10 Best Nursing Homes in Chicago, IL
The term “nursing home” is often colloquially used in reference to all senior living communities, though the term technically refers only to facilities with on-site 24/7 skilled nursing services. Most seniors won’t necessarily need the high level of medical care provided at a skilled nursing facility, in which case an assisted living facility may be a better fit. A Place for Mom partners with over 40 assisted living and memory care communities within a 10-mile radius from downtown Chicago.
Assisted living and memory care communities provide assistance with a senior’s daily activities and support a senior’s continued wellness. Some assisted living and memory care communities even have on-site access to skilled nursing services, if a current resident needs rehabilitation after surgery or due to illness or hospice. These senior living communities have an “age-in-place” philosophy, so residents won’t have to move if they ever grow to need the 24/7 medical care of a nursing home.
Chicago’s diverse and growing senior population has led to an array of senior living options. This guide gathers information from A Place for Mom’s proprietary data on local communities, 20+ years of senior living experience, and contacts with local experts. With this guide, you can browse senior living options based on specific needs — budget-friendly services and amenities, care types, pet accommodations, and many other offerings. You will also find cost information, Illinois senior living laws and regulations, and other resources for Chicago seniors.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Chicago, IL
I could not be more pleased with my mom's experience at Mercy Circle. The nurses and the CNS's were friendly, patient, and very attentive. The meals were always served hot, and the food was very good.
We've been pretty pleased with the staff and services provided at Autumn Green Midway Village community. Mom is receiving good care there. A very good community of residents.
I assisted a wonderful lady moving from her home into Brookdale. The idea of a retirement home brought certain thoughts into my mind; walking into Brookdale made me realize my opinions were wrong. [name...
Sent here [date removed] by family and friends and my doctor prior to 87th birthday and after an illness that left me as diagnosed severely malnourished and an auto accident that I barely escaped injury. In...
Very friendly staff. They take good care of you and are always trying to make their residents comfortable. Very nice accommodations. My Dad has enjoyed the food and most of the get togethers they organized.
Very pleasant and helpful facility and very family oriented. The room could be a little more spacious and the amenities are good.
There's no reporting system i.e. does my wife participate in activities? That would be helpful to have. The staff at St. Joseph Village seems to truly care about the residents.
What our family likes the most about the Clarendale Six Corners is their customer service, their response time, and the value for cost. It also is a new building so the cleanliness is very nice.
Dinner service at the Admiral at the Lake has successfully made it through the pandemic, staff shortages, and inflation that plague us all. Meals are nutritional and appetizing, and always include meat, fish...
Great modern design and huge windows - cheerful staff and team. Great community feel in the best of Chicago. The outdoor excursions are often and fun. The living spaces are many and they have a great...
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I would rate the first 1 as a 5 the second as a 4 and the last ones as a 5. I would definitely recommend them to a friend. They were very attentive and if ever I had an issue ( which wasn't too often) they...
I had research several places before moving my mom and I so glad that we settled on Brookdale. My mom's apartment is manageable size for her needs, it's walking distance to Trader Joe's and several downtown...
Two people in particular were the reason we chose Cantata - [name removed] - Admissions [name removed] - Wellness Manager Weekend staffing seems to utilize temporary, contract help a lot who don't seem...
Placing my loved one in memory care is the most difficult decision I have made in our married life. As soon as I stepped into the facility, I felt at home right away and I had that feeling of confidence...
My loved one was only here for 8 days, but these were my findings! I would like to add that everybody there from the nurses to the CNAs to the admin staff to the maintenance staff and of course Shannon we...
Overall I feel that my mom is at a good place and I feel comfortable that they are handling her daily needs. I do think that they need to expand their programming to include much more physical activity and...
The staff is awesome. There's an in-house doctor and psychiatrist that take care of medical needs as well as multiple nurses physical therapists and assistance Activities are limited by the space available....
