Assisted Living Facilities in Chicago, Illinois
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, IL
Brookdale Lake View
3121 North Sheridan, Chicago, IL, 60657
I toured Brookdale Lake View for my mom. It was a little gloomy in there. They seemed friendly and it seemed pretty nice; I wouldn’t give it a low score. It just seemed kind of dark because the lighti
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I toured Brookdale Lake View for my mom. It was a little gloomy in there. They seemed friendly and it seemed pretty nice; I wouldn’t give it a low score. It just seemed kind of dark because the lighting was dim, which is what I meant when I said, gloomy.
We saw a single room and then a shared; they were fine. We didn’t see any problems with the rooms.
I would say the place was clean. I didn’t have any negative thoughts about the maintenance of the building or anything.
They were in groups and doing puzzles and stuff, and then other seniors were just in the downstairs lobby just talking amongst each other. So, they were able to do different things if they wanted to. There are senior citizens all over the place. Either they were sitting down talking with people or they were just sitting down and relaxing. I think it’s dinner also, and I think they had just finished, so some were finishing up their meals and then leaving the dining room. I want to say it was a cafeteria and it was clean.
They had an outdoor eating area, which also had a garden. They did have a grill because, I guess during the summer, they grill patties or hot dogs or whatever and they just take it inside for the residents to eat.
They also get to plant and garden. They also have a third floor for residents who needed additional care because of memory loss, and it was a secure floor. They had an outdoor area, and that’s very clean and very nice as well. The only reason I saw that is because we were on the fourth or fifth floor and we looked down and just so happened to see the third-floor balcony with the garden area.
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I toured Brookdale Lake View for my mom. It was a little gloomy in there. They seemed friendly and it seemed pretty nice; I wouldn’t give it a low score. It just seemed kind of dark because the lighti
… (read more)
I toured Brookdale Lake View for my mom. It was a little gloomy in there. They seemed friendly and it seemed pretty nice; I wouldn’t give it a low score. It just seemed kind of dark because the lighting was dim, which is what I meant when I said, gloomy.
We saw a single room and then a shared; they were fine. We didn’t see any problems with the rooms.
I would say the place was clean. I didn’t have any negative thoughts about the maintenance of the building or anything.
They were in groups and doing puzzles and stuff, and then other seniors were just in the downstairs lobby just talking amongst each other. So, they were able to do different things if they wanted to. There are senior citizens all over the place. Either they were sitting down talking with people or they were just sitting down and relaxing. I think it’s dinner also, and I think they had just finished, so some were finishing up their meals and then leaving the dining room. I want to say it was a cafeteria and it was clean.
They had an outdoor eating area, which also had a garden. They did have a grill because, I guess during the summer, they grill patties or hot dogs or whatever and they just take it inside for the residents to eat.
They also get to plant and garden. They also have a third floor for residents who needed additional care because of memory loss, and it was a secure floor. They had an outdoor area, and that’s very clean and very nice as well. The only reason I saw that is because we were on the fourth or fifth floor and we looked down and just so happened to see the third-floor balcony with the garden area.
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Brookdale Lake Shore Drive
2960 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60657
My father stayed at Brookdale Lake Shore Drive, and it is very nice and mostly for people who are independent and needing little assistance, but my father needed so much more. The place was beautiful,
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My father stayed at Brookdale Lake Shore Drive, and it is very nice and mostly for people who are independent and needing little assistance, but my father needed so much more. The place was beautiful, like a 5-star hotel. The dining room was immaculate, and the food was wonderful. The activities were constant and there was always something to do. They had doctors in the building, a bank, and a workout room, a general store, snack bar, liquor bar, two dining rooms, all the stuff that you want. It’s very nice. They had workout classes, movie room where you could watch old and new movies, art classes, a library, and a garden where you could plant your own vegetables. The menu was very nice and bordering on gourmet. It was pretty overpriced though and would bankrupt the average couple.
