The Lodge of Northbrook

Independent living fills most of the day at The Lodge of Northbrook, a not-for-profit community at 2150 Founders Drive. LCS manages the community on behalf of a board of local volunteers and business professionals, and money brought in is reinvested in the community rather than paid out to shareholders. Apartments range from 716 to 2,258 square feet across one-bedroom, two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus-den layouts.

Independent living residences are priced with a one-time entrance fee plus a monthly service package that covers utilities apart from phone, wireless internet and expanded digital cable, plus continental breakfast, building and grounds maintenance, and scheduled transportation. The Lodge of Northbrook also offers assisted living, so families whose needs change can ask how personal care support is added without a move to another building or a change of address.

Nearby walking paths and parks give residents places to go outside the building, and cultural stops such as the Northbrook Public Library, Northbrook Theatre and Chicago Botanic Garden are within reach. Metra rail service connects the area to Chicago and its suburbs for residents who still like to travel on their own. Families weighing other options can compare senior living in Northbrook before choosing a community.

Because the community is governed by a nonprofit board rather than outside owners, families can ask how decisions about services and fees get made and how long current board members and staff have served. Asking to see a written breakdown of what the entrance fee and monthly service package include is a useful step before signing anything.