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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.
55 East Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611
My parents have been at The Clare since 2008, first in Independent Living, then my Father in Memory care and now my mother in Assisted Living. They chose the Clare as their plan for retirement. They both...
The Clare rises as an integral part of downtown Chicago—with the blue of Lake Michigan at one hand, the proud skyline at the other and at its feet all you could ever desire for enrichment, excitement and fulfillment. This premiere retirement residence and the unique lifestyle it offers await you...
2800 Des Plaines Ave, North Riverside, IL 60546
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...
Caledonia Senior Living is a small, private home providing both assisted living and 24-hour nursing care in a beautiful, intimate setting. Our home is nestled on five wooded acres, and offers a wide range of services and activities to meet all of your needs. We are a non-profit organization,...
1448 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619
Jackson Park Supportive Living is its own community within itself. The residents acts as family helping each other when possible. The staff works greatly together, providing the best services possible for...
The Jackson Park Supportive Living Facility was created to provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive living environment for individuals age 22-64 years old offering the highest level of service and expertise while maintaining the individual's independence.Our apartments are designed to provide...
3800 North California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
I picked this community, because it was near my home, the sales director at the time, [name removed]made me feel really comfortable with me leaving my aunt under her care, and the pricing was the most...
Paul House offers our assisted living program members a central Irving Park address with a vibrant, inviting community, deep historical roots and a worry-free residential community. We have three service levels and three types of private apartments: efficiency studio, studio and one bedroom, all...
2370 North Newcastle Avenue, Chicago, IL 60707
My grandmother is very comfortable in this community. It is very clean i have no complaints about it. My grandmother is known by her name, which is great that she is getting that one on one attention. They...
Our longstanding mission is to transform the way society thinks about aging and senior living. Our Victory Centre of Galewood 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 and...
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...
316 Randolph St, Maywood, IL 60153
Maywood was promising when we toured this community. Unfortunately they did not offer the assisted living services our family and loved one needed at the time.
Maywood Supportive Living is an affordable, caring, all-inclusive assisted living community. It features the adaptive re-use of the former Baptist Retirement Homes. The Maywood community serves low-income older adults, including those on Medicaid or those who receive monthly Social Security...
8080 S Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, IL 60455
Moraine Court Supportive Living supports and encourages our residents to enjoy and active-lifestyle in a safe community. Let us show you how Moraine Court can combine the best of private living and assistance with daily living needs. Our supportive Living program is designed to promote...
2833 N Nordica Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
We chose this facility because of the location, availability, ad we also liked their security. My mom was in memory care and they were all on one floor and there was a very good staff to patient ratio. I...
For over 100 years, Bethesda Rehab & Senior Care has had a presence in the community that has empowered residents to live independent and full lives. As the premier post-acute and long-term care provider in Chicago with a 5 STAR CMS RATING, our mission is to provide a place of comfort and...
4950 North Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640
Everyone At Bethany Retirement seems friendly and helpful. The room size and layout of the community is good. My likes the food. They have an outdoor courtyard for residents to use. My mom is happy there.
Bethany Retirement is a faith-based, non-profit serving the vibrant Andersonville and Ravenswood neighborhoods in Chicago for over 126 years! We were founded in the Methodist tradition; however, we are home to a variety of faiths. We are 'Called to Care' and our desire is to provide active living...
2720 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
From the first visit a great experience. Friendly, knowledgeable, caring staff. The place was always spotless The food was very good My cousin received excellent care. Would recommend it to everyone...
A gracious 55-unit assisted living residence rebuilt in a great Chicago neighborhood in 1997, Covenant Home brings a new style of assisted living to its urban Chicago neighborhood. Our building wraps a floor-to-ceiling central atrium, making the interior bright and cheerful. Studio, one- and...
929 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
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...
Step out your door to acres of beautiful parkland, the beach, and the lake’s shore. Look the other way and Chicago surrounds you – the stunning skyline, vibrant neighborhoods, and the cultural depth few other cities offer.Chicago’s oldest, nonprofit retirement living organization is introducing...
10450 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60628
I had to take notice to the fact this community is not as close to our family. It looked like a suitable community and the representative did good showing me around and answered my questions about living in...
Our longstanding mission is to transform the way society thinks about aging and senior living. Our Victory Centre of Roseland 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 and...
5520 N Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60640
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...
Hartwell PlaceMemory Care Assisted LivingA memory care community where you can feel your best.Serving the neighborhood since 1898, Chicago Methodist Senior Services established Hartwell Place in 2000, an intimate and vintage community, nestled in the heart of Andersonville for adults living with...
2320 W. 113th Place, Chicago, IL 60643
I toured this community while looking into care options for a loved one. The facility was well kept and clean, and all of the staff I met seemed friendly and professional. The only thing I didn't like here...
Smith Village Continuing Care Retirement Community - Chicago, IL Smith Village, one of two Smith Senior Living communities, located in Chicago, IL, in the Beverly neighborhood, is a Continuing Care Retirement Community that’s backed by the strength and experience of Smith Senior Living.Since...
6016 N. Nina Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631
My parents are living here and I believe my family is very happy so far. I think the staff at the facility is very attentive; they’ve had the nurses coming to the room, and have done a pretty good job with...
Norwood Crossing, a not-for-profit community located on the Northwest side of Chicago, has been serving older adults since 1896. Each day, Norwood Crossing holds true to their mission of enhancing the independence and well-being of older adults. Norwood Crossing offers several levels of service...
7262 W Peterson Ave, Chicago, IL 60631
There were similar services as the place we chose for my mother. It was a smaller community too. Everybody knows everybody. It's a warm atmosphere becauase it's not 25 floor and hundreds of people. I liked...
Presence Resurrection Retirement Community is primarily independent living with a 36 room assisted living nestled into 16 acres of walking paths and a garden-like setting in the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois. Our property is the perfect place for those looking to have the beauty of nature...
2710 Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614
Everyone is helpful and welcoming. The food is fairly bland to meet multiple palates and diets. The soups are very good.
In elegant, residential environments, we deliver the finest in senior care, and are recognized internationally for both quality and innovation. Guided by our Principles of Service, Sunrise affords families peace-of-mind by providing today's seniors with a range of personalized assisted living...
2800 West Fulton, Chicago, IL 60612
Heritage Woods of Chicago is an affordable assisted living community exclusively designed for low income seniors 65 or older. Fully certified by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Living, Heritage Woods is located on the west side of Chicago. Heritage Woods is a lovely place to call...
3800 South Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL 60653
Pioneer Gardens senior residents in the windy city access to a great assisted living community within the grand city of Chicago, IL. Located just a few blocks from Lake Shore Drive, residents can enjoy the lush green park areas next to the lake during spring and summer days and enjoy the many...
900 North DeWitt Place, Chicago, IL 60611
900 North DeWitt Place, Chicago, IL 60611
4952 W. Thomas, Chicago, IL 60651
4952 W. Thomas, Chicago, IL 60651
1143 North Lavergne, Chicago, IL 60651
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
7.70 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.
Brookdale Northbrook, Encore at South Barrington 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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