Carbondale is located in southern Illinois, in the region unofficially known as Little Egypt. It’s home to the Shawnee National Forest, a 280,000-acre park with archaeological sites, scenic waterfalls and fishing spots, as well as Giant City State Park, offering a peaceful backdrop for retirement living. Older adults, who make up a little less than 9% of the city’s 25,000 residents, may find Carbondale to be an attractive option for its affordability, comfortable climate and high access to health care services.
Many older adults in Carbondale seek out the affordability and convenience of assisted living. These residential care facilities offer individualized personal care services, daily meals and activities while supporting residents’ privacy and independence. Many facilities offer amenities, such as pools, libraries and fitness centers, for comfortable, worry-free living. The Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey discloses that assisted living in Carbondale costs $3,750 per month, which is considerably lower than state and national rates.
This guide highlights the benefits of living in Carbondale, as well as some things to consider before making the move. It also provides in-depth information on senior care expenses and an overview of the agencies and programs that serve older adults in the region.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Carbondale, IL
The Landings at Reed Station Crossing is a new facility, maybe a few years old. It has a beautiful lake at the back. It has a koi pond. It has a vegetable garden where the residents can go out and tak
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The Landings at Reed Station Crossing is a new facility, maybe a few years old. It has a beautiful lake at the back. It has a koi pond. It has a vegetable garden where the residents can go out and take care of the garden like they would at home. They were able to plant flowers in the spring and they could go out and take care of them and weed them, just like they would in their backyard or front yard. The courtyard was very nice in the back and the front. It seemed like the residents were very happy there. They have a movie theater, an exercise room, and laundry rooms on each wing. They have very nice spacious rooms. I looked at the more private-type room because that’s what I was looking for. It’s super nice. They have an activities director, they do craft things and they all looked really cute. I didn’t see them making them, but I saw what they had made. They could take them to their rooms and they were very cute. They had just about anything that you would want for your loved one. They were very, very social people. They had private dining if you just wanted to have a birthday party for your loved one. It’s a super nice place.
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The Landings at Reed Station Crossing is a new facility, maybe a few years old. It has a beautiful lake at the back. It has a koi pond. It has a vegetable garden where the residents can go out and tak
… (read more)
The Landings at Reed Station Crossing is a new facility, maybe a few years old. It has a beautiful lake at the back. It has a koi pond. It has a vegetable garden where the residents can go out and take care of the garden like they would at home. They were able to plant flowers in the spring and they could go out and take care of them and weed them, just like they would in their backyard or front yard. The courtyard was very nice in the back and the front. It seemed like the residents were very happy there. They have a movie theater, an exercise room, and laundry rooms on each wing. They have very nice spacious rooms. I looked at the more private-type room because that’s what I was looking for. It’s super nice. They have an activities director, they do craft things and they all looked really cute. I didn’t see them making them, but I saw what they had made. They could take them to their rooms and they were very cute. They had just about anything that you would want for your loved one. They were very, very social people. They had private dining if you just wanted to have a birthday party for your loved one. It’s a super nice place.
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We loved it they treated my aunt like family. She was depressed and would not eat but the staff there made sure that she ate at meal times. They also kept her company when no one could visit here. The
… (read more)
We loved it they treated my aunt like family. She was depressed and would not eat but the staff there made sure that she ate at meal times. They also kept her company when no one could visit here. They are a grade a facility.
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We loved it they treated my aunt like family. She was depressed and would not eat but the staff there made sure that she ate at meal times. They also kept her company when no one could visit here. The
… (read more)
We loved it they treated my aunt like family. She was depressed and would not eat but the staff there made sure that she ate at meal times. They also kept her company when no one could visit here. They are a grade a facility.
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I would recommend Prairie Living at Chautauqua, there isn’t another place in Carbondale I would recommend. They have nurses on staff to help with baths, medication, to help get them to dining area, an
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I would recommend Prairie Living at Chautauqua, there isn’t another place in Carbondale I would recommend. They have nurses on staff to help with baths, medication, to help get them to dining area, and coordinate things. It was an excellent experience from the point of view of the care my parents received there. My parents weren’t there very long, but the staff there were very helpful, very kind, they were very responsive to my parents’ needs. The other people I’ve visited there have been very pleased with the care their loved ones are receiving. They also have decent food and they’re responsive to people’s diets. So if you’re on a sodium restriction diet or if you’re a vegetarian, there is lots of good food to eat, which isn’t true for other communities. They’re not taking anybody right now and that’s the problem. They have a little gym for people who want to work out a little bit, they have arts and crafts areas, and a library. They have all the standard things. The food is good, I could eat it, and let’s just say it doesn’t come out of a big can, though they’re not gourmet. They have a nutritionist on staff. They have nice apartments, people are on their own, but there are people around and things to do. They’d have musical groups come in and entertain, they’d have movies, they would take people to the doctors’ office. They do a lot and you get a big bang for your buck there. They also have requirements there about how many people have to have public aide or Medicare, so it’s not all private pay. If you don’t have any money they’re gonna help you. The activities were fine, they’re appropriate for the people that are there. There’s always something to do, they’re not sitting around, people are doing things. They have low staff turnover and they treat people there. There’s no problem at this place, they’re clean, and well-managed.
