99 Pointe Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of Northbrook Inn
Pros
The staff at Northbrook Inn are caring and dedicated, creating a warm, homey atmosphere.- The facility is consistently clean, the food is outstanding, and residents are treated with respect and kindness.
- Jenn sets a positive tone for the entire facility, giving families confidence that their loved ones are well cared for.
- The care provided helps residents become happier and more engaged, turning difficult times into improved well-being.
- The staff treat residents like family, with loving kindness and the utmost respect.
- Northbrook Inn is an amazing community where every staff member treats residents like family.
- Jennifer Pasternak and the leadership go the extra mile to support residents and staff.
Cons
The facility wouldn't allow a family member to live there.- Clients miss showers frequently and don’t receive their proper care because the turnover rate is very high.
- Many clients have recently passed, and some were due to improper care.
- All of the staff hours have been cut because there aren’t as many residents, so families are advised to check on them frequently.
- The Director only cares when the families are around and talks to her staff very poorly.
Review
Northbrook Inn Memory Care in Northbrook, Illinois is best suited for families seeking an intimate, relationship-driven setting where residents are known by name, cared for with warmth, and guided by a hands-on leadership team. The community shines for loved ones with dementia who respond to a home-like atmosphere, predictable routines, and staff who become almost extended family. Those prioritizing a large, clinical campus or a facility with high turnover and rapid shifts should consider alternatives. The strongest fit is for families willing to be proactive about care and to engage with the team to sustain continuity over time.
From front-line caregivers to administration, the staff are described as exceptionally caring and dedicated. The facility presents as clean, well-kept, and inviting, with a courtyard, seasonal decorations, and a sense of home rather than hospital. The Executive Director, Jennifer Pasternak, is frequently highlighted as the tone-setter who remains accessible and responsive. Residents are treated with respect and affection, and many families report that their loved ones feel cherished and included in daily life. The small-to-mid size environment allows staff to know residents deeply, anticipating needs before they escalate, which is a core strength of the community.
Memory care residents particularly benefit from the consistent, attentive care described by numerous families. Positive experiences include mood improvements, reduced agitation, and increased engagement, testimonies that a once-frustrated loved one can rejoin social life and activities. The care team’s steadiness is repeatedly credited with stabilizing daily routines, improving appetite, and supporting family members who worry about safety. The food is commended as a standout, and the overall cleanliness reinforces a sense of security. In many stories, Jen and the caregiving staff are singled out for going above and beyond to maintain dignity and joy in daily moments.
Description of the concerns exists in a minority but cannot be dismissed. A couple of reviews flag high turnover and episodes of care gaps, including missed showers and abrupt shifts in staffing levels tied to fewer residents. Some families allege that the director's engagement varies with presence; criticism centers on perceived communication gaps and a sense that staff hours have been reduced as occupancy dips. While these critiques contrast sharply with the overwhelmingly positive experiences, they point to a risk: in a dementia-focused setting, consistency in caregiving routines and reliable supervision are essential. Pros counterbalance these concerns when the leadership team maintains transparency and staff retention remains solid.
Decision-makers should approach Northbrook Inn with clear questions and a focus on monitoring. Ask about staff-to-resident ratios across shifts, shower and hygiene protocols, and how changes in occupancy affect daily care. Visit unannounced to observe interactions with residents, the quality of meals, and the responsiveness of aides. Speak with multiple families about their experiences and request a tour that includes time in common spaces and memory care areas. Consider a trial period if offered, and insist on a communication plan that keeps families informed without repeated confrontations. These steps help separate strong, consistent care from episodic excellence.
Overall, Northbrook Inn offers a compelling choice for families who want a loving, intimate memory-care home where staff become trusted partners in daily life and leadership remains deeply invested. The array of positive outcomes, genuine warmth, high standards of cleanliness, and a proven ability to improve resident well-being, often outweigh the caveats about staffing fluctuations. However, for those whose comfort hinges on unflinching staffing stability, universal consistency, or a larger, more clinical footprint, alternatives may be worth exploring. The decision should hinge on the loved one’s specific needs, the family’s tolerance for variability, and the ability to stay actively involved with the care team.
49 resident community capacity
Memory Care
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Dining room
Fully furnished
Garden
Housekeeping services
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Telephone
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Chicago O'Hare International (12 miles away)
24-hour call system
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Hospice waiver
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments
8 Important Indicators That Memory Care May Be Necessary
Delving into the Inner World of Dementia: Insights into Thoughts and Awareness
Five Subtle Dementia Indicators to Observe: An In-Depth Guide to Understanding “Does My Mom Have Dementia?”
