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Memory Care in Illinois

Illinois is home to 12.6 million residents and about 16% are aged 65 or older. Due to the state's aging population, dementia has become a growing health concern. According to the Alzheimer's Association, this progressive condition affects more than 230,000 older adults statewide as well as 587,000 friends and family members who provide 668 million hours of unpaid care annually.

Individuals who are seeking an alternative for their loved ones may consider full-time memory care provided in a licensed residential facility, such as an assisted living home. These facilities offer specialized daily activities, trained staff and therapies developed especially for individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments. In Illinois, seniors can expect to pay $5,213 per month for memory care, which is $150 higher than the U.S. median of $5,064.

This guide includes information about average memory costs in Illinois's top cities as well as statewide senior living resources and community services available to individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Our goal is to provide the information that families need to make informed long-term care decisions.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in Illinois



Older adults who want to assess the livability of their state or local community can get a snapshot of the area's age friendliness by checking its SeniorScore. This ranking system analyzes more than 100 data points across four key categories, including Finances, Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure and General Quality of Life.

Illinois has a SeniorScore of 70 out of 100, which is just two points lower than the national average. The state's ranking suffered due to financial challenges, such as high tax rates, mixed long-term care expenses and the overall cost of living. These criteria earned the city just 54 points for Finances. However, Illinois performed significantly better in the General Quality of Life Category. The state's average climate and typical population density contributed to a category score of 62 points.

For Recreation & Leisure, Illinois received 64 out of 100 possible points based on the total population of seniors and average number of parks as well as the state's 4,500 churches and nearly 700 golf courses. The Prairie State earned its highest rankings for Health & Safety, which is an important consideration for seniors. Its score of 69 is based on the state's average crime rates, above-average life expectancy and high number of health care facilities, medical professionals and senior living communities.



Top Memory Care Communities in Illinois



Glen Elston - Chicago, IL

Glen Elston

4340 North Keystone

Chicago, IL 60641

1-855-222-1541

16 Reviews  

Glen Elston is a 117 unit senior care facility situated within the Mayfair area of Chicago, Illinois. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with around 73,000 residents in the 60641 zip code. With a median family income ...

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The Cost of Memory Care in Illinois



There are no official price estimates for memory care either nationally or statewide. However, in most cases, these services cost 20 to 30% more than assisted living due to the level of support required. To determine averages in Illinois, we've adjusted data from Genworth Financial's 2019 Cost of Care Survey, which analyzes responses from more than 14,000 long-term care providers in 440 metropolitan areas.

According to this survey, Illinois seniors can expect to pay $5,213 per month for memory care. This is just $88 to $115 higher than the neighboring states of Indiana and Iowa where seniors pay $5,125 and $5,098 per month, respectively. When compared to other states in the Midwest, rates in Illinois are 5% percent lower than in Wisconsin where memory care costs exceed $5,400 per month. On the other hand, prices are $1,612 lower in Missouri. With an average cost of $3,601, this is one of the most affordable states in the region for memory care or assisted living.

  • Illinois: $5,213
  • National: $5,064
  • Indiana: $5,125
  • Wisconsin: $5,438
  • Missouri: $3,601
  • Iowa: $5,098

The Cost of Memory Care in Illinois' Top Cities

The cost of memory care is relatively consistent across the state. Monthly rates in the five largest metropolitan areas vary by just $736. In northern Illinois, average costs top $5,900 in Chicago and Rockford, two of the state's largest cities. Rates are slightly lower in the midsize communities of Peoria and Champaign, where average prices hover between $5,650 and $5,670 per month. In the capital city of Springfield, memory care costs are on par with the state median of $5,213. Based on these estimates, prices in the state's smaller communities, such as Decatur, Kankakee and Carbondale, are likely to be significantly more affordable than the state median.

  • Chicago: $5,925
  • Rockford: $5,949
  • Springfield: $5,213
  • Peoria: $5,666
  • Champaign: $5,650

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Illinois

Memory care is one of the most expensive supportive living options available to seniors in Illinois. It costs $1,040, or about 25% more, than assisted living per month. It's also $640 to $730 more expensive than in-home care depending on the type of medical or personal services provided. However, it's important to note that memory care facilities offer meals, snacks, activities and other extras that aren't included in the cost of home health care. Families looking for a more affordable option may consider adult day care, which costs just $1,584 per month. Although average rates are about 70% lower, this option is only suitable for individuals who can live at home safely. Seniors who need more intensive medical care than an assisted living facility can provide may consider nursing homes, which cost $5,931 per month or about $720 more than memory care facilities.

  • Memory Care: $5,213
  • Assisted Living: $4,170
  • In-Home Care: $4,481
  • Home Health Care: $4,576
  • Adult Day Care: $1,584
  • Nursing Home Care: $5,931

Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Illinois



Illinois Supportive Living Program

Address: 201 S. Grand Ave. E., Springfield, Illinois 62763
Phone Number: (217) 782-0545
Website: https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/MedicalPrograms/slf/Pages/default.aspx

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services offers financial assistance for memory care through its Supportive Living Program. This Medicaid long-term care waiver covers the cost of services provided in licensed residential care facilities, including personal assistance, meals, medication management, emergency response systems, housekeeping, laundry, recreational activities, health and wellness services and intermittent nursing. 

Benefits are available to residents who are aged 65 or older as well as adults who are living with dementia or another disability. Individuals must require nursing home care, and they must earn more than the federal Supplemental Security Income limit to qualify. This program covers personal care but not room and board. Qualifying individuals can receive services at participating SLPs statewide. Dementia-specific providers also participate in this program.


