For many families, the search for senior living begins during a season of uncertainty. A hospital stay, growing safety concerns at home, or the increasing demands of caregiving can quickly turn future planning into an urgent and emotional decision. In those moments, families are often left navigating unfamiliar terminology, financial considerations, and fear of making the wrong choice.
Nearly 1 in 5 Americans serve as a family caregiver to loved ones. Research also shows that daughters are more likely than sons to assume caregiving responsibilities, often balancing the needs of aging parents alongside careers and their own families.
That’s where Next Chapter steps in.
Serving older adults and families throughout the south suburbs of Illinois, Next Chapter helps guide families through senior living and care options with compassion, expertise, and local insight. Founded by Lindsay Lohrens and Haley Griglione, the company combines more than 20 years of experience in real estate and the medical industry.
As mothers, wives, sisters, granddaughters, and friends, the two understand firsthand the emotional weight that often comes with caring for aging loved ones. Living with their families in Frankfort, Lindsay and Haley, built the company around empathy, integrity, and a commitment to supporting the local community.
At the heart of their work is serving as senior living experts — trusted guides who help older adults and their families better understand options including independent living, assisted living, and memory care.
Independent living offers active older adults a maintenance-free lifestyle with opportunities for social connection and convenience services. Assisted living provides additional support with daily activities such as medication management, meals, and personal care while still encouraging independence. Memory care communities offer specialized support and secure environments for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
For many families, simply understanding the differences between these options can ease stress and uncertainty. But Next Chapter's role extends far beyond explaining terminology.
“We start by simplifying what often feels like an overwhelming and emotional decision into clear, manageable steps,” the team explains. “Most families are trying to make sense of medical needs, finances, emotions, and logistics all at once. Our role is to bring structure, clarify options, narrow choices based on real needs, and walk alongside them through each decision.”
The company believes aging is not an ending point, but a new chapter shaped by evolving needs, preferences, and opportunities. One of the biggest misconceptions they encounter is the belief that senior living means losing independence. In reality, many clients discover the opposite.
One client who reluctantly transitioned to a senior living community after a hospital stay quickly found herself reconnecting socially through daily activities, games, and community events. Equally meaningful was the shift for her family, whose adult children were able to return to being sons and daughters instead of full-time caregivers.
“People are frequently surprised by how much freedom comes from simplifying their environment,” the team says.
Rather than focusing solely on budget or location, Next Chapter personalizes recommendations by considering health needs, personality, routines, social preferences, and overall quality of life. They also encourage families to begin conversations early, before a crisis forces rushed decisions.
“Gather information early, tour options casually, and have open conversations with family about values and preferences, not just logistics,” they advise. “Focus less on what may be changing and more on what could be gained: safety, community, support, and peace of mind.”
Most importantly, Next Chapter wants families to know they do not have to navigate the process alone. Their free service offers one trusted point of contact to provide support, clarity, and guidance every step of the way.
Our role is to bring structure, clarify options, narrow choices based on real needs, walk alongside them through each decision.