As the most populous city in the Midwestern United States, Chicago has many assisted living options to suit a variety of senior needs. Chicago assisted living offers an array of personalized care services, as well as access to some of the city’s best social, cultural, and dining options. Unique to Illinois senior living, you’ll find options for supportive living, a type of low-income assisted living designed to accept Illinois Medical Assistance, the state’s Medicaid program.
With over 60 assisted living communities within a 10-mile radius from downtown Chicago, we’ve created this guide to Chicago assisted living communities based on our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts. Browse Chicago assisted living facilities according to your specific needs — support services, amenities, budget-conscious, social and enrichment offerings, and more. We’ve also compiled information about payment options, health and safety regulations, and other resources for Chicago seniors.
Find Assisted Living Communities Near Chicago, IL
As the most populous city in the Midwestern United States, Chicago has many assisted living options to suit a variety of senior needs. Chicago assisted living offers an array of personalized care services, as well as access to some of the city’s best social, cultural, and dining options. Unique to Illinois senior living, you’ll find options for supportive living, a type of low-income assisted living designed to accept Illinois Medical Assistance, the state’s Medicaid program.Read more
With over 60 assisted living communities within a 10-mile radius from downtown Chicago, we’ve created this guide to Chicago assisted living communities based on our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts. Browse Chicago assisted living facilities according to your specific needs — support services, amenities, budget-conscious, social and enrichment offerings, and more. We’ve also compiled information about payment options, health and safety regulations, and other resources for Chicago seniors.
Chicago Assisted Living Facilities | 858 Reviews
Everything was excellent. Starting with the check-in everything went smoothly and well organized. Food was very good as was the therapy program. The therapists were friendly and knowledgeable and patient....
We really can't say enough positive things about Autumn Green! We feel lucky to have found such a great spot for my brother in law. He left his house in Oak Lawn and his sister is in Burbank. We never...
Overall a great experience at a reasonable cost. Location is excellent. Some improvements needed in break fast menu and services. Really excellent laundry service and housekeeping. Friendly staff &...
Dinner service at the Admiral at the Lake has successfully made it through the pandemic, staff shortages, and inflation that plague us all. Meals are nutritional and appetizing, and always include meat, fish...
We picked this community, because the location is close to me. I'm mad that the rent goes up every 5-6 months. Family should be careful because they raised the prices almost immediately after my loved one...
We picked this community, because of the location, and amenities. They are very friendly, and inclsuive. They are Immediately responsive to all inquiries and requests They give expert care around the clock...
What we like the most about St. Joseph Village is that it is smaller and personal and we also like how they have bilingual staff members. We would absolutely this community for someone that wants a smaller...
For 30 days from mid-October through mid-November of 2023, my wife and I were given the opportunity to contract for a one-month stay at Brookdale Lake Shore Drive. We appreciated this opportunity to...
What our family likes the most about the Clarendale Six Corners is their customer service, their response time, and the value for cost. It also is a new building so the cleanliness is very nice.
When I brought my friend to Belmont Village I knew immediately it was the right place for her. She was surrounded by people who actually cared. After all it's not everyday you are over 100 years old. In...
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I would rate the first 1 as a 5 the second as a 4 and the last ones as a 5. I would definitely recommend them to a friend. They were very attentive and if ever I had an issue ( which wasn't too often) they...
We looked at other places and we chose The Hartwell because when we walked in it instantly resonated with my brother. They have had the same chef over 30 years and the staff have been there a long time. They...
We chose Autumn Green because of the proximity to family, the overall value for the dollar spent, I also thought the cleanliness of the facility was attractive. The location is also near a lot of shopping....
Life has been free of many hassles. No raking leaves, no shoveling snow, etc. Meals have improved greatly in the last months. I also feel very safe. I feel Content. I like to go to a movie, work out area,...
Common to almost all facilities these days, they are under staffed, so they hire temporary workers who are ill trained and ill prepared for this kind of work. This is not specific to this organization. We...
Oak Park Arms is a quiet and safe community that provides me with a homey comfort. I go to all the exercise classes and eat three meals a day at the restaurant where I socialize. My favorite activities are...
I would highly recommend this facility to others. [Name removed] has been instrumental in my decision making, preparation for moving, and all other issues as they arise. My sister and her husband have been...
I would say it's great but it's new and still has some experience to get under its belt. I picked American House because the facility is gorgeous, the price worked with my family's income and it's close to...
I would let others know that there are professional staff members throughout the facility. The Director [name removed] has been very helpful in assisting with the initial application, and later on with...
