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

Home to almost 46,000 people, seniors make up 16.5% of Elmhurst’s local population. This is similar to the state and national figures of 16.6% and 16.8%, respectively. Illinois doesn’t tax most retirement income, which can help offset the higher costs of living. Elmhurst has low crime rates, is well-connected by major highways and is 20 minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The city offers easy access to health care, and the regionally ranking Elmhurst Hospital is high-performing in one adult specialty and nine conditions and procedures. On average, Elmhurst seniors pay $5,672 for home care services, which include personal care and domestic assistance. Home health care is more appropriate for those who need medical care.  

Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in the Elmhurst 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.

According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, Elmhurst’s average home care cost is $5,672. This is more than $300 per month costlier than the state average of $5,339. It’s also $715 pricier than the U.S. median monthly rate of $4,957. Northwest of Elmhurst in Rockford, seniors pay a similar fee of $5,625 per month. To the south in Kankakee, the average monthly price drops to $5,148. Continuing south, Danville sees a significant increase to $8,818.   

Older adults in Elmhurst have several care options, depending on their needs, preferences and finances. At $1,842 per month, adult day health care is the most affordable choice. Assisted living communities charge around $4,825 each month and, with a comparable level of care, home care is slightly costlier at $5,672. Home health care, which includes skilled nursing and therapy, costs around $5,762. Nursing home care is the most expensive option, with average monthly rates of $6,996 for a semiprivate room.    

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.