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

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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

Jun 29, 2026

One of our residents, Anita, showcased her piano skills in our community, demonstrating her love for music to her co-residents and friends. Everyone was delighted while listening and singing along. Anita hadn't played the piano for years, but through encouragement and her passion, she proved that music remains timeless in her heart and soul. She enjoys playing piano and entertaining the residents in our community. #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake

Marites Delizo

Jun 29, 2026

Our residents engage in a multitude of activities daily, with one of the most anticipated being the trishaw rides accompanied by volunteers from Cycling without Age McHenry County. The residents eagerly awaited their turns, savoring the pleasant weather and fresh air while enjoying the scenic neighborhood tour. The smiles on their faces were truly unforgettable as they relished the opportunity to ride around the neighborhood. #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake

Marites Delizo

Jun 28, 2026

Our community residents thoroughly enjoy themselves, engaging in a variety of activities daily. Currently, some residents are tending to the garden, while others are socializing in the courtyard, appreciating the pleasant weather. Meanwhile, our residents activity leaders are preparing the front yard decorations for the upcoming Independence Day celebration, making it a joyful day for all residents. #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake

Marites Delizo

Jun 24, 2026

One of our residents proudly presented the monarch butterfly she had raised in her room, eager to showcase it to her friends and fellow residents. She remained amazed that it had undergone a transformation from egg to caterpillar after several weeks, and subsequently emerged as a beautiful butterfly after a few more weeks. Following this, she released it into the garden to forage for nectar. #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake

Lisa Watkins

Jun 19, 2026

It's Pajama Day! Today our residents joined the fun by wearing their pajamas supporting our incredible caregivers. What a great way to celebrate our compassionate team who provide exceptional care every day. Thank you to all of our caregivers. We appreciate your dedication, your hearts and the special bond you have with each Bickford resident. Happy CNA week! Lisa Watkins, Family Advocate Bickford Crystal Lake Assisted Living / Montessori Memory Care Higher Path strong!

Lisa Watkins

Jun 19, 2026

A HUGE THANK YOU to Hartland Home Medical Supply in Crystal Lake for recognizing our amazing care givers who make a difference every day in the lives of our residents. Our care team enjoyed a delicious catered Portillo's lunch and we are grateful for Hartland's generosity and support. Let's talk about getting your loved one on the Higher Path to a longer, happier, healthier life today! Lisa Watkins, Family Advocate Bickford Crystal Lake Assisted Living / Montessori Memory Care 815-859-9637

Marites Delizo

Jun 18, 2026

Today, our exceptional staff and residents commemorated 'Tie Dye Day', proudly showcasing their unique attire while consistently exemplifying compassion, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to delivering extraordinary care. We extend our deepest gratitude to our outstanding Certified Nursing Assistants and Caregivers for their unwavering efforts in providing remarkable care, comfort, and support to our residents, ultimately making a profound impact on their lives. A certified Superheroes of Bickford of Crystal Lake.. #CNA/CaregiversAppreciationWeek #TieDyeDay #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake

Marites Delizo

Jun 18, 2026

Thank you Gentiva Hospice for supporting CNA week in our community. #Gentiva’sDIYLemonade #CNA/CaregiversAppreciationWeek

Marites Delizo

Jun 17, 2026

Today, our exceptional staff celebrated 'Pretty in Pink' and 'Bold in Black' Day, showcasing their vibrant attire while consistently demonstrating compassion, dedication, and exceptional service. We extend our deepest gratitude to our outstanding CNAs and caregivers, who deliver superior care, comfort, and support to our residents, making a profound difference in their lives. We appreciate your tireless efforts and commitment, and we wish you a wonderful CNA Appreciation Week. #CNACaregiverAppreciationWeek #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #BickfordofCrystalLake

Lisa Watkins

Jun 17, 2026

Thank you, VCare Hospice, for partnering with us to recognize and celebrate the heart of our community—our incredible CNAs! ???? #CNAAppreciationWeek #ThankYouVCareHospice #CaregiverAppreciation #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork

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 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.