What we like the most about The Sheridan at River Forest is the quality of care, amenities, flexibility between residents and staff. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this...
Since mom became a resident in [date removed] our overall experience has been a very positive one. Mom will turn [age removed] in June and lived in her house for 70 years. She, time and again tells me, "If I...
If a friend asked me about my experience with the community, I would say that everything has been good except for the billing experience. I have had to go back and forth over the bill with accounting several...
They are doing a beautiful job. The interaction with the staff has been excellent. My loved one loves the food. The food is good. They offer wonderful opportunities to do things, for the activities. It's...
I am very happy and pleased with this facility so far. All of the staff members have been so helpful and very accommodating. I really like the director and she was amazing in getting my cousin set up and...
- Costs of assisted living in the Chicago area
- How to pay for assisted living in Chicago
- Understand Illinois laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Chicago
- What to expect from assisted living in Chicago
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Chicago? Highlights for seniors
Costs of assisted living in the Chicago area
The average cost of assisted living in Chicago is $5,308 per month. This rate includes rent, as well as any add-on costs, such as care services, transportation, or pet fees. However, the cost can vary widely depending on the area of the city. Assisted living costs tend to be higher north of downtown, where they can be up to $10,000 per month or more. Further south, assisted living costs tend to be lower.
Many Chicago residents seeking affordable assisted living options for their loved ones find that Wisconsin and northern Indiana are worth exploring. The costs of living and senior care are much lower in these states, and communities in these areas are still relatively close to Chicago.
The following rates represent a baseline of Chicago assisted living costs, before add-on fees.
Average cost comparisons near Chicago, IL
Average monthly costs
Chicago, IL
How to pay for assisted living in Chicago
There are many private and public assistance options available to help pay for Chicago assisted living. Look at your senior loved one’s financial situation to determine the best ways for them to pay for assisted living.
If private pay methods are used, make sure to also apply for any aid or benefits seniors may be eligible for in your area. There may be assistance available that will help private pay options go further.
Private pay options for Chicago senior living include sources like the following:
- Income: This includes any earnings that your loved one receives, such as Social Security benefits, pensions, investments, or any savings they’ve accumulated.
- Sale of a house: It’s quite common for aging adults to use equity from selling their home to cover the cost of a senior living community.
- Reverse mortgage: If selling a home isn’t a good option for you, a reverse mortgage can enable you to take a loan from your home’s current equity.
- Health savings accounts: Health savings account funds can be used to pay for medical care services in Chicago. While health savings account funds can be used for memory care or some skilled nursing care, it will not cover all senior living community expenses.
- Life insurance: Some life insurance policies can be used in advance for covering the cost of senior care. Ask your own or your loved one’s insurance provider what options there are.
- Long-term care insurance: For those who have planned in advance, long-term care insurance policies are designed to help pay for costs associated with senior care. If your loved one has a long-term care insurance policy, it may cover a significant portion of their senior living costs.
Chicago senior veterans may be eligible for long-term care through veterans benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Some VA benefits, such as the Aid and Attendance benefit, can help pay for long-term senior care.
VA Aid and Attendance benefit may be added to a veteran’s pension specifically to help cover the cost of long-term care services in the veteran’s home or residential senior living facility. A veteran’s surviving spouse may also qualify for eligibility for this benefit. In order to qualify for this benefit, the veteran or their spouse must already be established in a senior living facility or have an in-home caregiver. They must also already be receiving a VA pension or apply for one at the same time they apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit. The Aid and Attendance allowance can cover some costs associated with assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care.
The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs has offices all over the state of Illinois where Veteran Service Officers are available to help you make sense of the services and benefits available. VA Services and Benefits include but are not limited to the following:
- Compensation and pension
- Health care
- Housing
- Education and training
- Burial and survivor
Related: Visit our complete guide to VA benefits.
Number of veteran residents living in Chicago
Percentage of Chicago veterans age 65 and over
Additional resources for Chicago veterans
2102 W. Ogden Ave.
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: 312-743-0720
2122 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1141 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60612-9998
Phone: 312-569-5750
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 312-569-7959
3348 W. 87th St., Suite 2
Chicago, IL 60652-3767
Phone: 773-962-3740
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
1901 Howard St.
Evanston, IL 60202
Phone: 847-332-1019
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Medicaid is federal- and state-funded medical insurance for those with low incomes or disabilities. While each state’s program is a little different, all Medicaid programs must follow federal guidelines. Illinois Medicaid is also called Illinois Medical Assistance.
