1 Assisted Living Community in Wilmette, 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 1 Assisted Living Community in Wilmette and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Wilmette, IL

• Assisted Living: $4,794
• Nursing Home Care: $7,330
• In-home Care: $4,576
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,728

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care survey, assisted living in Wilmette costs an average of $4,794 per month. This is nearly $800 more than the state ($4,030) and national ($4,000) averages.

Of the cities surveyed, Peoria ($3,750) is the most affordable for assisted living.  Wilmette is the most expensive, followed by Springfield, ($4,410) and Danville, where the cost is $4,200 per month. 

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Wilmette, so data for the nearby Chicago area was used.  

While geographic location affects the cost of senior care, it’s also largely influenced by the type of care provided. In most cases, options that also include living expenses, such as food, utilities and rent, are more costly.  In Wilmette, nursing home care costs an average of $7,330 per month. This level of care includes around-the-clock supervision, nursing services and living expenses. Assisted living, which doesn’t provide nursing care, is the second most expensive option at $4,794. In-home care services, such as home health aides and homemakers, cost less at $4,576 per month. Adult day health services are the most affordable option at $1,728. Neither in-home care nor adult day health service rates include living expenses. 

 

Seniors who meet income and asset guidelines may receive health insurance at little or no cost through Illinois Medicaid. This entitlement program is jointly funded by the federal and state governments and covers preventive and routine medical care, hospital stays and prescription drugs. Illinois’ Medicaid program also covers nursing home care and some in-home care services but not assisted living. 

To be eligible for Illinois Medicaid, seniors must be at least 65 years old, legal U.S. citizens and permanent residents of Illinois. Single applicants can have a monthly income of up to $1,041 and up to $2,000 in countable assets. Married couples who are both applying can have a monthly income of up to $1,409 and $3,000 in countable assets. If only one spouse is applying for Medicaid, only their income counts.

Supportive Living Waiver

Currently, Illinois Medicaid offers one waiver that covers assisted living services called the Supportive Living waiver. This waiver is for seniors whose care needs qualify them for nursing home placement but who wish to stay in an assisted living facility. While room-and-board fees are not covered under this waiver, services like personal care services, chore services and medication management are covered.  

To qualify for the SLW, applicants must meet regular Medicaid eligibility criteria. Unlike regular Medicaid, which guarantees coverage for all eligible applicants, waiver programs have enrollment caps, and qualified applicants may be placed on a waiting list until services are available.  

Seniors can apply for Medicaid through the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly through the Illinois Department of Human Services. To receive more information, Wilmette residents can call (847) 745-3200. 

Optional State Supplementation

Supplemental Security Income recipients whose monthly maintenance needs exceed their total monthly income may be eligible to receive the Illinois Optional State Supplement in addition to their SSI benefit. This cash benefit can be used toward monthly living expenses, including assisted living room-and-board fees. The amount paid out under OSS varies and is based on state-approved allowances for specific needs. 

Income and asset eligibility limits for OSS are dependent on household size. Single applicants can have a monthly income of no more than $771 and up to $2,000 in countable assets. Married couples may have a monthly income of up to $1,157 and $3,000 in countable assets. 

To apply for OSS, Wilmette seniors should contact the Illinois Department of Human Services office in Skokie at (847) 745-3200.

Veterans Aid and Attendance

Wilmette veterans who receive a VA pension and have extra care needs may qualify for the Veterans Aid and Attendance program. These benefits are paid out in addition to a regular monthly VA pension and may be used toward personal care services.

To qualify for A&A benefits, veterans can’t be currently receiving a VA disability pension and must meet at least one of the following conditions:

• Have corrected eyesight of 5/200 or less

• Have a field of vision of 5 degrees or less

• Require assistance with daily living activities

• Have a disability that requires that they remain in bed apart from prescribed convalescence or treatment   

• Reside in a nursing home due to a physical or mental incapacity

Veterans may apply for the Aid and Attendance program by writing to the Milwaukee VA Pension Center, which is the Pension Management Center for Illinois. For more information, veterans can call the Veterans Affairs Department in Chicago at (773) 292-7894.

The Wilmette Park District offers discounts on programs for seniors age 65 and over, including recreation classes, golf course membership, pool passes and summer boat spaces. Senior assistance services, such as referrals and advocacy regarding government benefits and community resources, are offered monthly at the Mallinckrodt Community Center. 

Wilmette Park District
1200 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-6100

Mallinckrodt Community Center
1041A Ridge Rd., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-9623

The closest veterans affairs office to Wilmette is located in Chicago. Here, veterans can obtain military records and apply for state and federal benefits, including the Veterans Aid and Attendance program. The nearest VA clinic is in the neighboring city of Evanston and offers primary and specialty care.

Veterans Affairs Department
1551 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60651
(773) 292-7894

Evanston VA Clinic
1942 Dempster St., Evanston, IL 60202 
(847) 869-6315

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