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The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Chicago, IL for 2023

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.

Directory of 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

Based on the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average cost for assisted living in Chicago is $4,825 a month, which is about $300 higher than the Illinois state average of $4,488. It’s also higher than the national average of $4,500 a month.

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 Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

The most affordable senior care option in Chicago is adult day health care, which averages $1,842 a month. Seniors who want to remain in their homes but need assistance with housekeeping can pay for homemaker services, which averages $5,672, or home health aide care, which adds simple health care services, for $5,720 a month. The most costly option is nursing home care, which gives around-the-clock attention and averages $6,996 for a semiprivate room or $8,060 for a private room.

Homemaker Services

$5,672

Home Health Aide

$5,720

Adult Day Health Care

$1,842

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$6,996

Nursing Home Facility (private room)

$8,060

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 Assisted Living Resources in Chicago

The city of Chicago has a robust list of senior services. These, in combination with the services offered on a state-wide level, help seniors take full advantage of their retirement years. Through these programs and organizations, seniors and their families can get everything from healthcare and insurance counseling to legal advice.

ResourceContactService
Senior Legal Assistance(312) 738-9200Many 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.
Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman(800) 252-8966The Long-Term Care Ombudsman works with assisted living facilities and with seniors and their families to ensure all residents of long-term care communities receive quality care. Seniors or family members can call the ombudsman to discuss instances of abuse or neglect and to get advocacy help to protect their loved ones.
Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs Office(312) 603-6423The VA benefits process can be complex and confusing. The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs office helps connect senior veterans with the benefits they deserve to receive. This includes monetary benefits as well as discounts in the local community. Seniors who served the country can reach out to the VA to get guidance to ensure they are receiving all of their benefits.
Chicago Senior Centers(312) 744-4016Chicago has six main senior centers and many satellite centers that provide a connection point for seniors in the city to get access to services, enjoy a meal with friends or take part in classes and events. These serve as a social outlet for many of the city’s seniors. Seniors can call the Chicago Senior Services Hotline to find their local senior center.
Senior Transportation Program(312) 663-4357Through 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.

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.

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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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