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Assisted Living Communities in Chicago, IL
Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago hosts assisted living facilities that care for older adults who need help with general daily activities. In 2024, seniors who reside in these facilities see a median monthly charge of $6,500, which exceeds the national median expense of $5,350 and Illinois’ standard monthly pricing of $5,225.
Continue reading for 3337 reviews reviews of the assisted living communities in Chicago featured in our directory. Reviewers awarded these communities an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars stars.
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Reviews of Communities Nearby
Assisted Living
Rosetta
5.0
Review of Heritage Woods of Chicago
What I liked best about Heritage Woods of Chicago was that it was really clean, and the way they prepare meals and have a set schedule for them. They showed me the laundry room, the grounds outside...
Assisted Living
Michael
5.0
Review of Amazing Grace Senior Living
I'm moving into Amazing Grace Senior Living. I like it. It's close to home. I'm giving it a 5 because of the care they show there. It's new. The people are happy, too. The staff member who assisted...
Provider response
Thank you for your 5-star review Father Michael. We are so happy you selected Amazing Grace Senior Living for your next home. We look forward to assisting you with the transition to our community...
Assisted Living
Verla
4.0
Review of Norwood Crossing
I visited Norwood Crossing and toured their assisted living. I liked what I saw, and they seemed to care. The facility looked clean and organized. There is also a fitness center and a hair salon....
What you can do with Caring
What Is the Cost of Assisted Living in Chicago?
The median assisted living cost in Chicago is $7,040/month. Typical rates fall to $6,575/month in Rockford. Assisted living communities in Chicago charge about $1,200 more than the Illinois median of $5,836/month.
Assisted Living Costs in Chicago
- Chicago: $7,040
- Rockford: $6,575
- Illinois: $5,836
- U.S.: $5,900
Chicago
$6,500
Illinois
$5,225
United States
$5,350
Rockford
$5,250
Kankakee
$7,683
Peoria
$5,012
Bloomington
$4,800
How to Pay for Assisted Living in Chicago
Chicago residents have a range of solutions for paying for assisted living, including government programs and private pay options.
- Medicaid: Illinois Medicaid helps cover assisted living costs through the Supportive Living Program. It provides services like personal care, medication management, and meals for eligible residents. It doesn't cover room and board.
- Medicare: While Medicare doesn't pay for assisted living directly, those dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid qualify for Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, which pays for some services seniors receive in assisted living. However, seniors can't use Medicare to pay for nonmedical services, such as personal care.
- VA Benefits: Qualified veterans receive benefits through the Veterans' Administration's Aid and Attendance program to help them pay for assisted living services, such as help with daily living activities, meals, and nonemergency medical transportation. This benefit rarely applies to housing costs.
- Private payments: Those who don't qualify for government-funded assisted living benefits pay for services through alternatives such as pension income, Social Security benefits, or retirement savings. Long-term care insurance, reverse mortgages, annuities, and life insurance benefits can also provide necessary funds.
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.
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.
| Location | 2022 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 |
Assisted living v. In-home care in Chicago
In-home care usually costs less than assisted living; in Chicago, 44 hours of weekly in-home care costs about $6,673/month, which is almost $370 below the assisted living norm of $7,040/month. In-home care aides provide nonmedical support in senior's private homes, helping them with personal care and housekeeping. The residential environment of assisted living also provides tailored assistance with daily activities, along with meals and recreational activities. Seniors may use in-home services while waiting to transition to an assisted living community.
Which Chicago Communities Are Caring Stars?
Our Caring Stars program highlights top-rated assisted living communities across the country, taking into account recent reviews, community engagement with reviews, and senior satisfaction. Over the past 3 years, Illinois has had 32 Caring Stars winners.
