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Nursing Homes in Illinois

With its senior-friendly tax laws and affordable long-term care options, Illinois can be one of the best states to retire in the Midwest. The Prairie State is home to more than 12.6 million residents, and approximately 16% of them are seniors aged 65 and up. Many older adults choose Illinois for its pleasant spring and summer weather as well as its reasonable cost of living that's about 6% less than the average nationwide. Prices for nursing homes, home health care and adult day care are cheaper than average too, which can make Illinois a solid choice for seniors on a budget. Retirees in this state have access to cutting-edge medical care at some of the nation's best hospitals. Additionally, 10 cities in Illinois have joined AARP's Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, which demonstrates a commitment to making the state a great place to live for residents of all ages.

Illinois has more than 700 certified nursing facilities serving seniors who require a higher level of care than assisted living can provide. This guide provides an overview of the cost of long-term care in Illinois, state nursing home regulations and several resources that can help seniors and their families pay for the care they need.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Illinois



According to SeniorAdvice, Illinois is a good option for those considering nursing home care. The state has a SeniorScore of 70, which is just two points shy of the national average of 72. This score rates a state's livability for older adults based on a 100-point scale in four categories: Health & Safety, Finances, General Quality of Life and Recreation & Leisure.

Illinois scored best in the Health & Safety category with 69 points. The state has a high number of Medicare-registered physicians, senior living facilities and hospitals, many of which are rated as “High Performing in Adult Geriatrics” by U.S. News and World Report. The life expectancy for Illinois residents is slightly higher than in other states, and the rates of property and violent crime are lower than average. Illinois' next-best score was 64 in Recreation & Leisure, largely because of the high number of golf clubs and churches in the state.

Illinois' lowest scores were 62 in General Quality of Life and 54 in Finances. The population density can be high in some cities, particularly Chicago and the surrounding area. Rainfall levels are average, and the winter months tend to be very cold. When it comes to Finances, Illinois lost points due to its high sales tax and state income tax. Household and personal incomes are higher than average however, and nursing home costs are more affordable than they are nationwide.



Top Nursing Care in Illinois




 
 

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Illinois



Illinois is one of the least expensive states for nursing home care in the Midwest. A semiprivate room costs $6,235, which is $1,521 less than the U.S. average. To the east in Indiana, rates are nearly $900 more than they are in Illinois. Prices in Iowa are $335 more at $6,570. The cheapest state for nursing home care in this area is Missouri, which costs $1,155 less than Illinois. To the north in Wisconsin, rates skyrocket to $8,684, an increase of approximately $2,450.

  • Illinois: $6,235
  • United States: $7,756
  • Indiana: $7,133
  • Iowa: $6,570
  • Missouri: $5,080
  • Wisconsin: $8,684

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Illinois' Top Cities

Nursing home rates vary widely in different parts of Illinois. Chicago, which is one of the priciest cities in the state, has an average cost of $8,076. Rates are lower in Peoria and the capital of Springfield, where care costs $6,737 and $6,996, respectively. The cheapest rates are found in the far northern and southern parts of the state. Near the Wisconsin state line in Rockford, residents pay $5,825 per month. In Carbondale, costs are only $5,232.

  • Chicago: $8,076
  • Peoria: $6,737
  • Springfield: $6,996
  • Rockford: $5,825
  • Carbondale: $5,232

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Illinois

In Illinois, nursing homes are more expensive than other types of care. Memory care costs about $500 less, and assisted living is $1,660 cheaper. Home care services are less expensive as well. Regular home care is nearly $1,470 less. Home health care, which also provides skilled nursing, is $1,373 cheaper. The most affordable option is adult day care at $1,636.

  • Memory Care: $5,719
  • Assisted Living: $4,575
  • In-Home Care: $4,767
  • Home Health Care: $4,862
  • Adult Day Care: $1,636
  • Nursing Home Care: $6,235

Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Illinois



As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.

Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in Illinois.



Medicaid in Illinois


Illinois Medicaid pays for medical assistance for children, pregnant women, those who are blind or disabled and some seniors aged 65 and older. Illinois expanded Medicaid eligibility in 2014. Today, nearly 3 million people are enrolled in the program. Medicaid is accepted at the majority of Illinois' 722 nursing homes and covers the cost of care for many of the state's 65,607 nursing home residents.

Medicaid Eligibility in Illinois

Illinois' Medicaid Long-Term Care program pays the cost of nursing home care for eligible individuals. Seniors and their households must meet specific personal and financial requirements to qualify for Medicaid Long-Term Care. Some of the major requirements include:

  • Applicants must undergo a needs assessment to determine whether they are eligible for a nursing home level of care.
  • Applicants must be a legal resident of Illinois and a United States citizen or have proper immigration status.
  • Applicants must be at least 65 years old, blind or disabled.
  • Applicants can earn no more than $1,073 per month for one person or $1,452 per month if both spouses are applying.
  • The asset limits are $2,000 for one person and $3,000 if both spouses are applying. For married couples, if only one spouse is applying, the nonapplicant can keep up to $109,560 in assets.

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services handles applications for the Medicaid Long-Term Care program. Seniors can apply for benefits online via the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) website. Applications can also be mailed, faxed or delivered by hand to a local Family Community Resource Center. Seniors who don't qualify for Medicaid may be eligible for certain waivers that can help pay for noninstitutional options, such as adult day care and in-home health care.



Additional Financial Assistance Options


  • Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
  • Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
  • Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.

