Families Share Why They Trust The Laurel at Vernon Hills Memory Care

Finding the right memory care community for a loved one is one of life’s most meaningful decisions. Families want assurance that their loved one will be treated with compassion, respect, and dignity every single day.
At The Laurel at Vernon Hills Memory Care, families across Lake County and the North Chicago suburbs are sharing heartfelt stories of trust, love, and exceptional care — and it’s easy to see why.

With a 4.6-star rating across Google, Yelp, and A Place for Mom, The Laurel continues to earn recognition as a leader in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Every review reflects a consistent theme: a community filled with warmth, professionalism, and people who treat residents like family.

‍

A Culture of Compassion, Connection, and Care

At the heart of The Laurel’s success is its person-centered approach — a philosophy inspired by ONELIFE Senior Living’s Luminate Memory Care program, which emphasizes purposeful engagement, sensory enrichment, and deep human connection.

Each family’s story reveals the same truth: the people at The Laurel make all the difference.

‍

“They truly cared for her with patience, dignity, and kindness.” — Shirley Holmes’ Family

After a difficult experience elsewhere, the Holmes family found relief in The Laurel’s nurturing environment.

“The nurses were always communicative, gentle, and attentive. They kept our family informed and made sure Grandma was comfortable and well cared for. We could not have asked for a better team.”

Their gratitude highlights what sets The Laurel apart — a staff who not only provide excellent care but also comfort families through empathy and presence.

‍

“Loving the Laurel.” — Holly Schmid

Holly’s detailed review captures The Laurel’s dedication from the very first phone call:

“Carol was so efficient, caring, down to earth, and accommodating. When I first met with her, my heart melted when she told me my mom would be loved there. So true.”

She described how her mother thrived through activities, meaningful connections, and a staff that treated her with genuine affection.

“Whenever I visited, she would say how lucky she was to live there because everyone was so nice.”

For Holly, that sense of belonging and peace of mind made all the difference during her mother’s final year.

‍

“A safe, clean, and caring environment.” — Neelie F.

Neelie’s 5-star A Place for Mom review praised The Laurel for its consistent excellence:

“Everyone who worked there was involved and communicative. My mom was always looked after by many people on the staff. I was so grateful for her to have spent her last few months there.”

Families often mention how clean, calm, and well-organized the community feels — providing both physical safety and emotional comfort.

‍

“Ease of mind and care that includes the whole family.” — A Family’s Perspective

One family shared how The Laurel supported not only their loved one but also them:

“The staff is very attentive, friendly, and patient. They have activities tailored to each ability level, and they even host support groups for caregivers. The cost of care is reasonable and just helps make life easier.”

Their experience underscores The Laurel’s holistic philosophy: care extends beyond residents to embrace families, ensuring everyone feels supported and connected.

‍

“Excellent caregivers who go above and beyond.” — A Place for Mom Review

Another reviewer expressed appreciation for the caregivers’ professionalism and compassion during end-of-life care:

“The staff members are well trained and care deeply for their patients. They worked in tandem with hospice to keep my loved one comfortable and reassure my family during a very difficult time.”

The Laurel’s team approach ensures families never feel alone — especially in life’s most delicate moments.

‍

“They exceeded our expectations.” — J.H. on Yelp

A recent Yelp reviewer captured the experience beautifully:

“Each staff member treats residents for where they are at in the disease process. 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.”

The review also praised The Laurel’s thoughtful dementia design, non-agency staffing model, and commitment to empathy in every interaction.

‍

“A gorgeous community with loving and caring staff.” — Brittany Tobin

“This is a gorgeous community with loving and caring staff. If you have a loved one with memory impairment, this would definitely be a wonderful place for them to be.”

Brittany’s short but powerful words echo a sentiment shared by many — that The Laurel blends beauty and heart in equal measure.

‍

“My mother has been a resident for 4 years.” — Kathy Hainchek

Kathy’s long-term perspective offers a reassuring view of sustained excellence:

“I have watched every staff member greet my mom with a smile and call her by her name. The building is clean and odor free. I never worry because I know she is in good hands.”

She adds:

“If this is your first time experiencing care for a loved one, Julie, Carol, and Liz are excellent resources for you. In conclusion, I highly recommend this facility for your loved one.”

‍

Common Themes Across Family Reviews

Across every review, families consistently praise:
✅ Communication and transparency
✅ Cleanliness and organization
✅ Genuine compassion from staff
✅ Engaging, meaningful activities
✅ Family support and inclusion
✅ A sense of peace and belonging

‍

Why Family Feedback Matters

For families navigating memory care decisions, these firsthand stories are invaluable.
They provide real insights into what life is like at The Laurel — not from brochures, but from the people who experience it every day.

