Compassionate Memory Care in Illinois
Excellence in Memory Care.
The Highlands Memory Support at Lake Forest Place is a dedicated community for Memory Care in Illinois. We’re at the forefront of today’s fresh, new thinking on caring for people with dementia.
Our goal is to make daily life easier and safer for older adults with memory difficulties like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. We provide the secure, welcoming, and encouraging environment necessary to help residents enjoy life to the fullest.
Our staff consists of dementia care professionals, including nurses specially trained in memory impairment. Our dementia care services focus on our residents’ personal interests and life experiences while promoting cognitive and physical stimulation.
Specialized Memory Care services for whole-person support
At Lake Forest Place, residents with memory loss are surrounded by friendship and the opportunities for growth. Our range of programs and offerings, specifically geared to engage and stimulate those with memory loss, make it easy.
Our Choices program provides meaningful and engaging activities, specially designed for adults with memory impairment. Choices features life-enriching programs built around the seven dimensions of wellness, off-campus outings that foster a connection with the local community, physical fitness programs, and a wide variety of social gatherings and events.
Our full calendar of programs helps residents improve their socialization and quality of life. From art therapy to visits to an equestrian therapy farm, where residents can ride and groom horses, our dementia care services encourage engaged living.
We also employ the iN2L by LifeLoop technology system that adapts activities to each resident’s abilities, helps increase cognitive stimulation, and enhances family involvement.
A seamless, safe Memory Care community
Lake Forest Place boasts a memory-friendly environment.
Our spacious, double-height activity room hosts resident-driven programming seven days a week, morning through evening. Residents and family members are encouraged to participate together in these purpose-driven activities.
The living room features a double-sided fireplace and comfortable seating, allowing residents to relax, reminisce, and enjoy the company of friends and family. Our cozy television room is the perfect place for residents to watch their favorite television shows, sporting events, classic movies or new releases.
Outdoor living spaces are artfully landscaped and enclosed, and feature raised and accessible vegetable and flower garden beds. A shaded patio area provides comfortable seating and protection from heat with built-in overhead fans.
Apartment home suites combining safety and comfort
Our beautifully appointed apartment homes have spacious bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms, featuring walk-in showers, controlled water features, grab bars, infrared lighting, and heating.
Each apartment home in our Memory Care community has individually controlled heating and cooling to adjust to residents’ preferences, a window seat to enjoy the views, a large, flat-screen, wall-mounted TV with a full selection of cable stations, a closet with built-in organizers, built-in night lights, and overhead lighting.
Dining that feels like home
Three nutritious chef-prepared meals each day are served family-style, with two daily specials for lunch and dinner. Unlike traditional nursing homes, we provide multiple dining options, including early-bird breakfast options, and allow residents to come to meals at their preferred times. They may sit at a table, at the counter, or simply stop by for snacks.
Dining for those with various types of dementia can be difficult, but our atmosphere and approach make it easier. Our open kitchen and dining room create a calming environment with minimal noise, encouraging choice and interaction.
Sample plated entrées enable residents to choose their own dining options. Contrasting colors are used to assist residents with distinguishing between their plates, the table, and the food. Vibrantly colored dishes encourage caloric intake. Our Fresh Bite program is available for those who may require finger-food options.
A full-time Registered Dietician is also on staff to address resident needs.
A compassionate and specially trained team
The professional staff at The Highlands Memory Support is ready to provide a comprehensive
array of services and an individualized person-centered service care plan designed to meet
each resident’s needs and preferences.
Licensed Nurses are available 24/7 to administer medication management and ensure each resident’s well-being through wellness measures, fall prevention, and condition monitoring.
Care partners provide individualized support, guidance, and assistance 24 hours daily to fulfill physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs. Care partners also complete ongoing specialized training for various forms of dementia, updated with best practices from Rush University and complete in-house training.
Memory Care Services and Amenities
Our dementia care services in Lake Forest are complemented by a range of services and amenities. These include:
- Three meals daily
- Access to a secure sensory garden
- Amenities such as the chapel, therapy services, walking paths, and more
- Health promotion, exercise, and social programs
- Assistance with dining, bathing, dressing, toileting, and ambulation
- Housekeeping services
- Home maintenance
- Medication management
- Transportation
- Laundry services
- Cable and Wi-Fi
- Access to around-the-clock health and medical services
- 24-hour security and healthcare staff
- Emergency call systems
To learn more about our included services, check out our Memory Care guide.
Memory Care FAQ
How does Memory Care differ from Assisted Living?
Memory Care is for people who are cognitively challenged, whether living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Those within Memory Care communities require a higher level of care and security, as well as more specialized programs.
Assisted Living is for those who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) but who can remain somewhat independent. Assisted Living includes:
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation and grooming
- Personal care and support based on individual needs and preferences
- Paying for specific assistance services
What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms—including memory loss, impaired reasoning, and difficulty with daily tasks—that can accompany various diseases and conditions. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It’s a progressive, degenerative brain disease characterized by nerve cell death that first affects recent memories and new learning, eventually impacting long-term memories as well.
Key differences include:
- Causes: Dementia can result from multiple conditions (stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body disease), while Alzheimer’s is caused by specific brain changes involving amyloid plaques and tau tangles.
- Underlying Pathology: Alzheimer’s involves distinct physical changes in brain tissue, whereas other dementias may have different pathological markers or vascular damage.
- Symptoms: While all dementias affect cognition, Alzheimer’s typically begins with memory loss, whereas other dementias may first impact movement, behavior or language.
- Progression: Alzheimer’s follows a predictable gradual decline over years, while other dementias may progress differently—some rapidly, others in stepwise patterns.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, our specialized Memory Care services near Chicago, IL, can provide the support and expertise needed at every stage.
How can I pay for Memory Care?
The cost of Memory Care is often something families are concerned about. Our caring and specialized team would be happy to talk to you about your options. Simply reach out to learn more about the cost of dementia care at Lake Forest Place.
What can I expect from the staff?
Our fully trained staff gets to know your loved one personally—from their history, likes, and dislikes to their preferred schedule. This nurturing relationship often improves interactions, helps reduce behavior issues, and can reduce medication needs.
Who do your Memory Care services serve?
We serve those with memory loss and their families throughout the Lake Forest and surrounding Chicagoland areas. Whether you’re from Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Buffalo Grove or beyond, we’re happy to support you and your loved ones with the highest level of Alzheimer’s Memory Care near Chicago, IL.
We invite you to learn more about Lake Forest Place, which provides senior living and memory care near you in Lake Forest, Illinois. Simply use the form on this page to contact us.
