Assisted Living Locators Chicagoland West

10/11/2026

Another sucessful Fox Valley Alzheimer's Walk is in the books! We had the most beautiful day and I think the best Champions Club Tent to date. An Alzheimer's "Champion" is someone who raises at least $500 for the cause. I am always excited to honor our Champions ($500), Grand Champions ($1000 or more) and especially our Elite Grand Champions ($2500 or more). 🤩🤩🤩

Thank you to everyone who tirelessly fundraises every year for such an important cause. A special thank you to our walk leader, Rebecca Santana, and my bestie and partner in crime, Dena Fischer, from Presto Real Estate Services, who always shares my passion to celebrate our Champions in a special way each year.

There is still time to donate!

https://act.alz.org/site/TR?pg=personal&px=19250768&fr_id=19590

💜 💜 💜 💜 💜

06/17/2026

It is always fun catching up and volunteering with my friends and colleagues at Memory Cafe Dementia Friendly Elgin. Thank you Kevin Hall, Amada Senior Care, for a great presentation on VA benefits.

If you are caring for a loved one with dementia in the Elgin area and need support, some time out, or just comradery, this is your group. Please reach out, we'd love to have you! 💜💜💜

04/11/2026

"Comfort for Every Chapter" 💜💜💜

Check out this unique fundraising opportunity to help support Dementia Friendly Elgin. I'm ordering mine! 🤩

DFEA is selling these SUPER SOFT 60"'x 70" blankets as a fundraiser for our 501(c)(3) organization. EIN: 87-1839955.
If you would like to order one, the order form is in the comments below. They are $30. Our goal is to sell 75 blankets.
Please call Cherie at 847-468-4168 or email Cherie at [email protected] if you have any questions or need help filing out form and to collect the check. Thank you and please share.

01/31/2026

AI is transforming how families search for senior living—but people still matter most!

Thank you Felicia Sanders, brand president of Assisted Living Locators, for addressing how AI is affecting the senior living industry and how families truly need an empathetic, knowledgeable, and trustworthy guide (human guide, that is) during the difficult process of finding care for an elderly loved on.

"AI cannot interpret family dynamics. It cannot translate emotional nuance. It cannot distinguish between what a daughter requests and what a loved one genuinely needs. Only knowledgeable, compassionate advisers can do that."

AI undoubtedly will reshape senior living discovery. The question is not whether we adopt it. It is how responsibly we integrate it.

09/12/2025

September’s World Alzheimer’s Month reminds us that where care happens is often the first treatment decision after a diagnosis.

In her new McKnight’s Senior Living column, Assisted Living Locators Brand President Felicia Sanders explains how our national campaign helps families turn an Alzheimer’s diagnosis into a personalized plan—preserving dignity, safety, and quality of life at every stage.

Read the full column 📷
https://www.mcknightsseniorliving.com/home/columns/marketplace-columns/why-placement-matters-in-alzheimers-care-providers-help-turn-a-diagnosis-into-a-plan/

12/25/2024

Christmas is the perfect time to show your senior loved ones how much they mean to you! Whether it’s a special breakfast together or a cozy evening with Christmas movies, the key is to make them feel included and loved. Start the day with a festive breakfast and maybe a small treat—something that brings warmth and joy to the morning. Don’t forget to involve them in simple activities like decorating the house or making DIY ornaments. It’s not about perfection; it’s about creating memories and enjoying the moment!

When it comes to gifts, consider something personal, a framed photo of the family or a cozy blanket for those chilly winter nights. Gifts that come from the heart are always the best. And, of course, Christmas isn’t complete without a little music. Gather around, sing a few carols, or put on some holiday classics that everyone can enjoy. For the seniors who may love a little nostalgia, these familiar tunes will fill the room with joy.

Christmas Day isn’t just about big celebrations, it’s about small, meaningful moments. Take time to sit down and hear their stories. Maybe even pull out a scrapbook and reminisce about past Christmases together. And if you’re not able to gather in person, don’t worry! A quick video call with family members can still make them feel connected and loved.

Finally, make sure to slow down and enjoy some quiet time together. Christmas can be a bit hectic, so it’s important to let your senior loved one relax and enjoy the peace of the day. A calm afternoon, some warm drinks and a heartfelt conversation can make all the difference. Here’s to creating a Christmas full of love, joy, and memories that last a lifetime!

09/22/2024

I am excited to announce that I will be participating in the Fox Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s on September 28th at Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles. It is not too late to create a team (or join my team!) and enjoy a beautiful day with others who want to raise awareness and support for the nearly 7 million Americans living with this disease.

Please help me reach my goal!💜

I am participating in Walk to End Alzheimer's. Donate today and help me reach my goal.

09/01/2024

Thank you Erin Cusack Blair and Melinda Smith for a fun night of cocktails and networking at Belmont Village's "Lemons, Limes, and a Llama event"! It was wonderful seeing everyone and getting the chance to meet Pebbles. So happy my sweet, animal loving niece, Kayla, could stop by too. Nothing like friends (and a llama!) to make you forget about the day's stress. ❤️

07/22/2024

Thank you Mary Helen Ekstam for sharing your incredible presentation, "A Neurological Perspective on Music, Memory, and the Brain" with the seniors at Wheaton's Mary Lubko Center. From "Feeling Groovy" to everyone's favorite patriotric songs, I have never seen such an engaged and happy audience!

A very interesting take away from Mary Helen- People who participate in mind challenging activities such as music are 63% less likely to develop some form of dementia. So, get listening and surround yourself in music!

05/06/2024

Fun day with my Dementia Friendly Elgin crew!

Thanks to all of you who stopped by the ECC Senior Health & Wellness Fair today!

Also, thanks to Advisory Council Members: LaVon (Dragonfly Senior Navigation), Amanda (Tower Hill Healthcare),Trisha (Healthcare Plus home healthcare), James (Sheridan at Tyler Creek Senior Living), Allison (Assisted Living Locators), and Dena (Weichert Realtors-Homes by Presto). So grateful for our caring, resourceful Advisory Council Members!