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The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Chicago, IL for 2024

With its world-class museums, excellent health care options, robust transportation system and rich art and culture scene, Chicago is a popular place for many active seniors to retire. With 2.7 million residents, Chicago is one of the largest cities in the nation, and around 12% of those residents are age 65 and older. The city is well-known for its diversity, and seniors from many walks of life will find neighborhoods and communities to feel comfortable in when they settle in this city. It also has several nationally ranked hospital systems to benefit its aging population.

For those who need a little extra help day-to-day, Chicago’s assisted living communities can provide it. The city has an average assisted living cost of $4,825 a month. This is just about $300 higher than the state’s average of $4,488, as well as the national average of $4,500.

This guide introduces assisted living costs and options in Chicago. Learn more about assisted living as well as some of the perks and drawbacks of retiring in Chicago, along with free resources to help the city’s seniors.

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Assisted Living Facilities in Chicago, Illinois

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What To Consider About Assisted Living in Chicago

The Illinois Department of Public Health is in charge of assisted living communities in the entire state, including Chicago. The IDPH licenses assisted living facilities and regularly inspects them to ensure they’re following the rules and regulations outlined in the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Establishment Code.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Chicago

  • Chicago’s public transit systems, including the Metra Rail system and the Chicago Transit Authority, make it possible to live in the city without needing to drive. CTA bus routes stop every few blocks throughout the city, and the Chicago Department of Family & Support Service operates a Transportation Program that helps seniors get around town at little to no cost.
  • The brutal winter weather in Chicago can be a drawback for some seniors. Because of the city’s location along Lake Michigan, it can get severe ice and snowstorms. The average winter temperature is just 26 degrees. Summer weather can be comfortable, though, providing many opportunities to enjoy the lakefront.
  • Chicago is home to several world-class medical centers, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital. This hospital is No. 8 in the nation for senior care, according to U.S. News & World Report. It’s also home to Rush University Medical Center, ranked 16th in the nation for senior care.
  • Active seniors will find plenty to do in Chicago. The city’s museums, theaters and cultural centers mean there’s always something interesting to do. World-famous museums, like the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, await exploration. The city has many art galleries and dining options as well.
  • U.S News & World Report ranks Chicago among the top 100 places to retire. Though it doesn’t earn high marks for affordability, the many things to do make it one of the top options in the country.

Paying for Assisted Living in Chicago, IL

When trying to decide how to pay for assisted living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of more than 75,000 senior living providers to provide insight into the average cost of assisted living in Chicago and 110 other cities in Illinois.

Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in Chicago, IL

Although long-term care prices have been rising steadily over the past few decades, larger price increases are expected in the near future due to inflation. In Chicago, assisted living prices are expected to increase by 18% in just 2 years between 2022 and 2024. The trend is similar in neighboring cities, such as Naperville, Schaumburg and Bolingbrook. Although average assisted living prices in Illinois actually increased from $4,959 to $4,742 between 2022 and 2023, they're likely to rise by 12% in 2024, rebounding to a median of $5,313 per month.

Location2022 Cost (Historical)2023 Cost (Current)2024 Cost (Estimated)
Chicago$5,423 $5,941 $6,398
U.S. Average$4,070$4,459$4,802
Illinois$4,959$4,742 $5,313
Naperville$3,410 $3,736 $4,023
Schaumburg$3,583$3,925$4,227
Bolingbrook$4,651$5,095 $5,487

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Compared to other cities in Illinois, Chicago is in the middle of the road. Chicago’s average assisted living cost is $4,825, while just to the south in Kankakee, seniors pay an average of $4,623 a month. Carbondale in the south of the state has the lowest monthly average at $3,525. To the northwest of Chicago in Rockford, which has the state’s highest average, seniors pay $5,250 a month. In Decatur, in central Illinois, the average drops to $4,382 a month. 

Chicago

$4,825

Illinois

$4,575

The United States

$4,300

Carbondale

$3,525

Decatur

$4,382

Kankakee

$4,623

Rockford

$5,250

The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living

While assisted living averages around $5,941 in Chicago, there are other options for seniors, including independent living and memory care. Although these services may be offered in the same facility, the cost can vary significantly. Independent living, which includes accommodations and activities, costs $2,692 per month on average, while memory care facilities charge over $6,582 per month for specialized staffing. The facility's location, amenities and billing arrangements can also affect pricing.