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I would recommend Prairie Living at Chautauqua, there isn’t another place in Carbondale I would recommend. They have nurses on staff to help with baths, medication, to help get them to dining area, an
… (read more)
I would recommend Prairie Living at Chautauqua, there isn’t another place in Carbondale I would recommend. They have nurses on staff to help with baths, medication, to help get them to dining area, and coordinate things. It was an excellent experience from the point of view of the care my parents received there. My parents weren’t there very long, but the staff there were very helpful, very kind, they were very responsive to my parents’ needs. The other people I’ve visited there have been very pleased with the care their loved ones are receiving. They also have decent food and they’re responsive to people’s diets. So if you’re on a sodium restriction diet or if you’re a vegetarian, there is lots of good food to eat, which isn’t true for other communities. They’re not taking anybody right now and that’s the problem. They have a little gym for people who want to work out a little bit, they have arts and crafts areas, and a library. They have all the standard things. The food is good, I could eat it, and let’s just say it doesn’t come out of a big can, though they’re not gourmet. They have a nutritionist on staff. They have nice apartments, people are on their own, but there are people around and things to do. They’d have musical groups come in and entertain, they’d have movies, they would take people to the doctors’ office. They do a lot and you get a big bang for your buck there. They also have requirements there about how many people have to have public aide or Medicare, so it’s not all private pay. If you don’t have any money they’re gonna help you. The activities were fine, they’re appropriate for the people that are there. There’s always something to do, they’re not sitting around, people are doing things. They have low staff turnover and they treat people there. There’s no problem at this place, they’re clean, and well-managed.
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I have been a resident at Big Muddy Assisted Living (River to River) in Murphysboro for almost two years now and have found aa place I can truly call home. When I first came here, I thought I would n
… (read more)
I have been a resident at Big Muddy Assisted Living (River to River) in Murphysboro for almost two years now and have found aa place I can truly call home. When I first came here, I thought I would never be happy again and feel at home but have found comfort and understanding here that is hard to describe. The last two years have not been easy. I’ve lost family and many friends but have always felt accepted and cared for here by the staff (Jane, Tina, Christa and all the girls who assist us every day.. Before coming here, I had lived at my home in Vergennes for 56 years and did not know any other way to live. I would highly recommend Big Muddy to anyone who desires a place to live where they can find friends and enjoy having and feeling secure, taken care of, and supported. We enjoy a variety of fun and interesting events or can simply enjoy the quiet of our apartments. I also love the fact that we can have our pets as companions as long as we are able to care for them. For me, they, my pets are a big comfort because I don’t have any family left. To the staff, I say Thank You with all my heart. Dianne Preston
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I have been a resident at Big Muddy Assisted Living (River to River) in Murphysboro for almost two years now and have found aa place I can truly call home. When I first came here, I thought I would n
… (read more)
I have been a resident at Big Muddy Assisted Living (River to River) in Murphysboro for almost two years now and have found aa place I can truly call home. When I first came here, I thought I would never be happy again and feel at home but have found comfort and understanding here that is hard to describe. The last two years have not been easy. I’ve lost family and many friends but have always felt accepted and cared for here by the staff (Jane, Tina, Christa and all the girls who assist us every day.. Before coming here, I had lived at my home in Vergennes for 56 years and did not know any other way to live. I would highly recommend Big Muddy to anyone who desires a place to live where they can find friends and enjoy having and feeling secure, taken care of, and supported. We enjoy a variety of fun and interesting events or can simply enjoy the quiet of our apartments. I also love the fact that we can have our pets as companions as long as we are able to care for them. For me, they, my pets are a big comfort because I don’t have any family left. To the staff, I say Thank You with all my heart. Dianne Preston
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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Carbondale
The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Assisted Living monitors assisted living facilities in Carbondale, as well as the rest of the state. This division has an extensive licensing process, conducts background checks on prospective employees and has a set of rules and regulations for facilities to follow.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Carbondale
- Carbondale is one of the cheapest places to live in Illinois, which may help seniors’ retirement income go further. The overall cost of living is about 20% below the national average and 13% lower than the state median. Residents spend a little less on groceries and miscellaneous expenses, such as clothing and restaurant meals, than in the typical U.S. city, and housing and transportation costs are well below national figures.
