54 Assisted Living Communities in Chicago, Illinois

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $4,794 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 54 Assisted Living Communities in Chicago and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $4,794
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $7,330
• In-home care: $4,576
• Adult day health services: $1,728

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Chicago is $4,794, which is significantly higher than the Illinois average of $4,030. It’s also much more expensive than the nationwide average of $4,000 per month. While Chicago offers the most expensive assisted living care in the state, Rockford is nearly as costly at $4,770. Other major metropolitan areas in Illinois are much more affordable than Chicago, including Peoria ($3,750), Decatur ($4,046) and Danville ($4,200).

The average cost of senior care in Chicago varies greatly based on the type of care a senior needs. Seniors who need nursing home care pay, on average, over $2,500 more per month than those who need assisted living care. At $4,576 per month, homemaker services and home health aides are similarly priced to assisted living care. However, homeowners who opt for these in-home services should remember to consider the other costs that come with staying at home, such as rent and utilities. Adult day health care, the most inexpensive type of senior care in Chicago, costs about one-third the price of assisted living care. Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $4,794

• Homemaker services: $4,576

• Home health aide: $4,576

• Adult day health: $1,728

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $7,330

 

Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program that provides health coverage to many groups of eligible Americans, including low-income adults, pregnant women, people with disabilities and senior citizens. Each state runs its own Medicaid program, so the services that are covered by Medicaid will vary depending on a senior’s location. Iowa Medicaid covers a wide variety of health care services, including emergency services, doctor visits, vision care, physical therapy and medical equipment.

Seniors in Chicago may be eligible for Illinois Medicaid if they are U.S. nationals, U.S. citizens or permanent residents. They must also meet the state’s financial requirements. Single seniors may be eligible for Medicaid if they have an annual pretax income of less than $16,643. For couples, the income limit is $22,411 per year.

To apply for Medicaid coverage, seniors can visit Illinois’ Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) website. They can also apply over the phone by calling the ABE Customer Call Center at (800) 843-6154.

Seniors who earn more than the state’s income limits for Medicaid coverage but have high medical bills may qualify for coverage through the Illinois Medicaid Spend-Down program. Seniors pay for their own medical bills until they reach their spend-down amount; when they reach it, they become eligible for Medicaid coverage. Seniors who are enrolled in this program may also be permitted to pay their spend-down amount directly to Healthcare and Family Services (HFS). The spend-down amount is determined based on a senior’s income and assets. To learn more about this program, seniors can call the HFS Health Benefits Hotline at (800) 226-0768.

Seniors who need help paying for assisted living care in Chicago may be eligible for the Illinois Supportive Living Program (SLP). This Medicaid waiver program doesn’t cover the costs of room and board in assisted living facilities, but it may help seniors pay for the personal care services they receive in these facilities. The services that are covered by this waiver include intermittent nursing care, personal care, medication monitoring, housekeeping and laundry.

This program is an entitlement, and it’s open to anyone who meets the eligibility requirements. To be eligible for this waiver program, seniors must have a medical need for a nursing facility level of care. Medical need is determined based on a preadmission screening. Seniors’ income is required to be no less than the maximum allowable amount of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This amount is currently $771 for a single senior and $1,157 for a couple. In addition, seniors who are currently participating in any other waiver programs are not eligible for the SLP.

To apply for coverage through SLP or to learn more about the waiver program, seniors can contact the Department of Healthcare and Family Services at (217) 782-0545.

Optional State Supplement

Seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and live in an assisted living facility may be eligible to receive additional funding from the state of Illinois. This optional state supplement (OSS) is an additional payment on top of the senior’s existing SSI benefit. The amount of this benefit in Illinois is, according to the Social Security Administration, “based on state-approved allowances given for individual needs.”

To receive the OSS, seniors must be eligible to receive SSI payments. Seniors may be eligible for SSI if they are 65 years and older and have a limited income and limited resources. Because a senior’s SSI benefit is determined by subtracting their countable income from the monthly maximum SSI payment ($750), seniors with more than $750 in countable income will not be eligible. Countable income includes many types of earned and unearned income, such as wages and Social Security benefits, but does not include need-based assistance from the government or other excluded income sources. Seniors must also have limited resources to be eligible. The resource limit for single seniors is $2,000, and for couples, it’s $3,000. Resources include the value of some assets, including cash and stocks.

Seniors who have questions about the OSS program or who want to apply can visit any of Chicago’s 12 Social Security offices. They can also phone the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Seniors who are in need of short-term funding for assisted living costs may be able to receive a bridge loan. These loans may be a good option for seniors who are waiting to receive long-term funding from benefits or the sale of their home. Bridge loans are usually offered as a line of credit, and seniors can choose how much to withdraw each month. However, seniors who require a lump sum may be eligible for an amortizing loan.

Seniors can apply for a bridge loan by filling out an online application with Elderlife Financial. Funding is often available quickly for seniors who are approved. The funds are sent directly to the assisted living facility where the senior resides.

The city’s Senior Services Division acts as its Area Agency on Aging. This department provides information and resources to seniors. Local seniors can contact the AAA to learn about benefits and services that are available to them. The AAA also has resources for caregivers, including legal assistance. Family & Support Services, Senior Services Division 
1615 W Chicago Ave, 5th Fl, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 743-0300

Chicago is home to several resources for veterans and survivors. Seniors can contact the VA office to learn more about benefits and supports available to them. Eligible veterans may be able to receive medical treatment from the city’s VA hospital or VA clinics.

Chicago Office of Veterans Affairs 
2102 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 743-0720

Jesse Brown VA Medical Center 
820 S Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 569-8387

Auburn Gresham Clinic 
7731 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60620
(773) 962-3700

Lakeside Clinic 
211 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 469-4850

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.