Cedar Lake Assisted Living and Memory Care

When we entered the memory care area, it was busy! Residents were playing a dice game around a large table, others were watching a movie nearby and staff was visibly envolved. The shared bdrm room affords each resident privacy. [name removed] answered all my questions regarding medications, emergencies, activi, and transportation satisfactorily. We scheduled an assessment for [date removed]

You will get out of cedar what you put in. the activities and social scene at the facility were really good prior to covid. I would recommend this facility to others.

Mom moved to Cedar Lake about three months ago. Mom had lived in her own home for many years and was very reluctant to move out of her home even though she knew the time was coming. We talked with the staff at Cedar Lake for over a year about Mom moving there. The staff was very helpful to us during this process. We never felt pressured to make a decision and truly felt that the staff cared about Mom and about Mom’s well-being. The staff at Cedar Lake have really impressed us as they work hard at making Mom feel comfortable, safe, and welcomed. The staff communicates and works well with us as we partner to provide the best care for Mom. Mom thinks of many of the people on her Care Team as her friends as the team members have shown a real interest in getting to know Mom. Mom is getting wonderful care as the Care Team is able to bring together various resources. We truly are thankful knowing that Mom still has a lot independence in her lovely apartment, while 24-hour help is available to her (and us) when it is needed.

My mom moved into Cedar Lake in Lake Zurich a few weeks ago and she is already thriving! We've already seen improvements in her physical health as well as her emotional well-being (even during the pandemic). Each and every staff member has been so helpful and the communication has been fantastic! From the sales director who responded to questions after-hours, the receptionist who stayed over 2 hours late to help my mom get settled in (she even texted us pictures of my mom which was much appreciated), the caregivers who patiently help her with her TV remote, the nurses, the maintenance staff, the activities director, and the food service staff (mom loves the food); everyone has been amazing! We are also pleased with their COVID precautions and the fact that they still have activities that the residents can do safely. We are so happy and pleased with our choice!

With the winter behind us we ventured out to Lake Zurich, Ill. This is where my dad, [name removed], lives in the memory care unit at Cedar Lake Assisted Living. I personally have not seen my dad for over 6 months. First, [name removed] and I got sick in Jan./Feb. so we did not want to get anyone sick by dad. Then covid19 came and we could not see him during the quarantine. We, being from Wisconsin, are out now because our Supreme court ruling shut down Governor Evers unconstitutional orders. So the 1st day that was nice after the lockdown, we got out. [name removed], [name removed], and I went down to IL. with some of my grandangels: [names removed]. [names removed] were with their dad so they couldn’t make it. [name removed] drove and [name removed] brought the dry eraser markers (they will wash right off in the rain) so we could write dad/ grandpa/great grandpa notes on his window. Just look at those pics of my dad! He looks so happy, content, in good spirits, I must say my dad is being taken care of so fabulously. He is alert and just so happy. Thank you all at Cedar Lake for taking such good care of him for us. Not only have you taken care of his physical needs but it is also so obvious that my dad’s whole being is under such responsible, caring people. I wish I could download a pic of my dad so you could enjoy it as much as we do. Last Monday was such a beautiful, sunny, spring day and to see my dad so healthy and happy really made for just an all-around super “we got out” day. This memory will be considered a very well needed moment.

My sister entered assisted living at age 60 with early onset dementia. She spend the best 4 years in MC. She was cared for by the most loving professionals I've ever met. The beautiful Cedar Lake facility is small which makes visiting very personal. You really get to know all the care givers and support people as well as other residents' families. Very clean, helpful, safe, caring and wonderful place for your loved ones.

