The Best Memory Care Communities in Cook County, IL

As one of the nation's largest counties, Cook County boasts a population of 5.2 million residents, and 14 percent of those residents are 65 or older. Some of them may be among the 220,000 Illinois seniors that have Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. These seniors can choose from 48 memory care facilities in Cook County, which includes Chicago.

Memory care facilities in Cook County, along with the rest of the state, represent a type of assisted living facility. The Illinois Department of Health's Division of Assisted Living licenses and regulates these facilities to ensure they deliver high-quality care to seniors living with Alzheimer's disease and related memory disorders.

• Cost of living in Cook County is above the national average. On a scale where 100 represents the U.S. average, Cook County's cost of living ranks 115.7. Transportation and housing costs drive up this cost of living. However, healthcare costs are below average at 94. Seniors' families may want to evaluate these expenses as they budget for memory care facility costs.
• Cold and snowy winters and moderate summers define Cook County's climate. The area sees temperatures drop into the teens in the winter, along with an average of 36 inches of snow. Summer temperatures are comfortable, with highs in the mid-80s. Cook County sees fewer sunny days and about as much rain as the national average.
• Crime rates in Cook County are above average. The violent crime rate is 49.2, compared to a national average of 31.1. Property crime rates nationally rank 38.1, and Cook County's property crime rate comes in higher at 50.2. Seniors' families may want to consider the location of the memory care facility and security measures used to maximize their loved one's safety.
• Cook County is home to world-class medical facilities, including those specializing in brain health and dementia care, such as the University of Chicago Medicine Center's Memory Center, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.

Memory Care costs in Cook County start around $6,873 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of memory care is $5,694 per month.

It’s important to note that memory care rates in Cook County and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.

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

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Illinois page.

Cook County-area memory care communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all memory care communities in Illinois are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Illinois page for more information about these laws.