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The term “nursing home” is often colloquially used in reference to all senior living communities, though the term technically refers only to facilities with on-site 24/7 skilled nursing services. Most seniors won’t necessarily need the high level of medical care provided at a skilled nursing facility, in which case an assisted living facility may be a better fit. A Place for Mom partners with over 40 assisted living and memory care communities within a 10-mile radius from downtown Chicago.
Assisted living and memory care communities provide assistance with a senior’s daily activities and support a senior’s continued wellness. Some assisted living and memory care communities even have on-site access to skilled nursing services, if a current resident needs rehabilitation after surgery or due to illness or hospice. These senior living communities have an “age-in-place” philosophy, so residents won’t have to move if they ever grow to need the 24/7 medical care of a nursing home.
Chicago’s diverse and growing senior population has led to an array of senior living options. This guide gathers information from A Place for Mom’s proprietary data on local communities, 20+ years of senior living experience, and contacts with local experts. With this guide, you can browse senior living 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
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.
HI, we really enjoy our visit. Your place is very nice. Exceptionally clean. The people, workers and residents alike were very polite and friendly. Our Dad is looking forward to living with you. Thank you so much for making him feel welcome and comfortable.
735 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614
2940 W 87th St, Chicago, IL 60652
625 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
2450 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
8200 Roosevelt Rd, Forest Park, IL 60130
940 W Cullom Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
4340 N Keystone Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
4538 North Beacon, Chicago, IL 60640
7750 S South Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60649
At Waterfront Recognizing a voice on the phone remembering a resident’s favorite dessert, asking about that special grandchild – it’s the little things that make the big difference. Waterfront Terrace is the perfect size to care for your personal comforts and individual needs. At waterfront...
4621 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640
8540 S Harlem Ave Midway Neuro & Rehab, Bridgeview, IL 60455
9401 Ridgeland Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
5336 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
2315 W 112th Pl, Chicago, IL 60643
5888 N Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
5656 N Newcastle Ave, Chicago, IL 60631
7200 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60626
There are eventualities in our lives we carefully plan for and then there are those that catch us unawares. Lake Shore’s staff is in place to work with your family when you or a beloved family member requires rehabilitative services, a well-earned respite break or long-term 24-hour skilled...
7445 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626
At Citadel of Waterford, we offer a holistic approach to care that maximizes physical, mental, and social well-being for you or your loved one. Through continuous personalized attention and care planning, we provide the highest quality skilled nursing and rehabilitation services for each of our...
7464 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626
7618 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626
The cost of senior care varies widely across different areas of the city and based on the level of care provided. Skilled nursing care services are the most expensive, followed by memory care. Average monthly costs in Chicago for senior care communities look like the following:
North of downtown Chicago, costs tend to be higher, often approaching $10,000 per month or more. Further south, costs of senior care communities in Chicago trend downwards. When looking for affordable nursing homes 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.
9.20 miles from you
Your zip code
8.06 miles from you
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.
To pay for Chicago nursing homes or other senior care options for your loved one, first consider the income your loved one receives, including Social Security benefits, savings, pensions, or investments.
For those who have planned in advance, long-term care insurance may cover the cost of nursing home or skilled nursing care services, although coverage can vary widely among policies. Note that most long-term care insurance policies do not cover room and board in care communities. Check with your loved one’s policy provider, as this may cover a significant portion of their senior care costs. Take a look at some other commonly practiced private pay options:
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:
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:
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.
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 must wear masks. When COVID-19 cases are higher, more protective equipment is required for staff.
Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
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.
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.
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:
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.
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Percent of Chicago residents who are 75+
Percent of Chicagoans who report being in overall good health
When it comes to taking care of their health, Chicago seniors have several reputable medical centers to choose from.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the highest-ranking hospital in the state of Illinois, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s also nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties. The hospital partners with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine to foster world-class patient care and medical innovation.
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 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. University of Chicago Medical Center is a nonprofit academic hospital established in 1927. It’s also known for exceptional geriatric care services.
NorthShore University Health System is the fourth-highest ranking Chicago hospital, according to U.S. News and World Report. NorthShore includes six hospitals and over 140 medical centers all over the Illinois area.
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:
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, its delicious Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.
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. Meander through the Museum of Contemporary Art, or take the grandkids to the Chicago Children’s Museum. Many of Chicago’s attractions also offer senior discounts and free-admission days, so it’s easy to enjoy the best of the city without breaking the bank.
Wine tasting is also a popular senior living community outing, combining fresh air, beautiful views, and delicious, locally crafted wine. Locals and visitors alike enjoy all of Chicago’s wonderful wine rooms, like Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery, The Fromagerie and Tasting Room, and City Winery Riverwalk Wine Garden.
Brookdale Northbrook, Encore at South Barrington and Arden Courts A ProMedica Memory Care Community in Elk Grove are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Chicago, IL. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Chicago is 5,610 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Genworth. (2022, June 2). Cost of care survey.
A Place for Mom. (2021). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Chicago [Data set]. American Community Survey.
General Requirements for Nursing and Personal Care, Joint Committee on Administrative Rules § 300.1210 (2011).
Nursing Home Care Act, Illinois General Assembly Health Facilities and Regulation § 210 ILCS 45 (2015).
Illinois Department of Healthcare & Family Services. Illinois Supportive Living Program.
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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