Levin & Perconti Launches Investigation Into Encore Memory Care at South Barrington Amid Reports Residents Were Recorded Without Consent
Residents at an Encore Memory Care facility in South Barrington were recently subjected to a disturbing violation of their privacy by someone trusted with caring for them in their vulnerable condition.
As a criminal case and legal action unfold, the experienced nursing home abuse lawyers at Levin & Perconti are representing the families of those harmed in this situation.
What Are Encore Memory Care Facilities?
Encore Memory Care is a nursing home operator specializing in supporting residents with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Encore has three 24/7 memory care facilities in Illinois, located in Crystal Lake, Bolingbrook, and South Barrington. Its parent company, Encore Senior Living, runs 34 nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Residents with ongoing or progressive memory loss conditions require comprehensive and attentive care from facilities that are specially equipped to handle their needs. Memory care homes like Encore’s are set up to address the challenges these residents face.
What Are Common Issues Memory Care Residents Face?
Encore Memory Care’s homes generally receive very positive reviews on platforms like Google and A Place for Mom. However, memory care services can be difficult, complicated, and demanding, creating frequent care issues at even the most well-run facilities.
Some of the most common problems that arise at memory care facilities include:
- Inadequate supervision: People with advanced dementia often require assistance with all daily activities. Memory care residents may wander if not properly monitored, putting them at risk for dangerous falls or even leaving the facility entirely.
- Understaffing: When memory care facilities don’t have enough workers to fully meet their residents’ needs, mistakes, accidents, and injuries are inevitable.
- Residents’ rights violations: Despite their condition, memory care residents are still entitled to live with dignity, safety, and comfort. With most unable to advocate for themselves, neglect can have particularly harmful impacts.
- Financial exploitation: Memory care residents are at high risk of being taken advantage of by bad actors looking to steal or manipulate their assets.
Why Are There Lawsuits Against Encore Memory Care?
Legal action against Encore Memory Care currently centers on sexual exploitation perpetuated by a former employee at its South Barrington facility. That worker was recently charged with multiple felonies for allegedly taking nude videos of at least three residents in April.
Madison Russo and five others were fired from Encore after workers reported that she had shared the videos in a Snapchat group with fellow employees, leading the facility director to contact law enforcement. Russo has pleaded not guilty to 20 charges.
Levin & Perconti is representing the widow of one of the victims, who claims her family was not told about the videos until weeks after the facility reported them to the police. We will be filing a lawsuit on her behalf against Encore Memory Care regarding the incident.
Can I Sue Encore Memory Care for Sexual Exploitation?
If you suspect that your loved one was filmed without their consent by Encore Memory Care South Barrington employees, our team can help investigate your situation and determine whether you may be eligible to sue Encore Memory Care for negligence. Contact us online or call (312) 332-2872 today to schedule a free consultation with our trusted attorneys.
When Should I Contact a Lawyer About Encore Memory Care?
You should reach out to an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer if you notice any signs that your loved one is being mistreated at an Encore Memory Care facility. Acting quickly will give you the best chance at successfully pursuing a legal claim, and there’s no downside to sitting down for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Some red flags that could signal abuse or neglect at a memory care facility include:
- Recurring unexplained injuries, such as bruises or fractures
- Sudden changes in your loved one’s behavior or emotional state, distinct from the gradual impacts of conditions like Alzheimer’s
- Malnutrition, dehydration, poor hygiene, or unsanitary living conditions
- Complaints made by your loved one about the behavior of staff or other residents, even if the details seem affected by their memory condition
- Communication issues with the facility, including failing to notify you about medical emergencies or respond to your concerns about your loved one’s care
- Unexpected charges, transactions, or changes to your loved one’s financial accounts or estate planning documents
Why Choose the Encore Memory Care Lawyers at Levin & Perconti?
With over 400 years of combined experience, the Levin & Perconti team has been a leader in Illinois nursing home abuse litigation since 1992. Our attorneys were some of the first in the U.S. to bring abuse and neglect lawsuits against long-term care facilities. We’ve developed an effective and aggressive approach over the past three decades, helping us recover over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients.
Levin & Perconti has a case history of consistently high results. In November 2025, we broke the record for the highest Nursing Home Abuse Verdict in Illinois, achieving a $12.2 million recovery. This stands as the highest Nursing Home abuse verdict in Illinois to date.
We have an unmatched understanding of local nursing home abuse laws, an extensive network of expert witnesses, and the financial resources necessary to pursue any case to its conclusion. Nursing home operators and their insurance companies know we’re not afraid to go to trial, making them more likely to settle for full compensation without an extended legal battle.
How Can an Experienced Lawyer Help With My Memory Care Case?
Our trusted nursing home abuse lawyers will take care of all the stressful and complicated aspects of your claim, giving you time and energy to spend with your family. When you work with our team, you’ll understand what to expect from every step of the legal process:
- Free consultation: Your lawyer will explain your legal options based on your situation.
- Investigation: We’ll gather evidence and build a strong case, determining when abuse occurred and who was responsible.
- Negotiation: We’ll handle all communications with the nursing home and its insurers, negotiating a settlement that fully compensates your family.
- Litigation: If the operator won’t agree to a fair settlement, our experienced trial lawyers will sue them and fight to get the results you deserve.
News Coverage of the most recent investigation of South Barrington:
Legally Reviewed by
Bonamarte, IV
Read Bio
Since 2005, Michael Bonamarte IV has been a passionate advocate for victims of negligent conduct, corporate malfeasance, and medical malpractice. He has won numerous awards and recognitions, including Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers’ Rising Star. He has presented for the American Association for Justice, the AAJ Nursing Home Litigation Group, the John Marshall Law School, and numerous other legal associations. He regularly lectures at Chicago-area aging organizations about nursing home abuse. His writings have been published by the American Bar Association, the Chicago Daily Bulletin, and numerous other prestigious publications.
Get the Legal Help Your Family Needs Today
If your loved one was abused or neglected at an Encore Memory Care facility or any other Illinois nursing home, the Levin & Perconti team is ready to help your family get justice. Contact us online or call (312) 332-2872 today to schedule your free consultation.
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