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In-Home Care in Illinois

More than 16% of Illinois’ population is aged 65 and older. With a low cost of living and tax exemptions for 401(k)s, IRAs and pension incomes, Illinois is one state where budget-conscious seniors choose to retire. Seniors will also find savings on groceries, health care, housing and utilities when comparing costs with other cities across the country. Illinois is also home to several nationally recognized hospitals, including the Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University Medical Center, both located in Chicago.

Seniors who need assistance with daily tasks and prefer to remain in their homes for as long as possible have several options for long-term care. In-home care offers nonclinical assistance, such as meal prep, companionship, grooming, bathing and housekeeping. Home health care provides skilled nursing and professional medical assistance. As of 2021, the cost of in-home care and home health care in Illinois is $5,339 per month.

This guide contains a brief overview of the cost of in-home care and other types of long-term care in Illinois. It also includes a list of resources for seniors and details about financial assistance.

The Cost of In-Home Care in Illinois

In Illinois, in-home care costs an average of $5,339 per month, which is more than the national average of $4,957 per month, according to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey. Comparing the cost of in-home care in neighboring states, Indiana and Missouri seniors pay around the same costs at $4,767 per month, and Wisconsin and Iowa seniors pay an average of $5,529 monthly.

Illinois

$5339

The United States

$4957

Indiana

$4767

Missouri

$4767

Wisconsin

$5529

Iowa

$5529

The average cost for non-medical home care varies throughout the state of Illinois, with the median monthly cost at $5,672 in Chicago. Peoria and Bloomington seniors pay an average monthly fee of $5,053, while Springfield seniors pay $5,100. Danville has one of the highest costs for in-home care in the state, at $8,818 per month, while older adults who choose to retire in Carbondale pay around $4,576.

Chicago

$5672

Peoria

$5053

Springfield

$5100

Bloomington

$5053

Danville

$8818

Carbondale

$4576

Long-term care is often a necessity for seniors who require assistance with daily living tasks. While there are several options to choose from, long-term care is often decided on by cost and the type of services provided. Seniors who own their own homes may opt for in-home care or home health care, which both cost around $5,339 per month in Illinois. Adult day health care, which provides general care in a supervised environment only during daytime hours, is the least expensive option at $1,885 per month. Assisted living, which offers varying degrees of assistance, costs around $4,488. A semiprivate room in a nursing home costs approximately $6,266 per month. This type of long-term care provides the most supervised medical care with skilled nursing, therapy and doctors’ visits.

In-Home Care

$5339

Home Health Care

$5339

Nursing Home Care

$6266

Assisted Living

$4488

Adult Day Health Care

$1855

Does Medicaid Cover Home Care in Illinois?

Because in-home care doesn’t provide any type of medical services, it isn’t covered by traditional Illinois Medicaid. Instead, there are four waiver programs that provide financial assistance to seniors who choose in-home care. These programs include the Supportive Living Program (SLP), HealthChoice Illinois, Persons Who are Elderly and Managed Long-term Service and Supports. These waivers are considered home and community-based service waiver programs that allow seniors to remain in their homes instead of being admitted into a nursing home or other institution. The waivers are for seniors with similar needs, but they each provide different services. Individuals must meet all eligibility requirements, which are typically defined by citizenship and income.

Home Care Waiver Programs in Illinois

For seniors with limited financial resources, several waivers and programs help pay for some services offered in-home care. While these waivers won’t assist with the cost of housing or utilities, they do provide help with most daily care.

ResourceContactService
Supportive Living Program (SLP)(800) 226-0768The SLP serves as an alternative to nursing home care for seniors on low incomes who prefer to live independently and take part in the decision-making process involving their own care. The SLP pays for services such as homemaking, laundry, medication assistance, social and fitness activities and meals. The program is open to all seniors aged 65 and older and those 22 and older with a disability who require nursing home care.
HealthChoice Illinois(877) 912-8880HealthChoice Illinois is a health partner plan through the Department of Healthcare and Family Services that provides guidance to seniors with personal care coordination and when making health choices. The service provides a 24-hour nursing helpline. Program enrollment is open to all Medicaid recipients.
Persons Who are Elderly(800) 226-0768The Persons Who are Elderly program helps pay for in-home services, adult day services and emergency response systems for seniors aged 60 and older who are Medicaid-eligible and at risk of being placed into nursing home care.

Managed Long-Term Service and Supports

(800) 226-0768The Managed Long-Term Service and Supports program is for seniors and individuals with disabilities who wish to opt out of the Medicaid-Medicare alignment initiative and choose a health plan to better suit their needs. The plan covers the waiver services provided at home, including a personal assistant, housekeeping, adult day care and home emergency response systems.

How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Illinois

The income eligibility limits for seniors applying for Medicaid coverage in Illinois are $13,596 per year for a single applicant and $18,312 for a two-person household. Assets for an individual can’t exceed more than $2,000 and for a two-person household, the amount can’t exceed $3,000.

2022 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Illinois

ResourceContactService
Supportive Living Program (SLP)(800) 226-0768The SLP serves as an alternative to nursing home care for seniors on low incomes who prefer to live independently and take part in the decision-making process involving their own care. The SLP pays for services such as homemaking, laundry, medication assistance, social and fitness activities and meals. The program is open to all seniors aged 65 and older and those 22 and older with a disability who require nursing home care.
HealthChoice Illinois(877) 912-8880HealthChoice Illinois is a health partner plan through the Department of Healthcare and Family Services that provides guidance to seniors with personal care coordination and when making health choices. The service provides a 24-hour nursing helpline. Program enrollment is open to all Medicaid recipients.
Persons Who are Elderly(800) 226-0768The Persons Who are Elderly program helps pay for in-home services, adult day services and emergency response systems for seniors aged 60 and older who are Medicaid-eligible and at risk of being placed into nursing home care.
Managed Long-Term Service and Supports(800) 226-0768The Managed Long-Term Service and Supports program is for seniors and individuals with disabilities who wish to opt out of the Medicaid-Medicare alignment initiative and choose a health plan to better suit their needs. The plan covers the waiver services provided at home, including a personal assistant, housekeeping, adult day care and home emergency response systems.