Optional State Supplementation

Address: 100 S. Grand Ave. E., Springfield, Illinois 62762
Phone Number: (800) 843-6154
Website: https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssi_st_asst/2011/il.html

Seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income may qualify for a monthly cash benefit to help with the cost of room and board at a qualifying assisted living or memory care facility. Unlike other states, Illinois does not provide a fixed monthly stipend. Payments are based on residents' needs and may vary by geographic area. Monthly supplements can be as high as $1,200. Individuals may retain a nominal personal needs allowance. Additionally, this program limits the amount that facilities can charge residents for room and board.


Illinois Memory Care Rules and Regulations



Memory care providers in Illinois are licensed by the Department of Health Division of Assisted Living. This agency establishes rules and regulations regarding resident care, handles applications, inspects facilities and investigates complaints. Learn more about the state's memory care licensing requirements below.

Scope of Care

Memory care facilities must provide at least 1.4 hours of direct care daily for each resident. Service plans should include activities that stimulate and enhance physical and cognitive functioning. Scheduled and unscheduled programs must balance stimulating activities with rest, and they must be appropriate for the resident's mood, energy level and interests. Memory care facilities are required to provide a comprehensive disclosure detailing their care philosophy and qualifications to the state and all residents.

Care Planning

Residents must complete a cognitive, functional and global health assessment before admission to ensure the facility can safely meet their needs. Care planning should involve communication and coordination with the resident and his or her representative.

Security

Memory care facilities must develop written policies and procedures to prevent wandering, ensure resident safety and facilitate evacuations in case of an emergency.

Medication Management

To promote maximum independence, memory care residents may self-administer medications if they have passed a capability assessment. Alternatively, staff members may assist residents, or medications can be administered by specially trained direct-care personnel.

Training

Staff members who work in special care units must complete four to 16 hours of dementia-specific training annually. The state also has strict educational and training requirements for program administrators.

Staffing

Facilities are required to provide adequate 24-hour awake staff to assist with evacuation in case of an emergency. Staff members must complete a preemployement screening as required by the Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Medicaid Coverage

Illinois' Supportive Living Program covers the cost of personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, medication management and other services provided in a memory care or assisted living facility.

Reporting Abuse

Instances of suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation occurring in a supportive living facility should be reported to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services by calling (800) 226-0768.


Free Memory Care Resources in Illinois



Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter

The Alzheimer's Association is the nation's premier dementia awareness group and charity. This regional chapter serves residents in 87 Illinois counties. It supports research and sponsors community fundraising events. The association also organizes local and regional support groups and manages online message boards that provide valuable social and emotional connections for dementia patients and caregivers. Seniors can find local resources online or by calling the organization's 24-hour helpline at (800) 272-3900.


Illinois Cognitive Resources Network

As part of the Dementia Friendly Illinois initiative, this organization provides resources for caregivers, sponsors support groups and develops educational materials to increase Alzheimer's awareness. Its goal is to build strong, supportive communities that meet the social and medical needs of individuals with dementia. Services are available to residents statewide, and there are a number ways to get involved with Dementia Friendly Illinois or its sister organization Dementia Friends Illinois.


Illinois Respite Coalition

Nearly 600,000 Illinois residents care for someone who has dementia or Alzheimer's disease. These individuals can access statewide resources, local services and online supports through the Illinois Respite Coalition. This organization directs caregivers and family members to respite care programs, training sessions and support groups in communities statewide. The coalition offers emergency respite care as funding allows, and it can connect residents with services designed especially for individuals who care for someone with cognitive impairment.



Illinois Agencies


Illinois Department on Aging

Address: One Natural Resources Way, Suite 100, Springfield, IL 62702
Phone Number: (800) 252-8966
Website: https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/Pages/default.aspx

The Illinois Department on Aging manages a number of programs and divisions that serve older adults across the state. It helps seniors access government benefits, compare health insurance plans and resolve legal issues. The department also manages the state's Adult Protective Services division and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which represents the interests of long-term care residents. Seniors can access local services by calling the helpline at (800) 252-8966. The department also maintains an online directory of dementia-related resources.



Area Agencies on Aging in Illinois


Seniors in Illinois have access to 13 regional Area Agencies on Aging. These federally designated nonprofits coordinate a wide range of services that support healthy aging. Free and low-cost services are available to seniors aged 60 or older, caregivers and disabled adults regardless of age. Designed to be local points of contact, these agencies connect residents with community–based services and process applications for Medicaid waivers and other state and federal benefits. The Illinois Department of Aging maintains a complete list of AAAs statewide.



Veteran Affairs Offices in Illinois


The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a wide range of medical, financial and administrative services to military families across Illinois. It provides primary and acute medical care through a network of hospitals and community-based outpatient clinics. Mental health counseling and services for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's are also available. Additionally, the VA provides retirement benefits, pensions and an Aid & Attendance supplement that can help with the cost of long-term care. Visit the VA online to locate a medical facility or administrative office in your area.



Social Security Offices in Illinois


Social Security offices are an important resource for seniors statewide. Staff members can answer questions, assist with benefits applications and process appeals. In addition to distributing Social Security retirement benefits, the Social Security Administration also handles disability and SSI payments, including supplements that help with the cost of room and board at memory care facilities. The SSA also assists with Medicare enrollment and ExtraHelp benefits can lower seniors' out-of-pockets insurance costs. To locate an office near you, visit the SSA website. For added convenience, many tasks can be completed online or by phone.

 

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