Assisted Living Facilities in Galesburg, IL

Galesburg is a compact city that serves as the seat of Knox County. Of Galesburg’s 30,197 residents, one in five are seniors aged 65 and older. The city is known for its vibrant downtown district and historical sites, many of which pay tribute to its role as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Assisted living care includes room and board and help with activities of daily living in a nonmedical facility staffed by caregivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Assisted living communities range in size from small, family-style residences to large, multistory facilities equipped with a number of resort-style amenities. This level of care is ideal for older adults who no longer want to live independently, but who don’t need the intensive support and medical services provided in a nursing home. In Galesburg, the average monthly rate for assisted living is $3,478, which is well below the Illinois and U.S. medians.

This guide examines the average cost of assisted living and other senior care options in Galesburg. It also provides factors to consider about retiring in Galesburg and information on available area resources for seniors. 

Assisted living facilities in Galesburg are required to comply with state rules and regulations outlined in the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act. The Illinois Division of Assisted Living inspects and licenses assisted living facilities statewide. 

• The cost of living in Galesburg is quite low in comparison to the state and national averages, making this city a great place for seniors who want to enjoy a comfortable, affordable retirement. 
• The City of Galesburg’s Parks and Recreation Department maintains a number of green spaces and recreational facilities that seniors can enjoy. Lake Storey Park features level sidewalks that lead directly to the beach, and there are modern ADA-compliant restroom facilities. 
• Summers in Galesburg are warm and sunny, with temperatures in July reaching around 84 degrees. Winters are quite snowy, and the area receives an average of 2 feet of snow each year, making Galesburg ideal for retirees who enjoy a four-season climate. 
• The crime rates in Galesburg are slightly above the national average, which may be a concern for seniors. Retirees who opt for assisted living should know that these facilities are staffed around the clock, and they often have security features such as security cameras, motion-activated exterior lights and electronic access control systems. 
• Emergency, acute and outpatient medical services are available at the 133-bed Galesburg Cottage Hospital. Services include joint replacement, stroke care, rehabilitation, pulmonary and respiratory care, and a specialized older adult behavioral health program. 
• There are a number of property tax exemptions available to senior homeowners in Illinois. These exemptions include a senior assessment freeze for taxpayers aged 65 and older who have an annual household income of $65,000 or less, and a senior homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of an owner-occupied home by $5,000. 
• Galesburg’s fixed-route bus service make it easy for older adults to stay active and independent, even if they don’t drive. Seniors aged 65 and older ride for free on all city buses. 
• Galesburg has long been a transportation hub, and riders can take one of three daily trains directly from the Galesburg Amtrak station to Chicago’s Union Station. 

Galesburg assisted living residents pay an average of $3,478 for their care, which is $595 below the Illinois statewide average of $4,575, and $822 less than the nationwide median of $4,300. In nearby Rockford, rates are significantly higher at an average of $5,113 per month. Galesburg’s rates are also well below what seniors pay in other Illinois cities, including Peoria ($3,800), Springfield ($4,860) and Bloomington ($4,968), and it’s one of the most affordable places in the state for assisted living care. 

Assisted living is one of several long-term care options available to Galesburg seniors. Pricing for senior care in the area starts at $1,430 per month for adult day health care, while assisted living runs about $3,478 per month. Forty-four hours of weekly in-home care from either a homemaker or home health aide costs an average of $4,385 per month. Nursing home care is the costliest option, with rates averaging $6,235 per month for a semiprivate room, and $6,524 for a private room. 

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.