Assisted Living in Illinois

Paying for Assisted Living in Illinois

Most seniors pay for assisted living in Illinois using their own personal savings or those of their families. However, some financial assistance is available for low-income adults through the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Supportive Living Program, which uses Medicaid funds to pay for personal care and services in a supportive living facility. Even under this program, residents must still pay for the cost of room and board.

Overview of Illinois Assisted Living

Proudly known as the “Land of Lincoln,” Illinois’ official state slogan pays homage to one of its most famous residents, Abraham Lincoln, and honors the legacy of the three other U.S. Presidents who have also resided there: Ulysses S. Grant, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama.

Settled in the 1810s by pioneers from Kentucky, Illinois has grown into the fifth-most populous state in the country with nearly 13 million residents, most of whom live in the Chicago metropolitan area. Seniors who choose assisted living in Illinois enjoy a vibrant and diverse selection of historical, cultural and artistic attractions as well as some of the finest medical care and public transportation systems nationwide.

Assisted Living in Illinois Defined

The State of Illinois licenses three main types of facilities where assisted living services may be provided to seniors:

• Assisted living establishments – homes, buildings or residences that provide residential lodging and 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, eating and grooming, to three or more unrelated adults, 80% of whom are 55 years of age or older.
• Shared housing establishments – these types of homes are exactly like assisted living establishments except they are not allowed to care for more than 12 residents at any given time. More commonly known as “care homes,” you can find Shared Housing Establishments in our Care Homes category.
• Supportive living facilities – these homes are similar to assisted living establishments but are designed to provide care to low-income adults.

Licensed assisted living communities and shared housing establishments in Illinois must provide the following services:

• Three meals per day
• Housekeeping services
• Personal laundry and linen services
• 24-hour security and emergency response systems
• Assistance with activities of daily living

Regulation of Illinois Assisted Living Facilities

The Illinois Department of Public Health began issuing licenses to assisted living and shared housing establishments across the state in the Fall of 2002 after the passage of the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act. The Department continues to regulate assisted living homes with yearly on-site inspections and license renewals.

In order to receive a license from the state, directors of assisted living communities must have at least two years of related management and/or healthcare experience as well as complete at least 20 hours of training every two years to keep their skills current. Employees of an assisted living establishment may not have a criminal record and must pass a criminal background check before beginning employment.