Cottages of Fox Lake - Fox Lake, Illinois

Jonathan M.

Worst facility ever. They don’t have enough staff to answer the phone. We can’t even be in contact with our Dad/Grandpa. My situation may be a little different with family arguments but their staff lied to me about my father being in the facility when I called. I visited him a year ago and our conversation was listened by staff. There was only 2 people there. They neglected everyone else in the facility to listen in on our conversation. My father escaped from the facility because it’s easy to get out. I had to give a 1 rating to leave a review. My honest opinion is NEVER SEND A LOVED ONE HERE.

Lisa

My first impression upon visiting The Cottages was how beautiful the grounds were. Nestled amongst gardens, tree lined paths, with sunny porches that residents were relaxing on, soaking up the sun, it seemed very much like a home not a facility. Inside the 1st of 4 cottages that I toured, I found it to be very clean, fresh smelling, inviting decor almost resort-like. I was immediately welcomed by staff and very impressed by the friendliness, and smiles of all. The executive director was amazing, she really took the time to show me around, and answer any questions I had; her passion for the residents was so very evident. Upon touring the individual rooms, which each have private bathrooms, I was impressed by the cleanliness, attention to safety and privacy that each resident was given. That being said, during my visit I witnessed fun activities that residents are encouraged to attend, to help promote a sense of belonging, socialization and physical exercise which are all very important when considering a home for my loved one. Meeting the medical staff I felt a sense of peace that my loved one will be taken care of and all needs met. The nursing staff was friendly, professional, and attentive. The caregivers were very engaged with the residents and the facility has a staff physician as well as physical therapists to help ensure well rounded care. While leaving, I observed residents in the dining room enjoying a delicious smelling lunch in front of bright, sunny windows with a view of trees and birds. I have been to many facilities and this is one that portrays a warm, safe, home- like environment, one that encourages visits and welcomes participation from family members. I am so very comfortable knowing I can pop in for a lunch with my loved one, visit with on the porch and enjoy fresh air and walks with 100% support from all the staff. I highly encourage you to visit this facility if you are considering, like me, a place for your loved one to experience a high quality environment in this golden chapter of their life.

Linda P.

My family are so grateful for each act of kindness and caring shown my Mother at the Cottages of Fox Lake.
It is never an easy decision to make a choice for someone to leave their home. We somehow found the best place for Mom. From the executive manager Kristen, memory care and activities Amber, to many nurses who go the extra mile and the special daily care givers there is a sense of really trying and caring that my Mother feels truly cared for. All of the above have been so helpful and supportive in her care.

I will never forget witnessing some very happy times created for her . I am grateful for new memories being made with my Mom reminiscing in the rockers on the porch looking at the beautiful grounds watching her grand-dog play.

Diana A.

It’s fun being in the building when Amber is doing the activities. Amber is very energetic,enthusiastic and loving to all the residents. The music is pumping and the residents have fun participating in activities . Christina ,Lisa ,Casandra, Oscar Santiago and Diana are just a few of the sincere & dedicated caregivers. They are super hero’s and I love how they speak to the residents. I would definitely feel safe leaving my family member with them. Andre always has the
buildings smelling good with his delicious cooking . Kristen is a great executive director and gets the job done with no excuses.

Linda L.

Honestly, a perfect 5 would be one’s own home. Unfortunately, home is not always the best option for safety and overall health reasons. The Cottages of Fox Lake offers a homey atmosphere in its individual cottages for its residents and loved ones. Everyone becomes your extended family - residents and their loved ones as well as the entire staff. Staff members are always available to offer support and find solutions to meet the needs of the residents and/or loved ones.
Although our loved one has gone on to be with the Lord, we still enjoy visiting our extended family at the Cottages.

Charles G.

I’ll freely admit that I have little experience with other memory care facilities, but I can tell you that I have absolutely no reason to look elsewhere! The care my loved one receives at The Cottages of Fox Lake is phenomenal! I’ve not lost any sleep worrying that my loved one is not being well cared for and in a very safe place. The staff are all angels of this earth that truly care for the residents. They are ALWAYS interacting with the residents and do so with smiles and passion. The facilities are well maintained, and the cost is very reasonable.

If you’re looking for a place for your loved one, look no further.

Dave B.

What is the single most challenging issue today for memory care? Hiring. Cottages of Fox Lake has cracked the code.

I moved my wife in at the beginning of 2024. This is not the same Cottages of Fox Lake that I interviewed in late 2022. The Executive Director has done an extraordinary job of finding the right permanent hire people for the right roles and retaining the best of them. The result is a team that works very well together to help people with extreme challenges to live their best lives.

My wife is doing better now, half a year later, than when she moved in, despite having an advanced, progressive condition. That isn't an accident, and it's all about the team. The same gerontologist makes regular visits to the facility and all permanent staff gives a continuity of care and friendship you can't get by primarily using temporary workers. Cottages has the flexibility to bring in temps if needed, I suppose, but I can't remember the last time I met one, and I am there daily. Staff connected her with a physical therapy company appropriate for her medical insurance to work on her mobility. Cottages Staff got to know my wife and always listen carefully as I relay what I've learned over ten years of managing her condition at home.

The facility layout also helps quite a bit. Instead of many people in one building, the four-building approach keeps people who need similar care approaches together, and there are less people in each building to care for. My wife has about 15 housemates, and they're good to each other.

You won't find better care, particularly not at the price. I interviewed ten facilities in the area to find that out. They have two spaces left in memory care as of last week, the end of May 2024, and five spaces in Assisted Living. My best advice if you've found that your loved one needs more help than you can give is to talk to Cottages to work out a plan to move them in.

Heather M.

My loved one has been living at The Cottages of Fox Lake for nearly 5 years. The environment has the cozy feeling of home and we feel comfortable he is receiving great care there. I echo a previous reviewer that staff feels like extended family.