Assisted Living

$5941

Memory Care

$6,582

Independent Living

$2,692

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Chicago

Eligible seniors who reside in Chicago can apply for Supplemental Security Income – Category G (SSI-G) to receive financial assistance for covering the cost of assisted living.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Illinois page.

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Illinois

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 and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Chicago,IL

There are many resources in Chicago,IL that assist seniors in their retirement. caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

For information about statewide resources and those in nearby cities, go to Caring’s Illinois state page.

Area Agency on Aging

Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Senior Services Area Agency on Aging312-744-4016Illinois' Area Agencies on Aging provide vital services and support for older adults and their caregivers. They offer a range of programs that promote independent living, health and overall well-being. AAAs assess needs, help develop care plans and connect seniors with services such as transportation, meal programs and in-home assistance. They also provide counseling on Medicare, Medicaid and other benefits. These agencies advocate for seniors and ensure they have access to the resources they need to age with dignity.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care

Chicago seniors wishing to remain in their own homes can find financial assistance from several local resources. These programs and organizations help retirees cover the cost of services such as home care, property modifications and utilities.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) - Chicago866-454-3571The Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund provides low-income residents facing financial hardship with up to $30,000 in grants to catch up on past-due mortgage and property tax payments, homeowners insurance payments, mobile home lot rent or homeowner association fees.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living

Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Chicago seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
HCBS Waiver for the Elderly - Chicago800-252-8966The Waiver for the Elderly is a Home and Community-Based (HCBS) program that helps seniors who require a nursing level of care to access services and support in their own homes, thus helping them avoid institutionalization. The program pays for homemaker services and adult day care, as well as devices such as automated medication dispensers and personal emergency response systems.
Illinois Supportive Living Program - Chicago844-528-8444Seniors who receive Medicaid coverage can take part in the Supportive Living Facilities waiver, which provides personal care services for those living independently in their own communities. The program is self-directed and ensures that participants have the opportunity to customize the program to suit their needs.

Food Assistance Programs

Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Chicago seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Greater Chicago Food Depository773-247-3663Food pantries and banks help low-income households access non-perishable food items such as canned foods, pasta and cereals. These pantries are operated by independent organizations and as such, they have their own eligibility requirements.
Meals on Wheels Chicago800-252-8966Meals on Wheels delivers healthy, balanced meals to senior citizens through several branches across Illinois. Volunteers also conduct regular wellness checks and provide brief opportunities for socialization and companionship during delivery.

Free Used Medical Equipment

Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Chicago collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Illinois Devices 4 the Disabled (D4D) - Chicago773-870-1553Devices 4 the Disabled collects donated equipment and redistributes it to those who need it. Available supplies typically include wheelchairs, hospital beds and walkers.

Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Chicago seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Senior Legal Assistance - Chicago Family & Support Services312-744-4016Many attorneys throughout the city of Chicago have partnered with the city and CARPLS to assist seniors with legal concerns. These attorneys provide free assistance with Power of Attorney, Living Wills, Guardianship and other senior-specific legal issues that seniors and their caregivers face. Seniors can call the free legal hotline to get started getting legal assistance.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program - Chicago888-831-0404The Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program connects seniors living in assisted living and other long-term care facilities with advocates that will ensure they are receiving a high level of care. Representatives from the Ombudsman Program will help seniors and their families resolve issues or look into accusations of abuse and neglect with long-term care facilities. This program is free to any resident who needs it.
Legal Aid Chicago312-341-1070This nonprofit organization offers no-cost legal aid to low-income seniors. It can help clients with various civil matters, including debt collection, tax disputes and consumer fraud cases, in addition to assisting clients in accessing government benefits such as Medicare and SSI. The organization can't offer assistance in criminal cases, however.

Home Repair and Modifications

Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Chicago have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) - Chicago217-785-2533Through 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.

