BoomersHub
(877) 409-0666

Assisted Living in Illinois

Reviewed by BoomersHub Senior Living AdvisorsUpdated

Compare communities across 352 cities and 20 counties. Illinois averages $6,219 per month for assisted living, and BoomersHub advisors help you shortlist, confirm pricing, and book tours for free.

Why families choose Illinois

Illinois has a four-season Midwest climate and draws retirees for Chicago-area medical access alongside quieter suburban and downstate options with lower rates. Communities cluster across Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Springfield, from small residential care homes to full-campus senior-living properties. This guide walks through what assisted living in Illinois costs, how families pay for it, the state's licensing rules, and how to shortlist communities without doing the legwork alone.

Find the best assisted living facilities in Illinois

Start with a major metro, or jump straight to your town in the A–Z directory. Every link opens that city's assisted living options.

352 cities · 20 counties

Browse assisted living by county

Illinois compares to the states around it

The average cost of assisted living in Illinois is $6,219 per month. Your actual rate depends on the city, apartment size, and level of care, which is what our advisors confirm for you before you tour.

Average monthly cost of assisted living

  • Illinois$6,219
  • Missouri$5,400
  • Indiana$5,639
  • Wisconsin$6,540
  • Iowa$5,381

State averages. Individual community rates vary by city, floor plan, and care level.

How assisted living compares to other senior care

Average monthly cost in Illinois by care type. Tap any card to explore that care type across the state.

Illinois state averages. Bars are scaled to the highest cost shown.

How to pay for assisted living in Illinois

Most Illinois families combine two or three of these. An advisor walks through which apply to your situation.

  • Option 1

    Private pay

    Many families pay for care with private funds: personal savings, pension payments, retirement accounts, or a combination of these and family contributions.

  • Option 2

    Selling your home

    Selling a parent's home can help finance assisted living, especially once the home is no longer occupied. Proceeds often fund several years of care.

  • Option 3

    Reverse mortgage

    Homeowners aged 62+ can convert part of their home equity into cash while retaining ownership, with no loan payments due while living in the home. A spouse may remain in the home while proceeds help pay for a partner's care.

  • Option 4

    Long-term care insurance

    LTC policies typically begin paying out when the policyholder needs help with two or more activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or eating. Check the policy's elimination period and daily benefit before counting on it.

  • Option 5

    Veteran's programs

    Veterans with at least 90 days of active duty (including one day during wartime) may qualify for VA benefits such as Aid & Attendance, which can add a monthly amount on top of a VA pension.

  • State program

    Medicaid in Illinois

    Illinois Medicaid's Veterans Administration (VA) Centers in Illinois program helps eligible lower-income seniors with assisted living costs in participating communities. Waivers typically do not cover room and board.

Assisted living regulations in Illinois

Every assisted living community in Illinois is licensed and inspected by Illinois Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. Communities must meet standards for staffing, caregiver training, medication administration, and building safety, with managers and staff completing continuing in-service training each year.

Verify any Illinois community

Free assisted living resources in Illinois

What you should know about Illinois

The Illinois median for assisted living sits near the national average, driven by a competitive Chicago-metro market balanced by lower-cost downstate communities. Where a state lands depends on labour costs, cost of living, and the mix of urban vs rural communities. Your actual rate depends on the city, apartment size, and level of care — an advisor confirms current pricing for any community you're considering, free.

A Illinois expert in your corner, at no cost

Searching Illinois alone is overwhelming. Our advisors know the assisted living communities, the real pricing, and the availability across Illinois, and they do the legwork for you.

  • A shortlist matched to your care needs, budget, and preferred Illinois cities
  • Confirmed pricing and availability before you ever tour
  • Tours scheduled and move-in arrangements handled with your family
(877) 409-0666
  • 372Illinois cities and counties covered on BoomersHub
  • 1,000+Families guided to the right community since 2019
  • $0Cost to you. Our service is completely free for families

Important resources about assisted living

Guides written for families starting the search, from first conversations to moving day.

FAQs related to assisted living

How can I get my parents into Assisted Living in Illinois?

Start with an honest family conversation and a needs assessment from their physician. Tour two or three Illinois communities together, ask about care levels and pricing, then complete the community's health assessment and residency agreement. A BoomersHub advisor can shortlist communities, confirm pricing, and schedule tours for free.

What is pet-friendly Assisted Living?

Pet-friendly Assisted Living communities welcome residents' cats, small dogs, or other companion animals, usually with size limits, a pet deposit, and the expectation that the resident or family can care for the pet. Ask each Illinois community for its written pet policy before move-in.

