
Assisted Living in Illinois
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Families looking for assisted living in Illinois (IL) have a wide array of communities to choose from, since estimated that there are more than 30,000 assisted living communities serving seniors across the U.S., and over 503 statewide. The state is also home to a rapidly growing number of senior citizens, with adults over 65 making up an estimated 15.2 percent of the population. A resident in an assisted living community in Illinois will pay $3,720 per month on average.
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What You Should Know About Assisted Living in Illinois
In Illinois, assisted living communities are legally known as “assisted living facilities” or ALFs. They are governed similarly to “shared housing establishments” or SHEs and are overseen by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). These types of communities are valued in Illinois as alternatives to skilled nursing homes for elderly individuals who can no longer live entirely independently yet do not need full nursing care.The IDPH requires ALFs and SHEs to be licensed and to offer certain services, including assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs), as well as access to housekeeping, laundry, and dietary and health services. In addition, Illinois requires ALFs and SHEs to offer 24-hour security and an emergency response system. ALFs and SHEs can overlap when it comes to resident numbers: SHEs house 16 or fewer patients, while an ALF must have three or more unrelated patients. The main difference is that an ALF must provide private, single occupancy apartments with a small kitchen and private bathing facilities while SHEs do not have this requirement.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Illinois
While many seniors in Illinois pay for assisted living costs from their personal financial reserves or long-term care insurance, several other options are available for low-income residents.
Illinois Supportive Living Program (SLP)
The Illinois Supportive Living Program (SLP) gives low-income seniors access to services not normally covered by Medicaid, such as those provided by living in an assisted living community. This is accomplished through a waiver to the Medicaid program. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family (DHF) services administers the SLP program, which covers all services besides room and board. The resident remains responsible for all room and board costs.
Who Is Eligible?
Those applying for the SLP waiver must be Illinois residents. In addition, they must:
- Be 65 or older - Alternatively, they can be 22 to 64 and have a physical disability
- Have an income greater than the Supplemental Income maximum of $750 per month, as of 2018
- Not have any developmental or cognitive disabilities
How to Apply
If eligible, seniors should contact the DHF Bureau of Long Term Care for further information and instructions for application.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Assisted living communities make their own determinations on the types of payments they will accept from residents. Ask each residence you’re interested in what programs they participate in, whether they offer additional programs for lower-income individuals and what payment types they prefer.
More Ways to Finance Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Visit our 9 Ways to Pay for Assisted Living page for more information.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Illinois
Several agencies are available throughout Illinois that offer free assistance to elderly residents and their families as they seek assisted living opportunities or are already in an ALF or SHE. These agencies sometimes receive government funding or operate as nonprofit organizations. They can help families explore financial opportunities to pay for assisted living, understand what different types of communities provide and help gain access to open apartments or beds.
Illinois Area Agencies on Aging
The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging works with individual organizations in every state to provide necessary assistance and advice to older residents. Illinois is split into 13 Planning and Service Areas, which includes 12 not-for-profit organizations and the City of Chicago government. These area agencies receive funding from the Illinois Department on Aging and can help with planning and coordinating services.
Utilize the Illinois Planning and Service List for location and contact information for each of the 13 areas throughout the state.
AgeOptions, Inc.
1048 Lake Street, Suite 300, Oak Park, IL 60301
1-800-699-9043; 708-383-0258; 708-524-1653
AgeSmart Community Resources
2365 Country Road, Belleville, IL 62221-2571
800-326-3221; 618-222-2561
Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland, Inc.
3100 Montvale Drive, Springfield, IL 62704-4278
1-800-252-2918; 217-787-9234
Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc.
700 Hamilton Boulevard, Peoria, IL 61603-3617
1-877-777-2422; 309-674-2071; TTY: 309-674-1831
East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging, Inc.
1003 Maple Hill Road, Bloomington, IL 61704-9327
1-800-888-4456; 309-829-2065
Egyptian Area Agency on Aging, Inc.
