Chicago is an iconic city with a rich culture and heritage. The city has a population of 2.7 million, of which 12.4% are aged 65 or over. The cost of living in Chicago is higher than the national average, but seniors receive access to world-class health care at the University of Chicago Medicine hospital and also benefit from the city’s rich amenities, including many parks, golf courses and historic sights.

Some older adults have health conditions or limited mobility that means they require a higher level of care than can be offered at an assisted living facility or via home health care. Nursing homes fill that role, offering skilled nursing services around the clock to ensure seniors receive the support they need. Nursing home care in Chicago typically costs $8,076 per month, $320 above the national average. Assisted living and home health care fees are much lower, and those types of care may be more suitable for a senior who is relatively active and mobile.

Directory of Nursing Homes in Chicago, IL

Elevate Care Irving Park

4340 NORTH KEYSTONE, Chicago, IL, 60641

Hi Mom is 90 year old and a resident of elevate care of Irving Park I’m very very pleased with the care she is receiving. Since Elevate came on board, I have witnessed change for the better in terms … (read more)
Hi Mom is 90 year old and a resident of elevate care of Irving Park I’m very very pleased with the care she is receiving. Since Elevate came on board, I have witnessed change for the better in terms … (read more)

Elevate Care Chicago North

2451 West Touhy, Chicago, IL, 60645

What I liked best about Elevate Care Chicago North was it was clean and you saw people cleaning up, and doing things. What I didn’t like about it was the staff appeared to be indifferent to the reside … (read more)
What I liked best about Elevate Care Chicago North was it was clean and you saw people cleaning up, and doing things. What I didn’t like about it was the staff appeared to be indifferent to the reside … (read more)

2012, 2014, 2018

Smith Village

2320 West 113Th Place, Chicago, IL, 60643

Smith Village is beautiful. It almost looks like a resort. I’ve never seen a place that looked that beautiful before in my life. They have private places where residents can go, like fireplace where t … (read more)
Smith Village is beautiful. It almost looks like a resort. I’ve never seen a place that looked that beautiful before in my life. They have private places where residents can go, like fireplace where t … (read more)
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2012, 2014, 2018

2012

St. Joseph Village of Chicago

4021 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL, 60641

St. Joseph Village of Chicago is a fantastic place. It’s run by a ministry, it has the religious services that my mom needs, the website is fantastic, the dining area, and the activities for the resid … (read more)
St. Joseph Village of Chicago is a fantastic place. It’s run by a ministry, it has the religious services that my mom needs, the website is fantastic, the dining area, and the activities for the resid … (read more)

The Clare

55 East Pearson St., Chicago, IL, 60611

I was there every couple of days visiting a good friend of mine who was on the terraces – nursing home side – after a hospitalization. I was so impressed by the competent staff, the amazing therapists … (read more)
I was there every couple of days visiting a good friend of mine who was on the terraces – nursing home side – after a hospitalization. I was so impressed by the competent staff, the amazing therapists … (read more)

The Admiral at the Lake

929 W Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60640

My mom is at The Admiral at the Lake. It is very good. What I like about it is that it doesn’t have the ‘nursing home’ feel to it. It is more of a residential place even though my mom is in a skilled … (read more)
My mom is at The Admiral at the Lake. It is very good. What I like about it is that it doesn’t have the ‘nursing home’ feel to it. It is more of a residential place even though my mom is in a skilled … (read more)

Montgomery Place

5550 South Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60637

I have been here at Montgomery Place for 2 weeks now. The food is good. They have alternatives, and they try to serve nutritionally well-rounded meals. The staff in the lunchroom are very good, very f … (read more)
I have been here at Montgomery Place for 2 weeks now. The food is good. They have alternatives, and they try to serve nutritionally well-rounded meals. The staff in the lunchroom are very good, very f … (read more)

Buckingham Pavilion

2625 WEST TOUHY AVENUE, Chicago, IL, 60645

Disorganized, poor communication between nurses and patients and inedible food. I was there 5 weeks and had three showers and lost 7 pounds.
Disorganized, poor communication between nurses and patients and inedible food. I was there 5 weeks and had three showers and lost 7 pounds.

Norwood Crossing

6016 North 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 … (read more)
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 … (read more)

Columbus Manor Resident Care Home

5107 21 West Jackson Blvd , Chicago, IL, 60644

Great facility with lots of care and concern for their residents. One of the best facilities on the west side of Chicago. I would recommend this home to any of my friends or family.
Great facility with lots of care and concern for their residents. One of the best facilities on the west side of Chicago. I would recommend this home to any of my friends or family.

