The Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Rockford, IL for 2025

The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey indicates an average home care cost of $5,625 in Rockford, which is significantly higher than the national average of $4,957. Rockford’s average is also $300 more than the state’s average. However, cities in the state have higher averages, such as Danville, which has an average cost of $8,818. The most affordable median cost is in Carbondale, which averages $4,576. Chicago, the state’s largest city, has a monthly cost of $5,672.

In Rockford, seniors have the same average monthly cost for home care and home health care, which adds the help of nurses and therapists. The most affordable senior care option is adult day health care, which is nearly $4,000 less a month. Assisted living costs are slightly cheaper than home care at $5,250 a month. Nursing home costs are the most expensive — but also the most supportive — care option. Seniors can expect to pay $7,445 for nursing home care in 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.