Under Illinois Medical Assistance, Illinois low-income residents who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled can qualify for medical coverage through the Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) program. To find out if you or your loved one qualifies to receive Illinois Medical Assistance for health care costs, you can check eligibility online or call 1-800-843-6154.
Medicaid in Chicago covers some long-term care through its Supportive Living Program (SLP) Medicaid waiver. This waiver enables eligible seniors to receive health care services not usually covered by Medicaid, such as:
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Medication assistance
- Social and health-related services
- Dementia care in specified locations
While Medicaid in Chicago covers some long-term care and health services, it does not cover room and board at an assisted living facility. However, Medicaid will cover care in an approved supportive living community or in a skilled nursing facility.
Reach out to your nearest Chicago Medicaid office to find out whether you or your loved one is eligible for Medicaid.
Related: Visit our complete guide to public pay options.
Chicago resident Medicaid resources:
Chicago Senior Services Hotline: 312-744-4016
Email: Aging@CityofChicago.org
Facebook.com/ChiSeniorServices
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Unlike Medicaid, Medicare is entirely federally funded and extends health coverage to Americans 65 or older and to some individuals with disabilities. Medicare has multiple parts that cover different aspects of health care and may include:
- Inpatient hospital stays or skilled nursing care
- Doctors’ services, medical services, and medical supplies
- Prescription medications
While Medicare in Chicago will not cover room and board at an assisted living or other senior living community, it will cover many of the costs associated with medical treatment, such as dementia care. You can find more information on Medicare costs and coverage in Cook County by dialing 2-1-1, visiting the federal Medicare website, or reaching out to one of your local Chicago Social Security Administration offices.
Qualified seniors may get help paying for Medicare deductibles and premiums through Medicare Savings Programs. In Illinois, call 1-800-252-8966 or get help through the Illinois Senior Health Insurance Program, a counseling service known as SHIP.
Illinois Medicaid also may help pay your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance by applying with Form 2378M: Application for Payment of Medicare Premiums, Deductibles and Coinsurance.
Related: To understand more, visit our guide to Medicare, Medicaid, and other public pay options.
Understand Illinois laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
Illinois assisted living communities must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) — Division of Assisted Living. According to Illinois state law, assisted living communities must offer mandatory services such as the following:
- Three daily meals
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Housekeeping services
- Security
- Emergency response systems
- At least one awake staff member 24 hours per day
The IDPH Division of Assisted Living also regulates shared housing establishments. The same regulations apply to both assisted living and shared housing, except for their distinct capacity requirements.
- Assisted living communities provide residential care for at least three unrelated individuals, a minimum 80% of whom are 55+ in age.
- Shared housing communities provide residential care for no more than 16 unrelated individuals, a minimum 80% of whom are 55+ in age.
The IDPH Division of Assisted Living performs an unannounced annual review on each Illinois assisted living community and shared housing community.
Illinois law requires seniors to be mobile with no more than one person assisting them in order to qualify for assisted living. Those in need of two-person assists or a Hoyer lift will need to seek more advanced care, such as skilled nursing.[02]
View the full list of licensed Illinois assisted living and shared housing establishments.
View the Illinois handbook of long-term care residents’ rights.
Illinois Department of Health contact information
- IDPH Chicago Headquarters Offices:
- 122 S. Michigan Ave., 7th and 20th Floor
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312-814-2793 - 69 W. Washington St., 35th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-814-5278
- 122 S. Michigan Ave., 7th and 20th Floor
COVID-19 regulations for Chicago assisted living facilities
Most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. However, assisted living communities have guidelines in place for residents’ health and safety:
Vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccines are available to all assisted living residents. Staff are required to be tested for COVID-19 twice weekly, unless they are up to date with vaccinations.
Masking. All visitors and staff in assisted living facilities must wear masks. More protective equipment will be required for staff if COVID-19 rates go up in the area.
Testing and contact tracing. The IDPH highly recommends COVID-19 testing and exposure tracing.
Staff safety. Staff are required to practice hand hygiene, carry out appropriate use of personal protective equipment, and disinfect high-touch surfaces in the facility.
Read the full Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 guidelines for long-term care facilities.
Get to know assisted living in Chicago
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What to expect from assisted living in Chicago
Chicago’s diversity extends to its senior living communities as well. There are communities to suit an abundance of support needs, lifestyles, and interests. Many of Chicago’s assisted living communities offer restaurant-style dining, so residents can enjoy excellent culinary experiences. You’ll also find that many assisted living communities in Chicago are pet-friendly. Chicago assisted living communities are known for the following features:
Multiple levels of care
Chicago has many senior living communities with multiple types of care all on one site. Many of these communities offer some combination of independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care, so that if a resident’s care needs ever change they can easily transition to a support level that fits them — ideal for aging in place.
