The Laurel at Vernon Hills Memory Care specializes in assisted living and memory care, tailored to meet the needs of individuals experiencing various stages of cognitive decline. The facility provides comprehensive medical support for residents who wander, exhibit combative behaviors, and have specific needs related to diabetes, wound care, and oxygen therapy. With support for advanced dementia conditions, the facility ensures that residents receive appropriate care throughout their stay, offering specialized services to address elopement risks and nighttime disturbances. The staff includes registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who are available around the clock, ensuring continuous medical oversight and immediate response to any health concerns.

In addition to medical support, The Laurel at Vernon Hills Memory Care provides personal care assistance for daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. Residents may receive multiple levels of transfer assistance based on their individual needs, including the use of Hoyer lifts for those who require full support. The facility is equipped with safety measures, including alarms and secured outdoor areas, to safeguard residents who may wander, which enhances the overall sense of security. Staff members are selected through thorough background checks, and there is an awake night shift to monitor residents at all times.

Accommodations at The Laurel vary, offering furnished living spaces that come with independent temperature controls, private bathrooms, and cable TV. Residents have the option to personalize their rooms through painting or decoration. Housekeeping and scheduled laundry services ensure that living environments remain clean and comfortable. However, it's important to note that not all accommodations include the same features, and residents should inquire about the specific amenities available in their chosen unit.

Dining at The Laurel focuses on providing nutritious meals with a set menu that can accommodate dietary modifications and management. Snacks are also available to residents throughout the day, allowing for flexible eating options. The facility offers a variety of amenities and services, including internet access, a wellness center, on-site religious services, and a barber/beauty shop. The community is wheelchair accessible and is located close to public transportation. Communal gardens provide outdoor space for residents, and pets are allowed; it's a good idea to check with the community during your visit to see if your pet will be allowed.

Residents and their families say:

This community has garnered positive feedback for its caring and competent staff who are viewed as attentive and always willing to go the extra mile for the residents. The cleanliness of the facility, including the resident's rooms and common areas, has been praised, along with its well-maintained, comfortable environment. The diverse and engaging activities, nutritious meals, and welcoming atmosphere contribute to a sense of community and well-being. Families have highlighted the peace of mind they feel knowing their loved ones are safe, respected, and thriving, with some noting improvements in their family members' assessments and engagement levels. The management's responsiveness and personal involvement in residents' well-being, alongside the creative efforts of the staff to cater to individual needs and preferences, including through regular updates to family members, have been particularly appreciated.

However, some reviews did express concerns, including high caregiver turnover, unresponsiveness to phone calls due to perceived understaffing, the director's alleged lack of follow-through on concerns, and a discrepancy between advertised activities and actual engagement levels. There were also mentions of general hygiene needing to be requested frequently, missing personal items, and subpar PT/OT services. The need for a proactive approach in matters of cleanliness and maintenance was noted, alongside a sense of dissatisfaction with the handling of care needs and financial aspects, leading some to seek alternative facilities. Despite these criticisms, the positive elements of individualized care, professional and patient staff, and a focus on creating a homelike, engaging environment for residents with attention to safety and health protocols, especially during the Covid outbreak, underline the community's commitment to its residents.

AI generated summary of real reviews