10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Chicago, IL
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.
Chicago Assisted Living Facilities | 1034 Reviews
Mercy Circle was wonderful. My dad was able to heal with support kindness and support. We highly recommend Mercy Circle to everyone.
The entire staff here are very kind honest amazing and the most important things to me about the staff is that they works together as a team in unity. And they very very professional.
At Brookdale Lake Shore Drive, we found a very complete package of retirement and active living, well explained by the sales manager that resulted in our immediate decision move in. We're looking forward to...
We have had a great experience with the staff. There have been a few things that have broken, like a faucet leak and an air conditioner not working. They were awesome! We never waited more than a couple...
Would highly recommend Brookdale! We were impressed with the professional, warm welcome upon our arrival at Brookdale. It was a genuine reception that felt above commercial standards and more like a...
I love it here. I lived in a different place before Clarendale. I feel I'm at the Ritz. The servers are wonderful. I enjoy ALL the activities we Ave movies to go to & if you like crafts this is the place....
The staff and administrators were very responsive to questions and concerns. I was able to attend all activities if I wanted to and sit with the group to listen to music or watch tv. They held care...
The nursing director is super responsible and responsive, which is a great comfort. When I call to speak with my brother's nurses, they're often making their rounds but get back to me very quickly. The...
Went here a few days ago to visit my Great Aunt and the staff was very nice and welcoming. My Aunt is very happy with her living situation that it gives the family a peace of mind knowing she happy an...
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Everyone there was very nice and helpful to my dad. It is a bit expensive, but overall a great place. I have heard that new owners have taken control since my Dad left and quite a few of the staff were...
Our mother is at The Selfhelp Home and my family is very happy with everything they have to offer. The staff is very friendly and loves to help and talk with the residents and family members, and there are...
When I say [name removed]. is heaven sent I mean it!!! [name removed] went above and beyond to help me find a senior residencency for my loved one. She was the first person to inform me of a vacant...
Recently my father moved into Brookdale Oak Park, my family had an event in the Private Dining Room. On behalf of my father, and our extended family, we had a wonderful experience in the Private Dining Room...
Harvester Place provided exceptional care for my mom. Led by an involved and compassionate management team staff was cheerful, respectful and treated my mom and the other residents as treasured individual....
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...
I think the American House Oak Park is a beautiful facility. Everybody there tries very hard and my experience is only with memory care for the 2 months we were there. Staffing is an issue which I feel will...
If your love one suffers from dementia with agitation and aggressive tendencies then Grace Point is not the facility. I must say they did try.
5 for all....im very happy with quality of care. Open sunny areas...rooms. Residents are looked after. Activities and movies daily. Bright atmosphere
We chose Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care because of the continued fund care if needed. They offer personalized care for their residents.
A large population of independent living households which have provided me with many of my favorite activities and friends including visiting the Chicago symphony orchestra, the Lyric Opera, discussion...
Upon arriving at the Moraine Court Supportive Living Community, I was Greeted & Welcomed by the Staff with a lot of Enthusiasm, and was made Welcome, like a Family Member. I am being treated with Kindness...
I would give Belmont Village LP a rating of 5 ( best) in every category. No place is perfect; but we have been very pleased with the experience we have had the last 2.5 years. Belmont Village is especially...
The care staff does seem to care. The administrative staff can sometimes be hard to reach. It is a beautiful facility and I think it would be hard to find a perfect facility. I would recommend it.
Our methodology
How we rank order the Chicago community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Chicago community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of assisted living in the Chicago area
- What families are saying about assisted living in Chicago
- How to pay for assisted living in Chicago
- Understand Illinois laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- What to expect from assisted living in Chicago
- Chicago assisted living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Chicago? Highlights for seniors
Costs of assisted living in the Chicago area
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.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Chicago, IL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Chicago, IL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Chicago vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Assisted Living in Chicago, IL by room type
Average cost of Assisted Living in Chicago over time
What families are saying about assisted living in Chicago
Recent reviews for assisted living in Chicago
Cantata Adult Life Services a CCRC in Brookfield, IL
Royal Estates Assistive Living in Dolton, IL
Oak Trace a CCRC in Downers Grove, IL
Reviews mention these favorite features of communities
Chicago review score based on 293 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 293 reviews of 53 Chicago assisted living communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Chicago review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Chicago assisted living
When assisted living residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 293 reviews of 53 Chicago assisted living communities. This chart helps you compare Chicago resident and family assisted living satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How to pay for assisted living in Chicago
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:
- Income: This includes any earnings that your loved one receives, such as Social Security benefits, pensions, investments, or any savings they’ve accumulated.
- Sale of a house: It’s quite common for aging adults to use equity from selling their home to cover the cost of a senior living community.
- Reverse mortgage: If selling a home isn’t a good option for you, a reverse mortgage can enable you to take a loan from your home’s current equity.
- Health savings accounts: Health savings account funds can be used to pay for medical care services in Chicago. While health savings account funds can be used for memory care or some skilled nursing care, it will not cover all senior living community expenses.
- Life insurance: Some life insurance policies can be used in advance for covering the cost of senior care. Ask your own or your loved one’s insurance provider what options there are.
- Long-term care insurance: For those who have planned in advance, long-term care insurance policies are designed to help pay for costs associated with senior care. If your loved one has a long-term care insurance policy, it may cover a significant portion of their senior living costs.
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:
- Compensation and pension
- Health care
- Housing
- Education and training
- Burial and survivor
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:
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Medication assistance
- Social and health-related services
- Dementia care in specified locations
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:
- Inpatient hospital stays or skilled nursing care
- Doctors’ services, medical services, and medical supplies
- Prescription medications
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.
Understand Illinois laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
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:
- Three daily meals
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Housekeeping services
- Security
- Emergency response systems
- At least one awake staff member 24 hours per day
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.
- Assisted living communities provide residential care for at least three unrelated individuals, a minimum 80% of whom are 55+ in age.
- Shared housing communities provide residential care for no more than 16 unrelated individuals, a minimum 80% of whom are 55+ in age.
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.
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
- 122 S. Michigan Ave., 7th and 20th Floor
COVID-19 regulations for Chicago assisted living facilities
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.
What to expect from assisted living in Chicago
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:
Multiple levels of care
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
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.
Skilled nursing care
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.
Assisted living in the surrounding Chicago suburbs
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.
Chicago assisted living services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Chicago assisted living
Availability of select dementia care services in Chicago assisted living
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Chicago assisted living
Availability of select dining options in Chicago assisted living
Availability of select programs and activities in Chicago assisted living
Explore senior care with confidence
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Unfamiliar with Chicago? Highlights for seniors
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
Health care for seniors in Chicago
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
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
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
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 Health System
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.
Transportation for seniors in Chicago
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.
Senior activities in Chicago
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brookdale Northbrook, Brookdale Des Plaines and Mercy Circle Senior Living 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 $5,819 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
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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