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Chicago features an array of care and lifestyle options for its diverse and growing senior population. Chicago memory care communities provide assistance with a senior’s daily activities and support their well-being and quality of life through customized care. Some of Chicago’s memory care communities feature both assisted living and memory care within the same facility, and many include on-site skilled nursing. Since memory care communities tend to reach capacity quite often, communities that include assisted living can often accommodate individuals in earlier stages of dementia even as they await an open spot in the memory care unit.
A Place for Mom partners with 19 memory care communities within a 10-mile radius of the Chicago city center. This guide gathers information from A Place for Mom’s proprietary data on Chicago memory care communities, 20+ years of senior living experience, and contacts with local experts. With this guide, you can browse memory care options based on specific needs — budget-friendly services and amenities, care types, pet accommodations, and many other offerings. You will also find cost information, Illinois senior living laws and regulations, and other resources for Chicago seniors.
Types of care available in Chicago, IL
Memory Care
I recommend Cantata because they have a robust rehab gym staffed with professionals in physical therapy, occupational therapy, balance, speech/memory therapy. It is located on a quiet tree lined landscaped campus with onsite Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing and Independent Living. The staff communicates very well with the resident and the family. Price is fair market/moderate.
Based on our experience I would recommend. So far everything has been very good no problems and everyone has been great and easy to work with.
My mother is currently a resident at Artis Senior Living of Lakeview and we are very happy with the place. The staff and my mother have both adjusted well. We are satisfied that this was the right place for her.
3659 W 99th Pl, Chicago, IL 60655
Mercy Circle was wonderful. My dad was able to heal with support kindness and support. We highly recommend Mercy Circle to everyone.
A faith-based not-for-profit communityMercy Circle’s residents and staff together create a vibrant, caring community where all people are welcome and our non-profit status is reflected in no entrance fees. Residents pay only a monthly fee, which includes meals, services, amenities and...
6700 S Keating Ave, Chicago, IL 60629
We have had a great experience with the staff. There have been a few things that have broken, like a faucet leak and an air conditioner not working. They were awesome! We never waited more than a couple...
Don't let our value prices fool you -- Autumn Green is a beautiful community! Autumn Green at Midway Village offers full-service rental retirement living at a mid-range price for persons aged 62+ OR For-sale condominiums for persons aged 55+ in the adjacent Midway Village...
3121 North Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60657
Employees of Lake View are great - friendly, hard workers. Nice clean apartment with a view of Lake Michigan. Chef prepared meals with a variety of choices. Met some nice people. There is a garage for my...
Healthier Life, Healthier YouHave you been on the hunt for an exceptional senior living experience that gives you the quality care you want without sacrificing the independence and freedom you crave? If so, look no further. Our independent and assisted living community is located within walking...
2960 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60657
Biggest issue with Brookdale was they were short staffed and they cut corners especially with care in assisted living. With improvements, we would recommend this community to other families. Part of the...
Good Times, Good CompanyLocated in the active and vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, our independent and assisted living community boasts stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline, spacious common areas for relaxing and entertaining, delicious meals served in a restaurant-style dining...
3535 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
What we like the most about Artis Senior Living is the care partners and the front desk staff and we would absolutely recommend this community to other families who may need a place for their loved ones
Welcome to Artis—where empowerment, pride and fulfillment define memory careAt Artis Senior Living, our mission is to provide the finest level in Memory Care and assisted living through individually designed programs combined with a passionate dedication to each resident’s individualized comforts...
4715 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
Clarendale Six Corners is an excellent option for senior assisted care living. It's located in a new building that offers beautiful apartment options with great views of the city. The admissions and...
Clarendale Six Corners is Chicago's most anticipated senior living community now open for you to experience! On a triangular corner of Six Corners in Northwest Chicago, Illinois, you’ll discover 10 floors of casual sophistication, superb hospitality services and great amenities.You'll enjoy...
4021 W Belmont, Chicago, IL 60641
The staff and administrators were very responsive to questions and concerns. I was able to attend all activities if I wanted to and sit with the group to listen to music or watch tv. They held care...
Have you noticed that something doesn't seem right with mom or dad these days? It could be subtle or it could be something that's pretty obvious. Regardless, you've turned to the Internet for a reason and the best choice for assisted living is also Chicago's most notable and...
7432 W Talcott, Chicago, IL 60631
Very friendly staff. They take good care of you and are always trying to make their residents comfortable. Very nice accommodations. My Dad has enjoyed the food and most of the get togethers they organized.
4239 N Oak Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
Moved my brother into Autumn Green last month. Everyone at the facility was extremely helpful during the week we were in town to organize the move. I am managing this transition from 2000 miles away in Los...
