Assisted Living in Elmhurst, IL

Assisted Living Costs in Elmhurst

Seniors in Elmhurst pay an average of $4,794 per month for assisted living, according to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study. This is the highest rate in Illinois and about $700 more expensive than the state ($4,030) and national ($4,000) averages. Prices are almost as high in Rockford ($4,770) and Bloomington ($4,650) and only a bit less in Springfield ($4,410). Costs are more affordable in other Illinois cities, including Kankakee ($3,986), Peoria ($3,750) and Carbondale, which has the state’s lowest monthly rate of $3,475.

Note: Cost data for senior care in Elmhurst wasn’t available, so data for the metro Chicago area was used.  

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Average monthly costs for senior care in Elmhurst range from a low of $1,728 for adult day health services to a high of $7,330 for nursing home care. This wide cost variance is due to many factors, such as the category of care, skill level of services offered and type of setting.

When comparing in-home care and assisted living, it might seem that homemaker and home health aide services are the more affordable alternative. The average costs for in-home care represent 44 hours per week of services only, while assisted living rates cover 24-hour residential care and typically include room and board. When everyday household expenses, such as utilities, food and upkeep, are factored in with home care rates, assisted living may be the more affordable option.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Elmhurst

Medicaid in Illinois

Low-income Americans with limited assets can receive free or low-cost health care services through Medicaid, the nationwide program that’s funded by the federal government in collaboration with each state.

The Illinois Department of Human Services administers the state Medicaid program known as Medical Assistance, which largely serves children, pregnant women, disabled and blind residents and the elderly. The program covers a range of essential services, including doctor and specialist care, hospital and emergency care, diagnostic tests, prescription medications and nursing home care.

Elmhurst residents seeking Medicaid coverage for long-term care must be U.S. citizens or legal residents and aged 64 or older or disabled or blind if younger. Applicants must also:

• Have a maximum monthly income of $1,041 for individuals and $1,409 for married couples applying jointly
• Have countable assets of $2,000 or less for single applicants and $3,000 or less for couples

Income from every source counts, but certain assets are disregarded, including a primary home and its furnishings, one automobile and the applicant’s personal belongings.

If a married person’s spouse isn’t applying, only the applicant’s income is counted. Up to $2,739 of their monthly income and $109,560 in joint assets can be set aside as allowances for the non-applicant spouse.

Applicants with too high a monthly income to qualify for MA may be approved for a spend down to reach the necessary threshold. To qualify through a spend down, an applicant’s excess income must be put toward approved expenses, such as doctor or hospital bills, medical treatments, supplies and prescriptions.

Elmhurst seniors can apply for MA online, in person at the Department of Human Services Resource Center located at 2701 West Lake St. in Melrose Park or by calling (708) 338-7600.

Supportive Living Waiver

Illinois Medicaid only covers institutional nursing home care as an entitlement, but it does offer a Supportive Living waiver to provide an alternative to nursing home placement. To qualify, Elmhurst applicants must:

• Be 65 years of age or older or disabled and aged 64 or younger
• Be assessed as requiring a nursing facility level of care but functionally able to live in the community
• Have a minimum monthly income of $771 if single or $1,157 if married

The above figures are the current benefit rates for Supplemental Security Income. This amount of income is required to ensure participants have the means to pay room and board, which isn’t covered by the waiver. The program only covers services provided by a state-licensed facility such as:

• Help with personal care and completing activities of daily living
• Round-the-clock supervision
• Assistance with medication administration
• Recreational and social programs
• Laundry and housekeeping services
• Intermittent skilled nursing care
• Transportation services

The SLW program is subject to a statewide enrollment cap and the number of participating facilities is limited, so qualified seniors may have to wait to receive services depending on availability.

For more information or to apply for the SLW program, Elmhurst seniors can contact the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Bureau of Long-Term Care at (844) 528-8444.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Assisted Living Bridge Loan

Seniors who are putting off relocating to an assisted living community due to a short-term lack of funds should consider an Elderlife Financial bridge loan. These loans are structured similar to a line of credit, so funds can be borrowed as needed, and direct monthly payments can be scheduled to a care facility of choice. Bridge loans have no out-of-pocket borrowing costs or application fees and a maximum 12-month term. This makes them an ideal option to cover assisted living entrance fees, monthly rent and care charges until permanent funding falls into place.

Seniors can complete a bridge loan application online or over the phone by calling Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled

Seniors in Elmhurst with little income and few assets may be eligible for a monthly cash benefit through the Illinois Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled program. Applicants must meet one of the following criteria to qualify:

• Be receiving federal Supplemental Security Income benefits
• Be 65 years old or over and not eligible for SSI benefits because of income
• Be disabled or blind, under age 65 and disqualified from SSI benefits due to income

Elmhurst residents can apply for AABD benefits online, by calling (708) 338-7600 or by visiting the Cook County DHS Resource Center in Melrose Park.

Assisted Living Resources in Elmhurst

Senior Center

The Abbey is where Elmhurst seniors gather to socialize and enjoy a variety of life-enriching activities. The center offers fitness classes, such as yoga and tai chi, and games, including bridge, pinochle and bingo. It hosts a quilting club and regular Red Hat Society meetings and offers fun group outings to local points of interest and events. Seniors can also benefit from advice about area resources, free income tax preparation, frequent seminars on relevant topics and regularly scheduled health and wellness checks.

The Abbey
407 W. St. Charles Rd., Elmhurst, IL 60126
(630) 993-8193

Legal Assistance

The Center for Disability and Elder Law provides free legal services to low-income elderly and disabled residents of Cook County. The nonprofit agency focuses on civil matters, such as estate planning, adult guardianship, elder financial abuse and other financial issues. To qualify for assistance, Elmhurst residents must be permanently disabled or aged 60 and older and have a household income below 150% of the federal poverty level.

Center for Disability and Elder Law
205 W. Randolph St., Ste. 1610, Chicago, IL 60606 
(312) 376-1880

Senior Counseling

The Elmhurst Senior Services office works in conjunction with Metropolitan Family Services to provide city residents aged 60 and older with free or low-cost counseling services. Consultations about a wide array of social and age-specific concerns can be conducted over the phone or by appointment at a senior’s home or City Hall.

City of Elmhurst Office of Senior Services
209 N. York St., Elmhurst, IL 60126
(630) 833-1353