At The Laurel, reviews are more than feedback; they’re a reflection of a mission fulfilled: to brighten lives and illuminate minds through compassionate, relationship-based care.

‍

Visit The Laurel at Vernon Hills Memory Care

Experience the difference for yourself.
📍 350 S Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
📞 847-634-9300
🌐 onelifeseniorliving.com/communities/the-laurel-memory-care

Schedule a personalized tour and meet the people who make The Laurel feel like home.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes The Laurel at Vernon Hills different from other memory care communities?

The Laurel at Vernon Hills Memory Care provides personalized dementia and Alzheimer’s care focused on dignity, safety, and meaningful engagement. Residents benefit from a secure environment, a compassionate and highly trained care team, and ONELIFE’s Luminate Memory Care philosophy — a sensory-rich approach that emphasizes purpose, connection, and joy every day.

2. How does The Laurel support residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia?

Each resident receives a customized care plan based on their unique needs, preferences, and life story. The Laurel’s team uses gentle routines, sensory-based activities, and personal attention to promote comfort, reduce anxiety, and encourage connection in a secure, home-like setting.

3. What activities and programs are available for residents?

Residents enjoy a full calendar of engagement — from music and art therapy to fitness and movement classes, baking projects, pet visits, and small-group programs tailored to different ability levels. Every activity is designed to help residents stay connected, purposeful, and joyful.

4. How does The Laurel support families and caregivers?

The Laurel believes families are partners in care. Staff provide regular updates, host family meetings, and invite loved ones to join community events and support groups. This transparent, collaborative approach ensures that families feel informed, valued, and supported throughout their loved one’s journey.

5. What is the cost structure at The Laurel at Vernon Hills?

The Laurel offers individualized pricing based on each resident’s care needs, apartment selection, and level of support. This flexible approach ensures that families pay only for the services their loved one requires — creating a balance of affordability and personalized attention.

6. How can I schedule a tour or learn more about availability?

You can call The Laurel at Vernon Hills Memory Care directly at (847) 634-9300 or visit our website to schedule a tour. Our Community Relations Director will be happy to answer questions, review availability, and guide you through the next steps.

7. Does The Laurel at Vernon Hills offer respite or short-term stays?

Yes. The Laurel offers respite stays for families who need temporary support — whether during travel, caregiver breaks, or recovery periods. Respite residents receive the same high-quality care, meals, and engaging activities as full-time residents, providing peace of mind for families and a warm, welcoming environment for their loved ones.

‍

‍

‍

Read the Full Reviews from Our Families

Below are the full, unedited reviews shared by families across Google, Yelp, and A Place for Mom. We are deeply grateful for their trust and kind words.

‍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “They truly cared for her with patience, dignity, and kindness.” — Shirley H Family (Google Review)

Our family is forever grateful to the entire staff at The Laurel for the incredible care they provided to my grandmother during her final year of life. After a difficult experience at another facility, we were so relieved to find a place where the nurses and caregivers truly cared for her with patience, dignity, and kindness.

The nurses were always communicative, gentle, and attentive — they took the time to keep our family informed and to make sure Grandma was comfortable and well cared for. She became immobile and wheelchair-bound, but the staff made sure she was moved frequently, kept clean, and treated with respect and compassion. They were also mindful of her special diet and assisted her with meals in such a caring way.

We could not have asked for a better team of people to care for her in her final year. The love, patience, and professionalism shown by everyone at The Laurel made all the difference for our family. We wholeheartedly recommend this facility to anyone looking for a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment for their loved one.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

❤️ Shirley Holmes’ entire family

‍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loving the Laurel.” — Holly S (Google + A Place for Mom)

I love everything about The Laurel of Vernon Hills Memory Care, except for one thing.Let me start by saying that this was the fourth care community for mom. She was in an assisted living home in Florida in 2016 and I moved her back to the Chicago area in 2018 to another assisted living home. Two years in, Covid hit and she as well as all the others who were living in care homes were very isolated, so my husband and I moved her to our home. She was with us for a year when it became clear that we were in over our heads. I moved her to what I thought was a lovely assisted living with higher functioning dementia residents but after six months, when it was obvious that she required more care, and they were planning to raise her rates twenty percent, it was time to move again. I could not trust that they wouldn’t do that again in another six months, and I had to be careful with her resources. I knew I had to get it right as I never planned to move her again. So I visited six communities before I was lucky enough to find The Laurel.

I loved the first phone call with the Sales Director. She was so efficient, caring, down to earth and accommodating, I felt comfortable. When I first met with her, my heart melted when she told me my mom would be loved there. So true.

