Who are you searching for?
Chicago features an array of care and lifestyle options for its diverse and growing senior population. Chicago memory care communities provide assistance with a senior’s daily activities and support their well-being and quality of life through customized care. Some of Chicago’s memory care communities feature both assisted living and memory care within the same facility, and many include on-site skilled nursing. Since memory care communities tend to reach capacity quite often, communities that include assisted living can often accommodate individuals in earlier stages of dementia even as they await an open spot in the memory care unit.
A Place for Mom partners with 19 memory care communities within a 10-mile radius of the Chicago city center. This guide gathers information from A Place for Mom’s proprietary data on Chicago memory care communities, 20+ years of senior living experience, and contacts with local experts. With this guide, you can browse memory care 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
Memory Care
I lived for 26 years in a townhome by Lake Katherine, just 6 blocks away. It's just myself and Giovanni, my 12 year old Italian Greyhound. My 2,050 sq feet home was just too much to keep up. Plus health issues made me want to downsize.i moved in on [date removed]. I just LOVE living here. Food is great, staff is amazing. I feel safe and I've made numerous friends. There are many amenities....I especially like the housekeeping. I would highly recommend Palos Heights Senior Living....it's a great alternative to living on your own. PS: being able to have my Dogson with me is a huge plus !!!
They have completely renovated our loved ones apartment so it is brand new and is quite nice. All of the staff members and the residents are very friendly and the home health care has really worked out great. The meals and dining service always looks very good, and she is enjoying the activities especially the bingo. We would absolutely recommend Ascension Living to other families, it has been a really good experience.
Brookdale is currently short staffed and the assisted living team is stretched thin. Hopefully this will get corrected. I want to stress, I do believe that Brookdale is doing their best given the difficulty in recruiting staff members.
929 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
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...
Step out your door to acres of beautiful parkland, the beach, and the lake’s shore. Look the other way and Chicago surrounds you – the stunning skyline, vibrant neighborhoods, and the cultural depth few other cities offer.Chicago’s oldest, nonprofit retirement living organization is introducing...
3659 W 99th Pl, Chicago, IL 60655
My staff at Mercy was all that I hoped it would be. The accommodations, the staff, the food and the overall care was all could hope for
A faith-based not-for-profit communityMercy Circle’s residents and staff together create a vibrant, caring community where all people are welcome and our non-profit status is reflected in no entrance fees. Residents pay only a monthly fee, which includes meals, services, amenities and...
3535 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
We picked this community, because the location is close to me. I'm mad that the rent goes up every 5-6 months. Family should be careful because they raised the prices almost immediately after my loved one...
Welcome to Artis—where empowerment, pride and fulfillment define memory careAt Artis Senior Living, our mission is to provide the finest level in Memory Care and assisted living through individually designed programs combined with a passionate dedication to each resident’s individualized comforts...
3121 North Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60657
Brookdale has all kinds of services under one roof- activities, dining, medical and other care services- but what impressed me the most and still does, is the friendly atmosphere both among the staff and...
Healthier Life, Healthier YouHave you been on the hunt for an exceptional senior living experience that gives you the quality care you want without sacrificing the independence and freedom you crave? If so, look no further. Our independent and assisted living community is located within walking...
6700 S Keating Ave, Chicago, IL 60629
My mom is very happy at Autumn Green. She has pretty much everything she needs there. It's a good value for the price. The facility is clean. She says the meals are pretty good. They always have a full...
Don't let our value prices fool you -- Autumn Green is a beautiful community! Autumn Green at Midway Village offers full-service rental retirement living at a mid-range price for persons aged 62+ OR For-sale condominiums for persons aged 55+ in the adjacent Midway Village...
7432 W Talcott, Chicago, IL 60631
We picked this community, because of the location, and amenities. They are very friendly, and inclsuive. They are Immediately responsive to all inquiries and requests They give expert care around the clock...
4021 W Belmont, Chicago, IL 60641
What we like the most about St. Joseph Village is that it is smaller and personal and we also like how they have bilingual staff members. We would absolutely this community for someone that wants a smaller...
Have you noticed that something doesn't seem right with mom or dad these days? It could be subtle or it could be something that's pretty obvious. Regardless, you've turned to the Internet for a reason and the best choice for assisted living is also Chicago's most notable and...