My loved one is currently a resident at Victory Centre of River Woods and overall things have been good for him. I think he's in a good place, not great but good. I do recommend this facility to others.
It a very nice and inviting environment for my mom and also for me when I visit. I feel really good about having my mom there and she really likes it. t's better for people who don't need a ton of extra care...
Staff is and continues to be very exceptional! Housekeeping mirrors a Hilton Hotel stay. Communication with this facility is extraordinary. They keep us informed and answer all questions. The move in process...
I moved my mother in law to Buckingham Pavilion two months ago. She is new person in their memory care facility. The staff are fabulous, including the management compared to other health care facilities...
All things being relative, it's a very nice facility. Staff is outstanding and genuinely caring. We had some issues when my uncle was on the memory care unit. He recovered -- his cognitive issues it turned...
My mother was in Fairmont Care for 6 months. Fairmont is very skilled Nursing Facility. My family is very pleased with care they received in Fairmont Care, Friendly staff is always around to make sure that...
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Chicago
- Costs of nursing homes and other senior care facilities in the Chicago area
- How to pay for nursing home care in Chicago
- Understand Chicago laws and regulations for nursing home facilities
- Get to know assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing in Chicago
- Types of Chicago senior care facilities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Chicago? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about nursing homes in Chicago
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Chicago
Cantata Adult Life Services a CCRC in Brookfield, IL
Terra Vista of Oakbrook Terrace
Cordia Senior Residence in Westmont, IL
Costs of nursing homes and other senior care facilities in the Chicago area
The cost of senior care varies widely across different areas of the city and based on the level of care provided. Skilled nursing care services are the most expensive, followed by memory care. Average monthly costs in Chicago for senior care communities look like the following:
- Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, in Chicago have average baseline starting costs of about $8,060.[01]
- For people who don’t require a nursing-home level of medical care, other care options are typically more affordable. For example, memory care in Chicago averages $6,966 at A Place for Mom partner communities, including rent, care and any extras. And assisted living in Chicago averages $5,451 at A Place for Mom partner communities, including rent, care, and any extras.[02]
North of downtown Chicago, costs tend to be higher, often approaching $10,000 per month or more. Further south, costs of senior care communities in Chicago trend downwards. When looking for affordable nursing homes in Chicago for their loved ones, Illinois residents may find that Wisconsin and northern Indiana are worth exploring. The costs of living and senior care services are significantly lower in these states, and senior care communities in these areas still offer manageable proximity to Chicago.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Chicago, IL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Chicago, IL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Chicago vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Chicago, IL by room type
Average cost of Nursing Homes in Chicago over time
How to pay for nursing home care in Chicago
There are a number of private and public assistance options an individual can use to pay for Chicago nursing homes and other senior care options. Start by looking at your loved one’s financial situation. That will be the best way to determine which methods to choose when identifying ways to pay for care.
Even if your loved one has private pay options, make sure to check their eligibility for public aid, as well. There may be disability-specific assistance available to help your loved one’s private pay options go even further.
To pay for Chicago nursing homes or other senior care options for your loved one, first consider the income your loved one receives, including Social Security benefits, savings, pensions, or investments.
For those who have planned in advance, long-term care insurance may cover the cost of nursing home or skilled nursing care services, although coverage can vary widely among policies. Note that most long-term care insurance policies do not cover room and board in care communities. Check with your loved one’s policy provider, as this may cover a significant portion of their senior care costs. Take a look at some other commonly practiced private pay options:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, offers a number of veterans benefits for senior care. Eligible veterans or their surviving spouses can direct their VA pension and additional benefits toward the costs of a nursing home or senior living community. A veteran may qualify for a VA pension if they meet the following criteria:
- They were honorably discharged.
- They served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during wartime.
- They meet low-income status, are 65 and older, or disabled.