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My father stayed at Brookdale Lake Shore Drive, and it is very nice and mostly for people who are independent and needing little assistance, but my father needed so much more. The place was beautiful,
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My father stayed at Brookdale Lake Shore Drive, and it is very nice and mostly for people who are independent and needing little assistance, but my father needed so much more. The place was beautiful, like a 5-star hotel. The dining room was immaculate, and the food was wonderful. The activities were constant and there was always something to do. They had doctors in the building, a bank, and a workout room, a general store, snack bar, liquor bar, two dining rooms, all the stuff that you want. It’s very nice. They had workout classes, movie room where you could watch old and new movies, art classes, a library, and a garden where you could plant your own vegetables. The menu was very nice and bordering on gourmet. It was pretty overpriced though and would bankrupt the average couple.
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Sunrise of Lincoln Park
2710 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL, 60614
Located in Chicago, Illinois, Sunrise of Lincoln Park is less than a mile from the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Residents and their loved ones agree that this fac
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Located in Chicago, Illinois, Sunrise of Lincoln Park is less than a mile from the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Residents and their loved ones agree that this facility has a resort-like ambiance. Guests compliment the cordial, informative staff and the bright, clean and spacious accommodations. Residents enjoy participating in trivia games, Tai Chi classes and picnic lunches. The community gets plenty of praise for serving coffee and tea in its café-like bistro. It also receives top marks for providing many amenities, including a game room, library and open-air patio.
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Located in Chicago, Illinois, Sunrise of Lincoln Park is less than a mile from the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Residents and their loved ones agree that this fac
… (read more)
Located in Chicago, Illinois, Sunrise of Lincoln Park is less than a mile from the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Residents and their loved ones agree that this facility has a resort-like ambiance. Guests compliment the cordial, informative staff and the bright, clean and spacious accommodations. Residents enjoy participating in trivia games, Tai Chi classes and picnic lunches. The community gets plenty of praise for serving coffee and tea in its café-like bistro. It also receives top marks for providing many amenities, including a game room, library and open-air patio.
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St. Joseph Village of Chicago
4021 West Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL, 60641
St. Joseph Village of Chicago was very homey and very clean. The people there were generally friendly. It’s very homey and meets our needs. It’s older, but it’s clean and appears to be well-maintained
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St. Joseph Village of Chicago was very homey and very clean. The people there were generally friendly. It’s very homey and meets our needs. It’s older, but it’s clean and appears to be well-maintained. It’s a nice facility. The rooms are not new, but very nice. They were rehabbing some of the rooms also. We got a complete tour. The location for us is good. The security is very lax. They have a camera and a receptionist, and that’s about it. They had a lot of activities that they were working on. The person who gave us the tour was wonderful.
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St. Joseph Village of Chicago was very homey and very clean. The people there were generally friendly. It’s very homey and meets our needs. It’s older, but it’s clean and appears to be well-maintained
… (read more)
St. Joseph Village of Chicago was very homey and very clean. The people there were generally friendly. It’s very homey and meets our needs. It’s older, but it’s clean and appears to be well-maintained. It’s a nice facility. The rooms are not new, but very nice. They were rehabbing some of the rooms also. We got a complete tour. The location for us is good. The security is very lax. They have a camera and a receptionist, and that’s about it. They had a lot of activities that they were working on. The person who gave us the tour was wonderful.
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Victory Centre of South Chicago
3251 East 92nd Street, Chicago, IL, 60617
I can’t think of the young lady name but she was pregnant and tall. I was so overwhelmed and she calmed my nerves about placement for my mom and gave me a new view on how to look at things. The room
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I can’t think of the young lady name but she was pregnant and tall. I was so overwhelmed and she calmed my nerves about placement for my mom and gave me a new view on how to look at things. The room was clean that she showed me the Building smelled refreshing. Her personality was great and the things she stated about the staff that worked there was reassuring. The residents had a great attitude about living there one lady stated she lived there 7 years and she loves it. Im looking to move mom in once her lease is up and hopefully im not to late because I can see why people love it there..
