual services, games, historical lessons and musical performances.
Residents and their loved ones offer kudos to the community for the excellent care provided by the staff. The amenities and activities are also frequently noted. One writes, "HarborChase of Long Grove is excellent. My wife has been there since June, and it's a beautiful new facility. The memory care wing is very nice, very spacious, and spread out.It's really great. I would highly recommend it."
Aspired Living of Prospect Heights offers independent, assisted living and memory care services in a quiet suburb in Chicago, IL. The community provides a secure memory care neighborhood where residents receive 24-hour supervision and support from a team with special training to deal with degenerative mental diseases. The community follows a Knew Day Memory Support approach, which hinges on caregivers' comprehensive knowledge of each memory care resident, allowing them to design person-centered care programs. Seniors can benefit from additional services such as housekeeping, nurse consultations and assistance with activities of daily living. This campus promotes a Pathway to Living VIVA lifestyle that aims to encourage residents' cognitive abilities. This approach allows seniors with dementia to engage in enriching activities such as creative arts, lifelong learning and spiritual self-expression to sharpen their mental skills.
Residents and their loved ones applaud the community for its caring and attentive staff, cleanliness and amenities. One reviewer says, �'Aspired Living is very clean, and the staff members would be a five plus. Even with COVID, they are still doing some activities while being safe. It has a very homey feeling to it.''
Sunrise of Buffalo Grove is located in a quiet area of Lake County. The community delivers memory care through the Reminiscence neighborhood. The staff in this segment specialize in treating those with memory care conditions, in part relying on the Validation Method. This specialized communication helps to better understand the needs of memory care residents through direct eye contact and verbal rephrasing. The design of Reminiscence includes easy navigation, soft lighting and colors meant to reduce anxiety among residents. Activity options incorporate painting, music, brain games and physical fitness to ensure a holistic approach to wellness for those dealing with memory care conditions. The use of life skills stations helps to promote nostalgia among residents, while reflection rooms provide a calm environment for those who may feel over-stimulated from time to time.
Community reviews emphasize the cleanliness of the community as well as the highly trained staff. One person writes, "I was impressed with Sunrise of Buffalo Grove. I love the way they had it laid out where everyone was there watching TV with popcorn. Everybody was together. It was open."
Belmont Village Senior Living Buffalo Grove is a 120-resident memory care community near Waukegan, IL. Located in nearby Buffalo Grove, Belmont Village offers award-winning memory care with Whole Brain Fitness, emphasizing appropriate levels of challenge, nutrition, learning, social networks, exercise and reduced stress. The Circle of Friends cognitive impairment program focuses on mental therapy exercises and familiar faces. Specially trained staff for each program ensures professionalism. The community is fully licensed throughout for memory care. This approach provides for couples to remain together, even when each partner has different care needs. Residences come in studio and one-bedroom apartments with housekeeping. Companion suites are available and pets are allowed. The dining room offers two dozen options on its chef-prepared menu. Amenities include a barber and beauty shop, computers, library, recreation areas and both religious and learning programs.
Families appreciate the care their loved ones receive at the community. One family member says, ".the Belmont Village staff has continually provided compassionate care, thoughtful recommendations and a warm and welcoming environment for her to thrive."