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Services Area Agency on Aging | 312-744-4016 | Seniors Services Area Agency on Aging supports seniors through transportation, meal programs, and in-home assistance. It also provides health insurance options, counseling, and advocacy services. |
| Illinois Persons Who Are Elderly Waiver | 800-252-8966 | The Illinois Persons Who Are Elderly waiver helps seniors who require a nursing home level of care pay for necessary services in less intensive environments, including assisted living facilities. |
| Illinois Supportive Living Program | 844-528-8444 | The Supportive Living Facilities waiver, available to Medicaid beneficiaries, helps with essential daily living services in assisted living facilities, such as personal care and medication assistance. It excludes room and board costs. |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | 773-247-3663 | The Greater Chicago Food Depository operates programs that address hunger in seniors in the Chicago area. Through this nonprofit initiative, older adults connect with local food pantries and access medical benefits counseling and referrals, monthly food boxes, and fresh produce coupons. |
| Meals on Wheels Chicago | 773-661-4550 | Meals on Wheels provides home-delivered meals to seniors in the Chicago area. In addition to dropping off meals, volunteers conduct wellness checks and offer brief opportunities for socialization. |
| Illinois Devices 4 the Disabled | 773-870-1553 | Devices 4 the Disabled collects gently used durable medical equipment and redistributes it to those who need it. Supplies include hospital beds, mobility aids, and transfer lifts. |
| Senior Legal Assistance - Chicago Family & Support Services | 312-744-4016 | Senior Legal Assistance has attorneys who provide free assistance with age-related legal issues, including power of attorney documents, living wills, and elder rights. The program offers a free hotline that seniors can call for over-the-phone advice. |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program - Chicago | 800-252-8966 | The long-term care ombudsman advocates for seniors facing involuntary assisted living discharge orders, billing problems, residents' rights, and other issues. They also help seniors identify ways to pay for assisted living services. |
| Legal Aid Chicago | 312-341-1070 | Legal Aid Chicago assists older adults with age-related civil legal matters, including debt collections, consumer fraud, and tax disputes. It also helps seniors access government benefits, including Medicaid waivers and Social Security benefits, that may help them pay for assisted living. |
| Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) - Chicago | 833-711-0374 | IHWAP provides basic home repairs and upgrades for qualified seniors. Services may include HVAC repairs or replacements, water heater repairs, and air sealing. |
| Catholic Charities Senior Care - Chicago | 312-655-7700 | Catholic Charities serves Chicago residents aged 60 and over through legal advice and referral services, public benefits screenings, and counseling on health insurance options. |
| Central West Center | 312-746-5300 | Central West Center hosts services and activities for those aged 60 and over in the Chicago area, including games and social events. The center also serves nutritious meals daily. |
| Northwest (Copernicus) Senior Center | 312-744-6681 | Northwest Senior Center administers over 70 local, state, and federal programs for seniors and hosts regular social and recreational activities. At this location, older adults attend annual flu shot clinics, eat congregate meals, and obtain counseling options. |
| Levy Senior Center | 312-744-0784 | The Lincoln Square neighborhood's Levy Senior Center operates weekdays, and hosts congregate meals and recreational activities for those aged 60 and over. The center has staff members who specialize in benefits assistance, helping older adults access meal delivery programs, benefits screenings, and transportation services. |
| Alzheimer's Association - Illinois Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The Illinois chapter of the Alzheimer's Association hosts early-stage engagement programs throughout the Chicago region for seniors with dementia. The organization also connects seniors and families with area experts who assist with legal issues and operates a toll-free helpline. |
| RUSH Alzheimer's Disease Center (RADC) - Chicago | 312-942-7100 | The RUSH Alzheimer's Disease Center conducts memory screenings and consultations with physicians specializing in memory-related disorders. |
| Chicago Social Security Offices | 800-772-1213 | Chicago has six Social Security offices that provide in-person assistance to those applying for government benefits, such as Social Security and Medicare. |
