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One of America’s most famous and iconic metropolitan areas, Chicago has long been a beacon of commerce. While the population has remained largely stable over the past decade, seniors make up around 12%, reflecting the vibrant makeup of the area. The city’s world-class health care facilities, an abundance of historical sites, a broad selection of over 80 assisted living facilities and vibrant cultural offerings make it an attractive destination for seniors.
The specific costs of assisted living in Chicago vary according to the location, amenities and services on offer at a specific establishment. On average, the monthly cost of assisted living in the Chicago metro area is $4,740.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
The monthly cost of assisted living in Chicago averages $4,740 according to the Genworth 2019 Cost of Care Survey, significantly over the national average of $4,051 per month and well over the state average of $4,170. Several neighboring states fall well below Chicago’s average monthly costs, such as Indiana ($4,100), Iowa ($4,078) and Wisconsin ($4,351). Some neighboring states are considerably cheaper: Missouri ($2,881) and Kentucky ($3,497).
Most of Illinois’ largest municipalities are part of the Chicago metropolitan area and match its average monthly rate for assisted living costs. Other centers tend to be cheaper, with the biggest discrepancies in the favor of Belleville ($3,848 monthly average) and Carbondale ($3,500 monthly average), and other centers becoming closer to the Chicago average: Springfield at $4,170, Bloomington at $4,340, the Champaign area at $4,520 and Peoria at $4,533. Rockford and Crystal Lake are both slightly more expensive with $4,759 monthly averages.
HealthChoice Illinois is a waiver program that supports Medicaid-eligible and dually Medicaid and Medicare-eligible people with funding to support the activities of daily living (ADLs). The Illinois Medicaid-Medicare Alignment Initiative (MMAI) is available to dual-eligible disabled people to receive supports for long-term care through both Medicaid and Medicare, administered from one source. The HCBS Waiver for Supportive Living specifically supports assisted living expenses for seniors who might otherwise wind up in nursing home care and who meet specific health, age and financial eligibility criteria.
Learn more about these programs at our Assisted Living in Illinois page.
| Contact | Description | |
| City of Chicago Family & Support Services Division – Senior Services | (312) 743-0300 | The Senior Services section of Chicago’s Family & Support Services Division acts as the city’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA), part of a nationwide effort to provide education, assistance and support to seniors. It provides a range of services including referrals, legal assistance, information on regional seniors’ centers, insurance counseling and information on assisted living. |
| Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Assisted Living | (217) 782-2448 | The Department of Public Health’s Division of Assisted Living hosts a range of useful documents, including a detailed complaint form complete with FAQ. It also hosts a comprehensive online directory of the state’s assisted living and shared living facilities, along with specific information about the issuance and expiration dates of their licensing. |
| Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) | (800) 252-8966 | The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) was founded in 1988 to provide direct counseling for seniors in accessing their Medicare and Medicaid benefits. SHIP counselors are trained to analyze long-term care policies and Medicare supplements, to educate seniors about long-term care insurance, providers and financial supports, and to help with filing claims. They work out of Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) offices across Illinois. |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (800) 252-8966 | The office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is tasked with providing advocacy, education, support and investigation services, focused on ensuring that long-term care in Illinois is provided to the highest possible standards and to provide an outlet for registering complaints about elder abuse or exploitation in long-term care facilities, inclusive of assisted living establishments. |
| Illinois Veterans Service Offices | (800) 437-9824 | Illinois’ Veterans Service Offices provide veterans, including seniors, with guidance on accessing the benefits and supports to which they’re entitled, including programs such as the Aid and Attendance pension. The IDVA runs dozens of VSOs across the state with direct representation in 80 of 102 counties. |
The Illinois Depart of Health’s Division of Assisted Living certifies and regulates assisted living establishments. They’re defined as any entity that provides homelike personal care services for three or more unrelated residents. Requirements include providing assistance with the activities of daily living, 24/7 staff support and medication management and intermittent nursing care by trained and qualified staff. To learn more, visit our Assisted Living in Illinois page.