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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.
Types of care available in Chicago, IL
Assisted Living
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.
Great communication. They staff encourages the residents to get involved I wish the rooms were slightly larger. Not a huge deal. We can go to the common areas when we visit The staff knows the residents by name and encourages participation in all of the activities. They seem to really enjoy their jobs.
They're short of help, all the way around. That's the main challenge. Sometimes it's hard to find a nurse on the nursing floor. But I really like the assisted living building. They're very good with their activities and keeping their people up to date on things. I had one relative move to the wellness center from assisted living, and I would not do that if you can avoid it. They don't have the activities, and they're kind of isolated in wellness.
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...
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...
908 W. Argyle Street, Chicago, IL 60640
Everything is very nice, very clean, very beautiful. The food is perfect, always tasty, well prepared and served. The dietary staff is very helpful and accommodating.
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...
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...
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
My brother passed away. He wouldn't participate much in the activities unless we were there. They tried. Oh well, he is at peace now and our worries are over. It is a family atmosphere which we loved....
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
1900 N Karlov Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
Bishop Edwin Conway Residence is an assisted living community located in Chicago, Illinois. Minutes from Oak Park, Melrose Park, and Niles, Illinois, Bishop Edwin Conway Residence is close to shopping, restaurants, churches and residences. The conveniences offered by Chicago can be easily...
2437 N. Southport, Chicago, IL 60614
Very nice accommodations, planning to revisit.
The Ivy Apartments, nestled in the heart of the Lincoln Park/DePaul University area, provides both independent & supportive living options for its residents. Our 24 hour supportive living staff provides personal care assistance with activities of daily living for our seniors, in the privacy of...
1501 W Melrose St, Chicago, IL 60657
Hello my name is [removed] I'm a resident in Greenview Place.If you looking for a place that is interested in your health and your happiness,this is the place.Each one of the staff at Greenview Place has...
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.
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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:
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:
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.
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.
View the full list of licensed Illinois assisted living and shared housing establishments.
View the Illinois handbook of long-term care residents’ rights.
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.
Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
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:
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 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.
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.
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.
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Percentage of seniors in Chicago’s population
Percentage of older adults who self-report being in overall good health[04]
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
Brookdale Northbrook, Encore at South Barrington and Arden Courts A ProMedica Memory Care Community in Elk Grove 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 5,570 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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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