200 E. Plaza Drive, Carterville, IL 62918-1982
1-888-895-3306; 618-985-8311
Midland Area Agency on Aging
434 S. Poplar, Centralia, IL 62801-1420
1-877-532-1853; 618-532-1853
Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging
Kankakee Community College, River Road, West Campus - Building 5, Kankakee, IL 60901
1-800-528-2000; 815-939-0727
Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging
1111 South Alpine Road, Suite 600, Rockford, IL 61108
1-800-542-8402; 815-226-4901
Southeastern Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc.
516 Market Street, Mt. Carmel, IL 62863-1558
1-800-635-8544; 618-262-2306
Senior Services Area Agency on Aging Chicago Department of Family and Support Services
1615 W. Chicago Ave, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60622
1-312-744-4016; 312-744-6777
West Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging
639 York Street, Room 204, Quincy, IL 62301
1-800-252-9027; 217-223-7904
Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging
729 34th Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201-5950
1-800-322-1051; 309-793-6800
Veterans Administration centers are available throughout Illinois and work with veterans and their spouses to obtain necessary senior care and residential options and financing. VA representatives can work with families to obtain additional levels of financial support based on prior military service as well as locate properties specific to veterans and their needs.
Use this list of Illinois VA centers to find the closest location and its contact information:
Aurora Vet Center
750 Shoreline Drive, Suite 150, Aurora, IL 60504
(630) 585-1853
Chicago Heights Vet Center
1010 Dixie Highway, 2nd Floor, Chicago Heights, IL 60411
(773) 962-3740
https://www.vets.gov/facilities/facility/vc_0410V
3348 W. 87th Street, Suite 2, Chicago, IL 60652
(773) 962-3740
East St. Louis Vet Center
1265 North 89th Street, Suite 5, East St. Louis, IL 62203
(618) 397-6602
Evanston Vet Center
1901 Howard Street, Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 332-1019
Oak Park Vet Center
1515 South Harlem Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130
(708) 457-8805
Oak Park Vet Centerr
1515 South Harlem Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130
(708) 457-8805
Orland Park Vet Center
8651 West 159th Street, Suite 1, Orland Park, IL 60462
(708) 444-0561
Peoria Vet Center
8305 North Allen Road, Suite 1, Peoria, IL 61615
(309) 689-9708
Quad Cities Vet Center
465 42nd (Avenue of the Cities) Suite 140, East Moline, IL 61244
(309) 755-3260
Rockford Vet Center
7015 Rote Road, Suite 105, Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 395-1276
Springfield Vet Center
2980 Baker Drive, Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 492-4955
Federally run Social Security offices are also available throughout Illinois to help seniors understand their benefits and options for additional programs that can enhance their finances or pay for residential communities. Use this list of Illinois Social Security offices to find the nearest facility and to begin asking questions or set an appointment.
Alton Social Security Office 62002
501 Belle St, Alton, IL 62002
1-855-285-6006 or TTY: 1-618-463-6597
Aurora Social Security Office 60506
1325 N. Lake Street, Aurora, IL 60506
1-877-274-5412 or TTY: 1-630-264-3739
Belleville Social Security Office 62221
1670 Lebanon Ave, Belleville, IL 62221
1-877-405-0471 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Bloomingdale Social Security Office 60108
230 West Lake Street, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Bloomington Social Security Office 61704
207 N Williamsburg Dr, Bloomington, IL 61704
1-877-405-4640 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Carbondale Social Security Office 62901
250 W Cherry St, Carbondale, IL 62901
1-877-714-0377 or TTY: 1-618-549-6381
Champaign Social Security Office 61821
101 S Country Fair Dr, Champaign, IL 61821
1-877-819-2593 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Chicago Social Security Office 60630
4849 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Chicago Social Security Office 60623
2416 S Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60623
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Chicago Social Security Office 60652
8658 S Sacramento Ave, Chicago, IL 60652
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Chicago Social Security Office 60647
3260 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Chicago Social Security Office 60628
9715 S Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60628
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Chicago Social Security Office 60637
6338 S Cottage Grove A, Chicago, IL 60637
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Chicago Social Security Office 60625
