10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Chicago, IL

Situated a few blocks from the shores of Lake Michigan, Sunrise of Lincoln Park provides memory care, assisted living, respite stays and hospice coordination. Memory care is split into two levels depending on the stage of disease progression. Terrace Club cares for those with early-stage dementia, while the Reminiscence Neighborhood is for people with more advanced cognitive decline. Each neighborhood offers a nurturing environment with around-the-clock staffing and ability-appropriate enrichment and engagement programming. Neighborhoods are easy to navigate, with plenty of visual clues and lighting, and private rooms have shadow boxes outside.

We included the award-winning St. Joseph Village of Chicago on our list of top memory care facilities because of its array of daily activities. The enrichment calendar includes baking, woodworking, arts and music. Personal assistance is provided in the wellness center to promote physical well-being, and seniors can enjoy walks along trails on the secure grounds. Monthly clinics further promote senior health, covering services such as dental hygiene, foot care and massage. The community has a Franciscan focus and meets residents’ spiritual needs through daily mass in the on-site chapel and reflection in the meditation room. The catering team prepares delicious appetite-stimulating meals using fresh ingredients, and snacks are available throughout the day.

An intimate memory care neighborhood in a residential area, Hartwell Place has just 28 resident apartments and a family-like atmosphere. The campus has extra security features to enhance resident safety. Staff members are specially trained in dementia care, and the community boasts a high caregiver-to-resident ratio. Care and services are tailored to meet individual needs. Seniors can join an array of on-site enrichment and engagement programs, all designed for different levels of cognitive decline, as well as local excursions and shopping trips. Residents can also relax and mingle in various communal areas, including a living room, art studio and garden. The culinary team caters to diverse dietary needs and preferences.

Located in Chicago’s northwestern suburbs, Amazing Grace Senior Living is just minutes from Ascension Resurrection Medical Center. We selected this community for our list because of its daily programming and use of innovative technology. The interactive and easy-to-use iN2L system provides learning, fun and communication, and art and music therapy help stimulate the senses. Around-the-clock staffing and monitoring ensure resident safety and comfort, with video monitoring and hourly safety checks. Trained caregivers can assist seniors with all aspects of personal care, such as bathing, oral hygiene and dressing. Care extends to continence and medication management, nutritional support and physical therapy. An on-site theater, game room, fitness center and bistro bolster residents’ leisure options.

We chose Belmont Village Senior Living Lincoln Park for our top 10 list because of its sustainability efforts. It was awarded LEED Gold in 2020 for its energy- and environment-friendly designs and the building itself blends in with the local architectural style. The community is licensed to provide even the highest levels of memory care, allowing couples with differing care needs to remain together. Accommodations include studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, and rates include housekeeping and 24/7 care. A licensed nurse is always available, and rehabilitation therapies are available on-site. The Whole Brain Fitness program supports dementia care residents’ cognitive needs, and the Circle of Friends program supports those with mild-to-moderate memory loss.

The Clare offers memory care services in a distinct part of the elegant building known as The Terraces. Memory care residents live in spacious private apartments and can access comfortable common lounges and spaces for socializing. An on-site salon serves those who enjoy a little pampering and preening. Trained caregivers are available 24/7 and offer plenty of one-on-one support. The dynamic activity schedule, which includes fitness classes, special interest clubs, cognitively stimulating games and live entertainment, supports all-around well-being. Seniors with early-stage dementia may join a range of local excursions.

Artis Senior Living of Lakeview provides person-centered assisted living and memory care in a secure setting. Caregivers get to know each memory care resident as an individual, using personal stories and preferences to create unique meaningful experiences. Memory care residents are given a say in pertinent issues, such as on menu creation via Time to Dish meetings or on community life at Town Hall gatherings. Chef-prepared meals are served in light-filled dining rooms with city views. Seniors can join ability-appropriate activities, such as arts and crafts, gardening, fitness classes and movies, and the volunteering program helps residents find a greater sense of purpose.

Situated north of Chicago, Paul House & Health Care Center is in the diverse Irving Park neighborhood. Trained caregivers are available 24/7, and on-site therapies promote senior health. The daily enrichment program seeks to nourish all-round well-being, with activities such as brain-stimulating puzzles, life skills games, sensory-stimulating arts and fun social events. Music plays a central role in personalized care plans, helping unlock happy memories, enhance mood and encourage engagement. Residents can relax among the birds in the soothing aviary and access community amenities, such as a salon, library and activity room. All residences have a bathroom, TV and telephone.

Belmont Village Oak Park provides a full continuum of care for seniors aged 55 and older. The research-based Circle of Friends program supports seniors with mild-to-moderate memory impairment. Seniors in this program receive support in a non-secure setting and can benefit from personalized guided therapies designed to promote cognitive function. Residents in the later stages of memory loss live in a secure environment with 24-hour care and supervision. Licensed nurses perform daily health checks, and the care team includes rehabilitation therapists. The Whole Brain Fitness lifestyle incorporates physical exercise, social activities, nutrition, relaxation and sensory stimulation. Physical, speech and occupational therapies are provided on-site.

Norwood Crossing offers a maintenance-free lifestyle and memory support services in a nurturing environment. Compassionate caregivers help seniors maintain their dignity, and specially trained staff assists memory care residents with everyday tasks, such as eating and transferring. An on-staff nurse and in-house therapies support residents’ health, and transportation is provided to medical appointments. The community offers an array of enrichment and wellness activities each day, including games, music, exercise, devotional worship and chat sessions. Homelike interiors enhance familiarity and comfort, and seniors can mingle in a shared lounge. Residents can also relax outdoors on the secure grounds, complete with seating areas, flower beds and walking pathways.