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I can’t think of the young lady name but she was pregnant and tall. I was so overwhelmed and she calmed my nerves about placement for my mom and gave me a new view on how to look at things. The room
… (read more)
I can’t think of the young lady name but she was pregnant and tall. I was so overwhelmed and she calmed my nerves about placement for my mom and gave me a new view on how to look at things. The room was clean that she showed me the Building smelled refreshing. Her personality was great and the things she stated about the staff that worked there was reassuring. The residents had a great attitude about living there one lady stated she lived there 7 years and she loves it. Im looking to move mom in once her lease is up and hopefully im not to late because I can see why people love it there..
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Belmont Village Lincoln Park
700 West Fullerton Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60614
Belmont Village Lincoln Park was very nice. It’s very new and also expensive. It’s like a high-end luxury hotel. It’s very clean and very well appointed. They have almost like a gourmet restaurant the
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Belmont Village Lincoln Park was very nice. It’s very new and also expensive. It’s like a high-end luxury hotel. It’s very clean and very well appointed. They have almost like a gourmet restaurant there. So, it’s high-end restaurant food. The tour person was very, very knowledgeable and asked a lot of good questions about what I was looking for. They had a professional gym/yoga room, a library, an in-house hair salon, and a sports bar. It felt like an upscale Chicago apartment complex. They had everything.
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Belmont Village Lincoln Park was very nice. It’s very new and also expensive. It’s like a high-end luxury hotel. It’s very clean and very well appointed. They have almost like a gourmet restaurant the
… (read more)
Belmont Village Lincoln Park was very nice. It’s very new and also expensive. It’s like a high-end luxury hotel. It’s very clean and very well appointed. They have almost like a gourmet restaurant there. So, it’s high-end restaurant food. The tour person was very, very knowledgeable and asked a lot of good questions about what I was looking for. They had a professional gym/yoga room, a library, an in-house hair salon, and a sports bar. It felt like an upscale Chicago apartment complex. They had everything.
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Colfax Manor Assisted Living
8200 South Colfax Ave, Chicago, IL, 60617
Colfax Manor Assisted Living is fine. They do coloring because the place focuses on dementia and Alzheimer’s. It’s a small place, and it’s really a home. They go out, go to movies, put shows on the te
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Colfax Manor Assisted Living is fine. They do coloring because the place focuses on dementia and Alzheimer’s. It’s a small place, and it’s really a home. They go out, go to movies, put shows on the television, and play bingo. They also go out to different events. The food is very healthy and good, and my mom likes it because she eats everything. One of the biggest things is the caring attitude because they get more of one-to-one care. The director is always accessible, and I can call her anytime. They send me pictures of how my mom is doing pretty much on a daily basis.
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Colfax Manor Assisted Living is fine. They do coloring because the place focuses on dementia and Alzheimer’s. It’s a small place, and it’s really a home. They go out, go to movies, put shows on the te
… (read more)
Colfax Manor Assisted Living is fine. They do coloring because the place focuses on dementia and Alzheimer’s. It’s a small place, and it’s really a home. They go out, go to movies, put shows on the television, and play bingo. They also go out to different events. The food is very healthy and good, and my mom likes it because she eats everything. One of the biggest things is the caring attitude because they get more of one-to-one care. The director is always accessible, and I can call her anytime. They send me pictures of how my mom is doing pretty much on a daily basis.
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Amazing Grace Senior Living
7432 West Talcott Ave , Chicago, IL, 60631
The Amazing Grace Senior Living seemed like a nice place to take care of the medical needs that my mother-in-law would need. It’s assisted living and there are nurses there 24/7. It’s close to home an
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The Amazing Grace Senior Living seemed like a nice place to take care of the medical needs that my mother-in-law would need. It’s assisted living and there are nurses there 24/7. It’s close to home and it’s religious. So we could go see her and it will make it convenient for us. It’s a little homey and it looks clean. We had pizza, salad, and a fruit cocktail during our tour, and it was all good.