Senior Centers

Senior centers in Chicago bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Catholic Charities Senior Care - Chicago312-655-7700Catholic Charities is a local nonprofit organization that administers a range of services and programs for those aged 60 and over in Skokie. It has attorneys who provide free basic legal advice and referral services, and it screens clients for eligibility for public benefits, such as Medicaid coverage and Medicare cost sharing and prescription drug assistance programs.
Central West Center312-746-5300Central West Center in Chicago, IL, is one of several senior centers across the city that provides resources for older adults. Active or fragile seniors and those in care facilities can access multiple services ranging from possible state and federal benefits for seniors over 60 to daily nutritious meals, satellite senior centers for activities, and more.
Northwest (Copernicus) Senior Center312-744-6681Copernicus Senior Center in Chicago, IL, is a resource for older adults age 60312-744-0784 to receive services and support. It's open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seniors can navigate the assisted living options in Greater Chicago, receive valuable information on over 70 federal, state and local benefits programs, and attend congregate meals to enjoy nutritious dining in a social atmosphere. The center hosts senior flu shot clinics, offers care coordination referrals and provides caregiving assistance.
Levy Senior Center312-744-0784Levy Senior Center in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago, IL, offers seniors aged 60+ and their spouses an opportunity for socialization, a nutritious meal and recreational activities every weekday. It's also designated as the Northeast Regional Center for the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services. As such, staff at the center can provide direct access to all assistance programs offered by the department, including home-delivered meals, benefits eligibility tests, housekeeping services and transportation.

Senior Engagement

Senior engagement resources and programs in Chicago help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Alzheimer's Association - Chicago800-272-3900The Cincinnati chapter of the Alzheimer's Association provides resources, programs and information for people with dementia and their families. Services include a helpline, educational programs, counseling, care consultation services and a family support group network.
RUSH Alzheimer's Disease Center (RADC) - Chicago312-942-7100The Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center is one of 29 national centers funded by the National Institute on Aging. The center offers psychological and neurological evaluations and consultations with physicians treating patients with Alzheimer's. The center also researches ways to treat and diagnose dementia-related diseases.

Social Security Offices

Social Security offices in Chicago help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Chicago Social Security Offices800-772-1213Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working.

Tax Assistance

Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Chicago resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Property Tax Relief – Homestead Exemptions - Chicago800-732-8866The state of Illinois offers a variety of tax exemptions and exceptions for seniors, persons with disabilities and Veterans. The eligibility requirements for these exemptions vary but for seniors, most require applicants to be at least 65 years old and considered a low-to-moderate-income household.

Transportation Assistance

Assistance is available for seniors unable to access or use private transportation. These community resources help elderly and disabled residents make journeys in and around Chicago, allowing them to run errands and attend appointments in the local area.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
RTA ADA Paratransit312-913-3200Skokie's ADA Paratransit service offers shared rides and disabled transportation services for seniors with limited mobility who need help getting around the area for personal trips. Seniors can sign up for Paratransit and schedule advance-notice personal rides for any purpose within the Skokie service radius.
Chicago Senior Transportation Program844-943-7386Through the Chicago Senior Transportation Program, seniors can receive emergency medical transportation or door-to-door service. IF their assisted living facilities do not offer transportation, these programs provide an option to navigate the city at a minimal cost.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Chicago retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - Chicago800-571-2332The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households keep vital utilities operational, even when they don't have the funds to pay their bills. It provides payments for heating during winter months and occasionally for other home energy services at other times of the year. It may also provide funding for water and wastewater bills, when necessary.

Veteran's Services

Chicago retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs - Chicago800-437-9824Throughout the state, Veterans Administration centers connect veterans and their spouses to the senior care and residential options they qualify for, as well as other benefits earned through military service. There are several VA centers located throughout Illinois.
Chicago Vet Center773-962-3740The Chicago Vet Center helps local veterans by providing complimentary counseling services. Couples and family therapies are available to address issues such as communication, partner distress, problem-solving, domestic abuse, child behavioral challenges and expectations after deployment, among others. Individual and group counseling can help those struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, anger and PTSD. Minority veteran care is available to help minority veterans access resources and make community connections. Remote appointments are available for convenient care access.
Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center312-569-8387The Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Chicago, IL, specializes in alternative medicine and mental health care services for veterans and returning service members. The medical center offers many programs and services, including vision care, prescription fulfillment, physical therapy and follow-up care after surgery. Counselors are available to assist veterans with financial issues, suicide prevention, cognitive impairments, homelessness and recovery from military sexual trauma.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Chicago

Chicagos-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.

Laws and Regulations in Chicago

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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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