The 10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Lake County, IL for 2025

Sitting along the shores of Lake Michigan, Lake County, Illinois is home to over 703,000 residents. Throughout the state, 220,000 seniors are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, a diagnosis that may impact some of the 13.7 percent of Lake County's population who are aged 65 years and older. There are 22 memory care facilities available across the county to support these seniors.

In the state of Illinois, including Lake County, memory care facilities are referred to as Alzheimer's special care units and are licensed and regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health. 

• The cost of living in Lake County is rated 109.5, based on the U.S. national average of 100, which may be something for families to consider when budgeting for memory care, as it's higher than the state average of 102. While groceries and utilities tend to be lower in Lake County than the rest of Illinois, housing costs are significantly higher.
  
• Seniors in Illinois receive full tax deductions on Social Security benefits, pension and income from retirement savings accounts. This may allow for seniors to put additional funds toward the cost of memory care services.
  
• Compared to national averages, crime rates in Lake County are lower, which may offer families of a loved one with dementia peace of mind. On a scale of 100, with 100 representing high crime, Lake County scores a 27.8 for violent crime and a 27 for property crime. These scores compare to the national averages of 31.1 and 38.1 in the same categories, respectively. While most facilities have security systems in place, it's still a good idea to review an SCU's safety policies and procedures.
  
• Winters in Lake County are particularly harsh. Temperatures can drop below 15 degrees, which is even colder than the average low across the state, and the area expects around 40 inches of snow each year. When visiting an SCU, consider asking about the measures they have in place to prevent seniors from being exposed to these cold conditions.

Memory Care costs in Lake County start around $6,596 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of memory care is $5,694 per month.

It’s important to note that memory care rates in Lake County and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Memory Care in Illinois page.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Illinois page.

Lake County-area memory care communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all memory care communities in Illinois are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Illinois page for more information about these laws.