Supportive living
Supportive living communities are a unique feature of Illinois senior living. These communities provide the same support as other assisted living communities, but they are designed to accept Medicaid. Supportive living is an excellent care option for Chicago seniors with limited funds for long-term care. Note that while Medicaid will cover costs of care services in supportive living, residents are still responsible for the cost of room and board.
Skilled nursing care
Many Chicago assisted living communities offer skilled nursing care. Skilled nursing typically includes 24-hour, on-site medical care. This can be a good senior living option for individuals who require more advanced care than regular assisted living can provide and for persons who are immobile without more than one person to help them.
Assisted living in the surrounding Chicago suburbs
Chicago has many assisted living options both in and outside the downtown area. The Chicago suburbs have several communities with more spacious campuses than those nearer to the city center. Assisted living communities north of the city tend to cost more than communities to the south, based on the cost of living of each area.
Chicago seniors have even more assisted living options just beyond the nearby borders of Wisconsin and Indiana. Both of these neighboring states have lower costs of living, so senior communities in these areas can be more affordable while still remaining close to the Chicago area.
Explore senior care with confidence
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Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Chicago? Highlights for seniors
Percentage of seniors in Chicago’s population
342400
Number of seniors 65+ living in Chicago
60159
Approximate number of Chicago residents who are U.S. military veterans
Percentage of older adults who self-report being in overall good health
Health care for seniors in Chicago
Chicago seniors have access to a number of high-ranking medical centers, many of which are leaders in geriatric care and medical innovation.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the highest ranking hospital in the state of Illinois, according to U.S. News and World Report. With physicians and surgeons representing nearly every medical specialty, Northwestern Memorial is nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties.
Rush University Medical Center
Rush University Medical Center is ranked No. 2 out of all Chicago hospitals, according to U.S. News and World Report. Rush is highly acclaimed for its outstanding patient care, education, and medical research.
University of Chicago Medical Center
University of Chicago Medical Center is the third-highest ranked hospital in Chicago and in the state of Illinois, according to U.S. News and World Report. Established in 1927, University of Chicago Medical Center is a nonprofit academic hospital. It is highly rated, especially for its quality geriatric care services.
NorthShore University Health System
NorthShore University System is the fourth-highest ranking Chicago hospital, according to U.S. News and World Report. NorthShore includes over 140 medical centers and six hospitals covering the Illinois area.
Transportation for seniors in Chicago
Chicago is known for its excellent public transportation options. In fact, many Chicago residents choose to use public transportation instead due to the city’s heavy traffic and limited parking. The Chicago Transit Authority “L” train is the most convenient and cost effective way of getting around in the city.
While Chicago is relatively walkable, it’s quite big, so it’s worthwhile to know what other options are available. Chicago’s Divvy bike-share system can be a fun way for active individuals to get around. Chicago also has over 100 bus routes, as well as the Metra Rail train for commuting to the Chicago suburbs.
Chicago also features AC Med Tran, which is designed for seniors and individuals who require a wheelchair.
Senior activities in Chicago
Chicago has much to offer in dining, entertainment, and the arts. Enjoy an evening with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra or an afternoon of marine wildlife and animal preservation at Shedd Aquarium. Many Chicago senior community outings include regular scenic strolls along Chicago’s Lakefront Trail or through one of its many sprawling parks. Browse the galleries of the Museum of Contemporary Art, or take the grandkids to explore the wonders of the Chicago Children’s Museum. Many of Chicago’s attractions also offer senior discounts and free-admission days — so take advantage!
Wine tasting is another popular activity for senior living community social outings, combining fresh air, beautiful views, and, of course, wine. Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery, The Fromagerie and Tasting Room, and City Winery Riverwalk Wine Garden are just a few wonderful, local options.
Frequently asked questions
Arden Courts A ProMedica Memory Care Community in Elk Grove, Brookdale Northbrook and Mercy Circle Senior Living are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Chicago, IL. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Chicago is 5549.78 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Chicago [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, Illinois General Assembly Health Facilities and Regulation § 210 ILCS 9 (2001).
United States Census Bureau. (2021, July 1). Population estimates (V2021): Chicago [Data set]. QuickFacts.
Laflamme, E., Harper-Jemison, D., Jorgensen, E., Reina, M., Rushovich, T., Weaver, K., Prachand, N., Shah, R., Lange-Maia, B., & De Maio, F. (2019, August). Healthy Chicago databook: Older Adult Health. Center for Community Health Equity.
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