The Aid and Attendance benefit can be added to a senior veteran’s pension to help them pay for senior living costs. Veterans need to meet at least one of the following standards to be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit:
- Have limited vision
- Need help to perform daily activities
- Be bed-bound
- Already reside in a nursing home due to mental or physical disability
The VA also runs Community Living Centers, which are care communities for veterans in need of 24-hour skilled nursing care, and partners with Community Nursing Homes, which are nursing homes that have contracts with the VA to provide care to qualifying senior veterans.
Number of Chicago veterans
Percentage of Chicago veterans who are 75+
Additional resources for Chicago veterans
2122 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Community Resource & Referral Center (CRRC)
1141 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60612-9998
Phone: 312-569-5750
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 312-569-7959
3348 W. 87th St., Suite 2
Chicago, IL 60652-3767
Phone: 773-962-3740
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
1901 Howard St.
Evanston, IL 60202
Phone: 847-332-1019
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Medicaid provides health care coverage to low-income seniors and people with disabilities. All Medicaid programs must follow federal and state guidelines. Illinois Medicaid is often called Illinois Medical Assistance Programs and offers several health care programs for seniors.
Illinois Medicaid may cover nursing home or skilled nursing care for seniors who meet medical and income requirements. Seniors whose incomes are too high may still qualify by spending their excess income on care services, called a “spend down.” [04] The following programs may help qualifying seniors in Illinois pay for skilled nursing care:
- The Medicaid Long Term Care program will only cover long-term care if it is medically necessary — meaning that an individual must have a medical diagnosis that requires them to receive the level of care offered in a skilled nursing facility.[04]
- Medicaid’s Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) program is specifically for individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled that meet income limits. The benefits of this program generally entail cash, medical assistance, and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Some of these benefits may be used to cover the cost of some skilled nursing care services.
- Additionally, through Medicaid’s Supportive Living Program (SLP) waiver program, eligible seniors in senior living communities can receive coverage for health care services not usually covered by Medicaid, such as the following:
- Help with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Medication assistance
- Social and health activities
- Dementia care in specified locations
Note that while Illinois Medical Assistance Programs cover some long-term care services, they do not cover room and board at a senior living facility.
To find out if your loved one qualifies, you can check their eligibility online through the ABE (Application for Benefits Eligibility) website or call 1-800-843-6154.
Chicago resident Medicaid resources
Chicago Senior Services Hotline: 312-744-4016
Email: Aging@CityofChicago.org
Facebook: Facebook.com/ChiSeniorServices
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Medicare extends coverage to Americans 65 or older and to individuals with certain disabilities. Medicare has many parts that cover different aspects of health care services. Some health care services covered by Medicare include the following:
- Inpatient hospital stays or skilled nursing care
- Doctors’ services, medical services, and medical supplies
- Prescription medications
Medicare may cover short-term skilled nursing home care at a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility (SNF). While it won’t cover the full cost of long-term skilled nursing care, it will typically offer full coverage for the first 20 days and cover all but a premium out-of-pocket cost for the following 80 days.
While Medicare in Chicago won’t cover non-medical care services at a senior living community, like room and board, it will cover care costs associated with a medical treatment, such as dementia care or rehabilitation after a surgery or illness. To see what costs Medicare in Cook County will cover, you can dial 2-1-1, visit the federal Medicare website, or reach out to one of your local Chicago Social Security Administration offices. The following programs specifically can help offset some care costs:
- Qualified seniors may get help paying for Medicare deductibles and premiums through Medicare Savings Programs. In Illinois, call 1-800-252-8966 or get help through the Medicare advising service: Senior Health Insurance Program.
- Illinois also offers a dual Medicare-Medicaid coverage in which Medicaid can help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Your loved one can access the application to this specific program and others through the HFS Medical Forms page. For this specific program, look for form HFS 2378M: Application for Payment of Medicare Premiums, Deductibles and Coinsurance.
