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

55 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.

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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.

Marites Delizo

Feb 3, 2026

One of the most popular activities in our community is the drumming circle, which brings immense enjoyment to participants, including family members who bond over this engaging experience with their loved ones, filling our community with vibrant energy accompanied by the sounds of drums and percussion instruments and the cheerful faces of our residents. #Montessori#MemoryCare #HigherPath #CARD

Tricia Cunningham

Feb 2, 2026

Even though Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Woodstock willie did not, so being the snow hater I am choosing to go with Woodstock as it is closer to wear we live. This was also the place where groundhogs day was filmed so I take is as gold standard. We are discussing the probability of 6 more or less of winter. #higher path #montessouri #memory care

Marites Delizo

Jan 26, 2026

Happy National Activity Professional Week! Way to go folks.. #Montessori#MemoryCare #HigherPath #CARD

Marites Delizo

Jan 23, 2026

Our sparkling themed family bingo night becomes an even more enjoyable experience with the participation of our valued residents, accompanied by their family and friends with sparkling outfit. The event's exciting prizes are a major highlight. Moreover, the enthusiasm, laughter, and thrill of awaiting each number and shouting BINGO upon winning effectively beat the chill of the cold weather outside. #Montessori#MemoryCare #HigherPath #CARD

Marites Delizo

Jan 20, 2026

Our AL residents were engaged in a creative activity yesterday, decorating a winter tree through painting. They expressed great pride in their work, drawing comparisons to a real tree outdoors covered in snow. During the painting process, they sang along to classic songs. What a beautiful art work.. #Montessori#MemoryCare #HigherPath #CARD

Lisa Watkins

Jan 19, 2026

I'm here all week!

Marites Delizo

Jan 17, 2026

On Thursday, our AL and MB residents celebrated the Luau Party in our community with abundant laughter, energy, joy, enthusiasm, delight and satisfaction among families, friends, and residents. The event featured live music, a dance floor with family members, residents, and staff hula dancers, as well as food and refreshments, making it a truly unforgettable moment for everyone. The evening's success was a major topic of discussion the following day, with widespread agreement that it was an amazing night! Montessori#MemoryCare #HigherPath #CARD

Tricia Cunningham

Jan 16, 2026

We have some great people utilizing the higher path! Living longer getting stronger and happier healthier lives. #higherpath #AssistedLiving #MemoryCare #BickfordSeniorLiving #BickfordofCrystalLake #Seniors

Marites Delizo

Jan 14, 2026

Our Assisted Living residents had a busy day participating in various activities, including bingo, with one resident serving as the caller. Few of our Assisted Living residents also volunteered to assist Memory Care residents with exercises, sing-along, puzzles, and a poetry reading session. The events were filled with joy and laughter, and the residents and staff showed great enthusiasm in helping. #Montessori#MemoryCare #HigherPath #CARD

Marites Delizo

Jan 6, 2026

Drumming circle is a highly favored activity among our residents, promoting enjoyment of music and drumming to maintain mental and physical well-being and enhance overall satisfaction. #Montessori#MemoryCare #HigherPath #CARD

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 55 reviews

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.
Nov 5, 2025

We are so blessed to have Mom at Bickford. We know the staff by name and they all respond to questions and concerns. The care givers are amazing and Mom considers them friends. Nurses call with medication and testing information so I'm kept informed. Mom feels content and safe there and we have peace of mind knowing they are all watching out for her and know her.