700 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
When I brought my friend to Belmont Village I knew immediately it was the right place for her. She was surrounded by people who actually cared. After all it's not everyday you are over 100 years old. In...
At Belmont Village Lincoln Park, you’ll find the perfect blend of comfort, care and active living. The mid-rise building maintains the look and feel of the area with an architectural style very closely replicating the Nellie Black building that previously occupied the site. Nestled in the new...
4715 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
Pricing promotion expiring soon
Clarendale Six Corners is a brand new beautiful facility. The staff are all very friendly and kind - we have liked every person we have met especially the memory care director [name removed] and [name...
Clarendale Six Corners is Chicago's most anticipated senior living community now open for you to experience! On a triangular corner of Six Corners in Northwest Chicago, Illinois, you’ll discover 10 floors of casual sophistication, superb hospitality services and great amenities.You'll enjoy...
3251 East 92nd Street, Chicago, IL 60617
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...
Our longstanding mission is to transform the way society thinks about aging and senior living. Our Victory Centre of South Chicago 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...
4239 N Oak Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
We chose Autumn Green because of the proximity to family, the overall value for the dollar spent, I also thought the cleanliness of the facility was attractive. The location is also near a lot of shopping....
Autumn Green at Wright Campus is a senior living community located in the vibrant metropolis of Chicago, Illinois. This iconic city offers some of the best amenities in the country. Glass towers, luxury boutiques and fine dining can be found amongst the busy downtown core. Visiting family members...
2960 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60657
The Brookdale Lake Shore Drive facility was excellent - their attention to detail was really good and the room our loved one had was just gorgeous and super lovely. There was a little deck where the...
Good Times, Good CompanyLocated in the active and vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, our independent and assisted living community boasts stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline, spacious common areas for relaxing and entertaining, delicious meals served in a restaurant-style dining...
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...
1800 River Woods Drive, Melrose Park, IL 60160
I would let others know that there are professional staff members throughout the facility. The Director [name removed] has been very helpful in assisting with the initial application, and later on with...
Our longstanding mission is to transform the way society thinks about aging and senior living. Our Victory Centre of River Woods 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...
8700 W 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513
The staff at the independent living building at Cantata are very supportive. The atmosphere feels like a family. Several residents have lived here several years which highlights the excellence of the staff....
Cantata Adult Life Services is committed to enabling older adults to achieve the greatest possible level of self-sufficiency and independence. The overarching goal of our not-for-profit organization is to facilitate active living and the continuation of healthy relationships with and among people...
5701 W 101st St, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Pricing promotion expiring soon
Our experience with Grace Point Place has been very good so far. My wife is adjusting well. I like that I can join in watching live entertainment, playing bingo, doing puzzles and I even stay for lunch with...
Grace Point Place is a memory care community in the Chicago metropolitan area for seniors age 60 and over. Our purpose-built campus was designed specifically for residents with all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. We offer an innovative, person-centered approach to memory care...
408 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302
I love living at the Oak Park Arms because I like the friendliness of the people and atmosphere! My apartment is cozy and meets all my needs. I also like that I’m able to live close to family, so the...
Built as a luxury hotel in 1922, the Oak Park Arms retained the original charm of the grand hotels of the 20th century. The apartments, Ballroom, Georgian Room Restaurant, Lounge, and meeting rooms have been renovated on an on-going basis. A rental retirement community for 26 years, the Oak Park...
800 N Harlem Ave, River Forest, IL 60305
Pricing promotion
What we like the most about The Sheridan at River Forest is the quality of care, amenities, flexibility between residents and staff. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this...
1111 Ontario Street, Oak Park, IL 60302
We have had a great experience with Brookdale Oak Park. It is a very strong community and all of the residents who are here have been engaging and kind. I would recommend this facility to other families...
Everything You Want, Everything You NeedIf first impressions are everything, we think we make a pretty good one. Nestled between historic Frank Lloyd Wright homes and a vibrant downtown shopping district, the location of our independent and assisted living community is just the start of what...
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,...
1035 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302
The management and higher ups are great however the lower staff needs improvement. The management is great at taking care of any problems and response time is responded in a timely manner. I like that they...