Understand Chicago laws and regulations for nursing home facilities
Health and safety are primary concerns when considering living options for seniors. Chicago nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) – Division of Assisted Living. The following laws and regulations are specific to senior care communities licensed as skilled nursing units. For other senior living community regulations, refer to the Chicago assisted living or Chicago memory care pages for further insight.
In addition to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois skilled nursing communities are also regulated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (also referred to as CMS). Illinois skilled nursing communities are inspected at a minimum of once every six to 15 months.
Illinois nursing facility regulations account for the following provisions:
- Staffing requirements, including staff-to-resident ratios, staff training, and qualifications for providing nursing and personal care [05]
- Support of residents’ quality of life, like encouraging residents to manage as much of their own personal care tasks as they are able
- Providing medical and nursing care, including medication administration and any procedures ordered by the residents’ primary care physician
- Maintaining and keeping up with residents’ individual care plans
Before being admitted to a nursing care facility, prospective residents will be given a medical assessment to determine whether skilled nursing is the right level of care for them. If the individual doesn’t need round-the-clock nursing care, an assisted living or other care type facility may be a better option.[06]
Families can research prospective nursing homes by using Medicare’s local provider search tool. You can also learn about the rights and protections of nursing home residents through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services document on your rights and protections as a nursing home resident.
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 nursing homes
While most COVID-19 restrictions have been eased in Chicago, long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living communities, still have guidelines in place for residents’ safety.
Vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccines are available to all residents. Staff are required to be either up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations or to be tested twice per week.
Masking. All visitors and staff must wear masks. When COVID-19 cases are higher, more protective equipment is required for staff.
Read the full Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 guidelines for long-term care facilities.
Get to know assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing in Chicago
Types of Chicago senior care facilities
Chicago is home to myriad diversity and culture. No matter your loved one’s interests or level of support needs, there is a senior care community to suit them. Chicago is also a city for food lovers, and many of Chicago’s senior living communities offer restaurant-style dining with professional culinary experiences — so meals are an occasion rather than a chore. The city has a lot of pet-friendly options, as well, for the seniors who can’t part with their furry friends.
Especially closer to the city center, Chicago offers a lot of skilled nursing communities that provide 24-hour medical care to their residents. Skilled nursing is a good senior living option for individuals who require more hands-on care than assisted living can provide or those who are immobile without more than one person to help them.
Tiered care types
Many of Chicago’s senior living communities hold an “aging-in-place” philosophy by offering multiple types of care on one campus. These are sometimes referred to as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), but not always. CCRCs often require an entry fee, so that service costs remain consistent even if a resident’s care needs change. While Chicago does have some CCRCs, it also has non-CCRC senior living communities that still provide multiple care levels on one campus.
Non-CCRC communities may not have high up-front fees, as they don’t charge for advanced services until the need arises. Both CCRC and non-CCRC options offer some combination of independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care. This is a popular choice among seniors who don’t want to relocate if their care needs ever change since they can easily transition to a support level that fits their evolving needs.
Supportive living
Unique to Illinois senior living is a community type called supportive living. Supportive living communities provide care services to their residents and are an excellent option for Chicago seniors with limited funds for long-term care. Unlike private-sector assisted living communities in Illinois, supportive living communities accept Medicaid. Note that even in supportive living, Medicaid doesn’t cover the cost of room and board, only care services.[07]
Services that can be covered in a Medicaid-approved supportive living community include the following:
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Medication assistance
- Social activities and recreation
- 24-hour care staff
Senior care in the surrounding Chicago suburbs
Chicago has numerous senior living communities outside of the downtown area. Senior living communities in the suburbs of Chicago often sit on more spacious campuses and are ideal for seniors who are looking for a gentler pace of life than the city center has to offer. Northern suburban areas of Chicago tend to have a higher cost of living, whereas south of the city center, there are more budget-friendly options.
Chicago’s location near the state borders of Wisconsin and Indiana gives residents even more senior living options for their loved ones. Wisconsin and Indiana both have lower costs of living, so senior living communities in these areas can be more affordable while still making it easy to visit your loved one on a regular basis.