Met with [name removed] the sales director. He was knowledgable and I think straight with me. He is one year on job. Many other key staff are 1 year or less on job. This is a corporate Assisted living run by Spectrum Retirement....this may be a negative point. 2 Gerientologists on site. New arrangement with Legacy starting [date removed]. 86 beds (62 Assist and 24 Mem)....currently 53 in assisted and 18 in memory (78%"). ER goes to Good Shepard. Hair salon on Tuesdays only New food director 6 mo ago and big food improvements. 1bed/2ba. Have 2 bed, but not available now. Washer and dryer in all units. Laundry service in done within your own unit. 5% cap on rent increases annually...done Nov Excursions 3x/wk. No faults in current 3 years of state survey. Garden space, coffee shop, food 7a-7a daily Rent dad = 5370 2nd person = 500 Dad care = 1000 if assisted, 1200 if memory at level 2 Mom care - level 1 = $500 (no care = no fee for 2nd person) Rent + Care = $7370 / mo

Moving our father from independent to assisted living was a difficult decision. We looked at many facilities in different suburbs. We chose Cedar Lake because it felt the most like home, not a facility. A one bedroom unit was a great transition from a house. The Cedar Lake team is organized, professional and caring. The dining room offers a variety of menu items and great service. There are plenty of activities and living rooms to visit with guests or even host a birthday party. The residents at Cedar Lake are a wonderful group of people that had many things in common with our father. I highly recommend Cedar Lake.

We found Cedar Lake to be very warm and welcoming. [Name removed] is a rock star! His presentation and tour were excellent. A genuinely nice person with loads of compassion. We could tell he really loves his job.

Although it has been less than a week since we moved our aunt to Cedar Lake, we are very happy and satisfied with our decision.. In all honesty, Cedar Lake was my first and only choice for an assisted living facility. [Name removed] made such a great impression on us, I knew I could stop looking. There was no bait and switch and no surprises. What they promised is exactly what happened. Prices for services are all honestly quoted up front. The sincerity and concern for the well-being of their residents is a priority. The facility is beautiful, the employees are all friendly and the dining room could be comparable to the Ritz Carlton. The daily list of activities are incredible, with a great variety of interests. My aunt’s apartment is a perfect size. She has a den, living room, bedroom, extra-large walk-in closet, MBR, and small galley kitchen. Our move had to be done quickly as my aunt could no longer safely live alone. [Name removed] provided constant communication, answered all of our questions and expediated the process when we ran into problems. I especially liked the full service senior moving company (Paxem) that provided a customized floor plan for her furniture and expert Packers and movers that within 6 hours we had an HGTV reveal for my aunt. The consideration of [name removed] and his staff for my aunt and us, during a very difficult and stressful time will never be forgotten and will always be appreciated. We are so happy with our choice.

“There's No Place Like Home” Do you remember those words that Judy Garland spoke when she portrayed Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz? Often times, when one has to transition from one phase of their life into another and leave "home", those sentiments are likely to be encountered. All of us transition in our lives, the process bittersweet with fringes of anxiety regarding what will await us in our new place of residence. My transition to Cedar Lake Assisted Living and Memory Care almost 2 % years ago was a seamless one. After having lived in the same house for 68 years and the same city (Chicago) since birth, with the exception of my time in the Army, there was a sense of sadness because of all the memories that engulfed my mind....... the familiarity with the neighborhoods and the many friends | had established relationships, social, civic, and religious activities that | was actively involved in throughout the years; | had to pack all those emotional belongings and take the memories with me. The staff at Cedar Lake, understanding that change can be challenging, truly made the process one that offered serenity and hospitality, warm personalities and an inviting environment to ward off the chill of anxiety. With attributes of warmth and serenity, the process of transitioning was uncomplicated and quickly became my new home. | am very appreciative of the competence that each staff member portrays in their particular duties and the kind and genuine manner in which they exercise their responsibility. That personal warmth frames ALL of the other features that | find very pleasing. The residents have lovely appointments in the facility, resembling that of a five-star hotel. The chef and wait staff does an awesome job of preparing a variety of delicious foods and serving them in an elegant dining room setting. Just as there exists a daily menu of delicious meals, there also exists a daily menu of social activities, which include something that everyone can enjoy and engage their minds in meaningful ways. A member of the clergy and other ministers provide for our spiritual needs on a weekly basis, offering words to uplift, console, and guide us in our daily lives and interactions, thereby maintaining a serene and pleasant atmosphere. For those who enjoy crafts, reading, sports, gardening, dining out, being entertained by various talented people, field trips to various local areas of interest, Happy Hours on Friday afternoons, or just working on a jigsaw puzzle with the assistance of others or in solitude, your day is generously gifted with the pleasures and relaxations you once enjoyed and now can continue to pursue. Personally, | couldn't be happier elsewhere. Thank you to all, who through your generous, competent, and compassionate spirits, make Cedar Lake Assisted Living and Memory Care "feel like home”. - [name removed]

