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.
I could not be more pleased with my mom's experience at Mercy Circle. The nurses and the CNS's were friendly, patient, and very attentive. The meals were always served hot, and the food was very good.
We've been pretty pleased with the staff and services provided at Autumn Green Midway Village community. Mom is receiving good care there. A very good community of residents.
I assisted a wonderful lady moving from her home into Brookdale. The idea of a retirement home brought certain thoughts into my mind; walking into Brookdale made me realize my opinions were wrong. [name...
Sent here [date removed] by family and friends and my doctor prior to 87th birthday and after an illness that left me as diagnosed severely malnourished and an auto accident that I barely escaped injury. In...
Very friendly staff. They take good care of you and are always trying to make their residents comfortable. Very nice accommodations. My Dad has enjoyed the food and most of the get togethers they organized.
Very pleasant and helpful facility and very family oriented. The room could be a little more spacious and the amenities are good.
There's no reporting system i.e. does my wife participate in activities? That would be helpful to have. The staff at St. Joseph Village seems to truly care about the residents.
What our family likes the most about the Clarendale Six Corners is their customer service, their response time, and the value for cost. It also is a new building so the cleanliness is very nice.
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...
Great modern design and huge windows - cheerful staff and team. Great community feel in the best of Chicago. The outdoor excursions are often and fun. The living spaces are many and they have a great...
I would rate the first 1 as a 5 the second as a 4 and the last ones as a 5. I would definitely recommend them to a friend. They were very attentive and if ever I had an issue ( which wasn't too often) they...
I had research several places before moving my mom and I so glad that we settled on Brookdale. My mom's apartment is manageable size for her needs, it's walking distance to Trader Joe's and several downtown...
Two people in particular were the reason we chose Cantata - [name removed] - Admissions [name removed] - Wellness Manager Weekend staffing seems to utilize temporary, contract help a lot who don't seem...
Placing my loved one in memory care is the most difficult decision I have made in our married life. As soon as I stepped into the facility, I felt at home right away and I had that feeling of confidence...
My loved one was only here for 8 days, but these were my findings! I would like to add that everybody there from the nurses to the CNAs to the admin staff to the maintenance staff and of course Shannon we...
Overall I feel that my mom is at a good place and I feel comfortable that they are handling her daily needs. I do think that they need to expand their programming to include much more physical activity and...
The staff is awesome. There's an in-house doctor and psychiatrist that take care of medical needs as well as multiple nurses physical therapists and assistance Activities are limited by the space available....
My loved one is currently a resident at Victory Centre of River Woods and overall things have been good for him. I think he's in a good place, not great but good. I do recommend this facility to others.
It a very nice and inviting environment for my mom and also for me when I visit. I feel really good about having my mom there and she really likes it. t's better for people who don't need a ton of extra care...
Staff is and continues to be very exceptional! Housekeeping mirrors a Hilton Hotel stay. Communication with this facility is extraordinary. They keep us informed and answer all questions. The move in process...
All things being relative, it's a very nice facility. Staff is outstanding and genuinely caring. We had some issues when my uncle was on the memory care unit. He recovered -- his cognitive issues it turned...
I am very happy and pleased with this facility so far. All of the staff members have been so helpful and very accommodating. I really like the director and she was amazing in getting my cousin set up and...
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 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.
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:
Chicago senior veterans may be eligible for long-term care through veterans benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Some VA benefits, such as the Aid and Attendance benefit, can help pay for long-term senior care.
VA Aid and Attendance benefit may be added to a veteran’s pension specifically to help cover the cost of long-term care services in the veteran’s home or residential senior living facility. A veteran’s surviving spouse may also qualify for eligibility for this benefit. In order to qualify for this benefit, the veteran or their spouse must already be established in a senior living facility or have an in-home caregiver. They must also already be receiving a VA pension or apply for one at the same time they apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit. The Aid and Attendance allowance can cover some costs associated with assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care.
The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs has offices all over the state of Illinois where Veteran Service Officers are available to help you make sense of the services and benefits available. VA Services and Benefits include but are not limited to the following:
Related: Visit our complete guide to VA benefits.
Number of veteran residents living in Chicago
Percentage of Chicago veterans age 65 and overÂ
Additional resources for Chicago veterans
2102 W. Ogden Ave.
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: 312-743-0720
2122 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1141 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60612-9998
Phone: 312-569-5750
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 312-569-7959
3348 W. 87th St., Suite 2
Chicago, IL 60652-3767
Phone: 773-962-3740
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
1901 Howard St.
Evanston, IL 60202
Phone: 847-332-1019
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Medicaid is federal- and state-funded medical insurance for those with low incomes or disabilities. While each state’s program is a little different, all Medicaid programs must follow federal guidelines. Illinois Medicaid is also called Illinois Medical Assistance.
Under Illinois Medical Assistance, Illinois low-income residents who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled can qualify for medical coverage through the Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) program. To find out if you or your loved one qualifies to receive Illinois Medical Assistance for health care costs, you can check eligibility online or call 1-800-843-6154.
Medicaid in Chicago covers some long-term care through its Supportive Living Program (SLP) Medicaid waiver. This waiver enables eligible seniors to receive health care services not usually covered by Medicaid, such as:
While Medicaid in Chicago covers some long-term care and health services, it does not cover room and board at an assisted living facility. However, Medicaid will cover care in an approved supportive living community or in a skilled nursing facility.
Reach out to your nearest Chicago Medicaid office to find out whether you or your loved one is eligible for Medicaid.
Related: Visit our complete guide to public pay options.
Chicago resident Medicaid resources:
Chicago Senior Services Hotline: 312-744-4016
Email:Â Aging@CityofChicago.org
Facebook.com/ChiSeniorServices
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Unlike Medicaid, Medicare is entirely federally funded and extends health coverage to Americans 65 or older and to some individuals with disabilities. Medicare has multiple parts that cover different aspects of health care and may include:
While Medicare in Chicago will not cover room and board at an assisted living or other senior living community, it will cover many of the costs associated with medical treatment, such as dementia care. You can find more information on Medicare costs and coverage in Cook County by dialing 2-1-1, visiting the federal Medicare website, or reaching out to one of your local Chicago Social Security Administration offices.
Qualified seniors may get help paying for Medicare deductibles and premiums through Medicare Savings Programs. In Illinois, call 1-800-252-8966 or get help through the Illinois Senior Health Insurance Program, a counseling service known as SHIP.
Illinois Medicaid also may help pay your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance by applying with Form 2378M: Application for Payment of Medicare Premiums, Deductibles and Coinsurance.
Related: To understand more, visit our guide to Medicare, Medicaid, and other public pay options.
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.[02]
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.
Read the full Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 guidelines for long-term care facilities.
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
Number of seniors 65+ living in Chicago
Approximate number of Chicago residents who are U.S. military veterans
Percentage of older adults who self-report being in overall good health
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, Mercy Circle Senior Living 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 $5,655 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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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.