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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.
940 West Gordon Terrace, Chicago, IL 60613
I like this "supportive living". This is for people with disabilities not only seniors.
8200 S Colfax Ave, Chicago, IL 60617
We're very pleased with how things have gone at Colfax Manor! The facility itself is clean and well kept, and the staff is friendly and do a great job looking out for the residents. There can be a bit of a...
Colfax Manor Assisted Living is a residential care home located in Chicago, IL, which is a famous part of Cook County. We are located only minutes from the Rainbow Park and Beach, which sits near the shores of Lake Michigan. The lake helps to create calming breezes and blue skies that make life...
5527 N Maplewood, Chicago, IL 60625
Tour was presented well, site was well maintained; residents co-habitated well with each other.
2315 W 112th Pl, Chicago, IL 60643
5656 N Newcastle Ave, Chicago, IL 60631
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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