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

45 reviews

Phone:
815-859-9637

717 McHenry Ave,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Get in Touch

Pay My Bill

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.

Marites Delizo

Jun 14, 2026

On June 12, we commemorated the Philippines' Independence Day. One of the activities included a cooking club where we prepared Pancit, a popular Filipino dish. As we cooked, the residents, families, and BFM's watched videos about the Philippines. By the time the pancit was ready, everyone was eager to sample the first Filipino dish they had ever tasted, and it was well-received with some requesting second round. #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake

Marites Delizo

Jun 10, 2026

Western Day proved successful, our residents thoroughly enjoying the horse racing event. Participants enthusiastically competed, showcasing their speed and agility in cowboy hat after having the opportunity to ride the horses. However, it has been noted that some participants were reportedly wanted in Bickford of Crystal Lake.???? #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake

Marites Delizo

Jun 9, 2026

It’s National Strawberry Day today, our residents and families delighted in strawberry ice cream to help alleviate the warm weather. #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake

Marites Delizo

Jun 8, 2026

Our residents and BFM's loved riding in a trishaw with our residents, enjoying a fun day with Team Cycling Without Age McHenry County, who consistently enable our residents to explore the neighborhood and appreciate the fresh air and breeze. #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake

Marites Delizo

Jun 5, 2026

Every Friday, we host a morning service led by Chaplain Mark, providing inspirational and spiritual support to our esteemed residents. #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake

Lisa Watkins

Jun 4, 2026

Why Bickford Stands Apart: Living the Higher Path At Bickford, the Higher Path isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we deliver. Two recent achievements highlight exactly what sets our branches apart from other assisted living communities: 10+ Year Caregiver Tenure While turnover is common in senior living, Bickford caregivers are choosing to stay—many for over a decade. This means deeper relationships, stronger trust, and truly personalized care for residents. No Agency Staffing In an industry that often relies on temporary staffing, Bickford branches are building stable, committed internal teams. The result: consistent caregivers, stronger teamwork, and a better experience for residents and families. ________________________________________ The Difference is the Higher Path Together, these achievements reflect what makes Bickford different: • A culture where caregivers feel valued • Teams built on consistency and connection • A commitment to doing things the right way, not the easy way This is the Higher Path in action—and it’s why Bickford continues to stand apart.

Lisa Watkins

Jun 4, 2026

At Bickford Senior Living in Crystal Lake, summer means bright colors, friendly faces and long chats on the front porch. Come by and stay awhile — you’re always welcome here. I can't wait to meet you and tell you all about our Higher Path to a longer, healthier, happier life! Lisa Watkins, Family Advocate Bickford Crystal Lake 815-859-9637

Marites Delizo

Jun 3, 2026

The bucket challenge game proved to be a highly engaging activity among residents of AL and MB, with enthusiastic participation and supportive cheers, as well as lighthearted amusement at missed attempts, making it an enjoyable experience for all. #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake

Marites Delizo

Jun 3, 2026

Marites Delizo

May 31, 2026

Our residents particularly enjoy live music, as evident from our recent celebration of a May birthday where we were delighted to host a guest performer. The lively atmosphere was filled with singing and dancing, with both our BFM and residents thoroughly appreciating the entertainment. We extend our gratitude to Michelle for delivering a captivating performance. #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake

Real Residents
Real Reviews

Learn More

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 45 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.