2127 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Chicago Social Security Office 60609
4361 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60609
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Chicago Social Security Office 60607
1233 West Adams, Chicago, IL 60607
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Chicago Social Security Office 60604
77 West Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Chicago Social Security Office 60639
5130 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Chicago Heights Social Security Office 60411
104 S Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL 60411
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778Danville Social Security Office 61832
400 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61832
1-866-331-5394 or TTY: 1-217-443-1985Decatur Social Security Office 62526
606 W Pershing Rd, Decatur, IL 62526
1-888-619-4773 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
East St Louis Social Security Office 62201
650 Missouri Ave, East St Louis, IL 62201
1-877-700-4849 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Effingham Social Security Office 62401
1207 Network Centre Dr, Effingham, IL 62401
1-855-213-5288 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Elgin Social Security Office 60123
790 Fletcher Dr, Elgin, IL 60123
1-877-405-0435 or TTY: 1-847-742-6329
Evanston Social Security Office 60201
2116 Green Bay Rd, Evanston, IL 60201
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Freeport Social Security Office 61032
4 E Linden St., Freeport, IL 61032
1-855-628-1591 or TTY: 1-815-232-2791
Galesburg Social Security Office 61401
2060 Windish Drive, Galesburg, IL 61401
1-877-405-7659 or TTY: 1-309-344-3241
Harrisburg Social Security Office 62946
18 Veterans Drive, Harrisburg, IL 62946
1-866-366-3980 or TTY: 1-618-252-5263
Hillside Social Security Office 60162
230 North Mannheim Rd, Hillside, IL 60162
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Joliet Social Security Office 60431
552 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 60431
1-866-783-7302 or TTY: 1-815-729-2895
Kankakee Social Security Office 60901
630 E. Oak St., Kankakee, IL 60901
1-855-807-8801 or TTY: 1-815-937-3255
Litchfield Social Security Office 62056
1107 W Ferdon, Litchfield, IL 62056
1-877-319-3077 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Mount Prospect Social Security Office 60056
705 North Wheeling Rd, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Mount Vernon Social Security Office 62864
105 S 6th Street, Mount Vernon, IL 62864
1-866-931-2549 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
North Riverside Social Security Office 60546
7222 W. Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL 60546
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Palos Hills Social Security Office 60465
10718 S Roberts Rd, Palos Hills, IL 60465
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Pekin Social Security Office 61554
2801 Broadway, Pekin, IL 61554
1-877-405-0499 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Peoria Social Security Office 61615
815 W Pioneer Parkway, Peoria, IL 61615
1-877-319-6039 or TTY: 1-309-689-1358
Peru Social Security Office 61354
915 Wenzel Rd, Peru, IL 61354
1-855-245-0640 or TTY: 1-815-223-3583
Quincy Social Security Office 62301
2401 Lind Street, Quincy, IL 62301
1-888-279-5999 or TTY: 1-217-224-7620
Rock Island Social Security Office 61201
2350 4th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201
1-866-414-9166 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Rockford Social Security Office 61107
502 E Jefferson St, Rockford, IL 61107
1-877-628-6570 or TTY: 1-815-987-4215
Springfield Social Security Office 62704
3112 Constitution Dr, Springfield, IL 62704
1-877-279-9504 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Sterling Social Security Office 61081
3512 E Lincolnway, Sterling, IL 61081
1-866-789-1093 or TTY: 1-815-625-0657
Waukegan Social Security Office 60087
1930 N Lewis Ave, Waukegan, IL 60087
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
West Frankfort Social Security Office 62896
1005 Factory Outlet Dr, West Frankfort, IL 62896
1-888-223-8869 or TTY: 1-618-937-3258
Woodridge Social Security Office 60517
7440 Providence Dr, Woodridge, IL 60517
1-866-303-2724 or TTY: 1-630-852-2607
Woodstock Social Security Office 60098
2450 Lake Shore Dr, Woodstock, IL 60098
1-877-405-7828 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
In accordance with the federal Older Americans Act and the Illinois Act on Aging, the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program partners with elderly residents who live in residential long-term care communities to resolve issues, empower choice and advocate for patient rights. All residents in long-term care facilities have access to this program free of charge.
