Brookdale Hawthorn Lakes in Vernon Hills Assisted Living

Pros

• The clinic staff at Brookdale did a wonderful job, ensuring everything went smoothly and efficiently.
• Residents at Brookdale feel happy and content with their experience, often mentioning the amazing and friendly staff.
• Families appreciate the caring nature of the caregivers, who make residents feel at home and provide professional care.
• Residents enjoy a variety of activities and social events, finding opportunities to make friends and engage with others.
• The dining experience is generally rated positively, with many residents enjoying the food options available.
• The facilities are described as well-kept and hotel-like, providing a comfortable living environment for residents.
• Many families found the tour experiences to be excellent, highlighting the professionalism and responsiveness of the staff.
• Special events like Grandparents Day are well-received by both residents and their families, offering engaging activities for all ages.

Cons

• The quality and selection of food at Brookdale has gone down, with an increased number of days when there wasn't enough help and the dining room was closed.
• Some services that might be expected to be included are actually ala carte and may incur extra costs, which can be surprising.
• Although the staff is generally good, occasional small issues arise that need addressing.
• The overall cost has been increasing annually, making it feel expensive over time.
• While the facility is well-kept, it does not compare to a five-star hotel experience.

Review

Brookdale is widely recognized for its compassionate and attentive staff, who play an essential role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for residents. Many reviewers emphasize the friendliness of the staff, noting that they consistently greet families with kindness and demonstrate genuine care for the residents. This positive atmosphere fosters strong relationships between staff and residents, as well as their families, making Brookdale feel more like a home than a traditional nursing facility. Testimonials highlight moments of connection where staff go out of their way to ensure that residents are treated with dignity and compassion.

Residents appreciate the variety of activities available at Brookdale. Many reviews celebrate the extensive range of social events, engaging programs, and opportunities for interaction among residents. From arts and crafts bazaars to bingo nights and happy hours, there is an emphasis on fostering community among those living at Brookdale. These planned events not only provide entertainment but also help residents meet new friends and develop camaraderie, contributing to an enriching living experience. Residents express joy in participating in these activities, describing them as fun and satisfying.

Food quality has been a topic of mixed reviews within Brookdale communities. While many residents enjoy meals served with care and mention a robust menu featuring delicious options, some have raised concerns regarding the quality of food over time. There are mentions that while the dining experience used to be commendable, it has seen fluctuations leading to disappointment among certain residents regarding food selection or service efficiency during busy periods. Nevertheless, some reviewers acknowledge that management is attempting to address these concerns amid an overall favorable impression about meal services.

The physical environment at Brookdale is another point highlighted across multiple reviews; many describe it as clean, well-kept, and comfortable enough for assisted living needs. Some moments shared by family members indicate appreciation for the home's aesthetic—a resemblance more akin to hotels than typical care facilities—which helps ease any apprehensions about moving into assisted living settings. The layout offers a sense of spaciousness complemented by inviting common areas where residents can gather together or engage in various social activities.

However, despite positive experiences overall, there are notes on specific service challenges that families have encountered during their time at Brookdale. Some families have reported feeling surprised when certain necessary services were not included in standard packages or when staffing shortages impacted dining room operations or other timelines throughout busy periods. It highlights an important consideration for potential new residents: understanding the nuances around fees associated with different levels of care may be essential before making a commitment.

Finally, many testimonials reflect deep satisfaction from both current residents and their relatives concerning their decision to choose Brookdale as home for their loved ones. With glowing remarks about how quickly new arrivals acclimate due to warm interactions with fellow residents and staff alike—many families convey feelings of relief knowing their loved ones are cared for properly while enjoying numerous life-enhancing activities together in such a supportive environment. Overall impressions portray Brookdale as not just a residence but rather a community where engagement thrives amidst caring assistance tailored towards seniors' diverse needs—a sentiment echoed through countless individual experiences shared within these reviews.

Located in Vernon Hills, Illinois, this area offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking for a comfortable and vibrant community. With a variety of restaurants such as Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar and Portillo's Hot Dogs within close proximity, seniors can enjoy delicious meals without having to travel far. Additionally, pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy are nearby for easy access to medications and health supplies. For medical needs, there are reputable physicians and hospitals including Ritacca Laser Center and Advocate Condell Medical Center Heart Scan. The area also offers recreational opportunities with parks like Century Park for outdoor activities. Transportation is easily accessible with multiple Metra stations nearby for convenient travel options. Places of worship such as Santa Maria Del Popolo Church provide spiritual support for those seeking a sense of community. Overall, this part of Vernon Hills provides a well-rounded and comfortable environment for seniors looking to settle down in a welcoming neighborhood.

Restaurants

• Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar (0.2 miles)
• Portillo's Hot Dogs (0.3 miles)
• City Works (1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.1 miles)
• On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina (1.1 miles)
• Culver's (1.2 miles)
• Greg's Frozen Custard (1.5 miles)

Parks

• Century Park (0.3 miles)
• Butler Lake Park (3.3 miles)
• South Park (7.7 miles)
• Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve (7.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• Walgreens (4.2 miles)
• Walgreens (4.3 miles)

Physicians

• Ritacca Laser Center (0.4 miles)
• Lake Shore Dermatology (0.4 miles)
• NorthShore University HealthSystem - GI & General Surgery (1.5 miles)
• Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (1.6 miles)
• Northern Illinois Eye Clinic (1.8 miles)
• Advanced Diabetes & Endocrine (2.3 miles)
• The American Center for Spine and Neurosurgury (2.4 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Hawthorn 12 (0.8 miles)
• Regal Lincolnshire & Imax (4.6 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.3 miles)
• Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters (3.1 miles)
• Hansa Coffee Roasters (3.4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.2 miles)
• Cafe Zupas (7.1 miles)
• Starbucks (7.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Advocate Condell Medical Center Heart Scan (2.2 miles)
• Lake Forest Hospital (5.2 miles)
• Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital (5.2 miles)
• Northwestern Grayslake Hospital (7 miles)
• Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Santa Maria Del Popolo Church (2.5 miles)
• United Methodist Church of Libertyville (3.1 miles)
• St Francis de Sales Parish (6.8 miles)
• St Gilbert Parish (7.6 miles)

Transportation

• Metra (3.1 miles)
• Metra (3.4 miles)
• Metra (4.8 miles)
• Metra (7.8 miles)