A Heartfelt Family Story: Their Experience at The Laurel for Mom’s Memory Care

‍

At The Laurel at Vernon Hills Memory Care, we are honored to walk alongside families during one of life’s most challenging journeys: supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Every family’s experience is unique, and sometimes their words capture our mission better than we ever could.

Recently, we received a deeply moving review from the daughter of one of our residents. Her mother has been living at The Laurel for three months, and her story is a powerful reflection of what compassionate, personalized care can mean for a family.

‍

A Community Designed for Comfort and Safety

“The building floor plan is set up for the dementia Alzheimer mindset. Many walk, but they can’t get lost, because all paths lead to the main common area. This gives residents comfort.”

Every detail of The Laurel’s design is intentional, from our secure, open floor plan to our cozy gathering areas. Our goal is to create a safe, familiar space where residents can move freely without fear or confusion, promoting independence while reducing anxiety.

‍

Genuine Care from Familiar Faces

“I am glad this is a care facility that does not use agencies. Each staff member treats residents for where they are at in the disease process.”

Consistency matters. Our care team is made up of dedicated Laurel employees, not rotating agency staff. This ensures that residents are supported by people who know them personally, understand their unique needs, and can adapt care as conditions change.

‍

A Family-Like Atmosphere

“I normally have all guards up, but when I walk in there, they are genuine, and make you feel like you are part of their family.”

We believe memory care is as much about supporting families as it is about caring for residents. Our team builds relationships based on trust, warmth, and empathy, making every visit a reassuring and uplifting experience.

‍

Personalized Activities and Medical Support

“They have functional and non-functional activities, and the patience the staff has is beyond. Everyday is different with Alz/Dementia, and they tweak everything to each resident’s day.”

Our life enrichment program blends purposeful activities with moments of simple joy, tailored to each person’s abilities and preferences. And because dementia care needs can change quickly, we provide close health monitoring and partner with specialists, including a dedicated psychologist, to manage challenges like sundowning and behavioral changes.

‍

Helping Families Cope and Stay Involved

“They have support groups there that help the families cope and accept what is ahead… and they keep the family notified.”

Family involvement is a cornerstone of our care philosophy. From regular updates and care plan meetings to educational support groups, we ensure families feel informed, empowered, and connected to their loved one’s journey.

‍

Finding Purpose and Joy in Everyday Moments

“Because my mom is high functioning, they use her strengths and she helps others, which gives her self-esteem and a sense of purpose.”

We focus on what residents can do, celebrating their strengths and encouraging them to contribute to community life. For some, that means lending a hand to fellow residents; for others, it’s engaging in art, music, or meaningful conversations.

‍

Gratitude That Inspires Us

Our team was humbled by the family’s closing words:

“The Laurel has helped my family deal, accept, and participate in mom’s care with the best guidance… I believe God intervened to get her here.”

To the family who shared this review, thank you for trusting us and for reminding us why we do what we do.

‍

Read the Full Review

My mom has been at The Laurel for about 3 months. We researched other memory care facilities and The Laurel has by far exceeded my expectations. The building floor plan is set up for the dementia Alzheimer mindset. Many walk, but they can't get lost, because all paths lead to the main common area. This gives residents comfort. I am glad this is a care facility that does not use agencies. Each staff member treats residents for where they are at in the disease process.

I normally have all guards up, but when I walk in there, they are genuine, and make you feel like you are part of their family. This has brought great comfort to my father, me, and my sister for the care of our mother. We learned so much from the director, asst director, front receptionist, and if you do not know what the definition of empathy is, go observe The Laurel's staff. The staff gives it their all and by watching them, it has made it easier for my family to accept the disease my mom is going through and how to find her in her world and be a part of her life in this horrible disease.

They have functional and non-functional activities, and the patience the staff has, is beyond. We all sleep well at night knowing she is in the best care possible. Everyday is different with Alz/Dementia, and they tweak everything to each resident's day. Who are my favorites, every single worker there is, they go with the flow and monitor each resident behaviors and health, and address any issues fast. Everything they do, they try, if it doesn't work they try something else, and they let me know, and I am able to participate to help. They keep the family notified. The facility is so clean, cozy, and most importantly simple and safe! Because sundowning is a big part of their day, they have a psych that works with this part of the disease to find the right meds.

I used to come in with my head down, bc I knew how mom was at home, but they do not judge, and they honestly look at the good parts. They have support groups there that help the families cope and accept what is ahead. Because my mom is high functioning, they use her strengths and she helps others which gives her self-esteem and a sense of purpose, and all staff works with my mom to keep her busy, satisfied, and I am not gonna lie, mom has her rough days, but every staff member makes her feel she is loved and needed.

The Laurel has helped my family deal, accept, and participate in mom's care with the best guidance. As the disease is awful and accelerates, we sometimes are upset this happened to her, and question faith at times, but then I am reminded of the Laurel and its staff, and believe that was God intervening got her there. Honorable mentions, Teri, Rochelle, Abbie, Cayla, Lisette, Eric, George, Liz, Tracy, and every single staff I did not mention.

Thank you Laurel, thank you!!!!

‍

‍

Proudly Serving Vernon Hills and Surrounding Communities

‍
The Laurel at Vernon Hills Memory Care is conveniently located in the heart of Vernon Hills, Illinois, and proudly serves families throughout Lake County, including Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove, Mundelein, and Lake Forest. Whether you are just beginning your search for dementia care or are ready to move a loved one into a safe and supportive environment, our team is here to help you every step of the way.

‍

Experience the Laurel Difference

If you are looking for exceptional memory care in Vernon Hills, Illinois, we invite you to visit The Laurel at Vernon Hills Memory Care. Tour our safe, thoughtfully designed community, meet our compassionate team, and see firsthand the difference genuine care can make.

‍

📍 Address: 350 S Milwaukee Ave
📞 Call Us: (847) 634-9300
🌐 Visit Us Online: The Laurel at Vernon Hills Memory Care

‍

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

‍

1. What makes The Laurel at Vernon Hills Memory Care different from other communities?

‍
The Laurel is designed specifically for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, with a secure floor plan that helps prevent confusion, consistent in-house staff instead of agency workers, and personalized activities that meet each resident where they are in the disease process.

‍

2. Does The Laurel involve families in their loved one’s care?

‍
Yes. We provide regular updates, encourage participation in care planning, and host support groups to help families cope, understand the disease, and remain connected to their loved one’s daily life.

‍

3. What types of activities are offered for residents?

‍
We offer a blend of functional and recreational activities tailored to each resident’s abilities, interests, and needs. Activities range from music and crafts to social engagement and purposeful tasks that promote self-esteem and fulfillment.

‍

4. How does The Laurel address behavioral changes and sundowning?

‍
Our team closely monitors each resident’s health and behavior and partners with medical professionals, including a dedicated psychologist, to manage conditions like sundowning through personalized care and appropriate interventions.

‍

5. What areas does The Laurel serve?

‍
The Laurel at Vernon Hills Memory Care serves Vernon Hills and surrounding communities in Lake County, including Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove, Mundelein, and Lake Forest.

‍

‍