Autumn Green at Wright Campus is a senior living community located in the vibrant metropolis of Chicago, Illinois. This iconic city offers some of the best amenities in the country. Glass towers, luxury boutiques and fine dining can be found amongst the busy downtown core. Visiting family members...
7419 S Exchange, Chicago, IL 60649
I recommend Coles Supportive Living to relatives concerned about their loved ones well being. I went there as my last resort when really it should have been my first. One of the staff members by the name of...
Coles Supportive Living has been selected by the Illinois Department of Aging as one of the few Senior Care Facilities to be included in the State of Illinois Supportive Living Program. Coles Supportive Living Facility strives to promote dignity and independence for Seniors where a state-of-the...
1922 W Sunnyside Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Great modern design and huge windows - cheerful staff and team. Great community feel in the best of Chicago. The outdoor excursions are often and fun. The living spaces are many and they have a great...
"Get to know us before you need us." The Ravenswood Supportive Living program is certified by the Illinois Department of Health & Family Services. This program is designed to promote independence, dignity, respect and well-being for residents in a cost-effective manner. Depending on an...
908 W. Argyle Street, Chicago, IL 60640
Our mother is at The Selfhelp Home and my family is very happy with everything they have to offer. The staff is very friendly and loves to help and talk with the residents and family members, and there are...
The Selfhelp Home is an active and engaging not-for-profit senior living community designed to accommodate the needs of elderly Jewish residents throughout the Chicago area.The Selfhelp Home can be your home no matter what your individual needs. Selfhelp offers a full continium of care. We are a...
3251 East 92nd Street, Chicago, IL 60617
When I say [name removed]. is heaven sent I mean it!!! [name removed] went above and beyond to help me find a senior residencency for my loved one. She was the first person to inform me of a vacant...
Our longstanding mission is to transform the way society thinks about aging and senior living. Our Victory Centre of South Chicago community is an extension of that promise. We are steadfast in our commitment to cultivate a genuine home for you or your loved one. Above all else, this is your life...
1111 Ontario Street, Oak Park, IL 60302
Brookdale is the best senior facility in Oak Park. The meals are excellent with varied, nutritious menus. There is 24 hour security with a receptionist present at all times. Trader Joe's is right next...
Everything You Want, Everything You NeedIf first impressions are everything, we think we make a pretty good one. Nestled between historic Frank Lloyd Wright homes and a vibrant downtown shopping district, the location of our independent and assisted living community is just the start of what...
8700 W 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513
Two people in particular were the reason we chose Cantata - [name removed] - Admissions [name removed] - Wellness Manager Weekend staffing seems to utilize temporary, contract help a lot who don't seem...
The Cantata continuum of care—Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, Short-Term Rehab, and Long-Term Care—allows you to live your best life today, tomorrow and into the future. Located in Brookfield, Cantata offers exceptional care in a comfortable environment that feels like home....
711 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302
I just had a friend of a friend call me last week looking for a spot for his mother. I would recommend American House after all the other ones I looked at. It's very bright, light and airy, the staff is...
5701 W 101st St, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
It's a Great facility and the staff is great with the patients. If you're a diabetic there really is no diabetic foods for the diabetic patients. Other than that Grace Point is terrific for my husband's...
Grace Point Place is a memory care community in the Chicago metropolitan area for seniors age 60 and over. Our purpose-built campus was designed specifically for residents with all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. We offer an innovative, person-centered approach to memory care...
1035 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302
At Belmont Village :There seems to be a lot of turnover with the administrative staff, but the caregiving staff stay for the long-haul, which ultimately I feel is more important because they develop the...
Belmont Village of Oak Park is located in the heart of historic Oak Park, a western suburb of Chicago. Our senior living residents don't have to go far to enjoy all the 'Windy City' has to offer. Close to the facility are shops, galleries, places of worship, and RUSH Oak Park Hospital. And when...
800 N Harlem Ave, River Forest, IL 60305
The care staff does seem to care. The administrative staff can sometimes be hard to reach. It is a beautiful facility and I think it would be hard to find a perfect facility. I would recommend it.
1800 River Woods Drive, Melrose Park, IL 60160
My loved one is currently a resident at Victory Centre of River Woods and overall things have been good for him. I think he's in a good place, not great but good. I do recommend this facility to others.
Our longstanding mission is to transform the way society thinks about aging and senior living. Our Victory Centre of River Woods community is an extension of that promise. We are steadfast in our commitment to cultivate a genuine home for you or your loved one. Above all else, this is your life...
