Hillcrest Nursing Center in Round Lake Beach, IL

Pros

• The Hillcrest Nursing Center staff are praised for their care, compassion, professionalism, and kindness.
• Families report that being in Hillcrest’s care brings immense peace of mind.
• The facility is consistently described as clean, well maintained, and welcoming.
• The team demonstrates patience, attentiveness, and a willingness to assist with anything asked.
• The care provided is described as exceptional, with staff going above and beyond.
• The administration and caregivers are recognized for their dedication, responsiveness, and genuine care.
• Visitors consider Hillcrest a hidden gem and a great place to receive care.
• Residents are described as well cared for, with attentive and respectful nursing staff.
• Hillcrest is noted for staff who know the residents by name and foster a friendly, family-like atmosphere.
• The reviews highlight that Hillcrest provides relief and reassurance to families during transitions.

Cons

• There is significant abuse witnessed at the facility, and it should have been shut down.
• The staff are uncaring and appear to be there only for the paycheck.
• The facility smells of urine, creating an unpleasant environment for residents and visitors.
• The staff are underqualified and do not pay proper attention to patients.
• Staff were observed yelling at a patient and speaking poorly about the patient in front of others.
• There are allegations that a family member's ring was stolen while at the facility.
• Some reviewers claim residents are neglected—progress is claimed by staff while deterioration occurs or hospitalizations follow.

Review

Hillcrest Nursing Center in Round Lake Beach is best suited for families seeking a caregiving-focused, community-minded environment where staff know residents by name, respond quickly, and cultivate daily engagement. It is especially appropriate for residents who require ongoing nursing support and for families prioritizing transparent communication, dependable care planning, and a reassuring sense of peace of mind. The facility’s strength lies in the people: a large, long-tenured staff, visible supervision, and a culture of warmth that translates into consistent, attentive day-to-day care. Those who prize polish of surroundings or high-end rehab equipment may find Hillcrest’s charm rests more in heart than in modernity.

Alternatives merit consideration for families with different priorities. If the goal is a top-tier, hospital-like rehab program with the most advanced therapy equipment, Hillcrest may not fully satisfy. A number of reviews point to the building’s dated feel and limited rehab resources, which can matter for residents who need aggressive physical therapy or highly specialized memory-care environments. Additionally, a minority of reviews allege neglect or unprofessional conduct, and a few note odor or consistency issues that undermine confidence in safety and oversight on certain days. For families prioritizing a pristine setting or dementia-focused units, exploring larger or newer facilities could be prudent.

The strongest offset to these concerns comes from Hillcrest’s front-and-center care culture. Across dozens of comments, staff are described as compassionate, patient, and genuinely invested in residents’ well-being. Families repeatedly highlight how staff members know their loved ones, communicate promptly, and go above and beyond during transitions or health changes. The admissions process receives praise for being supportive and thorough, with families reporting smoother handoffs and clearer expectations. Cleanliness and daily attentiveness are also frequently cited, reinforcing a sense of dignity and safety that makes Hillcrest feel like a reliable home.

Beyond basic care, Hillcrest distinguishes itself with a robust emphasis on daily life and family engagement. Residents are described as active and engaged, with activities scheduled each day and staff making a concerted effort to keep days meaningful. The sense of community extends to the administrative side as well, where leadership and front-desk teams are often commended for accessibility, respect, and clear communication. Numerous reviewers mention feeling reassured and blessed by the care environment, with some families expressing that Hillcrest has become part of their broader support system rather than merely a placement.

Yet no assessment should ignore the significant cautions raised by a subset of critics. A few reviews allege neglect, unprofessional behavior, or mistreatment, and others cite basic issues like a strong odor or insufficient rehab resources as red flags. There is also a troubling note about alleged privacy or misconduct involving staff in at least one account. While these instances appear in the minority, they underscore the importance of due diligence: prospective families should tour at different times, request current inspection and staffing data, meet with the administrator (noting praise for Amber and other leaders in multiple reviews), and ask about concrete safeguards, supervision, and escalation processes. If those elements aren’t clearly solid, it pays to compare with options that demonstrate tighter clinical oversight.

The practical takeaway is clear. Hillcrest offers a compelling package for families who want compassionate, attentive care, straightforward communication, and a genuine sense of community for residents needing ongoing nursing support. The breadth of positive experiences, consistent praise for staff, cleanliness, and daily engagement, tends to outweigh the concerns raised by a minority of reviews, especially for families prioritizing relational care over showroom polish. However, for those who must have the strongest rehab capabilities, dementia-specific programming, or an unassailable record regarding safety and staff conduct, it is prudent to widen the field and verify current protections and performance. Conduct a guided tour, press for concrete care-planning details, and insist on meeting leadership to confirm Hillcrest’s strengths align with the specific needs and expectations of the resident. If alignment exists, Hillcrest stands as a solid, heart-forward choice that brings genuine relief to families navigating complex care decisions.

This area of Round Lake Beach, Illinois, offers a variety of amenities for seniors looking to settle down in a peaceful and convenient location. With several popular restaurants within close proximity, such as Burger King, McDonald's, and Culver's, residents have easy access to dining options. Additionally, there are numerous pharmacies nearby for any healthcare needs, including Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy. For medical care, there are several physician offices in the area like Midlakes Clinic and Lake Forest Pediatric Associates. The presence of parks like Lakefront Park and Sun Lake Forest Preserve provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Places of worship such as St Gilbert Parish and Santa Maria Del Popolo Church cater to spiritual needs, while Northwestern Grayslake Hospital is easily accessible for any medical emergencies. Transportation options are also available with the Metra station located just 9.1 miles away for convenient travel around the area. Overall, this part of Round Lake Beach offers a well-rounded community suitable for seniors looking for a comfortable living environment.

Restaurants

• Burger King (0.1 miles)
• McDonald's (1.1 miles)
• Culver's (2.5 miles)
• Fairmont Shores (3.2 miles)
• Reflections On Deep Lake (3.3 miles)
• Stormy Monday (3.3 miles)
• Light the Lamp Brewery (3.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.6 miles)
• Walgreens (4.7 miles)
• Walgreens (5.1 miles)
• Walgreens (5.2 miles)

Physicians

• Carl M Silberman MD (0.2 miles)
• Midlakes Clinic (0.6 miles)
• Family Doctors of Round Lake (1.1 miles)
• Grayslake Eyecare (2.8 miles)
• Lake Forest Pediatric Associates (3.6 miles)
• Lindenhurst Family Practice (4.3 miles)
• Dr Amato's Office (4.6 miles)

Parks

• Lakefront Park (0.9 miles)
• Sun Lake Forest Preserve (4.1 miles)
• Millenium Park of Lindenhurst (4.4 miles)
• Butler Lake Park (8.7 miles)
• Riverside Hollow Park (8.8 miles)
• Weber's Park (9.2 miles)
• Converse Park (9.3 miles)

Cafes

• Somethings Brewing (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.3 miles)
• Starbucks (7.3 miles)
• Hansa Coffee Roasters (9.1 miles)
• Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters (9.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Gilbert Parish (3.8 miles)
• St Peter Parish (5.7 miles)
• Santa Maria Del Popolo Church (9 miles)
• United Methodist Church of Libertyville (9.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Northwestern Grayslake Hospital (4.8 miles)
• Manoj Patel - Centegra Wound & Hyperbaric Center-Mchenry (7.9 miles)

Theaters

• Gurnee Mills Cinema Gurnee, Il (6.5 miles)
• McHenry Outdoor Theater (7.9 miles)

Transportation

• Metra (9.1 miles)