The facility is new, updated and well cared for. The food is pretty good but with getting more options for fresh vegetables. Add avocados to the menu. When my mother arrived, the staff welcomed her and many introduced themselves. They could improve on having an Ambassador program where 1-2 residents help the new person to meet with people and guide to who to eat with at meals. It took a month to really connect with some people to eat with similar interest and compatible conversations.

I toured Cedar Lake and was impressed with the setting and the “warmth” of the facility. What was most impressive was the “customer service”. They were attentive to our needs, conveyed a genuine concern and were knowledgeable. What stood out was the follow up relative to potential admission. I would definitely recommend Cedar Lake.

My Mom is 94 and has been recently diagnosed with Dementia. She can still function well, but needs alot of Cueing. We chose Cedar Lake because of the Residence Club program that seems to be a combination of Assisted Living and Memory Care. Mom moved in 2 weeks ago and has adjusted very well. The Staff is exceptional. Each and everyone we have met that works there, is well trained and very Caring. They have a wonderful daily program of activities to keep Mom active and socializing. The facilities are immaculate and the food is quite good. There were no surprises as everything was clearly explained in advance. So far, I do not think that Mom could be in a better Place, and that is very comforting to me.

After visiting a number of area assisted living facilities and asking friends about their assisted living experiences, six months ago I moved to Cedar Lake Assisted Living & Memory Care. Apartments are sized for one's need. Mine has an office, personal computer, player piano and quality bath features. Services include laundry, bathing/dressing assistance plus room for my electric scooter. Individual climate control is in each apartment. I trust staff because they do what they promise. Service staff keeps my apartment clean and comfortable. Guest activities are numerous. Services are secure. I like Cedar Lake employing special needs people in our dining room and kitchen. Dining room staff remembers my name, meal preferences and make for pleasant, helpful dining that follows dietary requirements. It is not "home" but the next best thing.

After living in the family house for 69 years, my Dad realized the time had come to finally let go of all that work. It didn't take him long to decide on Cedar Lake - all of one day. He enjoys the many activities, especially bingo and bowling. He's also now exercising using the state-of-the-art training room. All of the amenities are first rate, but perhaps what he loves most about Cedar Lake is the people - he continually tells me how friendly everyone is, how helpful everyone is, and how caring everyone is. There is no time to be lonely. I see the care first-hand when we come to visit. When he comes over to our home to visit, he's always one of the first to leave, as he says, "to get back home". Cedar Lake is truly the affordable Gold standard of assisted living in our eyes - see for yourself today!

The aids, nurses and Directors REALLY care about the people. They know them all by name and show genuine concern. My sister was in assisted living for a year then memory care now for 2 years. She's been in/out of hospital 3-4 times and the last time, [name removed], [name removed]and [name removed] visited her at least 3 times to see how she was doing and helped her get back home. [name removed] memory director, meets with me every few months to go over my sister's "plan of care" in detail and the rates have been reduced as my sister's care (mainly less meds) has been reduced which I feel is Above The Line HONESTY. Cedar Lake is always clean and smells good. The aids tell me what they need to take better care of my sister like new shoes, bed pads, more clothes, etc. The activities specialist are AWESOME: they send me pictures of my sister doing crafts and exercises. I go to the Xmas Chorus Concert, Thanksgiving, Xmas, 4th of July parties. All in all I hope they keep going strong forever.

