Best Assisted Living Facilities 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.

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.

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

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:

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:

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.

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.

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.