3 Assisted Living Communities in Mount Vernon, Illinois

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,475 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 3 Assisted Living Communities in Mount Vernon and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Mount Vernon, IL

• Assisted Living: $3,475
• Nursing Home Care: $5,019
• In-home Care: $3,813
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,735

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost for assisted living in Mount Vernon is about $500 less than than the national average ($4,000) and the state average ($4,030). Compared to cities in central and northern Illinois, Mount Vernon is one of the most affordable locations for assisted living in the state. In Springfield, Decatur and Bloomington, the average cost for assisted living is over $4,000 per month. In the metropolitan area of Chicago, the average cost approaches $5,000 per month.

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Mount Vernon, so data for the closest city, Carbondale, was used.

The biggest factor influencing the cost of senior care is the type of care required. In Mount Vernon, the cost of a semiprivate room at a skilled nursing facility ($5,019) is significantly higher than assisted living ($3,475). Home care is also quite expensive — about $300 to $700 more per month than assisted living — depending on whether homemaker or home health aide services are needed. It’s also important to consider the additional costs related to staying at home. Mortgage or rent, maintenance, utilities and food are usually included in the price of residential care at an assisted living facility.

 

Illinois Medicaid provides free or low-cost medical coverage for eligible low-income residents, including those who are disabled, blind or over the age of 64. The primary benefits funded by Medicaid are doctor visits, hospital stays and long-term care in a nursing home. However, financial assistance is also available to pay for some assisted living services in Illinois through a Medicaid waiver known as the Supportive Living program, listed below.

To qualify for medical coverage through Illinois Medicaid, participants must be permanent residents of the state and U.S. citizens or have appropriate immigration status. Participants must also meet financial eligibility criteria: The maximum income level per year is $17,236 for an individual and $23,336 for a couple.

To apply for Illinois Medicaid, contact the Health Benefits hotline at (800) 843-6154 or complete the Application for Benefits Eligibility online.

Supportive Living Program

In Illinois, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services offers a waiver to help pay for services not routinely covered by Medicaid, including assisted living. The Supportive Living program can help low-income seniors pay for care services in approved SLP assisted living communities, providing an alternative to nursing home care.

To qualify, participants must undergo a preadmission screening and require a nursing facility level of care. Participants must also be financially eligible for Medicaid and have Supplemental Security Income no less than the current maximum allowable amount ($771 for an individual or $1,157 for a couple).

Though there is an enrollment cap for the SLP waiver, the state does offer a large number of slots, and many more approved Supportive Living program residences are being built throughout Illinois. It’s important to note this program may help pay for assisted living services such as personal care, medication management and recreational activities, but it doesn’t pay for room and board.

To learn more about SLP, contact the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services at (844) 528-8444.

Assisted Living Bridge Loan

An Elderlife bridge loan can be helpful to seniors who are not eligible for Medicaid or who are waiting for a waiver, veterans’ benefits or the sale of a home. This type of loan is designed to serve as a financial bridge to pay for assisted living until more permanent resources can be secured.

An Elderlife bridge loan works similarly to a credit card. After a line of credit is approved, the borrower may draw upon the funds as needed. To qualify, seniors need a fairly strong credit score or co-borrowers to sign for the loan. Because this is a short-term solution to pay for assisted living, the lender also asks for information about the anticipated source of permanent funding.

In general, interest rates on Elderlife bridge loans may be higher than home equity loans, but quite reasonable compared to conventional credit cards or personal loans. They also provide a viable alternative to reverse mortgages. As an incentive to prospective residents, some assisted living communities may offer to pay the interest on bridge loans. In this case, seniors can temporarily borrow money for assisted living with no additional costs.

To learn more about assisted living bridge loans, contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Staffed with knowledgeable employees, these service organizations work to connect seniors with community resources that facilitate healthy aging. Services include assistance with benefit applications, prescription drug programs and caregiver support. Effingham City/County Agency on Aging
209 South Merchant St., Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 347-5569 SWAN Senior Services
815 Broadway Ste. 8, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
(888) 715-6260

Older adults often face unique emotional problems, including trouble adjusting to retirement and deteriorating health. These local hospitals have education and therapy programs to help seniors cope with change in healthy ways. Senior Care at Franklin Hospital
201 Bailey Ln., Benton, IL 62812
(618) 439-3161 x9375 Senior Renewal at Clay County Hospital
817 N Stanford Rd., Flora, IL 62839
(618) 662-6621

Veterans in Mount Vernon can find support and help navigating the many state programs and benefits to which they are entitled. 

Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
4105 N. Water Tower Place, Room #112, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
(618) 246-2910, ext. 73404

Veterans Aid & Attendance Program
2929 Broadway, Suite 7A, Mt. Vernon IL 62864
(618) 244-4481

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