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The 10 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Chicago, IL for 2024

Ranked among the country’s top 100 cities for its senior living resources, Chicago, Illinois, draws many older adults. The city’s quality public transit system and high walkability are perks for seniors. Affordable health care costs are another benefit, and residents can visit the University of Chicago Medical Center, ranked among the top 50 in the nation for senior care. Aging in place in Chicago sometimes requires a home care agency, and seniors can expect to pay around $5,672 monthly for this service based on the data from the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. For home health care, which includes some medical or home-based therapy from trained professionals, the cost is slightly more.

Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in the Chicago area – complete with services offered and reviews from families who’ve actually used the service. In addition to our in-depth provider listings, we’ve compiled resources to help seniors and their families to access all the tools they need to age in place safely and gracefully.

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Home Care Agencies in Chicago, IL

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Paying for Home Care in Chicago, IL

The Cost of Home Care in Chicago, IL

Home care in Chicago has a median cost of $5,672 based on the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. This is $700 more than the national average, but only about $300 more than Illinois’ median monthly cost of $5,339. To the south in Kankakee, seniors pay less at $5,148 a month. The most costly home care average is in Danville, which averages $8,818. The most affordable costs are in Carbondale, which is over $1,000 cheaper than Chicago at $4,576.

Chicago

$5,672

Illinois

$5,339

The United States

$4,957

Carbondale

$4,576

Kankakee

$5,148

Danville

$8,818

The Cost of Home Care vs. Other Senior Care Options in Chicago, IL

Seniors and their families should evaluate care needs when choosing long-term care options. The average cost for home care of $5,672 increases to $5,720 if a family needs home health care, which includes licensed therapists or nurses who provide services in the home. Those with budget concerns may choose adult day health care, which averages $1,842 a month in Chicago. Assisted living care is $4,825. The most comprehensive level of care is nursing home care, averaging $6,996 a month for a semiprivate room.

Home Care

$5,672

Home Health Care

$5,720

Adult Day Health Care

$1,842

Assisted Living

$4,825

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

$6,996

Financial Assistance for Home Care in Chicago, IL

Given the high cost of in-home care, many people use one or more forms of financial assistance to cover the expenses. Below, we explain some of the most common sources of financial help for paying for in-home care. If none of these options are available to you, you can reach out to your Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center to learn about local resources.

  • Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-Term Care Insurance covers expenses related to senior care, including in-home care. Depending on the policy type, beneficiaries may receive a cash payment to use towards long-term care or reimbursement for qualifying long-term care expenses. Note that there are limitations- typically a maximum benefit of $150 per day- and exact coverage terms vary depending on the exact policy, so always check the details.
  • Medicare: Medicare does not cover in-home care because it is classified as custodial, or non-medical, care. However, some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, which offer expanded benefits, may cover in-home custodial care.
  • Medicaid: Medicaid coverage of in-home care varies between different states because it is not a federally mandated benefit. Currently, all states cover some in-home care either through their standard Medicaid or a waiver program. The specific coverage rules are set individually by each state.
  • Veterans’ Benefits: The Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly cash payment that beneficiaries can use to pay for senior care, including in-home care services. To qualify for A&A, Veterans must already receive the VA pension and meet several additional requirements, including needing assistance with the activities of daily living.Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more.
  • Reverse Mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are federally insured loans that are available to homeowners age 62 and over. Reverse mortgages allow you to access a portion of your home’s equity in cash, tax free. Many seniors use reverse mortgages to finance their care expenses, including in-home care. Note that although there are no monthly payments due on reverse mortgage loans, borrowers do have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.

Free & Low-Cost Home Care Resources in Chicago, IL

The City of Chicago has several services to help seniors stay as independent as possible in their homes, and many nonprofit organizations also help seniors in the Windy City. Families can contact these organizations and government agencies to access these programs using the table below.

ResourceContactService
Chicago Senior Services(312) 744-4016Chicago Senior Services operates a hotline seniors can call for help or advice. This organization also coordinates several programs for city seniors, including the Senior Health Insurance Program, insurance counseling, home-delivered meals and caregiver assistance programs. This agency manages several senior centers throughout the city.
Chicago Home-Delivered Meals Program(312) 744-4016Chicago operates a robust home-delivered meal program that sends two complete meals to seniors every weekday, with the option of frozen meals for the weekend. These include ready-to-eat hot meals and cold or frozen meals to eat later. The program also offers vegetarian, kosher and puréed options.
DFSS Chore Program(312) 744-4016The Department of Family and Support Services offers a free chore services program to Chicago seniors. They can request short-term chore help, such as light home care, laundry, grocery shopping or self-care services, or a one-time heavy-duty chore appointment for deep cleaning, moving furniture and help with clutter or packing.
Chicago Caregiver Respite Service(312) 744-4016Families caring for an elderly loved one can use the Chicago Caregiver Respite Service for occasional respite care. This program sends a trained caregiver to provide care while the family caregiver gets a break. It also lets families temporarily place their loved one in a long-term care facility during these respite periods.

Determining Your Loved One’s Need for In-Home Care

Aging can be a difficult process, and loved ones may not always ask for help – often times it’s up to their family to evaluate their need for help around the house. While no two situations are exactly alike, this checklist can help you and your loved ones determine when it’s time to start the search for a home care provider.

Download
Checklist for determining the need for home care
Checklist for determining the need for home care

Guidelines for Talking About In-Home Care

If you’ve determined that your loved one needs the assistance of a care provider in their home, it may be time for a difficult conversation. Handled correctly, however, this process can bring a family together and ensure that everyone’s concerns are addressed. Use this PDF as a starting point to help the conversation stay as positive and productive as possible.

Download
Talking with Family and Others about a loved one's needs
Talking with Family and Others about a loved one's needs

Frequently Asked Questions

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Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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