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The Amazing Grace Senior Living seemed like a nice place to take care of the medical needs that my mother-in-law would need. It’s assisted living and there are nurses there 24/7. It’s close to home an
… (read more)
The Amazing Grace Senior Living seemed like a nice place to take care of the medical needs that my mother-in-law would need. It’s assisted living and there are nurses there 24/7. It’s close to home and it’s religious. So we could go see her and it will make it convenient for us. It’s a little homey and it looks clean. We had pizza, salad, and a fruit cocktail during our tour, and it was all good.
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Norwood Crossing
6016 N. Nina Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60631
Norwood Crossing is located in the Norwood Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, near Presence Resurrection Medical Center and the Roden Branch of the Chicago Public Library. Visitors compliment the
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Norwood Crossing is located in the Norwood Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, near Presence Resurrection Medical Center and the Roden Branch of the Chicago Public Library. Visitors compliment the facility’s spacious rooms, which they note are large enough to host overnight guests. The community has three restaurants, and both residents and visitors have high praise for the quality meals that they serve. Visitors are also impressed by the caring staff, who they say encourage residents to get involved with activities such as the Spanish club, card games and bowling.
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Norwood Crossing is located in the Norwood Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, near Presence Resurrection Medical Center and the Roden Branch of the Chicago Public Library. Visitors compliment the
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Norwood Crossing is located in the Norwood Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, near Presence Resurrection Medical Center and the Roden Branch of the Chicago Public Library. Visitors compliment the facility’s spacious rooms, which they note are large enough to host overnight guests. The community has three restaurants, and both residents and visitors have high praise for the quality meals that they serve. Visitors are also impressed by the caring staff, who they say encourage residents to get involved with activities such as the Spanish club, card games and bowling.
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The Selfhelp Home
908 W Argyle, Chicago, IL, 60640
Founded by holocaust survivors, Selfhelp Home is one of the better-known nonprofit Jewish assisted living/retirement communities in Chicago. The food is kosher, the residents are almost all Jewish and
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Founded by holocaust survivors, Selfhelp Home is one of the better-known nonprofit Jewish assisted living/retirement communities in Chicago. The food is kosher, the residents are almost all Jewish and the staff/resident ratios are high. Despite rather high monthly costs, the facilities are not plush: they’re clean, functional, safe, and well-maintained but not luxurious. Well-run Medicaid nursing homes look pretty similar. The money goes largely for staff and there are a lot of them: residents can and do get help at any point of the day with just about any task. The home also offers a wide range of activities ranging from book clubs to field trips. Generally, residents seem to like it.
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Founded by holocaust survivors, Selfhelp Home is one of the better-known nonprofit Jewish assisted living/retirement communities in Chicago. The food is kosher, the residents are almost all Jewish and
… (read more)
Founded by holocaust survivors, Selfhelp Home is one of the better-known nonprofit Jewish assisted living/retirement communities in Chicago. The food is kosher, the residents are almost all Jewish and the staff/resident ratios are high. Despite rather high monthly costs, the facilities are not plush: they’re clean, functional, safe, and well-maintained but not luxurious. Well-run Medicaid nursing homes look pretty similar. The money goes largely for staff and there are a lot of them: residents can and do get help at any point of the day with just about any task. The home also offers a wide range of activities ranging from book clubs to field trips. Generally, residents seem to like it.
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Churchview Supportive Living Community
2626 West 63rd Street, Chicago, IL, 60629
Safety was my number one concern at Churchview Supportive Living. They had a serious safety issue there because the fire alarm went off and nobody was in a hurry to get the people out. If they had to
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Safety was my number one concern at Churchview Supportive Living. They had a serious safety issue there because the fire alarm went off and nobody was in a hurry to get the people out. If they had to use elevators, then they’re really in trouble if they need to get people, especially folks in wheelchairs. The model rooms I saw were nice. The staff who toured me was thorough, nice, and gave out all the information. They had regular meals, which looked good to me.