- Carbondale retirees generally find Illinois’s tax laws to be in their favor. Most retirement income, including Social Security benefits, government and private pensions and withdrawals from retirement savings accounts, are tax-exempt. The state’s property tax rates are among the highest in the country, which may make assisted living an affordable alternative to obtaining care in a private home.
- Crime occurs at a relatively high rate in Carbondale compared to similarly-sized cities and the nation as a whole, making assisted living an attractive option for those with safety concerns. On a 100-point crime index, the city rates 24.7 for violent crime and 49.2 for property crime, compared to the national scores of 22.7 and 35.4. To ensure residents’ security, many assisted living communities use state-of-the-art security systems.
- Carbondale is among the warmer cities in Illinois with year-round high temperatures ranging from 41-89 degrees. July is the warmest month and tends to be muggy, but humidity levels are low for the rest of the year. The city gets just 10 inches of snowfall annually, which may appeal to those who do their own driving or rely on mobility aids.
- Health care options are plentiful in the Carbondale region and may benefit those managing chronic conditions. The city has approximately 268 doctors per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 210, and it’s home to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, a 154-bed facility with an outpatient geriatric counseling program.
Paying for Assisted Living in Carbondale
Assisted living residents in Carbondale pay $3,750 per month on average for assisted living. This is well below the national median of $4,300 and the state average of $4,575, which may make Carbondale a financially viable option for those with budgetary considerations.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
In Carbondale, assisted living facilities charge $3,750 per month for services, making it among the cheapest surveyed cities in Illinois for this level of care. Monthly rates in Peoria, which is located about 240 miles north of Carbondale, average slightly higher at $3,800. In Springfield and Bloomington, fees exceed the state median at $4,860 and $4,968, respectively. Rockford, which is situated in the northernmost region of the state, has the highest monthly assisted living rates at $5,113.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Carbondale tends to be competitively priced for all types of senior care, giving older adults a range of options depending on their needs and preferences. Those who live in their own homes pay $4,195 per month for homemaker services, which are comparable in scope to assisted living, and specialized home health aide services. Local adult day health care fees aren’t listed for Carbondale, but on average, seniors in Illinois pay $1,636 monthly for services. Assisted living is among the cheapest options at $3,750. Nursing homes, which provide around-the-clock medical care and monitoring, charge $5,232 per month for shared rooms and $6,509 for private accommodations.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
Nursing Home Facility (private room)
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Carbondale
Eligible senior residents of Carbondale, Illinois will find a number of state and federal assistance programs to help them with the cost of assisted living. These include Choices for Care, the Illinois Supportive Living Program and Supplemental Security Income Category G.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Illinois page.
More Ways to Pay for 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. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Illinois page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Carbondale
Finding the right level of care in Carbondale can be challenging, but fortunately, local seniors have help from numerous nonprofit programs and agencies. This table features resources to help older adults make informed decisions regarding their care, identify the best ways to pay for their care and connect with social and recreational programs.
(618) 985-8311, ext. 101
(888) 895-3306, ext. 101
The Egyptian Area Agency on Aging is a local nonprofit organization that serves Carbondale residents aged 60 and older. Through this agency, older adults can speak one-on-one with trained advisors who provide information and referrals for community-based services, legal assistance and case management.
(541) 774-8214 (Jackson County)
(618) 997-3309 (Williamson County)
Veterans in Carbondale have the support of trained officers who help them obtain the benefits they’re entitled to, including those that may cover care costs, such as Aid and Attendance and pension programs. Local officers can also screen veterans for eligibility for veterans’ home placement, emergency financial assistance and health care services. Seniors in Jackson County obtain services through Jackson County Health & Human Services, and those in Williamson County should contact the Veterans’ Service Office at the State Regional Office.
Senior Adult Services is a local nonprofit organization that serves Carbondale residents in Jackson County. Through this organization, seniors obtain assistance with applying for Medicare, comparing Medicare Advantage and Medigap coverage and determining eligibility for Medicaid, which can help them cover medical and care costs.
Carbondale seniors in Williamson County obtain a range of supportive services through Programs on Aging, a nonprofit organization based out of Herrin. This organization hosts recreational activities, such as games, crafts and special events throughout the year.
(888) 895-3306, ext. 107 or 113
RSVP of SI connects those aged 55 and over with volunteer opportunities in the community. Through this program, older adults volunteer between two and 40 hours weekly in opportunities that fit their interests, experience and abilities. Some volunteer options include tutoring children in school, providing information and assistance regarding public benefits and providing administrative assistance in nonprofit organizations.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Carbondale
Carbondale-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Illinois are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Illinois page for more information about these laws.
