The city of Bloomington is the county seat of McLean County and the fifth most populous city in Illinois outside of the Chicago metropolitan area. With just over 77,000 residents, 12.1% of its population is over the age of 65. The city has a wealth of well-preserved architecture and a number of institutions that showcase the region’s diverse cultural heritage, such as the McClean County Museum of History and the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing and cross country skiing in picturesque state parks, including the Moraine View State Recreation Area, just a half hour drive from the city center. The region has a continental climate with warm summers, cold winters and temperate springs and autumns.
Assisted living facilities in Bloomington, IL, are for seniors in the community who need some level of help with daily activities and want social lives full of activities and recreational opportunities. According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey for 2021, the average price for these communities in Bloomington is $5,160 per month. This is about 10% higher than assisted living costs in the state and nation overall.
This guide compares the cost of assisted living in Bloomington with other Illinois cities. You can also learn how to pay for care and find links to local resources.
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 >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Illinois. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
In Bloomington, individuals pay an average of $5,160 per month for assisted living communities.
The average cost of assisted living in Illinois overall is $672 lower than it is in Bloomington. The national average is $660 lower than the rate in Bloomington.
Rockford is the only city in Illinois where the average cost of assisted living, which is $5,250 per month, is higher than it is in Bloomington. The average cost in Springfield is similar at $5,110. In Chicago, assisted living is quite a bit less expensive at $4,825 per month. Prices go down even further in Peoria, where the monthly average is more than $1,000 less than it is in Bloomington. Carbondale has some of the cheapest assisted living in the state, with a rate of $3,525. This is $1,635 less per month than it is in Bloomington.
Illinois Medicaid operates the Supportive Living Program (SLP), with which senior citizens can partially cover their assisted living costs, excluding room and board. Eligibility is determined based on age and income, and it must be established that the applicant is in need of assisted living due to their physical or mental condition. Seniors benefiting from this program can retain $90 per month as an allowance to cover any personal expenses.
Learn more about applying for the Supportive Living Program on our Assisted Living in Illinois page.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Illinois.
Contact | Description | |
Illinois Department on Aging | (800) 252-8966 | The Illinois Department on Aging is an administrative department that operates a range of programs and services for seniors to improve their quality of life. Seniors in long-term care have access to the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP). Under this program, a designated ombudsman will be assigned to review and investigate any complaints of elder abuse in long-term care facilities. In addition, the organization helps seniors to access various discounts to cover the costs of transportation. |
Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs | (309) 827-5811 | The Bloomington division of the Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs connects retired military service members with a number of resources and services, including wellness programs, VA health benefits and financial assistance for long-term care. Furthermore, it helps veterans to navigate any challenges with regards to housing, finances or mental health. |
Miller Park Adult Center | (309) 434-2255 | Based in the Miller Park Pavilion in southwest Bloomington, the Miller Park Adult Center provides local seniors with various amenities and scheduled activities to enrich their physical and mental health. The center has an IT room, a well-stocked lending library, pool tables and a television area. Additionally, it frequently organizes tournaments and social events. |
Prairie State Legal Services | (309) 827-5021 | Prairie State Legal Services is a nonprofit organization providing low-income citizens and seniors with equal access to legal representation. The organization can provide an attorney for consultation, mediation or litigation services in any proceedings concerning elder abuse, loss or denial of medical benefits, identity theft or guardianship. |
YWCA McClean County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program | (309) 662-0461 ext. 249 | The McClean County YWCA helps seniors to remain active and find a sense of purpose in their community with its Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. All seniors over the age of 55 are welcome to apply for the program. Applicants are provided with a suitable match based on their skills and experiences, and the program ensures that participants are provided with regular follow-up support. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Bloomington area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.