Brookdale Vernon Hills

Reflecting on our Brookdale experience; Brookdale administration: If you truly care about the well being of your residents, you would have shut down the memory care unit years ago. Your assisted living area is gorgeous; those shopping for care for a loved one, don’t be fooled by the pretty box you tour. This memory care unit is awful. They didn’t even have a shower schedule… July 2024 thru May 2025 were the WORST for Mom (in your faux memory care unit) & heartbreaking to witness. From your ‘caregivers,’ some who are not even capable of making a bed or giving residents personal care, to your facilities, which are not designed to even allow residents to wash their hands prior to meals (they do eat w/their hands). I observed mom with dried feces on her fingers multiple times. Most often dirty, too. Once, when addressing this w/nurse on duty, she replied, ‘you are making me very uncomfortable,’ not caring to address this observation. Unacceptable across the board! (BTW, ‘Caregivers’ are not licensed nurse assistants or patient care techs, who ARE actually trained & certified with the state of Illinois to help those who need. Most Brookdale Caregivers I encountered were looking at their screens more than assisting residents.) This Brookdale Vernon Hills memory care unit’s a sham. My mom was days from death in April, most likely due to neglect. No staff notified the POA of a medical change in condition; I notified her, hospice became involved & actually brought mom back to life. We gave the Brookdale 6 months worth of chances w/basically no improvement, before getting her out of there. Wouldn’t kennel a dog in this unit. Mom now has life behind her eyes & is thriving at a facility that caters entirely to memory care. Night and day difference directly related to shabby vs. professional care. Shopping for memory care, don’t shop here.

My mom made great friends while she was a resident in memory care (Crossings). She had really good care there and was very comfortable. Definitely the brightest light there came from Jenniffer, the health and wellness coordinator. She had a magic touch with all of the residents, and they all loved her, especially my mother. All of the activities she coordinated were done with a constant smile and laughter. For my mom's birthday, she helped me throw a party. She made sure that all the residents had a great time complete with music, and dancing and singing. She helped me decorate and even made a fruit punch. She made it a real party and made my mom feel very special. Both me and my mom miss her very much!

Darren, Our Driver & Ann, Activities are assets to Brookdale. They have each gone out of their way to help me and others. The willingness and sincerity are evident. It makes life easier for me. I appreciate all their hard work. Barbara Grossman Kudos to Lauren for being MC for the Variety Show at Brookdale,. She helped organize and thought of everything to make the show a success! Lauren’s expertise is appreciated in Exercise classes she leads. We are so blessed to have her at Brookdale!.

My husband and i have really enjoyed going to meals in the dining room and having Gabby and Abigail serve us. Gabby is very sincere and compassionate and extremely helpful. She pays attention to peoples body language and brings compassion and understanding to the conversation. She has been a bright shining star to our time here!!!

Thank you to all the staff at Brookdale in Vernon Hills for the kindness, patience, and care you show my mom in her assisted living community every day. She tells us that she feels happy, safe, and comfortable. Your dedication brings comfort to our whole family, and we are truly grateful for all you do.