In-Home Care in Illinois

Illinois’ strict regulation of in-home care providers can help make aging in place worry-free for the state’s almost 2 million senior citizens. The wide array of beneficial state and local programs and resources coordinated by Illinois’ Department on Aging, Human Services and Healthcare and Family Services also help make the state an ideal location for seniors looking to maintain an independent lifestyle. Those in need of in-home care can expect to pay $4,481 on a monthly basis, which is only slightly higher than the national average.

This guide provides further insight into home care costs in Illinois, along with available financial assistance to help cover the cost of in-home care and information about low-cost and free resources that may benefit seniors wishing to retain their independence by living at home.

The Cost of In-Home Care in Illinois

In-Home Care Costs in Nearby States

According to Genworth’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey, in-home care services in Illinois cost an average of $4,481 per month. This is only about $200 higher than the $4,290 national median, and it is in between the average costs in surrounding states. In Wisconsin and Iowa, in-home care averages $286 more per month. However, the average is $147 lower in Indiana and $286 less per month in Missouri.

Cost of Other Types of Care in Illinois

The cost of senior care in Illinois largely depends on the level of care needed and whether it is received at home, at a day care facility or in a residential setting. In-home and home health care services are close in cost at $4,481 and $4,576 per month, respectively. Residential assisted living averages a bit less at $4,170 per month. Adult day care services provided in a group setting are only $1,584 per month, whereas nursing home care is the most expensive option at an average of $5,931.

The Cost of In-Home Care in Illinois’ Top Cities

Comparing Costs Across Illinois

In-home care costs in Illinois’ largest cities span a range of only $850. The state’s largest metropolitan area, Chicago, has the highest average monthly cost at $4,763. Rockford and Peoria come in second and third at $4,338 and $4,243, respectively. In-home care averages $4,195 per month in Champaign, and costs a bit less in Springfield where the average price is $3,909. It is worth noting that three out of five of these Illinois cities have in-home care costs below the national average of $4,290.

Financial Assistance for In-Home Care in Illinois

HealthChoice Illinois

HealthChoice Illinois is a state Medicaid entitlement program. The services it covers are provided through four Medicaid health plans, which are managed care plans serving specific areas of the state. Under the program, eligible seniors receive care coordination services and coverage for prescription drugs, medical care, durable medical equipment and medical supplies. A range of supportive services are also provided based on an enrollee’s needs and may include vision, dental and hearing services, adult day care, home health care, personal care and homemaker services, transportation and personal emergency response systems.

Who Is Eligible?
Illinois residents must be aged 65 or older and meet the state Medicaid program’s income and asset criteria to be eligible for the program. Enrollment in HealthChoice Illinois is mandatory for seniors and physically disabled individuals who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare.

How to Apply
Seniors may apply online or by calling the program’s enrollment line at 877-912-8880.

Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative

The Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative is an Illinois managed care program for state residents who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Program enrollees have a choice of five managed care plans that cover medical and home health care services, personal emergency response systems and adult day care services. In-home assistance with personal care, house cleaning, day-to-day chores, meal preparation and shopping for groceries and other essentials is also offered under the MMAI program.

Who Is Eligible?
Seniors aged 65 and older may be eligible for the MMAI program if they meet the functional and financial qualification criteria for Medicaid coverage and are also enrolled in Medicare. Currently, the program is available in 21 counties in central Illinois and the greater Chicago area, but it is due to expand throughout the state in January, 2021.

How to Apply
Interested seniors can apply by calling the Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative at 877-912-8880 or the Illinois Department on Aging at 800-252-8966.

Community Care Program

The Community Care Program provides case management and supportive services to help Illinois seniors remain at home and avoid nursing home admission. Depending on their specific needs, applicants may qualify for adult day care, homemaker and personal care services, medication management tools, transportation and escorts for errands and appointments and personal emergency response systems.

Who Is Eligible?
The CCP program is available to individuals who cannot qualify for Medicaid coverage, as well as those enrolled in the state Medicaid program. To be eligible for assistance through the program, applicants must be at least 60 years old, have $17,500 or less in countable assets and need the level of care normally provided in a nursing home. While some seniors may qualify for assistance at no cost, those with higher incomes are charged for services based on a sliding scale fee schedule.

How to Apply
Interested seniors may call the Illinois Senior Helpline at 800-252-8966 or contact their local Area Agency on Aging to learn more about the CCP program and apply.

More Ways to Pay for In-Home Care

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 In-Home Care Resources in Illinois

Illinois seniors who wish to age in place in their own homes have a number of low-cost or free resources available that may help them retain their independence. Seniors may access funding to make necessary home modifications, nutrition programs that provide home-delivered meals, nonemergency transportation, legal aid, in-home assistance and other resources.

	Contact	Services Provided
Elderly Nutrition Program	Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call the DOA’s Senior Helpline at 800-252-8966	Illinois seniors may qualify to have healthy meals delivered to their home at no cost.
Home Accessibility Program	Contact the participating organization in your area	HAP is a statewide program coordinated through the Illinois Housing Development Authority. It provides grants, so low-income individuals aged 60 and over may have accessibility and safety modifications made to their homes.
Senior Transportation	Contact the provider in your area	The Illinois Department on Aging sponsors senior transportation programs through various agencies across the state.
Legal Assistance	Call the Senior Helpline at 800-252-8966	The DOA coordinates free legal assistance services for Illinois residents aged 60 and over. Providers offer assistance with a range of civil legal issues, including elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, consumer fraud, landlord-tenant disputes and health care benefits.
Illinois Respite Coalition	708-985-3742	The IRC provides support for caregivers through relevant training, access to local resources and funding for short-term, emergency respite services.
Caregiver Resource Centers	Contact a center in your county	Caregiver resource centers across the state offer help with locating in-home care providers for seniors, case management services, caregiver support groups, respite providers and other valuable resources.
Illinois Volunteer Money Management Program	Contact the participating agency in your area	The IVMM program matches trained volunteers with low-income seniors who need assistance managing their household and personal budgets. Help is provided with paying bills, keeping banking records, dealing with creditors and other finance-related issues.

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:

Scope of Care	Home 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 Requirements	Agencies 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 Requirements	Agency workers may provide medication reminders and assistance with self-administration, but may not administer medications.
Staff Screening Requirements	Home 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 Requirements	Workers must be given a competency evaluation when they are first hired, and then receive eight hours of relevant training every 12 months.
Medicaid Coverage	Illinois 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 Abuse	Reports 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