315 N La Grange Rd, La Grange Park, IL 60526
I’ve been at Plymouth Place now for over two months and love this place. My apartment is a one bedroom 900 sq ft with a 20 ft porch that spans the living and bedroom with sliding glass doors in each room....
A La Grange Park landmark, Plymouth Place is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) that provides independent living, assisted living, memory support and skilled care.Plymouth Place's 20-acre campus offers the beauty of private, tree-lined lanes, plus the convenience of being located...
700 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
I would give Belmont Village LP a rating of 5 ( best) in every category. No place is perfect; but we have been very pleased with the experience we have had the last 2.5 years. Belmont Village is especially...
At Belmont Village Lincoln Park, you’ll find the perfect blend of comfort, care and active living. The mid-rise building maintains the look and feel of the area with an architectural style very closely replicating the Nellie Black building that previously occupied the site. Nestled in the new...
4707 S Marshfield Ave, Chicago, IL 60609
A case of “ you can’t judge a book by its cover.” The area is on a culdesac close to a busy retail area. The Supportive facility ‘s exterior (housed in the historic old Goldblatt building) is unremarkable....
4339 W 18th Place, Chicago, IL 60623
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...
The Montclare Supportive Living Community is the choice for an affordable assisted lifestyle community in the Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago. Welcome to a gracious, affordable assisted lifestyle in your community. At the Montclare, you’ll enjoy friendly neighbors to share common life...
2626 W. 63rd Street, Chicago, IL 60629
[name removed] , Dir. of Mktg. was very thorough & friendly. She invited us back with relative for lunch. The staff was friendly & [name removed made sure we were introduced to any staff that came in our...
Churchview Supportive Living is an assisted living community located in Chicago, IL. The city of Chicago is located in Cook County and home to over 2.7 million people. It's an exciting city with lots of great restaurants and shops. Residents can enjoy going on outings when the weather is warm and...
A Place for Mom’s memory care partner facilities in Chicago cost an average of $6,657 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure represents the cost of rent and care services in a Chicago memory care facility, as well as any additional costs for add-ons and amenities, averaged from what real families referred to Chicago memory care have paid in the past 12 months.
Add-ons that may affect the cost of memory care can include services like the following:
Costs in the areas surrounding Chicago can greatly vary. Senior care in the northern suburbs of Chicago often costs closer to $10,000 per month. South of the city, the cost of senior care communities trends downwards.
When looking for affordable memory care communities in Chicago for their loved ones, Illinois residents may find that Wisconsin and northern Indiana are worth exploring. The costs of living and senior care services are significantly lower in these states, and senior care communities in these areas still offer manageable proximity to Chicago.
The figures in the chart below represent baseline costs for memory care in Chicago and nearby cities before adding the costs of optional services and amenities.
9.20 miles from you
Your zip code
8.06 miles from you
There are many private pay and public assistance options available that can help cover the costs of Chicago memory care. Assessing your senior loved one’s financial situation will help you determine the best ways to pay for memory care.
Even if your loved one has private pay methods available, 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 farther.
To pay for your loved one’s memory care in Chicago, first consider any income your loved one receives, including Social Security benefits, savings, pensions, or investments. Other private pay options include the following:
Illinois memory care communities must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Assisted Living. According to Illinois state law, memory care communities must offer the same mandatory services as required for assisted living, including the following:
In addition to these services, Illinois senior care facilities designated to provide memory care must also abide by the following regulations:
The IDPH Division of Assisted Living also regulates shared housing establishments, which can also serve as memory care communities. The same regulations apply to both assisted living and shared housing, except for their distinct size requirements. Both assisted living and shared housing facilities provide residential care for a minimum of three unrelated individuals, at least 80% of whom are 55+ in age. Shared housing communities, however, can have a maximum of 16 residents.
The IDPH Division of Assisted Living performs an unannounced annual review on each Illinois assisted living community and shared housing community, including memory care communities.
Generally, Illinois assisted living and memory care licenses are available for view by using the Illinois Department of Health’s search tool. If the search tool is unavailable, please contact the IDPH directly at 312-814-5278.
Families can research prospective nursing homes by using Medicare’s local provider search tool.
View Illinois handbook of long-term care residents’ rights.
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
While most COVID-19 restrictions have been eased in Chicago, long-term care facilities, such as memory care and other senior care communities, still have recommended guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for residents’ safety.
Read the full Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 guidelines for long-term care facilities.
Vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccines are available to all residents. Staff are required to be either up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations or to be tested twice per week.
Masking. All visitors and staff of Chicago memory care communities must wear masks. When COVID-19 cases are higher, more protective equipment is required for memory care staff.
Testing. Though it is no longer required, the IDPH highly recommends COVID-19 testing and tracing possible exposures for memory care staff and residents.
