Stop by for a tour at Bickford of Crystal Lake

Relax in your favorite chair on the porch at Bickford of Crystal Lake

Enjoy a good book in the living room at Bickford of Crystal Lake

Have fun with themed and holiday meals in the private dining room at Bickford of Crystal Lake

We’re serving up snacks, beverages and service around the clock in the bistro at Bickford of Crystal Lake

Enjoy restaurant-style meals served three times a day in our dining room at Bickford of Crystal Lake

Enjoy a good snooze in the sitting area at Bickford of Crystal Lake

Relax with a good puzzle in the activity room at Bickford of Crystal Lake

With an easy access design, our whirlpool allows you to enjoy a warm bath safely and comfortably at Bickford of Crystal Lake

Strut on in and find out what the buzz is all about in the salon at Bickford of Crystal Lake

Get a new lease on life with a cozy apartment at Bickford of Crystal Lake

Enjoy bird watching, gardening and barbecuing in our courtyard at Bickford of Crystal Lake

A single entrance courtyard gives residents with dementia the opportunity to be safe outside at Bickford of Crystal Lake

Bickford of Crystal Lake

Assisted Living & Montessori Memory Care

4.3

44 reviews

Phone:
815-859-9637

717 McHenry Ave,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

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Your loved one deserves to live the best life possible

Watch your loved one thrive in an environment that feels like home

Navigating the aging journey is difficult.

We understand what’s at stake here: it’s not just someone, it’s your loved one.

Meanwhile, it’s on you to make the difficult decisions.

There's a Higher Path for our seniors

The Senior's Journey

There are two paths that seniors take as they age: the lower path and the higher path

Senior care today is reactive, expensive, and siloed. It’s a sick-care system, not a health-care system (designed to keep seniors healthy). Most of us have accepted this status quo because it feels too big and complex to change. Not us. We’re taking the road less traveled and championing a higher standard of senior care.

Learn More

Our family of caregivers will do whatever it takes to care for your loved one

Meet Crystal Lake's Leadership Team

Julie Johnsey

Executive Director
Lisa Watkins

Family Advocate
Tricia Cunningham

Health & Wellness Director

To better understand the love that drives us, watch our Caregiver’s Manifesto

Services at Crystal Lake

Assisted Living

Personalized help with the activities of daily life, such as meals, grooming, and medication management.

Montessori Memory Care

A research-backed approach empowering seniors with dementia to live a meaningful life.

See Service Details

Happenings

If you think there’s not much going on in a senior living community, you’ve never been to Bickford.

Tricia Cunningham

May 4, 2026

We are starting our celebrate nurses week today was Disney Day! Join us in celebrating all our fantastic nurses! #higherpath #montessouri

Marites Delizo

May 4, 2026

On the preceding Friday, we hosted a simple Kentucky Derby event for our residents and their families, offering them a chance to join in the celebrations. The event showcased miniature horses, which generated significant excitement and applause from the participants who were later awarded prizes refreshments and treats. #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake

Marites Delizo

Apr 30, 2026

As the month comes to a close, our residents anticipate the Monthly Birthday celebration, a highly respected event. The birthday cake, expertly crafted by our community's culinary specialist, is the focal point of this occasion and brings immense joy to our celebrants. Alongside, music is provided by one of the residents who recently rediscovered her s piano skills, playing the’ piano with great enthusiasm. The residents' reactions to this gesture are truly priceless. #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake

Tricia Cunningham

Apr 30, 2026

Next week is nurses week please help this nurse celebrate our awesome nurses! We will be highlighting our wonderful nurses,. If you see us dressed differently here is why-May 4 is Disney day, May 5 sports attire, May 6 time capsule come dressed in your favorite era, May 7th we care themed scrubs, May 8 island day come dressed in Hawaiian shirts ,appropriate beach attire. #higherpath