A Long-Term Care Ombudsman representative can be contacted in two ways: through the Illinois Senior HelpLine or through regional offices via this contact list.
Alternatives for the Older Adult
1803 7th Street, Moline, IL 61265
(800) 798-0988
Alternatives for the Older Adult
301 Oak Street, Suite 2-38, Quincy, IL 62301
(800) 798-0988
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet
16555 Weber Rd., Crest Hill, IL 60403
(815) 724-1120
Catholic Charities Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
431 S. Phelps Ave., Suite 607, Rockford, IL 61108-3101
(800) 369-0895
Chicago Department of Family and Support Services
1615 West Chicago Avenue, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 746-7490
City of Evanston Senior Services
300 Dodge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 448-8173
DuPage County Department of Community Services
421 North County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187
(800) 942-9412
ECIAAA Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging, Inc.
1003 Maple Hill Road, Bloomington, IL 61704-9327
(800) 888-4456
ICARE – Project Advocate Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland
3100 Montvale Dr., Springfield, IL 62704
(800) 842-8538
LAF – Legal Assistance Foundation
120 S. LaSalle Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60603-3425
(800) 401-8200
Senior Services Associates, Inc.
900 North Lake, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 897-4035
Senior Protective Services Effingham City/County Committee on Aging
209 South Merchant Street, Effingham, IL 62401
(800) 283-4070
Shawnee Alliance for Seniors Shawnee Health Services
6355 Brandhorst Drive, Carterville, IL 62918-9802
(800) 642-7773
SSP Ombudsman Program Senior Services Plus, Inc.
2603 North Rodgers Ave, Alton, IL 62202
(800) 233-4904
SWAN
P.O. Box 176, Olney, IL 62450
(888) 715-6260
The Center for Prevention of Abuse
720 Joan Court, Peoria, IL 61614
(309) 272-2917
The Illinois Senior HelpLine is a resource connection hotline provided by the state Department on Aging. When contacted, individual cases are assessed so that appropriate resources and literature may be provided to enable adequate access to care, programs and services. Abuse may also be reported through the Illinois Senior HelpLine. Seniors, their family members and their designated representatives may contact the Senior HelpLine or call 1-800-252-8966 at any time.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Illinois
Illinois first began requiring ALFs and SHEs to be licensed in 2001. To become and remain licensed, the state requires that these communities follow set regulations in how services are provided to the residents they serve.
Assisted Living Service Plan Requirements
To move into an ALF or SHE in Illinois, seniors first must undergo an assessment by a medical professional to determine if their level of needs is consistent with what an assisted living community can provide. In addition, assessments must be conducted yearly afterward to ensure that an assisted living environment is still appropriate.
Based on the initial assessment and continued checkups, all assisted living residents have a service plan that acts like a contract between them and the ALF or SHE. This service plan sets out the level of care needed for assistance with activities of daily living, the amount of access necessary to health care professionals and services, additional services such as medication reminders or administration and any known and negotiated risks.
The service plan agreement has to document both the services that are agreed upon and those that are refused by either the community or the resident. The service plan is designed by the resident or their legal representative or any other person they designate, an appropriately empowered person representing the community, and, if applicable, a nursing care or case manager.
Assisted Living Admission Requirements
To live in an ALF or SHE in Illinois, a prospective resident must be above the age of 65 or be between the ages of 22 and 64 and suffer from a physical disability. The resident cannot have a significant developmental or cognitive disability and must need only partial assistance with activities of daily living.
If a potential resident currently needs full nursing care, notably intravenous fluids, feedings or catheterization; are in need of total rehabilitation services or have stage 3 or 4 skin ulcers, they are also disqualified. Additionally, they cannot pose a threat to themselves or others and must be able to communicate their own needs clearly or have a close relative or representative living at the same community who can do so on their behalf.
Assisted Living Service Requirements
Illinois requires certain mandatory services be provided to all residents of ALFs and SHEs. In addition, these communities may also offer residents additional optional services, for which they may charge additional fees.