| Property Tax Relief – Homestead Exemptions - Chicago | 800-732-8866 | Qualifying Chicago seniors and veterans access a range of tax exemptions and exceptions through the state, reducing their living expenses and freeing up money for assisted living costs. To qualify, applicants typically must be at least 65 years old and considered part of a low-to-moderate income household. |
| Regional Transit Authority | 312-913-3200 | RTA operates free and reduced-fare transportation programs for seniors in and around Chicago, supplementing services seniors receive through assisted living. |
| Chicago Senior Transportation Program | 844-943-7386 | The Chicago Senior Transportation Program provides wheelchair-accessible nonemergency medical transportation services to seniors, helping them attend medical appointments or transfer between medical facilities. The program also provides shuttle services to local destinations, including airports, shopping centers, and special events. |
| Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program - Chicago | 800-571-2332 | LIHEAP provides utility bill assistance to qualified households in the Chicago area. It helps older adults avoid shut-offs due to nonpayment and offers funds for water and sewer bills. |
| Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs - Chicago | 800-437-9824 | Through the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Chicago veterans connect with long-term care options, such as assisted living, and receive screening services for VA benefits. |
| Chicago Vet Center | 773-962-3740 | The Chicago Vet Center serves older veterans in the region through individual and group counseling, benefits assistance, and referrals to community-based programs. Veterans may schedule in-person or virtual appointments. |
| Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center | 312-569-8387 | The local VA medical center provides medical support for qualified veterans and their families. Individuals receive rehabilitative therapies, vision care, prescription fulfillment, and counseling services at this location. |
Key Highlights
- Assisted Living Costs: Chicago has assisted living facility, where the median cost is $7,040/month.
- Nationally Ranked Medical Facilities: Chicago provides access to several top medical facilities, including Northwestern Medicine-Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University Medical Center.
- Facility Amenities: Assisted living communities offer wide-ranging amenities for residents' comfort, health, and enjoyment. Examples include gardens, fitness centers, on-site salon services, and activity programs.
- Nearby Excursions: In spring, visitors can stroll through blooming tulip fields at Windmill Island Gardens, MI, while Geneva Lake is a popular summer retreat. Chicago's cultural attractions include the Harris Theater and the Art Institute of Chicago, and local tours cater to varying interests, from food and architecture to ghosts and history.
Here's how Caring can support your research and decision-making process:
- Our expert Family Advisor services are free and personalized.
- We'll connect you with assisted living communities and in-home care providers in Chicago that match your unique care needs and budget.
- You can explore {{global.reviewCount}} reviews from seniors and their families about their experiences with local providers to help inform your decision.
Popular amenities and lifestyle features
Considering preferred amenities, and actively searching for facilities that match ideals, can make finding the most appealing assisted living community easier. Communities offer diverse amenities to enhance residents' comfort and nurture connections. Examples include:
- Game rooms that may feature board games, card tables, billiards tables, and puzzles.
- Outdoor spaces where seniors may relax in the sun, stroll along walking paths, or tend to community gardens.
- Wellness activities such as exercise classes, meditation sessions, and massage.
- Chef-prepared meals that cater to diverse tastes and dietary requirements.
- Round-the-clock staffing for 24/7 support and peace of mind.
- Planned outings to nearby places of interest, shopping venues, and local restaurants.
- Devotional worship and multi-faith prayer rooms.
- Medication management services to help residents manage medical conditions.
Additionally, some facilities in Chicago feature:
- Pet friendly: In 170 communities
- Active lifestyle: In 128 communities
- Swimming pool: In 22 communities
- Entertainment venues: In 136 communities
- Laundry/Linen services: In 155 communities
- Bilingual Spanish support: In 18 communities
Connect with a Caring Family Advisor today for free, professional help comparing assisted living communities and finding the best fit for your lifestyle and needs.
What Are the Laws & Regulations for Assisted Living in Chicago?
Illinois has strict rules and regulations that licensed assisted living communities must follow, ensuring quality care is provided, and safety standards are met. Visit our page on Assisted Living in Illinois to find out more.
