The reviews for Shepherd Premier Senior Living of Gurnee present a mixed but specific picture: many reviewers highlight a small, boutique, residential-feeling community with a stable, longstanding team and individualized, resident-centered care, while others raise clear concerns about physical space, activity programming, safety, and some aspects of the touring/marketing experience.
On the positive side, multiple reviewers emphasize the attractive, home-like character of the facility. Descriptors include beautiful homes, impressive layout, appealing decor, and small “little touches” that contribute to a homey atmosphere. Reviewers frequently note that rooms are clean and private, and that the staff are attentive and responsive to residents’ needs. Clinical and support services also receive praise in some summaries: meals are prepared by staff rather than brought in from outside, and on-site home health therapy was specifically mentioned as effective, with at least one reviewer reporting improved ability after therapy services. The combination of a longstanding team and resident-centered care contributes to an overall impression of a well-cared-for, intimate community for those who prefer a boutique setting.
Balancing these positives are several recurring concerns that potential residents and families should weigh carefully. A number of reviewers described parts of the community as dark or depressing and noted that rooms can be small and sparse, which may clash with the otherwise praised homey decor in some areas. The facility appears to have limited common space — multiple reviews mention only one communal gathering area — and some reviewers specifically reported a lack of activities, which could be an important drawback for prospective residents seeking social programming and engagement. There is also a specific physical-safety concern: an entry staircase without a railing was cited, which is a concrete, actionable safety issue to confirm and address.
Operational and touring issues also appear in the reviews. One prospective-visitor account reports a late sales representative who required guests to wait in their car, which reflects a lapse in customer experience and touring logistics. Another complaint is that rooms were not viewable during tours because they were occupied by current residents; while protecting privacy is understandable, this limits transparency for families evaluating the facility. Finally, at least one reviewer expressed a general negative sentiment—stating they would not want a family member living there—indicating that for some visitors the negatives outweighed the positives.
Overall, Shepherd Premier Senior Living of Gurnee seems to be a small, well-staffed community that delivers attentive, resident-focused care and effective in-house therapy and dining for some residents. However, the facility’s boutique size appears to constrain communal spaces and activity offerings, and there are notable concerns about room size, some areas feeling dark, a reported safety hazard at an entry stair, and occasional shortcomings in sales/tour experience. Prospective residents and families should visit in person (ensuring full access to rooms), ask specific questions about activity programming and safety modifications, and confirm how the community balances privacy with the ability to tour actual living spaces before making a decision.
