Located in Evergreen Park, Illinois at 3112 W 95th St Suite B, Fidelity Health Care, Inc is a senior in-home care company offering in-home nursing care and personal care services. They have been operating in Evergreen Park since 2010. They ...
Home Care in Illinois
- Home Care Directory for Illinois
- Home Care Costs in Illinois
- Financial Assistance for Home Care in Illinois
- Illinois Home Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Home Care Resources in Illinois
Illinois is an ideal location for older adults who want to age in place with help from home health agencies. Famous for its association with Abraham Lincoln, Illinois has a lot to offer senior citizens. Chicago is a haven for art, culture and world-class shopping, and the state has its fair share of small towns and attractive suburbs.
More than 2 million senior citizens live in The Prairie State. These residents enjoy a reasonable cost of living that's 7% lower than the national average. The climate is moderate, crime rates are favorable and health care is more affordable than average. Based on these features and more than 100 other data points, Illinois earned a SeniorScore of 70, which is just below the national average of 72.
For older adults, high points include below-average long-term care costs and a strong health care system with a large number of hospitals, doctors and in-home providers. Seniors enjoy a life expectancy that's slightly higher than average, and they have access to a wide variety of recreational amenities, including 685 golf courses and more than 4,400 churches, to make life more enjoyable.
Created for seniors and their families, this guide explores the average cost of in-home care in Illinois and provides information about financial assistance programs, government agencies and nonprofit resources that can help older adults remain in their communities.
Top Home Care Agencies in Illinois
Located in Naperville, IL at 24w500 Maple Avenue, Suite 205, Greatland Home Health Services, Inc is a home healthcare company offering personal care services in addition to home health care. They have been operating in the area for nearly 13 ...
Located in Northbrook, Illinois at 3400 Dundee Road, Suite 360, Lifecare Home Health Services Inc is a home care company offering in-home personal care in addition to home health services. They have been in business in the area for nearly ...
Located in Elk Grove Village, IL at 450 E Higgins Rd Ste 102, Home Instead Senior Care is a home health care provider that offers personal care in addition to home health care. They offer various medical services like stroke ...
Located at 1200 Central Ave in Wilmette, Illinois, Care In The Home Health Servic is a senior home healthcare service provider that offers in-home personal care and home health services. For almost 16 years, they have been serving customers throughout ...
Located in Chicago, IL at 1 E Superior St Ste 304, Comfort Keepers is a senior home healthcare provider that offers in-home nursing services in addition to home care services. They can provide multiple personal services such as help with ...
Located in Lake Zurich, Illinois at 41 E Main St Ste 150, Comfort Keepers is a home health care company offering in-home personal care as well as in-home health care.
Located at 1701 E Woodfield Rd, Ste 403 in Schaumburg, IL, Medi Link Health Services is a home care provider offering personal home care services along with in-home health care. They have been serving clients in Illinois for 7 years. ...
Apple Home Healthcare is a senior home care company located in Chicago, Illinois at 223 W Jackson Blvd, Ste 510. They offer in-home health services and in-home care to senior clients. For almost 24 years, they have been providing ...
Located in Downers Grove, IL at 1431 Opus Place #310, Residential Home Health is a senior home healthcare company offering in-home medical care and also personal care. For nearly 24 years, they have been providing care to seniors in the ...
Located in Grayslake, Illinois at 888 E Belvidere Rd Ste 302, Comfort Keepers is a home healthcare provider that offers home care services in addition to home health care. They provide a variety of personal services like reading assistance, medication ...
Located in Northbrook, IL at 3100 Dundee Rd Ste 107, Home Instead Senior Care is a senior in-home care company offering home care services and in-home nursing. They provide different medical services including diabetes management, stroke care, care for wounds, ...
Located in Park Ridge, IL at 2644 East Dempster Ste 202, Essential Home Healthcare, Inc is a home health care company offering in-home personal care and also in-home nursing services. They have been serving customers in Illinois for nearly 9 ...
Located in Joliet, IL at 211 N Hammes Ave, Mjm Health Agency, Inc is an in-home care company offering in-home medical care and in-home personal care services. For almost 11 years, they have been helping customers in the Joliet area. ...
Home Helpers is a home care provider located in Hinsdale, Illinois at 123 E Ogden Ave Ste 102a. They offer in-home nursing care as well as personal home care to senior clientele. They can provide different personal services like ...
Located at 500 E Ogden Ave Ste 204 in Naperville, Illinois, Home Instead Senior Care is a senior home care provider offering home care in addition to home healthcare. They offer different personal services including help with mobility, providing companionship, ...
Located in Mchenry, Illinois at 3631 Municipal Dr, Goodhope Healthcare and Home Health Services Inc is an in-home care service provider that offers in-home health care and personal home care. They have been operating in Mchenry for nearly 7 years. ...