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Unfamiliar with Chicago? Highlights for seniors
The number of Chicago residents who are 75+
Percent of Chicago residents who are 75+
Percent of Chicagoans who report being in overall good health
Health care for seniors in Chicago
When it comes to taking care of their health, Chicago seniors have several reputable medical centers to choose from.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the highest-ranking hospital in the state of Illinois, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s also nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties. The hospital partners with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine to foster world-class patient care and medical innovation.
Rush University Medical Center
Rush University Medical Center is ranked No. 2 out of Chicago hospitals, according to U.S. News and World Report. With roots going back over 180 years, Rush is known for outstanding patient care, education, and medical research.
University of Chicago Medical Center
University of Chicago Medical Center is the third-highest ranked hospital in Chicago and in the state of Illinois, according to U.S. News and World Report. University of Chicago Medical Center is a nonprofit academic hospital established in 1927. It’s also known for exceptional geriatric care services.
NorthShore University Health System
NorthShore University Health System is the fourth-highest ranking Chicago hospital, according to U.S. News and World Report. NorthShore includes six hospitals and over 140 medical centers all over the Illinois area.
Transportation for seniors in Chicago
Most senior care facilities in Chicago offer transportation services to their residents, for medical appointments, errands, or off-site activities. For visiting family members, it may be helpful to know that many Chicago residents choose public transportation over driving due to the city’s heavy traffic and limited parking. Luckily, Chicago has a wealth of reliable, public transportation options:
- Many Chicago residents feel that the most convenient and cost-effective way to get around is the Chicago Transit Authority “L” train.
- Specifically for seniors, veterans, and individuals who require a wheelchair or mobility assistance, Chicago provides AC Med Tran transportation services.
- Chicago has over 100 bus routes, as well as the Metra Rail train for commuting to the Chicago suburbs.
- For the active individual, Chicago’s Divvy bike-share system can be a fun way to get around.
Senior activities in Chicago
Chicago is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States. It’s known for its cultural diversity, entertainment, culinary experiences, landmarks, shoreline views of sparkling Lake Michigan, and, of course, its delicious Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.
There’s something for everyone in Chicago. Take in an evening with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, or spend an afternoon with marine wildlife at Shedd Aquarium. Enjoy a scenic stroll along Chicago’s Lakefront Trail or through one of its many sprawling parks. Meander through the Museum of Contemporary Art, or take the grandkids to the Chicago Children’s Museum. Many of Chicago’s attractions also offer senior discounts and free-admission days, so it’s easy to enjoy the best of the city without breaking the bank.
Wine tasting is also a popular senior living community outing, combining fresh air, beautiful views, and delicious, locally crafted wine. Locals and visitors alike enjoy all of Chicago’s wonderful wine rooms, like Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery, The Fromagerie and Tasting Room, and City Winery Riverwalk Wine Garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brookdale Northbrook, Mercy Circle Senior Living and Arden Courts A ProMedica Memory Care Community in Elk Grove are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Chicago, IL. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Chicago is $5,632 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Genworth. (2022, June 2). Cost of care survey.
A Place for Mom. (2021). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Chicago [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Witten, D. When Medicaid in Illinois will pay for a nursing home, assisted living, or home health care. NOLO.
General Requirements for Nursing and Personal Care, Joint Committee on Administrative Rules § 300.1210 (2011).
Nursing Home Care Act, Illinois General Assembly Health Facilities and Regulation § 210 ILCS 45 (2015).
Illinois Department of Healthcare & Family Services. Illinois Supportive Living Program.
Laflamme, E., Harper-Jemison, D., Jorgensen, E., Reina, M., Rushovich, T., Weaver, K., Prachand, N., Shah, R., Lange-Maia, B., & De Maio, F. (2019, August). Healthy Chicago databook: Older Adult Health. Center for Community Health Equity.
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