Des Plaines is a suburban city in Cook County, approximately 30 minutes from downtown Chicago. The 2020 Census found that an above-average 19.1% of its 60,675 residents are aged 65 and older. Its appeal to seniors may be due to the excellent medical facilities, very low levels of crime and below-average health costs. There are numerous parks in the city, and seniors who enjoy socializing and shopping can indulge in a plethora of restaurants and boutique stores.
Assisted living is a type of residential care best suited to relatively able-bodied seniors who need assistance with some daily living tasks, such as cooking, but prefer to live in a community than at home. Rooms are typically furnished with personal items, and housekeeping, laundry and meal preparation duties are managed by trained staff. In Des Plaines, seniors can expect to pay around $4,950 per month for assisted living, which is about 8% more than the state median and 15% more than the U.S. average.
This guide considers the advantages and disadvantages of living in Des Plaines and the costs of senior care in this region of Illinois. It also lists some senior-friendly resources.