What is the total number of Assisted Living facilities in the US?

Over 30,000 licensed Assisted Living communities across the United States, housing more than 800,000 residents (AHCA / NCAL industry data). Ranges from large resort-style campuses to small residential care homes.

Which states have the highest number of Assisted Living facilities?

Large states lead the count: California, Florida, and Texas consistently rank among the top states for the number of licensed Assisted Living communities.

What are the cheapest states to live in as a senior?

Southern and Midwestern states consistently rank among the most affordable for Assisted Living — Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota all sit well below the national median. New England, the West Coast, and Alaska are the expensive end.

What is the average age of a Assisted Living resident?

The average Assisted Living resident is in their mid-80s. A typical resident needs help with 2 or 3 daily activities — bathing, dressing, medication management. Many move in after living alone became difficult rather than after a single medical event.

Can you keep pets in Assisted Living facilities?

Many Illinois communities allow pets — most commonly cats and small dogs, subject to the community's pet policy. Expect size or breed limits, a pet deposit, and a check that the resident or family can handle daily pet care.

Do the total costs of Assisted Living include medical care?

Usually not. The base monthly rate typically covers housing, meals, housekeeping, activities, and help with daily activities. Medical services (doctor visits, therapy, medications) are billed separately, often through Medicare or private insurance. Ask each community exactly where its rate ends and medical billing begins.

Do Assisted Living communities allow visitors?

Yes. Family and friends are welcome at Illinois Assisted Living communities, subject to reasonable visiting hours and sign-in policies. Many communities also host family dinners, holiday events, and overnight guest options.

Does Illinois Medicaid pay for Assisted Living?

Partially. Illinois Medicaid programs (HCBS waivers) can cover personal-care services in participating Assisted Living facilities for eligible lower-income seniors. Waivers do not pay for room and board, and not every community participates, so confirm before touring.

What families say about Illinois

Assisted Living

We looked into all the options available when mom was ready to move into assisted living. Plymouth Place was the right choice from the beginning. It has exceeded all our expectations. The care she received, from skilled nursing to assisted living, has been outstanding. She has been with Plymouth Place for several months. It is a non-profit community, which means it is mission-driven. This shines through in how residents are treated, in the care they receive, in the beautiful surroundings, in the delicious meals and in the many activities offered to them. We are proud that mom is part of this community. We highly recommend it for anyone looking to honor loved ones.

Unknown · Plymouth Place · La Grange Park

Assisted Living

Wonderful place! The residents are treated with respect and there is plenty of help and activities available. It is a great place to live and work.

Unknown · Friendship Manor · Rock Island

Assisted Living

This community has received many positive reviews. Smith Village's management cares deeply about the residents. This is one of its best features. The staff took great care of the community, and they made sure that residents were safe, healthy, and comfortable during this difficult time. I would highly recommend.

Unknown · Smith Village · Chicago

Assisted Living

My mother spent many years in Lexington, Illinois. Everyone from the maintenance staff to the nursing staff and care givers were great to work with. Excellent care and cleanliness were provided. My Mom was safe and well taken care of by all staff. The staff was able to keep the residents happy and healthy during the COVID-19. They were able to allow some visitation via FaceTime and safety screening. This facility is a great choice for anyone looking for assisted living. They are truly amazing. My mom, who was over 90, died from non-Covid 19 complications.

Unknown · Lexington Square in Lombard · Lombard

Assisted Living

Arbor Terrace has been home for my mom since February 2021. Although my mom can sometimes be difficult, the staff is great with her. Staff are exceptional! They are great help to my mom. They use all her ingenuity to get her out of her room so she can go to other activities. Some days, I feel like mom is more out of her bedroom than she is inside it! It's a good thing. To staff of Arbor Terrace, thank you for everything you do for the residents, including my mom.

Unknown · Arbor Terrace Naperville · Naperville

Assisted Living

My mom was transferred from a horrible facility to Brookdale by me on Saturday. It was a pleasant experience to walk into Brookdale! My mom was treated well by all the staff and residents. She has received her first COVID vaccination, her in-house doctor has seen her, the nurse has called me to update me on her doctor visit, and they have confirmed that she will be seeing the in-house home health nurse, an OT, and a PT. It was a joy to move her there. It was a wonderful experience.

Unknown · Brookdale Orland Park · Orland Park

Explore assisted living in nearby states

Find the right Illinois community, without the guesswork

Tell us what matters to your family. A local advisor sends a matched shortlist with confirmed pricing, free.

(877) 409-0666