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

Located near the Wisconsin state line on the shores of Lake Michigan, Waukegan, IL, is home to 88,614 people, and 10.7% of the population is age 65 and older. Though seniors make up a smaller portion of the population, the low cost of living, combined with low housing costs, makes it appealing for those who want to stay in their homes during retirement. The city’s also less than an hour from Northwest Memorial Hospital, which is highly ranked for senior care. Older adults living at home who need home care services can expect to pay $5,720 a month for this help, and the cost for home health care, which adds skilled nursing, is the same.

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

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Home Care Agencies in Waukegan, IL

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Paying for Home Care in Waukegan, IL

The Cost of Home Care in Waukegan, IL

For seniors who need home care services in Waukegan, the average monthly cost is $5,720 based on the Genworth Cost of Care Survey. This is $381 more than the state’s average and $763 more than the national average. This is also higher than many other cities in the state. For instance, seniors in Rockford pay $5,625 a month for in-home care, while seniors in Carbondale pay $4,576. In the state’s largest city, Chicago, the average sits at $5,672.

Waukegan

$5,720

Illinois

$5,339

United States

$4,957

Chicago

$5,672

Rockford

$5,625

Carbondale

$4,576

The Cost of Home Care vs. Other Senior Care Options in Waukegan, IL

Seniors in Waukegan have a number of choices for their senior care. In-home care averages $5,720 a month, and the addition of skilled nursing or therapy services included in home health care has the same average. The most affordable care option is adult day health care, which is $1,300 a month on average. Assisted living is $270 less than the average for in-home care, while nursing home care costs $4,257 more.

Home Care

$5,720

Home Health Care

$5,720

Adult Day Health Care

$1,300

Assisted Living

$5,450

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

$9,977

 Note: Data for Waukegan was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Racine, WI, was used instead.

Financial Assistance for Home Care in Waukegan, IL

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.

Free & Low-Cost Home Care Resources in Waukegan, IL

For older adults who want to remain in their own homes in Waukegan, challenges are common. Thankfully, the city has a number of low-cost or free programs through local nonprofits, city-based organizations and state programs. These programs make it possible for seniors to remain in their homes with dignity and independence as long as possible.

ResourceContactService
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program(847) 249-4330This program provides financial assistance for heating and air conditioning bills for older adults who meet income guidelines. Through LIHEAP, seniors can get assistance with their electric, gas and propane expenses.
Lake County Senior Homestead Exemption(847) 377-2000Through the Lake County Senior Homestead Exemption, older adults can have their property taxes reduced by $8,000. This is available to all homeowners ages 65 and older in Lake County.
Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program(217) 785-2533Through this program, older adults can apply for assistance with upgrades to their homes that make them more weather-resistant. These include air sealing, insulation, HVAC repair or replacement, water heater repair or replacement and ventilation services.
Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois(847) 332-2678Homebound seniors can sign up for meal delivery through Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois. With this service, volunteers deliver two meals a day and provide a quick wellness check during the delivery. Meals come every day except Sunday, one hot and one cold.
Waukegan Housing Rehabilitation Program(847) 599-2530Low-income seniors who need emergency repairs to their homes can contact the Waukegan Housing Rehabilitation Program for help. Through this service, seniors can get an interest-free, deferred loan to make necessary repairs. The loan is only repaid at the sale of the home, meaning no upfront cost for the repairs.

Determining Your Loved One’s Need for In-Home Care

Aging can be a difficult process, and loved ones may not always ask for help – often times it’s up to their family to evaluate their need for help around the house. While no two situations are exactly alike, this checklist can help you and your loved ones determine when it’s time to start the search for a home care provider.

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Checklist for determining the need for in-home care
Checklist for determining the need for in-home care

Guidelines for Talking About In-Home Care

If you’ve determined that your loved one needs the assistance of a care provider in their home, it may be time for a difficult conversation. Handled correctly, however, this process can bring a family together and ensure that everyone’s concerns are addressed. Use this PDF as a starting point to help the conversation stay as positive and productive as possible.  

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Talking with family and others about a loved one's needs
Talking with family and others about a loved one's needs

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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

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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