Illinois Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations



Nursing homes in the state are regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health. This agency is responsible for ensuring that nursing homes comply with all laws, regulations and certification requirements. It also conducts more than 1,300 on-site inspections each year to evaluate nursing homes' procedures, policies, equipment, finances and overall quality of care. Following is a list of some of the major requirements that Illinois nursing homes need to meet.

Scope of Care

Nursing homes provide 24-hour supervision and care of residents, including both physical and mental health care. A nursing home staff consists of licensed administrators, skilled nurses, nurse aides, physical therapists and pharmacists. To care for patients with Alzheimer's and dementia, a nursing home must be certified and employ professionals that are trained to work with individuals who are experiencing memory impairment.

Care Planning

Nursing homes must complete a needs assessment and develop a care plan for each resident within 14 days of admission. This assessment evaluates a senior's level of functioning and overall well-being. Nursing staff should reassess residents every 90 days or more frequently if their medical condition changes.

Pharmacy Services

Nursing facilities must provide all routine and emergency medications as required by patients. Medication regimens are to be reviewed on a regular, periodic basis. Each nursing home must consult with or employ a pharmacist who is responsible for maintaining patient records.

Staff Screening

The Illinois Department of Health and Public Safety maintains a Health Care Worker Registry for certified nurse aides in the state. Nurse aides providing direct care must pass a criminal background check to be eligible for employment. Nursing homes, except those licensed under the Medically Complex/Developmentally Disabled MC/DD Act, are required to request a background check within 24 hours of employment. Registry records must be reviewed annually.

Staff Training

In Illinois, certified nurse aides must complete a Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program that consists of 120 hours of labs, coordinated theory and clinical learning. Additional training is required for nurse aides who provide direct care to patients with Alzheimer's or dementia. The state requires nurse aides to renew their license every two years.

Medicaid Coverage

Nursing home care is covered by Illinois' Medicaid Long-Term Care program for seniors and the disabled. Applicants for this Medicaid program must undergo an in-person functional needs assessment to verify that they require an institutional level of care. Individuals must also meet income and asset eligibility requirements to qualify.

Reporting Abuse

Abuse or neglect, either suspected or verified, should be reported to the Illinois Department of Human Services. Nursing home residents and concerned individuals can file a report online or by calling the confidential hotline at (800) 252-4343. Reports can also be made to the regional ombudsman located in the county where the nursing home operates.


Free Nursing Home Resources in Illinois



Illinois Health Care Association

The Illinois Health Care Association is a nonprofit organization comprised of more than 500 long-term care facilities throughout the state. It provides education for members on matters like adequate staffing and training, policymaking, handling resident complaints and improving patient satisfaction. The IHCA also participates in lobbying and advocacy for long-term care facilities on both a state and national level. Consumers can search for IHCA member facilities near them on the organization's website.

Illinois Legal Aid Online

This organization can connect seniors with a variety of free legal services aimed at people who can't afford to hire their own attorney. It provides referrals to local lawyers who offer assistance over the phone or via a walk-in clinic. Attorneys help with elder law concerns, including financial exploitation, neglect, nursing home resident rights, Medicaid appeals and much more. The ILAO website also has a self-help portal where users can find information on a number of civil issues.



Illinois Agencies


Illinois Department of Human Services

Address: 401 S. Clinton St., Chicago, IL 60607
Phone Number: (800) 843-6514
Website: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=27893

The Illinois Department of Human Services provides streamlined access to many of the state's most vital programs for seniors, the disabled, pregnant women and children. On its website, seniors can get help applying for Medicaid benefits, food stamps, long-term care waivers and other services and supports. SNAP recipients can also manage their account and check benefits through the IDHS online portal.

Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman

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

The Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provides advocacy to improve the quality of life for seniors in nursing homes and other assisted living settings. The ombudsman responds to reports of abuse, neglect, isolation, inadequate care and a lack of meaningful activities, which can have a detrimental effect on a senior's mental health. Through this program, nursing home residents can learn how to participate in their care and advocate for their own rights.

Senior Health Insurance Program

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

SHIP is a free health insurance counseling service that can guide seniors through the Medicare application process. SHIP counselors educate seniors on topics such as Medicare Advantage Plans, income and asset limits, spenddown requirements and special enrollment periods. This program enables seniors to save money by helping them choose the Medicare plan that's right for them.



Area Agencies on Aging in Illinois


The Illinois Department of Aging has divided the state into 13 Planning and Service Areas that are managed by a local Area Agency on Aging. Each AAA coordinates programs, funds services and provides information about helpful resources for seniors in the area. Services vary by location but typically include meal deliveries, transportation, case management and in-home care.. Most AAA services prioritize low-income individuals who are isolated or having trouble affording the care they need. Seniors can view the Illinois Area Agencies on Aging Map to find an office in their area.



Veteran Affairs Office in Illinois


The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs serves as an informational hub for former military members, their spouses and other dependents. Its main function is helping veterans learn about and apply for financial benefits, such as Aid and Attendance, which can help cover the cost of nursing home care for eligible seniors. Its website has a directory of statewide veterans programs and a list of businesses offering discounts to those who have served. Seniors can look up their local Veterans Service Office online or complete the Stand Up and Be Counted form to be contacted by their nearest VSO.



Social Security Offices in Illinois


Seniors can find answers to common Social Security questions and apply to receive retirement or disability benefits via the Social Security Administration. It also has information and application instructions for Medicare, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Illinois residents can apply for benefits and manage their account online or visit a local Social Security office for further assistance.

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