Cedar Lake is a beautiful community with cheerful, helpful staff. The apartments are clean and spacious; they very much seem like home. And all the activities available ... a theater, daily Jeopardy competitions, Bingo, live music ... offer many opportunities to socialize and make new friends. I'm sure Mom will be happy here.

My uncle moved into the assisted living side of Cedar Lake over three years ago. For the past year, he has resided in the memory care area. I visit with him at least three times per week, so I am quite familiar with the staff and many of the residents. I give Cedar Lake five stars, not because everything in these three years has been perfect, but because the concerns I've had have always been addressed promptly and with genuine care and concern. I chose Cedar Lake because of its location near our home, and also because it is small, personable and warm. In a smaller community, it is easier to get to know the staff and residents. When my uncle moved into Assisted Living, there was [Removed] trying to help him over come his shyness and participate in activities. Then, as he started to become weaker, the Assisted Living Director, [Removed] would personally go in and help him dress, toilet and whatever else, because he was calmer with [Removed] around. When I was out of town, and my uncle needed to move into memory care, [Removed] physically made that move for me, furniture and all, and made sure he was comfortable. When I returned, I quickly bonded with [Removed], the Director of memory care. She was loving and attentive, and even my uncle liked her. Two months later, she took a new job, and [Removed] was hired. [Removed] has a completely different style than [Removed], but in these 10 months, she has proven to be a fantastic Director. She is completely hands on, with a bright shining presence. She doesn't sit and observe. She is a partner to the fantastic care staff, serving meals, holding hands, and singing! Any concerns I have, she takes the time to give careful attention and understanding. She is never defensive, and strives to make any adjustments I ask for. The caregivers deserve medals and praise, especially [Removed]. I'm sure I've forgotten some. They are patient and always willing to fill me in on any change in my uncle. Believe me, he requires a lot of patience and a thick skin! Lastly, they recently replaced the activity director in Memory care with [Removed]. What a blessing! She involves the residents in every aspect of the day, from games and reading, to making Christmas ornaments for their tree, and even had them plan and prepare for a fantastic party for their families! She also sends emails with personal photos of my uncle interacting, which I am often not there to witness. That never happened before! Is Cedar Lake perfect? No. There are times I have had to call and ask that his room be cleaner, and sometimes the communication between the staff in shift changes is not great. The staff overturned too often in the first couple of years, which I suspect is because the parent company, Spectrum does not pay as competitively as some others. I have had a substantial raise in his rent in the last year, so I am hoping some of that increase is going to the staff. I'd like to keep exactly the ones that are there right now! Would I recommend Cedar Lake? Absolutely! They have cared for my uncle and given me peace of mind. I'll always question if I should have him here with me, but I know I cannot do all that they do. I am very grateful.

It has now been one and a half years that my mother has been an assisted living resident at Cedar Lake. My family and I have always been pleased with the quality of care and positive atmosphere that the CL community has provided for her. I am privileged to be able to spend a good deal of time with mom in the community, so I have an extensive first-hand awareness of the day to day life there. Cedar Lake is first rate in all departments, from administration to activities, from nursing to desk staff, from food service to housekeeping. If I had to highlight just one area of exceptional quality, I applaud the "Department of Fun." These are the people who plan and execute the daily activities available to all of the residents. I am constantly amazed by the creative and stimulating ideas this incredible group comes up with. The day always starts with a physical movement session (of course, all activities are voluntary!), and usually followed by a hands-on activity that could include gardening, baking, and all sorts of other possible creative crafts. The afternoons are loaded with a wide variety of opportunities, from brain games to outside entertainment to a weekly bus excursion. Friday afternoon Happy Hour is a fun social occasion, and there is a nightly movie in the theater. My mom is in a program called "Residents Club," designed for those residents who may need a little more "hands-on" care. It is an extra monthly charge, but it gives my family a higher level of comfort knowing she is being looked after. We are so happy that we found Cedar Lake for mom, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a great community for their loved ones.