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Safety was my number one concern at Churchview Supportive Living. They had a serious safety issue there because the fire alarm went off and nobody was in a hurry to get the people out. If they had to
… (read more)
Safety was my number one concern at Churchview Supportive Living. They had a serious safety issue there because the fire alarm went off and nobody was in a hurry to get the people out. If they had to use elevators, then they’re really in trouble if they need to get people, especially folks in wheelchairs. The model rooms I saw were nice. The staff who toured me was thorough, nice, and gave out all the information. They had regular meals, which looked good to me.
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Victory Centre of Galewood
2370 North Newcastle Ave, Chicago, IL, 60707
Victory Centre of Galewood is located eight miles southeast of O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, minutes from Oak Park Country Club and shopping at The Brickyard. Visitors mention the
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Victory Centre of Galewood is located eight miles southeast of O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, minutes from Oak Park Country Club and shopping at The Brickyard. Visitors mention the facility’s nice grounds, compliment the building’s clean, well-maintained appearance and note that apartments are decorated with warm, inviting colors. Visitors also comment on the nice, helpful staff, and they are impressed with the numerous activities including bingo, bowling, exercises, movies and book clubs. The facility also provides residents with an on-site beauty salon, computer room, library and outdoor patio for socializing.
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Victory Centre of Galewood is located eight miles southeast of O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, minutes from Oak Park Country Club and shopping at The Brickyard. Visitors mention the
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Victory Centre of Galewood is located eight miles southeast of O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, minutes from Oak Park Country Club and shopping at The Brickyard. Visitors mention the facility’s nice grounds, compliment the building’s clean, well-maintained appearance and note that apartments are decorated with warm, inviting colors. Visitors also comment on the nice, helpful staff, and they are impressed with the numerous activities including bingo, bowling, exercises, movies and book clubs. The facility also provides residents with an on-site beauty salon, computer room, library and outdoor patio for socializing.
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Heritage Woods of Chicago
2800 W. Fulton Street, Chicago, IL, 60612
My brother have been living at Herritage Woods for over two years. He is very happy, safe and content to live there. He has his own apartment which they furnished because he had nothing when he move
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My brother have been living at Herritage Woods for over two years. He is very happy, safe and content to live there. He has his own apartment which they furnished because he had nothing when he moved in, and it is always keep clean. He is happy with the food, never misses a meal and all his needs are being met. If I have any concerns they have been addressed and resolved quickly. I highly recommend this facility. Thanks Herritage Woods for a wonderful staff and job well done.
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My brother have been living at Herritage Woods for over two years. He is very happy, safe and content to live there. He has his own apartment which they furnished because he had nothing when he move
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My brother have been living at Herritage Woods for over two years. He is very happy, safe and content to live there. He has his own apartment which they furnished because he had nothing when he moved in, and it is always keep clean. He is happy with the food, never misses a meal and all his needs are being met. If I have any concerns they have been addressed and resolved quickly. I highly recommend this facility. Thanks Herritage Woods for a wonderful staff and job well done.
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Victory Centre of Roseland
10450 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60628
Victory Centre of Roseland is located in the Roseland section of the South Side of Chicago, steps away from a CTA bus stop and Rose Ridge Foods. Residents and loved ones describe this community’s apar
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Victory Centre of Roseland is located in the Roseland section of the South Side of Chicago, steps away from a CTA bus stop and Rose Ridge Foods. Residents and loved ones describe this community’s apartments as beautiful and commend the property for its well-kept grounds and layout. Activities offered at Victory Centre include musical performances, arts and crafts, community outreach programs and Wii Bowling tournaments. Staff members receive praise for their warm demeanors. Residents are pleased by the high-quality food served in the dining area, where meals are prepared using ingredients that are harvested fresh from the facility’s own garden.