Marites Delizo

Apr 29, 2026

The residents of Our MB participated in a comprehensive program with the assistance of AL activity leaders. The family members participated as well for the residents' enjoyment. Various activities were conducted for each group, commencing with object sorting under expert guidance. Concurrently, another group engaged in a wooden block pattern activity. And they had a chance to play animal race game provided a universal participation opportunity. Additionally, a resident showcased exceptional piano skills, delivering a captivating performance that concluded the event as a resounding success. Everyone had so much fun. #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake

Marites Delizo

Apr 28, 2026

Meet our dedicated and hardworking Nurses, Chris, Lauren, Anna in our community. They ensure residents' needs are met and medications are administered on time, staying updated and monitoring Doctor's orders. And provides extra quality care. #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake #HappyNursesWeek2026

Marites Delizo

Apr 27, 2026

Meet Megan, one of our dedicated nurses in Crystal Lake. She ensures all residents receive their medications on time and provides them with extra quality care. #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake #HappyNursesWeek2026

Marites Delizo

Apr 23, 2026

Our residents enjoyed the ice cream sundae and had the opportunity to meet Dolly Parton in person. It was enlightening to hear about her journey from childhood to fame. Thank you, Elara Hospice, for sponsoring this event.

Lisa Watkins

Apr 23, 2026

A couple of the ladies are enjoying the spring weather with sunshine, fresh air, and just a hint of friendly rivalry floating in the breeze right alongside that Cubs banner. Sox fans aren’t stepping up yet, maybe they’re just waiting for the right moment to unveil a dramatic “W” of their own. A little banner‑based back‑and‑forth could turn into a season‑long tradition in our courtyard and spark some great conversation. Stop in for a tour and let's talk about the Higher Path to a happier, healthier, longer life. Lisa Watkins Family Advocate Bickford Crystal Lake Assisted Living / Montessori Memory Care 815-859-9637

Marites Delizo

Apr 23, 2026

Our residents are enhancing their cooking skills in the courtyard cooking club, where they unwind while waiting for their pasta to cook, savoring the pleasant weather and fresh air while sharing nostalgic moments about their gardening experiences in their younger years. And now they are planning to beautify the garden, making it an even more vibrant and appealing space for everyone. With the assistance of the residents' activity leaders and a family member, the pasta was delicious, and everyone was satisfied. Yummy yummy tummy..

Real Residents
Real Reviews

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We value transparency. We get feedback every month. Here’s what’s really going on at Bickford of Crystal Lake.

4.3

overall score based on 44 reviews

Mar 5, 2026

We appreciate the staff immensely! So many wonderful men and women.
Feb 2, 2026

We would, however, appreciate weekly (minimum) health updates for the community when there is a community-wide health issue present (as there is now with the gastro big. We received an update on FRI 1/23 with staff and resident counts but nothing since.
Feb 2, 2026

As Mom gets older and continues to decline cognitively, the staff remains so committed and attentive to her. They show kindness and patience everyday. My brothers and I are so blessed to have Mom at Bickford and it gives us peace of mind.
Jan 5, 2026

The caring people.
Jan 5, 2026

My mom has been sick this past week and required a few hours in the ER. The staff at Bickford went over and above to reassure Mom, give her everything she needed when she was not feeling well, and they communicated with me the whole time. I am so appreciative of everyone at Bickford who cares for the residents so well. It's more than a job to them; it's a calling.
Dec 3, 2025

The people are amazing, the smiles are endless, and, the staff genuinely cares.
Dec 3, 2025

I really appreciate the care and attention Mom receives as she needs more reminders. For example, one of the care team always makes sure Mom's compression socks are on first thing each morning.
Nov 5, 2025

Amazing people starting with (name removed) at the top. (name removed) sets the standards and expectations and thus deserves much credit. She has assembled a talented yet highly caring staff. They work hard to personalize the care provided. I won't attempt to list names because I would certainly be leaving someone out - but - suffice it to say that in the 11 months of relationship with Bickford of Crystal Lake, we have found only great (once in a rare while only "good") team members. Never a rating below "Good" and by far the vast majority "Great." We know the workloads are heavy and the economics put pressure on the staff, however, when called upon or asked, they do everything in their power (and with a smile) to serve. We feel so blessed that our mom is there. Thank you, (name removed), for your heart and your leadership.