Mid America Care Center

4920 N. Kenmore Ave., Chicago, IL, 60640

We have no money for a 24-hour care, so we’re placing mom in a nursing home. I’ve toured a couple other places and they weren’t as nice as Medamerica Rehab. It is in an older building, but it’s been r … (read more)
We have no money for a 24-hour care, so we’re placing mom in a nursing home. I’ve toured a couple other places and they weren’t as nice as Medamerica Rehab. It is in an older building, but it’s been r … (read more)

Ahva Care of Stickney

3900 South Oak Park Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60402

The staff here were kind, attentive, and truly went out of their way to help me. Lots of nursing homes are mediocre looking and short staffed, but the difference here was that the employees really car … (read more)
The staff here were kind, attentive, and truly went out of their way to help me. Lots of nursing homes are mediocre looking and short staffed, but the difference here was that the employees really car … (read more)

Schwab Rehabilitation Ctr Snu

1401 S. CALIFORNIA AVENUE, Chicago, IL, 60608

Schwab Rehabilitation Ctr Snu was an excellent facility. They took care of me and they gave me outstanding rehab. It was a very clean place. Housekeeping came in twice a day. They got white floors and … (read more)
Schwab Rehabilitation Ctr Snu was an excellent facility. They took care of me and they gave me outstanding rehab. It was a very clean place. Housekeeping came in twice a day. They got white floors and … (read more)

Little Sisters of the Poor St. Mary’s Home

2325 N. Lakewood Ave., Chicago, IL, 60614

Little Sisters of the Poor was great. It was clean, food was always good, and the staff cares. They were perfect. It’s a place that you wouldn’t mind putting a loved one in.
Little Sisters of the Poor was great. It was clean, food was always good, and the staff cares. They were perfect. It’s a place that you wouldn’t mind putting a loved one in.

2013

The Selfhelp Home

908 W. Argyle, Chicago, IL, 60640

My mother has severe Alzheimers and has been residing at the Self Help home for the past 4 years.She entered with only mild dementia and living independently until she became more and more impaired. … (read more)
My mother has severe Alzheimers and has been residing at the Self Help home for the past 4 years.She entered with only mild dementia and living independently until she became more and more impaired. … (read more)

Paul House & Health Care Center

3800 N. California Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60618

Paul House & Health Care Center looks like it was very nice, and it was big. The problem was they were too expensive. They came in over $10,000 for semi-private ,and that was too much. Otherwise, … (read more)
Paul House & Health Care Center looks like it was very nice, and it was big. The problem was they were too expensive. They came in over $10,000 for semi-private ,and that was too much. Otherwise, … (read more)

Symphony 87th Street

2940 W. 87th Street, Chicago, IL, 60652

My mother was scheduled for Respite Care at Symphony at 87th Street from June 5th to June 24th, 2023. We pulled her out on June 22nd due to the horrific and sun-human care at this facility. Mis-place … (read more)
My mother was scheduled for Respite Care at Symphony at 87th Street from June 5th to June 24th, 2023. We pulled her out on June 22nd due to the horrific and sun-human care at this facility. Mis-place … (read more)

Fairmont Care

5061 N Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL, 60630

I was a patient there in September of 2021. I came in quite sick. Diagnosis was rhabdomyolysis. The RNs were fabulous. Very attentive. Although I feel they are short-staffed. A number of the CNAs had … (read more)
I was a patient there in September of 2021. I came in quite sick. Diagnosis was rhabdomyolysis. The RNs were fabulous. Very attentive. Although I feel they are short-staffed. A number of the CNAs had … (read more)

Symphony of Lincoln Park

1366 W. Fullerton, Chicago, IL, 60614

My uncle was at the Imperial for two and half years, and I thought it was a nice facility. They had a lot of activities for the residents and really tried to engage those that were, most of the time, … (read more)
My uncle was at the Imperial for two and half years, and I thought it was a nice facility. They had a lot of activities for the residents and really tried to engage those that were, most of the time, … (read more)

Harmony Health Care and Rehabilitation Center

3919 WEST FOSTER AVENUE, Chicago, IL, 60625

We would have placed our mother in Harmony Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, if we didn’t put her in another place. It was very nice and the rates were (relatively speaking) low. They had a nice … (read more)
We would have placed our mother in Harmony Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, if we didn’t put her in another place. It was very nice and the rates were (relatively speaking) low. They had a nice … (read more)

Nursing Home Costs in Chicago, IL

The average monthly cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home in Chicago is $8,076. Private rooms cost slightly more, averaging $8,532.

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Nearby Cities

The cost of nursing home care varies across the state. Nursing home fees in Chicago are more than $1,800 per month higher than the state average. Fees to the north in Rockford are far lower, at just $5,825. Heading south, the cost of nursing home care in Kankakee and Decatur increases slightly but is still more affordable than Chicago at $6,540 and $6,338 respectively. The Carbondale area has some of the most affordable nursing home fees, with seniors typically paying just $5,232 a month for their care.

