Talk to a local advisor for free
Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a city known for its diverse cultural heritage. With a population of approximately 2,746,388, including around 348,791 seniors, it’s the most populous city in Illinois. Senior Chicagoans have access to some of the state’s best hospitals, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital. In addition, older adults can visit museums and parks, take tours, attend local attractions, shop and indulge in various cuisines. Even though the overall cost of living is 6.9% more expensive than the national average, seniors may be able to save money on groceries, health care, housing and utilities.
Assisted living facilities help seniors with daily tasks, including personal care, housekeeping, laundry and transportation. Seniors who are unable to live independently but don’t require 24-hour nursing home-level medical care may find assisted living an attractive option. Chicago seniors pay about $4,825 per month for assisted living, which is a little higher than the Illinois monthly average of $4,488 and the national median of $4,500.
This guide provides information about assisted living in Chicago. Read on to learn more about the average costs, different ways to pay and free local resources available to support seniors.
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.
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Chicago is $4,825. Costs may vary depending on location, amenities and services provided.
Assisted living care in Chicago is $337 higher than the state of Illinois, which is $4,488, and $325 higher than the national monthly average of $4,500.
Assisted living prices vary widely in other Illinois cities. The cost in neighboring Rockford is $5,250, which is the most expensive city in the state. The monthly median costs in Bloomington are $5,160 and $5,110 in Springfield, which is also on the high side. The average costs in Kankakee are $4,623 per month and $4,750 in Champaign, which is higher than the state and national averages. While costs in Decatur are lower at $4,382 monthly, further south in Carbondale is the cheapest price at $3,525 per month.
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.
|
Resource |
Contact |
Service |
|
(800) 252-8966 |
The Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA) provides information and assistance regarding services available to seniors. The IDOA can refer older adults to Community Care programs, benefits access, health insurance, legal assistance, supplemental services, counseling and other senior services. | |
|
(312) 744-4016 |
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services provides a variety of senior services that are available citywide. Older adults can call the Chicago Senior Services Hotline for information regarding assisted living, benefits and services, prescription medications, insurance counseling, legal assistance, Medicare open enrollment, transportation and senior centers. The hotline is available Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. | |
|
(312) 603-6423 |
The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs provides information and helps veterans connect with available local, county, state and federal resources. The VA assists veterans and their eligible dependents with benefits, including retirement, health, education and housing. It identifies veteran concerns and provides access to a network of services that allow them to attain a better quality of life. | |
|
(312) 663-4357 |
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services offers transportation services for seniors. The department teamed up with the Chicago Transit Authority to offer eligible seniors taxi rides at a reduced price. | |
|
(800) 843-6154 |
The Illinois Department of Human Services offers low-income seniors cash and medical assistance under the Aid to The Aged, Blind and Disabled program. To be eligible, applicants must be 65 years of age or older, blind or disabled and receive Supplemental Insurance Benefits. Seniors may also qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Chicago 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.
