The 5 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Springfield, IL for 2025

Costs of home care stay relatively consistent across the state of Illinois. Average costs in Springfield according to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey are $5,100, which is around $150 higher than the U.S. average but $240 lower than the state average. In the neighboring city of Decatur, the cost of care is slightly lower at $4,767 per month. Similarly, in the center of the state in Bloomington and Peoria, the average cost is also slightly lower, averaging $5,053 per month. Chicago has slightly more expensive home care, costing around $572 more than Springfield. 

Home care and home health care both typically cost around $5,100 per month according to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. Their services differ in that home care consists of support with personal care whereas home health care includes light medical care. Assisted living costs are around the same as home care in Springfield, but may be more suited to older adults who need 24/7 support. The highest level of care is provided at nursing homes, where a semiprivate room costs around $1,850 more than home care per month.

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.