Belmont Village of Oak Park is located in the heart of historic Oak Park, a western suburb of Chicago. Our senior living residents don't have to go far to enjoy all the 'Windy City' has to offer. Close to the facility are shops, galleries, places of worship, and RUSH Oak Park Hospital. And when...
711 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302
Pricing promotion expiring soon
Everybody has growing pains, it is a brand new facility but the people are here wonderful and doing the best that they can - the biggest difficulty has been staffing just like everywhere else in the world...
35 Shawmut Ave, La Grange, IL 60525
They are doing a beautiful job. The interaction with the staff has been excellent. My loved one loves the food. The food is good. They offer wonderful opportunities to do things, for the activities. It's...
The Aspired Living family is excited to welcome Aspired Living of La Grange to the rapidly growing family of independent living, assisted living and memory support communities. Joining Aspired Living of Westmont and Aspired Living of Prospect Heights, La Grange’s newest state-of-the-art assisted...
4707 S Marshfield Ave, Chicago, IL 60609
A case of “ you can’t judge a book by its cover.” The area is on a culdesac close to a busy retail area. The Supportive facility ‘s exterior (housed in the historic old Goldblatt building) is unremarkable....
4339 W 18th Place, Chicago, IL 60623
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...
The Montclare Supportive Living Community is the choice for an affordable assisted lifestyle community in the Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago. Welcome to a gracious, affordable assisted lifestyle in your community. At the Montclare, you’ll enjoy friendly neighbors to share common life...
The average cost of senior living in Chicago is 6,916 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Oak Lawn, IL with an average of 6,568 per month.
Planning ahead can better position you to make good choices for your loved one’s care in the future. But if your aging family member needs care now, there are ways to finance the cost of long-term care through a combination of approaches.
Memory care supports the unique needs of seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Memory care communities provide enhanced security, dementia therapies, and spaces designed to prevent wandering. Services in memory care facilities often include:
A Place for Mom’s memory care partner facilities in Chicago cost an average of $6,657 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure represents the cost of rent and care services in a Chicago memory care facility, as well as any additional costs for add-ons and amenities, averaged from what real families referred to Chicago memory care have paid in the past 12 months.
Add-ons that may affect the cost of memory care can include services like the following:
Costs in the areas surrounding Chicago can greatly vary. Senior care in the northern suburbs of Chicago often costs closer to $10,000 per month. South of the city, the cost of senior care communities trends downwards.
When looking for affordable memory care communities 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.
The figures in the chart below represent baseline costs for memory care in Chicago and nearby cities before adding the costs of optional services and amenities.
4.63 miles from you
Your zip code
3.13 miles from you
There are many private pay and public assistance options available that can help cover the costs of Chicago memory care. Assessing your senior loved one’s financial situation will help you determine the best ways to pay for memory care.
Even if your loved one has private pay methods available, 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 farther.
To pay for your loved one’s memory care in Chicago, first consider any income your loved one receives, including Social Security benefits, savings, pensions, or investments. Other private pay options include the following:
Illinois memory care communities must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Assisted Living. According to Illinois state law, memory care communities must offer the same mandatory services as required for assisted living, including the following:
In addition to these services, Illinois senior care facilities designated to provide memory care must also abide by the following regulations:
The IDPH Division of Assisted Living also regulates shared housing establishments, which can also serve as memory care communities. The same regulations apply to both assisted living and shared housing, except for their distinct size requirements. Both assisted living and shared housing facilities provide residential care for a minimum of three unrelated individuals, at least 80% of whom are 55+ in age. Shared housing communities, however, can have a maximum of 16 residents.
The IDPH Division of Assisted Living performs an unannounced annual review on each Illinois assisted living community and shared housing community, including memory care communities.
Generally, Illinois assisted living and memory care licenses are available for view by using the Illinois Department of Health’s search tool. If the search tool is unavailable, please contact the IDPH directly at 312-814-5278.
Families can research prospective nursing homes by using Medicare’s local provider search tool.
View Illinois handbook of long-term care residents’ rights.
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
While most COVID-19 restrictions have been eased in Chicago, long-term care facilities, such as memory care and other senior care communities, still have recommended guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for residents’ safety.
Read the full Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 guidelines for long-term care facilities.
