6 Assisted Living Communities in Dekalb County, Illinois

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $4,770 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 6 Assisted Living Communities in DeKalb County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in DeKalb County, IL

• Assisted Living: $4,770
• Nursing Home Care: $5,916
• In-home Care: $3,886
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,647

The Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study reveals that the $4,770 monthly rate for assisted living in DeKalb County is much higher than the state ($4,030) and national ($4,000) averages. Only the metro Chicago area costs more ($4,794), but assisted living in Bloomington is almost as expensive at $4,650 per month. Other areas of Illinois are markedly more affordable, such as Kankakee ($3,986), Peoria ($3,750), Champaign ($3,578) and Carbondale, where assisted living costs average just $3,475 per month.

Note: Data on senior care costs wasn’t available for DeKalb County, so data for the nearest city, Rockford, was used.

Costs for different senior care options can vary considerably within a specific locale. These variances are due to factors such as the type of care, the skill level of services provided and the setting. Nursing home care is the most expensive option in DeKalb County, and assisted living costs about $1,000 less per month. While both are residential environments with room and board usually provided, nursing home rates are much higher because these facilities offer 24-hour skilled care. Homemaker or home health aide services may seem like a more affordable choice than assisted living since they average around $900 less per month.  Day-to-day expenses such as food, upkeep, utilities and property taxes should be considered in addition to the price of in-home care services for a realistic cost comparison.

Medicaid is the nation’s widest-ranging health care program, serving more than 72 million low-income Americans from coast to coast. This jointly funded program is regulated by the federal government and administered at the state level.

In Illinois, the Department of Human Services administers Medicaid, and it’s called Medical Assistance. The program provides more than 2.25 million state residents with a number of basic health care services, including primary and specialist care, emergency room visits, hospital stays, lab and X-ray services, prescription drugs and institutional nursing home care.

To qualify for Medical Assistance coverage for long-term care, DeKalb County residents must be blind, disabled or aged 64 and older and a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Applicants must also have:

• A monthly income of less than $1,041 if single or $1,409 if married and both spouses apply
• Total countable assets of $2,000 or less if single or $3,000 if applying with a spouse

MA factors in income from all sources, but some assets aren’t counted, including a principal home, one vehicle, personal effects and household furnishings.

When only one spouse of a married couple applies, the non-applicant’s income is excluded. Up to $2,739 of the applicant’s monthly income also may be disregarded as a spousal allowance, along with up to $109,540 of the couple’s jointly owned assets.

Seniors with income above the limits may be able to qualify through the MA spend-down program. This program requires that excess monthly income is spent on allowable medical expenses, such as hospital or doctor bills, prescriptions, supplies or medical treatments, to reach the eligibility income level.

DeKalb County seniors can apply for MA online, by calling (815) 895-8667 or by visiting the DHS Family Community Resource Center at 1629 Afton Rd. in Sycamore.

Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension

DeKalb County senior veterans or their surviving spouses currently receiving a regular VA pension may be eligible for a monthly top-up based on their care needs and service record. To qualify, an applicant must meet one of these conditions:

• Need help completing activities of daily living

• Have a disabling visual impairment

• Be largely confined to bed due to a chronic condition or disability

Only honorably discharged wartime veterans or their surviving spouses who aren’t presently receiving a VA disability pension can qualify.

For more information or assistance completing the A&A program’s detailed application, senior veterans can contact the DeKalb County Veterans Assistance Commission at (815) 756-8129.

Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled

The Illinois Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled program provides a cash benefit to eligible low-income residents. To qualify for this monthly state supplemental payment, applicants must meet one of these conditions:

• Be a current Supplemental Security Income benefit recipient

• Be aged 65 or older and ineligible for SSI due to income

• Be legally blind or disabled but under age 65 and ineligible for SSI benefits due to income

DeKalb County residents can apply for AABD benefits online, in person at the local DHS Resource Center in Sycamore or by phone at (815) 895-8667.

The Northwestern Illinois AAA coordinates programs and services that promote independence and quality of life for seniors in DeKalb County. Through its Aging and Disability Resource Center, the agency helps seniors access available resources and provides information about a wide range of concerns such as health care programs, memory loss, advance directives, assistive technology and long-term care. Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging
1111 S. Alpine Rd., Ste. 600, Rockford, IL, 61108
(800) 542-8402

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