Located at 4223 East State St Suite 100 in Rockford, IL, Vna of The Rockford Area is a senior home care company offering in-home health care in addition to home care services. For almost 52 years, they have been helping ...
Located at 1946 Daimler Rd in Rockford, Illinois, Able Home Health is a senior home health care provider that offers home care as well as in-home nursing care. Since 2003, they have been helping customers in the Rockford area. ...
Home Instead Senior Care is a senior home healthcare provider located in Palos Heights, Illinois at 12416 S Harlem Ave Ste 100. They offer in-home personal care as well as in-home medical services for seniors. They can provide multiple ...
The Cost of Home Care in Illinois
According to health care providers who responded to Genworth Financial's 2019 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of homemaker services in Illinois is $4,481, which is slightly higher than the national average. Seniors pay $4,576 per month for home health care, which includes companionship and personal assistance, as well as additional doctor-ordered services, such as pain management and medication administration.
The Cost of Home Care in Illinois Compared to Nearby States
With an average monthly cost between $4,481 and $4,576, in-home care in Illinois is more expensive than the national average of $4,290 to $4,385. Average rates are slightly lower in Indiana and moderately lower in Missouri, where the median cost is just $4,195. On the other hand, Illinois residents enjoy a competitive value when compared to seniors in Iowa and Wisconsin. Home health agencies in these states charge $4,767 per month, which is 8-10% higher than the national average.
Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care | |
Illinois | $4,481 | $4,576 |
United States | $4,290 | $4,385 |
Wisconsin | $4,767 | $4,767 |
Iowa | $4,767 | $4,767 |
Missouri | $4,195 | $4,195 |
Indiana | $4,334 | $4,385 |
The Cost of Other Senior Care Options in Illinois
In-home services give seniors an alternative to institutional long-term care. However, with average costs exceeding $4,481 per month, it's one of the more expensive options. Assisted living facilities charge $4,170 per month for housing, meals, personal care and activities. Adult day programs are competitively priced at $1,584, but they offer limited daytime care. Nursing homes cost $1,355 more per month than home health care. This option is most appropriate for seniors who need skilled support, although home health agencies can provide many of the same services.
- In-Home Care: $4,481
- Home Health Care: $4,576
- Adult Day Care: $1,584
- Assisted Living Facility: $4,170
- Nursing Home Care: $5,931
The Cost of Home Care in Illinois's Top Cities
Home care costs vary substantially by geographic area. In Illinois' largest cities, seniors pay anywhere from $3,909 to $4,763 per month for home care and up to $5,196 for home health care. Average rates are lowest in Springfield, the state capital, and highest in Bloomington and Chicago. Several other major cities, including Peoria and Rockford, are more affordable than average. It's also important to note that fees for basic companion services and skilled medical care may or may not vary, depending on the location and the provider. Nationally, the cost difference is approximately 2%, but it can vary by as much as 10% or $525 per month in Illinois.
Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care | |
Illinois | $4,481 | $4,576 |
Chicago | $4,763 | $4,767 |
Rockford | $4,338 | $4,481 |
Springfield | $3,909 | $3,909 |
Peoria | $4,242 | $4,242 |
Bloomington | $4,671 | $5,196 |
Financial Assistance for Home Care in Illinois
Persons Who Are Elderly Waiver
Persons Who Are Elderly is a Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services waiver that's available to Illinois residents aged 60 and older who are at risk of nursing home placement. It provides a fixed reimbursement for emergency response systems, adult day programs and homemaker services. These supports are designed to delay the need for nursing home placement while helping older adults live safely in the community. Applicants must meet Medicaid financial eligibility requirements and pass a Determination of Need assessment to qualify.
Contact Information
Individuals can contact their local Community Care Program Care Coordination Unit or call the Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at (800) 252-8966 to learn more or begin the application process.
Illinois Community Care Program
Introduced in 1979, the Community Care Program is a 1915(c) Medicaid waiver managed by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. It's available to individuals who are at least 60 years old, have no more than $17,500 in nonexempt assets and are at risk of nursing home placement. It helps with the cost of homemaker services, including household chores, personal care and errands. It will also pay for emergency response systems, automated medication dispensers and community-based daytime care. Caregiver supports, delivered meals, money management and companionship may also be available depending on geographic area and the applicant's needs.
Contact Information
Illinois residents can learn more by calling the Senior HelpLine at (800) 252-8966.
Persons With Disabilities Waiver
Persons With Disabilities is a Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services waiver that's available to Illinois residents who are under the age of 60, have a long-term disability, are at risk of nursing home placement and are financially eligible for Medicaid. Individuals who receive waiver services can remain on the program after their 60th birthday. It provides a fixed reimbursement for home health aides, personal assistants and homemaker services. It will also pay for daytime programming, physical therapy, respite care, delivered meals and some medical or accessibility equipment. Services may also be available to individuals who are part of a Medicaid managed care organization.
Contact Information
The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services is the point of entry for this program. Individuals who want to learn more can contact their local DHS office by calling (800) 843-6154.