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 of Chicago memory care communities must wear masks. When COVID-19 cases are higher, more protective equipment is required for memory care staff.
Testing. Though it is no longer required, the IDPH highly recommends COVID-19 testing and tracing possible exposures for memory care staff and residents.
Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
Chicago memory care communities are thoughtfully designed, with elegantly furnished living and communal spaces featuring inviting color palettes. Seniors in Chicago memory care can enjoy social or leisure activities in shared recreational spaces. They can also relax or receive personal care services in the privacy of their own apartments. Many of Chicago’s memory care communities offer restaurant-style dining, so residents can enjoy excellent culinary experiences.
Chicago memory care communities offer leisure and care provisions of assisted living, as well as offerings designed to match the unique needs of seniors with memory loss. Such offerings include the following:
Many of Chicago’s senior living options offer some combination of independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care. Some of these communities qualify as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), but not all of them. CCRCs usually require a large entry fee to ensure service costs remain consistent even if a resident’s care needs change. While Chicago does have some CCRCs, it also offers senior care communities that still provide multiple care levels on one campus.
Communities with multiple levels of senior living are a popular choice among seniors who don’t want to relocate if their care needs change, since they can easily transition to a support level that fits their evolving needs. For residents in need of memory care, tiered senior living can mean a variety of social engagement with neighbors. It can also mean that residents in earlier stages of dementia may be able to live in the assisted living section of the community and move to the memory care unit if their needs increase. Starting in assisted living may be a more cost effective option for families of seniors with dementia.
Unique to Illinois senior care is a community type called supportive living. Supportive living communities provide care services to their residents and are an excellent long-term care option for Chicago seniors with limited funds. Chicago has several supportive living communities designated to provide memory care.
Unlike private-sector memory care communities in Illinois, supportive living memory care 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:
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Chicago population
Chicago seniors have several reputable medical centers to choose from when it comes to getting the care they need.
Nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties, Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the highest-ranking hospital in the state of Illinois, according to U.S. News and World Report. The hospital partners with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine to foster world-class patient care and medical innovation.[07]
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 its excellence in patient care, education, and medical research.[07]
University of Chicago Medical Center is a nonprofit academic hospital established in 1927. According to U.S. News and World Report, it’s the third-highest ranked hospital in Chicago and in the state of Illinois. It’s also known for exceptional geriatric care services.[07]
NorthShore includes six hospitals and over 140 medical centers all over the Illinois area. NorthShore University Health System is the fourth-highest ranking Chicago hospital, according to U.S. News and World Report.[07]
Most of Chicago’s memory care facilities offer their residents transportation services to and from medical appointments, errands, and off-site activities. Of our memory care partners in the area, 95% offer complimentary and/or at-cost transportation services. Depending on the individual community, pre-scheduled transportation may be free, while on-demand rides may have an additional cost.
For family members visiting a loved one in Chicago memory care, 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. Chicago has a wealth of reliable public transportation options, including the following:
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, delicious Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Chicago offers plenty of attractions for the whole family, as well as resources designed for individuals with dementia.
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, such as Millennium Park and the Cloud Gate (popularly called The Bean). The Lincoln Park Zoo offers free admission, and families can visit the animals, enjoy the zoo’s wildlife animal habitats and gardens, and even participate in fun events.
Chicago has a wealth of museums where families can reminisce, learn, and explore. Some popular options include the following:
The Chicago Hyde Park neighborhood is famously accommodating to seniors with dementia. As part of the Dementia Friendly America program, the community of Hyde Park strives to boost awareness of those with memory loss, as well as provide activities, support through volunteers, and more to local seniors with dementia.
Chicago also has one of many Illinois Memory Cafes, the South Loop Memory Cafe, which hosts events for seniors with dementia and their families.
The Admiral at the Lake, a CCRC, Encore at South Barrington and Brookdale Glen Ellyn are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Chicago, IL. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Chicago is 6,916 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Chicago [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, Illinois General Assembly Health Facilities and Regulation § 210 ILCS 9 (2001).
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Chicago. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Chicago.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
Please enter a valid email address.
A Place for Mom is paid by our participating communities, therefore our service is offered at no charge to families. Copyright © 2023 A Place for Mom, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy & Terms. Do Not Sell My Personal Information.