 *per year

Additional eligibility requirements for Medicaid benefits include:

 

  • 65 years of age or older
  • Resident of Illinois
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Require nursing home level of care

 

How to Apply for Medicaid in Illinois

Seniors may apply for Illinois Medicaid online or through any local Department of Health Services office. Applications may also be taken over the phone by calling (800) 843-6154. To apply by mail, download the application for medical benefits and mail the completed application to the local Department of Health Services.

What Information You Will Need

 

  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Social Security card for all applicants
  • Copies of health and life insurance cards
  • Birth certificates or naturalization papers for immigrants
  • Marriage license (for married couples)
  • Proof of veteran’s benefits
  • Retirement awards letters
  • Proof of income for the past 30 days
  • Bank statements for the past 30 days
  • Proof of property ownership
  • Last five years’ income tax returns

 

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

Additional information is available to seniors who apply for Illinois Medicaid. Older adults and their families may also get answers to the most common Medicaid questions.

ProgramContactAreaServedServices provided
Benefits.gov(800) 843-6154NationwideBenefits.gov is a federal website dedicated to helping seniors navigate the Medicaid application process and get help locating additional state and national benefit programs. The site provides a brief program overview, including eligibility and contact information.
Illinois Legal Aid Online(312) 341-1070StatewideIllinois Legal Aid provides answers to common questions throughout the Medicaid application process. Legal Aid can also assist seniors when filing for application appeals and when reporting insurance fraud.
Get Care Illinois(877) 805-5312StatewideGet Care Illinois provides a brief overview of Medicaid, eligibility and the application process. The site also explains how to apply for other state benefits, including food stamps, financial assistance and Medicare savings.

Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care in Illinois?

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

 

  • Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
  • Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
  • Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
  • Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

 

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

Other Financial Assistance Options for In-Home Care in Illinois

While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Illinois

Seniors who prefer to age in place can get help improving their quality of life through a variety of programs and services. These include activities to keep seniors mobile and engaged, hot meals, home repairs, discounts and information on topics relevant to older adults.

ResourceContactArea ServedServiceAreaServed
Illinois Aging Services(800) 252-8966StatewideIllinois Aging Services is a resource network that connects seniors with programs and services available in their area. It also offers advice on Medicare, senior housing and transportation to and from doctors' visits. The website contains a list of over 200 service categories to help seniors address common needs.
Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP)(217) 785-2533StatewideIHWAP helps seniors on low incomes reduce energy costs by installing or replacing insulation, sealants, ventilation, heating and air units and hot water heaters. Eligibility is based on household incomes.
Illinois Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)(877) 411-9276LIHEAP helps eligible seniors and families pay for home energy costs, especially during colder winter months. Seniors must have incomes that fall below 200% of the federal poverty level. The program may also pay in emergency situations when a senior is more than $250 in arrears, is being threatened with disconnection or has already been disconnected.Statewide
Senior Services Plus, Inc. Meals on Wheels Program(618) 465-3298Madison and St. Clair CountiesHomebound seniors who need assistance with meals may receive daily meal delivery through Senior Services Plus. The service is available to those aged 60 and older or those with disabilities.
Illinois Senior Centers(800) 252-8966StatewideIllinois offers a variety of senior centers throughout every county in the state. These centers provide a wide range of programs and services for older adults. Services include congregate meals, transportation, education, counseling, legal assistance, health screening, fitness opportunities and regular outings.

In-Home Care Laws and Regulations in Illinois

The Health Care Facilities and Programs division of the Illinois Department of Public Health is responsible for licensing and regulating the agencies that provide in-home care services to seniors. The division also conducts investigations and inspections as deemed necessary to ensure that each agency stays in compliance with state regulations. Here is an overview of the rules and regulations that pertain to home services agencies in the state:

TopicRule
Scope of CareHome services agencies in Illinois may provide a range of nonmedical services. Agency workers may assist clients with activities of daily living, provide personal care and perform housekeeping, laundry and cooking duties. Workers may also provide companionship, help a client maintain household records and act as an escort for shopping, medical appointments and other outings.
Care Plan RequirementsAgencies must develop a service plan in consultation with a client and their representative that outlines the services to be provided. It must include the type, level and scope of services, list the client's physician's name and note any functional limitations, medications and treatments being received and the individual's activity level and mental status.
Medication Management RequirementsAgency workers may provide medication reminders and assistance with self-administration, but may not administer medications.
Staff Screening RequirementsHome services agencies must perform a criminal background check before hiring a worker, and check the state's Nurse Aide registry for any history of abuse, neglect or property theft.
Staff Training RequirementsWorkers must be given a competency evaluation when they are first hired, and then receive eight hours of relevant training every 12 months.
Medicaid CoverageIllinois Medicaid offers three programs that may cover some or all of the cost of in-home care. Seniors may be eligible for assistance through HealthChoice Illinois, the Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative or the Community Care Program.
Reporting AbuseReports of suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of a senior aged 60 or older may be made by calling the Illinois Adult Protective Services hotline at 866-800-1409.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Find an In-Home Care Provider in Illinois

Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.

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Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist
Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist

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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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