10 Best Nursing Homes in Chicago, IL

There are a number of private and public assistance options an individual can use to pay for Chicago nursing homes and other senior care options. Start by looking at your loved one’s financial situation. That will be the best way to determine which methods to choose when identifying ways to pay for care.

Even if your loved one has private pay options, make sure to check their eligibility for public aid, as well. There may be disability-specific assistance available to help your loved one’s private pay options go even further.

Health and safety are primary concerns when considering living options for seniors. Chicago nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) – Division of Assisted Living. The following laws and regulations are specific to senior care communities licensed as skilled nursing units. For other senior living community regulations, refer to the Chicago assisted living or Chicago memory care pages for further insight.

In addition to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois skilled nursing communities are also regulated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (also referred to as CMS). Illinois skilled nursing communities are inspected at a minimum of once every six to 15 months.

Illinois nursing facility regulations account for the following provisions:

• Staffing requirements, including staff-to-resident ratios, staff training, and qualifications for providing nursing and personal care
• Support of residents’ quality of life, like encouraging residents to manage as much of their own personal care tasks as they are able
• Providing medical and nursing care, including medication administration and any procedures ordered by the residents’ primary care physician
• Maintaining and keeping up with residents’ individual care plans

Before being admitted to a nursing care facility, prospective residents will be given a medical assessment to determine whether skilled nursing is the right level of care for them. If the individual doesn’t need round-the-clock nursing care, an assisted living or other care type facility may be a better option.

Families can research prospective nursing homes by using Medicare’s local provider search tool. You can also learn about the rights and protections of nursing home residents through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services document on your rights and protections as a nursing home resident.

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

COVID-19 regulations for Chicago nursing homes

While most COVID-19 restrictions have been eased in Chicago, long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living communities, still have guidelines in place for residents’ safety.

Read the full Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 guidelines for long-term care facilities.

Chicago is home to myriad diversity and culture. No matter your loved one’s interests or level of support needs, there is a senior care community to suit them. Chicago is also a city for food lovers, and many of Chicago’s senior living communities offer restaurant-style dining with professional culinary experiences — so meals are an occasion rather than a chore. The city has a lot of pet-friendly options, as well, for the seniors who can’t part with their furry friends.

Especially closer to the city center, Chicago offers a lot of skilled nursing communities that provide 24-hour medical care to their residents. Skilled nursing is a good senior living option for individuals who require more hands-on care than assisted living can provide or those who are immobile without more than one person to help them.

Tiered care types

Many of Chicago’s senior living communities hold an “aging-in-place” philosophy by offering multiple types of care on one campus. These are sometimes referred to as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), but not always. CCRCs often require an entry fee, so that service costs remain consistent even if a resident’s care needs change. While Chicago does have some CCRCs, it also has non-CCRC senior living communities that still provide multiple care levels on one campus.

Non-CCRC communities may not have high up-front fees, as they don’t charge for advanced services until the need arises. Both CCRC and non-CCRC options offer some combination of independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care. This is a popular choice among seniors who don’t want to relocate if their care needs ever change since they can easily transition to a support level that fits their evolving needs.

Supportive living

Unique to Illinois senior living is a community type called supportive living. Supportive living communities provide care services to their residents and are an excellent option for Chicago seniors with limited funds for long-term care. Unlike private-sector assisted living communities in Illinois, supportive living 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:

• Assistance with activities of daily living
• Housekeeping
• Laundry
• Medication assistance
• Social activities and recreation
• 24-hour care staff

Senior care in the surrounding Chicago suburbs

Chicago has numerous senior living communities outside of the downtown area. Senior living communities in the suburbs of Chicago often sit on more spacious campuses and are ideal for seniors who are looking for a gentler pace of life than the city center has to offer. Northern suburban areas of Chicago tend to have a higher cost of living, whereas south of the city center, there are more budget-friendly options.

Chicago’s location near the state borders of Wisconsin and Indiana gives residents even more senior living options for their loved ones. Wisconsin and Indiana both have lower costs of living, so senior living communities in these areas can be more affordable while still making it easy to visit your loved one on a regular basis.

Health care for seniors in Chicago

When it comes to taking care of their health, Chicago seniors have several reputable medical centers to choose from.

Transportation for seniors in Chicago

Most senior care facilities in Chicago offer transportation services to their residents, for medical appointments, errands, or off-site activities. For visiting family members, 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. Luckily, Chicago has a wealth of reliable, public transportation options:

• Many Chicago residents feel that the most convenient and cost-effective way to get around is the Chicago Transit Authority “L” train.
• Specifically for seniors, veterans, and individuals who require a wheelchair or mobility assistance, Chicago provides AC Med Tran transportation services.
• Chicago has over 100 bus routes, as well as the Metra Rail train for commuting to the Chicago suburbs.
• For the active individual, Chicago’s Divvy bike-share system can be a fun way to get around.