5 Assisted Living Communities in Stephenson 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 5 Assisted Living Communities in Stephenson County and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $4,770
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $5,916
• In-home care: $3,886
• Adult day health services: $1,647

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Report, assisted living costs in this county are $4,770 per month, well over the state ($4,030) and the nationwide ($4,000) monthly averages. Chicago rivals Stephenson County as the most costly option with the monthly average cost of care coming in at $4,794. Peoria, which is about 100 miles south of Stephenson County, is the most affordable city for this level of care at $3,750 per month. 

Note: Cost data for Stephenson County is not available, so data from its closest city, Rockford, was used. 

While the geographic region influences the cost of senior care, the level of care provided is the most significant factor. In Stephenson County, assisted living and nursing home care are the priciest options. However, in many cases, the monthly cost includes room and board, meals and care services. Home care and adult day health care are comparatively affordable, coming in at $3,886 and $1,647 respectively, but these types of care do not include living expenses, including rent, utilities and food.  Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted Living: $4,770

• Homemaker services: $3,886

• Home health aide: $3,886

• Adult day health: $1,647

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $5,916  

Low-income seniors in Stephenson County may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Illinois Medicaid. While Medicaid originally provided coverage for nursing home care, it may also provide coverage for in-home care services, preventing or delaying nursing home placement. In Illinois, there are two Medicaid waiver programs available to cover care services received in an assisted living facility.    

To qualify for Illinois Medicaid, seniors must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien, a resident of Illinois, age 65 or over or blind or disabled and meet income and asset guidelines. Individuals who are applying for Medicaid may have a monthly income of no more than $1,041 ($1,409 for couples) and no more than $2,000 ($3,000 for couples) in countable assets. Those whose income exceeds these guidelines may still qualify for Illinois Medicaid through the Medically Needy Pathway, which is commonly known as the spend-down program, or through Medicaid planning, which is for those with high medical bills. 

While regular Medicaid does not cover services received in an assisted living facility, there are two waiver programs available that provide financial aid for seniors residing in assisted living establishments, shared housing establishments or sheltered care facilities.  

The Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Supportive Living Facilities is a 1915(c) waiver and is for those age 65 and over who qualify for nursing home level care but prefer to live in an assisted living facility. This waiver may also cover services received in a memory care facility. While it does not cover room and board, it does cover chore services, medication management and assistance with daily living activities. 

The Managed Long Term Service and Supports program is a 1915(b) waiver, which provides coverage for nursing home care, personal care services, adult day health care, home health care and non-emergency transportation services.  

Illinois Medicaid is an entitlement program, meaning that those who qualify for benefits are guaranteed to receive them. The Medicaid waiver programs, on the other hand, have enrollment caps, and eligible applicants may be placed on a wait-list. 

For more information on Illinois Medicaid or its waiver programs, Stephenson County residents can visit the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services website or call the local Public Aid Department at (815) 232-6121. 

Optional State Supplement

The state of Illinois provides an optional state supplement in addition to the Supplemental Security Income benefit. The OSS benefit is available to low-income seniors who qualify for SSI and reside in sheltered care facilities. Unlike Medicaid, OSS may be used toward room and board fees. The OSS amount that a senior receives in Illinois is based on their individual needs. To apply for OSS, Stephenson County seniors may visit their local DHS Family Community Resource Center or call (815) 232-6123. 

Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits

Veterans and their survivors who are VA pension beneficiaries and require personal care assistance may be eligible to receive Aid and Attendance benefits. This cash benefit is paid out in addition to a monthly pension and may be used toward a variety of care services, including personal care services, adult day health care services and assisted living.  

To be eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits, applicants must be at least 65 years old or disabled, and they must not be receiving VA disability compensation. They must need assistance with daily living activities at home, in assisted living or in a nursing home, or they must be legally blind.  

To apply for Aid and Attendance benefits, Stephenson County residents may submit a request in writing to the Milwaukee VA Pension Center, which is the Pension Management Center that serves Illinois. Alternately, they may file a request at their local regional benefit office or call (815) 233-7282. 

Stephenson County provides a variety of resources to veterans, including financial assistance and information regarding available services and benefits. The county is also home to an outpatient clinic, which serves nearly 2,000 local veterans. 

Veterans Assistance Commission
7 N Walnut Avenue, Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 233-7282

Veterans Affairs Department
1631 S Galena Ave, Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 233-5092

Veterans of Foreign Wars
1802 E Shawnee St, Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 232-5311

American Legion Post 139
100 N Main St, Pearl City, IL 61062
(815) 443-2739

William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital
750 Kiwanis Dr, Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 235-4881

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