Mandatory services include:
- Providing at least three meals per day as dictated by individual dietary requirements
- Regular housekeeping services within each resident’s apartment as well as common areas
- Laundry services for personal garments as well as household linens
- Security that includes limited-access entrances and guard personnel as necessary
- Emergency communication devices that residents can use to signal needs to the building or emergency response personnel
- Assistance with the activities of daily living, such as feeding, dressing, hygiene and bathroom duties
Assisted Living Medicaid Policy
Prospective ALF and SHE residents may be able to obtain financial assistance through the Illinois Supportive Living Program (SLP), which is a Medicaid waiver. Eligible residents must qualify financially and be interested in living at a property that’s part of the SLP-approved list. SLP funding covers mandatory services except for room and board, which must be paid for individually by the resident. Of the residents’ other income sources, they must commit all but $90 per month to their own ALF or SHE costs.
Assisted Living Facility Requirements
Individual patient apartments in ALFs and SHEs must have a door that can lock, a telephone jack, a way to communicate an emergency with staff or response personnel, and a window or door that provides outside views. For communities that offer private apartments, residents must have a bed that is in good condition, adequate lighting, privacy covers for windows and storage space for belongings.
In an ALF, residents must have a private bathroom with all working fixtures and any assistive devices defined by the service plan contract. In addition, private apartments must provide space for small kitchen appliances.
In a SHE, bathroom facilities must provide a tub or shower for every six residents and a toilet for every four residents, all equipped with working fixtures and any necessary assistive devices.Medication Management Regulations
The Illinois Administrative Code mandates that all medication administration must be undertaken by licensed health care professionals.
When medication management services are provided to residents, the community’s policies and procedures for handling medications must obtain approval by a qualified health care professional, such as a doctor, pharmacist or registered nurse. Unlicensed staff are not allowed to supervise self-administered medications unless under the direction of a licensed health-care professional.
All medications must be stored appropriately, labeled and administered according to an individual medication record established for each resident.
Staffing Requirements
An ALF or SHE in Illinois is required to have at least one staff member, at least 16 years of age, who is qualified in the administration of CPR on site at all time. In an ALF, an awake staff member must be available 24 hours per day. In a SHE, a staff member must always be present unless an emergency such as accompanying a resident to the hospital occurs.
There is no requirement for a nurse to be on staff, although most communities do provide nursing staff members. Staff members must be managed by an on-site manager in a SHE setting and by a manager who manages no more than three communities in an ALF setting.
Staff Training Requirements
When hired, ALFs and SHEs must provide an initial orientation to all employees on community philosophy, goals, policies and procedures, as well as expectations for respecting patient dignity and autonomy, confidentiality and hygiene. Within 30 days of being hired, additional orientation must occur to cover resident service plans and where they are stored, job responsibilities, emergency procedures and how to provide assistance with activities of daily living. All patient care staff and managers must undergo at least 8 hours of training every 12 months.
Background Checks for ALF and SHE Staff in Illinois
ALFs and SHEs in Illinois must hire employees in accordance with the Health Care Worker Background Check Act and Health Care Worker Background Check Code. Additionally, if a worker must be licensed, the community must verify their license with the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. All potential hires must also be checked against the Nurse Aide Registry to ensure they have not been found guilty of abuse, neglect or misappropriation of property.
Requirements for Reporting Abuse
Whenever an ALF or SHE believes abuse has occurred, the person who committed that abuse must be removed immediately from the property and a report must be made to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) within 24 hours through the Assisted Living Complaint Registry. The facility must investigate within 14 days and then file a completed report with the IDPH.
Assisted Living Facilities in Illinois
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Top-Rated Caring Stars Winners in Illinois
Caring.com’s Caring Stars award program recognizes the best assisted living facilities across the U.S. based on reviews from family caregivers and older adults. This award is meant to help older adults and their loved ones find the best assisted living or in-home care option in their area. The list below shows up to 10 listings that have won the most Caring Stars annual awards in their state, sorted by their current overall average rating. For a complete list of Caring Stars winners for each year, please visit our Caring Stars info center.