VA Aid & Attendance
Illinois is home to more than 750,000 veterans. Individuals, including spouses and survivors, who receive a military pension, are aged or disabled and require assistance with activities of daily living may qualify for Aid & Attendance benefits. This program provides an enhanced monthly benefit that can help with the cost of in-home care, and funds can be used at the beneficiaries' discretion. Individuals must complete an application and submit medical documentation to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Contact Information
Illinois residents who receive a military pension and wish to apply for Aid & Attendance can visit the VA online or contact the administrative office in Peoria at (309) 637-3074.
More Ways to Pay for Home Care
Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care, and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods will often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance, and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to
Illinois Home Care Rules and Regulations
Home care agencies in Illinois are regulated by the Department of Public Health, Office of Health Care Regulation. This department licenses companies, provides oversight and handles complaints to protect clients' well-being and ensure that agencies comply with Part 245 of the Home Health, Home Services and Home Nursing Agency Code.
Scope of Care | Home health aides may provide simple or skilled personal care, complete essential household tasks and help patients with mobility and physical exercise. They're also responsible for recordkeeping and reporting changes in the client's health status to the supervising RN. |
Care Planning | Nursing staff and adjunct professionals, such as physical therapists and audiologists, are responsible for preparing a plan of care or plan of treatment for each client. Progress notes must be updated every 60 days for home care agencies or every 90 days for home nursing agencies. |
Medication Management | Medications may be administered by an RN or LPN. Home services workers may assist with medication reminders when products are stored in properly labeled nonpharmacy containers. |
Staff Screening | Mandatory background checks for all direct-care employees are required by the Health Care Worker Background Check Act and Health Care Worker Background Check Code. Agencies must retain a complete file with personal information about each worker. |
Staff Training | Individuals who don't have another health care license or certification must complete a training program that complies with the Long-Term Care Assistants and Aides Training Programs Code, and the person must be listed on the department's Health Care Worker Registry. Clinical and military nursing experience may establish equivalency. Home services workers must complete at least eight hours of continuing education annually. |
Medicaid Coverage | Illinois offers several Medicaid HCBS waivers that can help with the cost of in-home care and related supports. Programs target specific populations, such as senior citizens or disabled adults. |
Reporting Abuse | Complaints regarding provider misconduct may be submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health in writing, by calling (800) 252-4343 or faxing a completed complaint form to (217) 524-8885. |
Free Home Care Resources in Illinois
Seniors in Illinois have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Area Agencies on Aging
Illinois has 13 Area Agencies on Aging, including 12 regional nonprofits and one government unit in Chicago. These federally designated agencies are responsible for administering state and federal programs at the local level. They can help seniors and caregivers access in-home care and community-based services, such as transportation and delivered meals.
Contact Information
Residents can call the Senior HelpLine at (800) 252-8966 to find their nearest AAA.
Illinois Senior Health Insurance Program
Sponsored by the Illinois Department on Aging, the Senior Health Insurance Program provides educational resources and plan comparisons for seniors and their caregivers. This free service is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about Medicare, including prescription drug coverage, Advantage plans and financial assistance programs that can help with co-pays and premiums.
Contact Information
Illinois residents can contact SHIP by calling (800) 252-8966.
Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs
The Department of Veterans' Affairs helps current and former service members, as well as military families, access state and federal benefits. Trained Veteran Service Officers help individuals who want to apply for pensions, request Aid & Attendance supplements or need help accessing medical care or in-home services sponsored by the VA.
Contact Information
Veterans are encouraged to complete the department's Stand Up & Be Counted registration page, which connects residents with one of the state's 80 service offices. Help is also available by calling (800) 437-9824.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP is a federal grant system that helps low-income families and seniors who are struggling to pay their heating and utility bills. In Illinois, assistance is available to applicants who earn up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Some utility customers served by ComEd, Nicor and other partners may be eligible to join a Percentage of Income Payment Plan that provides a monthly credit.
Contact Information
Individuals can contact the Illinois Department of Commerce Office of Community Assistance at (877) 411-9276 or their county Community Action Agency for more details.
Home Accessibility Program
The Illinois Housing Development Authority provides $2 million annually to support local nonprofits and government agencies that offer critical home repairs and accessibility modifications to help individuals remain in the community and avoid institutionalization. Services are available to low- and middle-income seniors and disabled adults. Residents may also qualify for local programs, such as Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors, which is available in Chicago.
Contact Information
Seniors can visit the Illinois Housing Development Authority online for a complete list of participating organizations.
Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemptions
Illinois homeowners who are at least 65 years old may qualify for an assessment freeze that can stabilize their annual tax bills. Property taxes may still increase due to improvements or rate increases. Older adults can also qualify for the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption, which reduces their property's assessed value by $5,000 or up to $8,000 in Cook County.
Contact Information
Individuals should contact their county property assessor for more details.
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