What Are Senior-Friendly Amenities and Attractions in Chicago?
As part of the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities, Chicago offers many senior-friendly initiatives, attractions, and services. Accessible outdoor spaces, quality health care, convenient transportation, and plentiful cultural activities are just a few reasons retirees choose Chicago. Positive points for many older adults include:
- Top-Class Medical Care: Among the city's high-performing hospitals, several rank nationally for diverse conditions and procedures. Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University Medical Center lie within the top 10 hospitals nationwide for geriatrics. Other noteworthy facilities include University of Chicago Medical Center, Advocate Christ Medical Center, and Endeavor Health's NorthShore Hospitals.
- Seasonal Variation: Chicago experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Fall brings autumnal colors throughout the state.
- Citywide Senior Centers: Senior centers across Chicago, including satellite sites, supplement assisted living facilities' recreational programs with an array of free or low-cost leisure activities and clubs. Individuals aged 60 and older can also mingle at about 50 Golden Dining venues.
- Diverse Culture: As well as walkable cultural neighborhoods such as Chinatown, and Latino areas such as historic Pilsen, the city has many museums and art galleries, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and The DuSable. The Chicago Theater, Civic Opera Building, and Chicago Cultural Center host diverse performances, and festivals take place year-round.
- Outdoor Leisure: Chicago's 26 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan has beaches with summer lifeguards and the Lakefront Trail, suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. Over 600 parks lie within the city, including the popular Millennium Park that showcases gardens, architecture, art, and urban innovation.
- Extensive Public Transportation System: Chicago has the second-largest public transit system in the United States, with about 7,200 miles of routes connecting numerous towns and suburbs. Individuals aged 65 and older may qualify for free or reduced-fare travel on regional bus and rail services.
FAQ and Answers on Assisted Living in Chicago
Sources
- Calculate the cost of long-term care near you. (2025). CareScout.
- Medicaid guide home. (2025). Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
- Illinois supportive living program. (2025). Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
- Aid and Attendance or Housebound Allowance. (2024) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- The global network for age-friendly cities and communities. (2018). World Health Organization.
- Age-friendly Chicago. (2025). The City of Chicago.
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital. (2025). Northwestern Medicine.
- Rush University Medical Center. (2025). RUSH.
- Where you need us, when you need us. (2025). UChicago Medicine.
- Advocate Christ Medical Center. (2025). Advocate Health Care.
- Endeavor Health. (2025). Endeavor Health.
- Endeavor Health NorthShore Hospitals nationally ranked in four categories of U.S. News' annual best hospitals listing. (2024). Endeavor Health.
- Climate and average weather year round in Chicago. (n.d.). Weather Spark.
- Illinois fall colors. (2025). Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
- Senior centers. (2025). The City of Chicago.
- Satellite senior centers. (2025). The City of Chicago.
- Congregate dining program (Golden Diners program). (2025). The City of Chicago.
- Chicago's Chinatown. (2025). Enjoy Illinois.
- Chicago's Latino neighborhoods. (2020). Enjoy Illinois.
- Gellman, Erik. (2005). Pilsen. Encyclopedia of Chicago.
- Welcome to the Art Institute of Chicago. (n.d.). Art Institute Chicago.
- Welcome to the Chicago History Museum. (n.d.). Chicago History Museum.
- The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. (2023). The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center.
- The Chicago Theatre. (2025). MSG Entertainment Holdings, LLC.
- Chicago Cultural Center. (2025). The City of Chicago.
- Chicago festivals. (2025). The City of Chicago.
- Beaches. (2025.) Chicago Park District.
- Lakefront Trail. (2025). Chicago Park District.
- Parks. (2025). Chicago Park District.
- Millennium Park. (2025). The City of Chicago.
- Riders. (2025). Regional Transportation Authority.
- Discounted fare and ride free programs. (2025). Regional Transportation Authority.
- State Assistance Programs for SSI Recipients. (2025). Social Security.