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Victory Centre of Roseland is located in the Roseland section of the South Side of Chicago, steps away from a CTA bus stop and Rose Ridge Foods. Residents and loved ones describe this community’s apar
… (read more)
Victory Centre of Roseland is located in the Roseland section of the South Side of Chicago, steps away from a CTA bus stop and Rose Ridge Foods. Residents and loved ones describe this community’s apartments as beautiful and commend the property for its well-kept grounds and layout. Activities offered at Victory Centre include musical performances, arts and crafts, community outreach programs and Wii Bowling tournaments. Staff members receive praise for their warm demeanors. Residents are pleased by the high-quality food served in the dining area, where meals are prepared using ingredients that are harvested fresh from the facility’s own garden.
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Covenant Home of Chicago
2720 W. Foster Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625
My boss’ mother-in-law has been a resident for a few months. My boss and I are friends so I decided to accompany her on this visit after brunch one weekend. We got there and as soon as we arrived, o
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My boss’ mother-in-law has been a resident for a few months. My boss and I are friends so I decided to accompany her on this visit after brunch one weekend. We got there and as soon as we arrived, one of the staff members immediately greeted us and asked us who we were here to see. She gladly took us to her room and asked if this was our first time visiting. When I replied yes, she offered me a tour of the facility. I accepted as I have friends and family who are residents of other assisted living facilities. I would definitely recommend it to them if I thought it was worth looking into. The entire facility was clean. I really enjoyed the staff as they were quite friendly and cheerful. I stayed for about an hour and enjoyed my experience.
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My boss’ mother-in-law has been a resident for a few months. My boss and I are friends so I decided to accompany her on this visit after brunch one weekend. We got there and as soon as we arrived, o
… (read more)
My boss’ mother-in-law has been a resident for a few months. My boss and I are friends so I decided to accompany her on this visit after brunch one weekend. We got there and as soon as we arrived, one of the staff members immediately greeted us and asked us who we were here to see. She gladly took us to her room and asked if this was our first time visiting. When I replied yes, she offered me a tour of the facility. I accepted as I have friends and family who are residents of other assisted living facilities. I would definitely recommend it to them if I thought it was worth looking into. The entire facility was clean. I really enjoyed the staff as they were quite friendly and cheerful. I stayed for about an hour and enjoyed my experience.
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Autumn Green at Midway Village
6700 S. Keating, Chicago, IL, 60629
My mom was in Autumn Green at Midway Village. She was in a suite that had another person in a separate bedroom, it was very nice, and it was well kept. The staff was nice and she liked the place. Some
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My mom was in Autumn Green at Midway Village. She was in a suite that had another person in a separate bedroom, it was very nice, and it was well kept. The staff was nice and she liked the place. Some days the food was good, and some days not so good, but overall I was happy with the place. She enjoyed going to the dining room and talked with the other tenants, but as far as activities go she only watched TV.
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My mom was in Autumn Green at Midway Village. She was in a suite that had another person in a separate bedroom, it was very nice, and it was well kept. The staff was nice and she liked the place. Some
… (read more)
My mom was in Autumn Green at Midway Village. She was in a suite that had another person in a separate bedroom, it was very nice, and it was well kept. The staff was nice and she liked the place. Some days the food was good, and some days not so good, but overall I was happy with the place. She enjoyed going to the dining room and talked with the other tenants, but as far as activities go she only watched TV.
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is a Caring Star Community
Earning a Caring Star means this community is among the best Senior Living commuities in America.
COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Chicago
Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in Illinois. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Service
(312) 738-9200
Many 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.
(800) 252-8966
The 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.
(312) 603-6423
The 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.
(312) 744-4016
Chicago 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.
(312) 663-4357
Through 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.