$8076

Chicago

$6235

Illinois

$7756

The United States

$5825

Rockford

$6540

Kankakee

$6388

Decatur

$5232

Carbondale

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Seniors who do not require the level of care offered in a nursing home have several other options available to them. Adult day care centers are the most affordable option, costing just $1,614 for daytime support in a group setting. Assisted living facilities offer room and board, group activities and assistance with the activities of daily living for $4,950 per month. Homemaker services and home health care are delivered in the senior’s own home and cost $4,957 and $5,053 respectively.

$8076

Nursing Home Care (Semiprivate Room)

$8532

Nursing Home Care (Private Room)

$4957

In-Home Care

$5053

Home Health Care

$1614

Adult Day Care

$4950

Assisted Living Facility

Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Chicago, IL

Many seniors and their families use some form of financial assistance to help them pay for nursing care. The main options available are Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans benefits. These programs can be complicated, especially when it comes to benefit terms. Below, we give a brief overview of how these programs may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care.

  • Medicare: Medicare will typically cover all skilled nursing costs for the first 20 days of one’s stay in a nursing home and a portion of the costs until day 100. After 100 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will not cover any part of the cost of the stay. While this is adequate when short-term care is needed, those in need of long-term care will need to either pay out-of-pocket or use another source of financial assistance.
  • Medicaid: Medicaid covers most of the costs of living in a skilled nursing facility for those who qualify. Care, room, and board are covered with no time limit, but residents may be charged for extras like specially prepared food or cosmetic services. Medicaid eligibility standards are strict and complex, so not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid benefits.
  • Veterans Benefits: Veterans receiving a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit administered by the VA. Aid and Attendance is a monthly allowance that beneficiaries may use to pay for their long-term care, including skilled nursing care.

If these options aren’t available to you, check if your loved one has long-term care insurance or contact your Area Agency on Aging to ask about any local financial assistance programs for seniors.

Free Resources for Seniors in Chicago, IL

Below are Free and low-cost resources that are available to seniors living in Chicago to help them live at home for as long as possible and to transition to nursing home care when they are ready. 

ResourceContact Service
Alzheimer’s Association Illinois State Chapter


(800) 272-3900The Alzheimer’s Association has branches across the United States. The Illinois state chapter covers the whole state and offers a variety of educational programs, support groups and advocacy services for those whose lives have been impacted by Alzheimer’s or dementia. It runs a Connections Care Consultation Program that helps seniors access the care and services they need and also provides support for caregivers and their loved ones.
Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly(312) 455-1000Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly is a nonprofit that supports seniors who are isolated or vulnerable. It runs a variety of social clubs, intergenerational programs and other supportive services to help seniors age in place and remain connected with their local communities.
Cook County Area Agency on Aging(312) 743-0300The Cook County Area Agency on Aging provides support services for older adults and advocates for the rights of seniors. It provides caregiving assistance, runs home-delivered meal programs and runs senior centers across the city. Support is available for seniors who are aging in place, and for those who currently reside in, or are thinking of moving into, long-term care.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Chicago?

The crime rate, which is used as an indicator of how safe a particular area is, in Chicago is 311, which is below the national average of 323.

In Chicago, what is the traffic like?

There is heavy traffic congestion with a below average crash rate of 5.

How much do you pay for housing in Chicago?

At $1,373, the average cost of housing in Chicago is below the nationwide average of $1,442

Is there a good job market in Chicago?

Chicago offers a poor job market for older adults. There are typically less than 1 job available per worker and the rate of income inequality in the area is 0.51.

How accessible is Chicago for people without a vehicle?

In Chicago, 75.4% of public transportation stations and vehicles are ADA-accessible. Which is below the national average of 78.28%. On average, there are 35 local transit vehicles per hour. This is more than the national average of 8.

Does Chicago offer good health care?

Patient satisfaction, which is a key indicator of the quality of health care in an area, averages 61.8% in Chicago – this is lower the national average patient satisfaction. Additionally, there are 94 primary care physicians for every 100,000 people, which is more the national average of 82.

Is Chicago a good place to live for people who are retired?

According to Caring.com’s 2022 Senior Living Report which graded 300 cities using 46 metrics across 5 categories, Chicago ranked in the top of the pack. It’s overall rank was 91st, and it scored the best in Transportation, while it’s lowest score was for Health Care.

Does Chicago have fun activities for people who are retired?

In Chicago, the number of parks is more than the national average. Additionally, the number of cultural, arts, and entertainment options is below the average.