Chicago memory care communities are thoughtfully designed, with elegantly furnished living and communal spaces featuring inviting color palettes. Seniors in Chicago memory care can enjoy social or leisure activities in shared recreational spaces. They can also relax or receive personal care services in the privacy of their own apartments. Many of Chicago’s memory care communities offer restaurant-style dining, so residents can enjoy excellent culinary experiences.
Chicago memory care communities offer leisure and care provisions of assisted living, as well as offerings designed to match the unique needs of seniors with memory loss. Such offerings include the following:
Many of Chicago’s senior living options offer some combination of independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care. Some of these communities qualify as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), but not all of them. CCRCs usually require a large entry fee to ensure service costs remain consistent even if a resident’s care needs change. While Chicago does have some CCRCs, it also offers senior care communities that still provide multiple care levels on one campus.
Communities with multiple levels of senior living are a popular choice among seniors who don’t want to relocate if their care needs change, since they can easily transition to a support level that fits their evolving needs. For residents in need of memory care, tiered senior living can mean a variety of social engagement with neighbors. It can also mean that residents in earlier stages of dementia may be able to live in the assisted living section of the community and move to the memory care unit if their needs increase. Starting in assisted living may be a more cost effective option for families of seniors with dementia.
Unique to Illinois senior care is a community type called supportive living. Supportive living communities provide care services to their residents and are an excellent long-term care option for Chicago seniors with limited funds. Chicago has several supportive living communities designated to provide memory care.
Unlike private-sector memory care communities in Illinois, supportive living memory care communities accept Medicaid. Note that even in supportive living, Medicaid doesn’t cover the cost of room and board, only care services.
Services that can be covered in a Medicaid-approved supportive living community include the following:
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Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Chicago population
Chicago seniors have several reputable medical centers to choose from when it comes to getting the care they need.
Nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties, Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the highest-ranking hospital in the state of Illinois, according to U.S. News and World Report. The hospital partners with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine to foster world-class patient care and medical innovation.[07]
Rush University Medical Center is ranked No. 2 out of Chicago hospitals, according to U.S. News and World Report. With roots going back over 180 years, Rush is known for its excellence in patient care, education, and medical research.[07]
University of Chicago Medical Center is a nonprofit academic hospital established in 1927. According to U.S. News and World Report, it’s the third-highest ranked hospital in Chicago and in the state of Illinois. It’s also known for exceptional geriatric care services.[07]
NorthShore includes six hospitals and over 140 medical centers all over the Illinois area. NorthShore University Health System is the fourth-highest ranking Chicago hospital, according to U.S. News and World Report.[07]
Most of Chicago’s memory care facilities offer their residents transportation services to and from medical appointments, errands, and off-site activities. Of our memory care partners in the area, 95% offer complimentary and/or at-cost transportation services. Depending on the individual community, pre-scheduled transportation may be free, while on-demand rides may have an additional cost.
For family members visiting a loved one in Chicago memory care, it may be helpful to know that many Chicago residents choose public transportation over driving due to the city’s heavy traffic and limited parking. Chicago has a wealth of reliable public transportation options, including the following:
Chicago is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States. It’s known for its cultural diversity, entertainment, culinary experiences, landmarks, shoreline views of sparkling Lake Michigan, and, of course, delicious Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Chicago offers plenty of attractions for the whole family, as well as resources designed for individuals with dementia.
There’s something for everyone in Chicago. Take in an evening with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, or spend an afternoon with marine wildlife at Shedd Aquarium. Enjoy a scenic stroll along Chicago’s Lakefront Trail or through one of its many sprawling parks, such as Millennium Park and the Cloud Gate (popularly called The Bean). The Lincoln Park Zoo offers free admission, and families can visit the animals, enjoy the zoo’s wildlife animal habitats and gardens, and even participate in fun events.
Chicago has a wealth of museums where families can reminisce, learn, and explore. Some popular options include the following:
The Chicago Hyde Park neighborhood is famously accommodating to seniors with dementia. As part of the Dementia Friendly America program, the community of Hyde Park strives to boost awareness of those with memory loss, as well as provide activities, support through volunteers, and more to local seniors with dementia.
Chicago also has one of many Illinois Memory Cafes, the South Loop Memory Cafe, which hosts events for seniors with dementia and their families.
Encore Village of Schaumburg, a CCRC, Brookdale Northbrook and Sunrise of Naperville North are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Chicago, IL. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Chicago is 5,724 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Chicago [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, Illinois General Assembly Health Facilities and Regulation § 210 ILCS 9 (2001).
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Chicago. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Chicago.
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