I loved my first visit there seeing the beautiful décor and thoughtful display cases. It was a pleasure seeing residents engaged in activities with plenty of staff there for assistance.

I loved that when I arrived with my mom, there was the adorable staff member to greet her and just take over while my family and I moved her things to her room. I loved that staff from housekeeping was in her room to label and hang up all her clothes. And that her pictures were hung were hung by their maintenancde director, all so helpful for families under the stress of moving day.

I loved that she was busy with activities and was never left in her room to sit and do nothing. Thank you to all the activities staff.

I loved that whenever I visited her, she would say how lucky she was to live there because everyone was so nice. And we have the Executive Director to thank for hiring only the best people.

I loved the support groups that they organized, which is where I learned about Hospice. I knew that when the time came, she would be in good hands.I am grateful for all of the caregivers and everything that the staff did for her up until her final moments.

The only thing I didn’t like were the curtains! That is the only thing I can think of to whine about. And I am laughing at myself while whining!

‍

I love everything about The Laurel at Vernon Hills IL. The staff is the best. My mother had wonderful care there. I loved the first phone call with the sales director. She was so efficient, caring, down to earth and accommodating. When I first met with her, my heart melted when she told me my mom would be loved there. So true. I loved that whenever I visited her, she would say how lucky she was to live there because everyone was so nice. And we have the Executive Director, to thank for hiring only the best people. I am grateful for all of the caregivers and everything that the staff did for her up until her final moments.

‍

‍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A safe, clean, and caring environment.” — Neelie F. (A Place for Mom)

I was so happy with the Laurel! Everyone who worked there was involved and communicative. My Mom was always looked out for by many people on the staff. I was so grateful for her to have spent her last few months there.

‍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Ease of mind and care that includes the whole family.” — Anonymous (A Place for Mom)

The staff is very attentive, friendly and patient. They have multiple activities each day for participating and there are some tailored to the different level of ability. They bring in outside guest for things like music therapy and animal support. They get 3 well prepared meals and multiple snack throughout the day. The staff goes over and beyond to know each resident and their family. The cost for care is reasonable and in line with the care they provide. They also have programs for care that are reasonable and just help make life easier for the resident and family members. They have an in house support group that meets for caregivers as well. Overall I would recommend this lovely group.

‍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “They exceeded our expectations.” — J.H. (Yelp)

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!!!!

‍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My mother has been a resident for 4 years.” — Kathy H (Google)

My mother has been a resident in this facility for 4 years. I cannot say enough about the caregivers and the administrators. My mom is always clean and well groomed when I come to visit. The caregivers take time to pick her outfits out and style her hair. I have watched every staff member greet her with a smile and call her by her name. A very nice personal touch.

The building itself is clean and odor free. The people who work here always look like they love what they are doing! They are very attentive and engaging with the residents.

I travel during the winter and I never worry about my mother’s care because I know she is in good hands.I have never had a problem here in my mother’s 4 years of care. If I have any questions or concerns, they are addressed quickly. If this is your first time experiencing care for a loved one, they are excellent resources for you.

In conclusion , I highly recommend this facility for your loved one. You will not be disappointed.

‍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A gorgeous community with loving and caring staff.” — Brittany T (Google)

This is a gorgeous community with loving and caring staff. If you have a loved one with memory impairment this would definitely be a wonderful place for them to be.

‍

Reviews have been shared publicly on Google, Yelp, and A Place for Mom.

‍

‍

Explore ONELIFE Communities Near You

ONELIFE Senior Living is proud to serve families in multiple regions, offering exceptional care and support tailored to each resident’s needs. In Springfield, Oregon, The Esther at Riverbend Assisted Living provides personalized assisted living services, while The Rawlin at Riverbend Memory Care specializes in compassionate Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Families in Salem can find trusted support at Battle Creek Memory Care, and those in Beaverton benefit from the warm, secure environment at Waterhouse Ridge Memory Care.

For families in Nevada, Vineyard Henderson Memory Care offers expert dementia care in the heart of Henderson, while in California, The Reserve at Fountaingrove Memory Care provides high-quality memory support in Santa Rosa, and The Woodlake Senior Living serves Sacramento with a full spectrum of senior living options. In Cottage Grove, Oregon, Middlefield Oaks Senior Living combines independence and care, while in the Midwest, The Laurel at Vernon Hills Memory Care stands as a dedicated resource for families in Vernon Hills, Illinois. Finally, in Phoenix, Arizona, Shadow Mountain Memory Care delivers compassionate, all-inclusive memory care in a safe and engaging setting.

No matter which location you choose, every ONELIFE community is united by the same mission: providing exceptional care, meaningful activities, and a true sense of family for residents and loved ones.

‍

‍