Chicago Illinois Adult Care Homes: How to pay for, Laws and Regulations and Questions to ask…
Chicago offers world-class cuisine, a vibrant arts and culture scene, easy access to transportation, exciting entertainment options, a beautiful lakefront, and outdoor spaces. Chicago, on Lake Michigan in Illinois, is among the largest cities in the U.S. Famed for its bold architecture, it has a skyline punctuated by skyscrapers such as the iconic John Hancock Center, 1,451-ft. Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) and the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower. The city is also renowned for its museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago with its noted Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works. Sitting on the banks of beautiful Lake Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, is the third-largest city in the United States, just behind New York City and Los Angeles. Chicago is known for its jaw-dropping architecture, vibrant music scene, amazing food, — including deep-dish pizza — and iconic neighborhoods
Adult Care Home Communities near Chicago, Illinois
Adult Care Home and other terms
It is good to know the other terms/names you may hear:
Nursing Home (although this is an outdated and not accurate term for this level of care)
- Board and care home
- Care home
- Adult family home
- Residential care home
- Adult foster home
- Personal care Home
- Community Residential Care Facilities
- Rest Homes
About Adult Care Homes in Chicago
One of the most desirable aspects of Illinois is the fact that the state has ranked for 19 of America’s safest cities. Seniors and retirees, families and young people looking to find a comfortable new home love Illinois. All these aspects make Illinois a premiere place for our aging population to call home. As our population ages, seniors may require care at some point. When most people think of senior care they envision a nursing home. Nursing homes are far from the only option for senior care and housing. For many people in need of some care, an adult care home may be ideal. Seniors who can no longer manage their health and safety in their own home, and may need care are the perfect candidates for adult care homes.
The state of Illinois is responsible for licensing and monitoring residential care homes. The Illinois Department of Health regulates these homes as well as assisted living facilities. Similar to a nursing home, residents receive 24-hour care all in a single-family environment. Each home has an operator who may employ additional caregivers to support with the care of residents. Residences are licensed to house a smaller number of adults as opposed to larger assisted living communities. So they make ideal homes for loved ones who require individualized care while allowing residents the preferences and choices to honor their independence.
All staff and administration managers must be licensed in the state of Illinois. Staff is required to participate in ongoing education and training. Documentation must be readily available in case of inspection.
Considerations when looking for care in Chicago
Chicago’s climate is typically continental with cold winters, warm summers, and frequent short fluctuations in temperature, humidity, cloudiness, and wind direction. 2.697 million people live in Chicago with a full metropolitan of care and culture.
Cities Near Chicago
- Naperville – 33 miles west of Chicago
- Chicago Heights – 32 miles south of Chicago
- Northbrook – 25 miles north of Chicago
Pricing and How to Pay for Adult Care Homes
The average cost for a residential care home in the state of Illinois is $4,400 per month. This is much cheaper than the average monthly cost of a nursing home. In Illinois, a nursing home is $7,200 per month. Nationally, it is less clear how to define the average cost of an adult care home. Typically, from the west to the east, the north to the south, costs fluctuate between $2,000 to above $6,000. The average seems to hover slightly below the average cost in Illinois, at about $3,900 per month. The monthly cost of residential care homes will vary depending on the location and care requirements, among other things like amenities or rooming situation.
It is important to take your time when exploring payment and coverage options.
Medicare – NO:
- Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
- People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
- Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.
Private pay – YES:
- Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
- Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
- Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.
Medicaid – MAYBE:
- Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities.
- Medicaid is administered by state, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government.
- Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program.
- National guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines.
- The state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.
- If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.
Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:
Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care and services at some point. Buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.
- Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
- Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.
Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:
This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.
- There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
- A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
- If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.
Questions to Ask
Finding an assisted living community, can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on things to be observant of:
Local hospitals and healthcare providers
Kindred Hospital Chicago North
2544 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL 60611
Ascension Saint Joseph – Chicago
2900 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60657
CommunityHealth
2611 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Resources and Links
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.
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