8 Assisted Living Communities in La Salle County, Illinois

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $4,770 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 8 Assisted Living Communities in LaSalle County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in LaSalle County, IL

• Assisted Living: $4,770
• Nursing Home Care: $5,916
• In-home Care: $3,886
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,647

The Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study provides a convenient way to compare senior care costs in different locales. The study reveals that assisted living rates in LaSalle County ($4,770) are significantly higher than the national ($4,000) and state ($4,030) monthly averages. In Illinois, only the Chicago area has a higher monthly cost at $4,794, but Bloomington isn’t far behind at $4,650. Prices in other Illinois cities are much lower and fairly consistent, including Kankakee ($3,986), Peoria ($3,750) and Champaign ($3,578).

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for LaSalle County, so data for the closest city, Rockford, was used.

Geographic location impacts senior care costs, but other factors such as the type of setting, care level and provided services play a major role too. In LaSalle County, nursing home care costs top all other options, followed by assisted living. Both provide residential care that includes room and board, but nursing homes offer round-the-clock specialized services, which explains the higher rates. Homemaker and home health aide services cost about $900 less per month than assisted living. When household expenses such as utilities, food and maintenance are added to in-home rates, this cost difference quickly evens out.

The nationwide Medicaid program was implemented to provide health care services to low-income Americans with few resources. Medicaid is funded jointly by the state and federal governments and administered by the state according to federally mandated guidelines.

In Illinois, the Department of Human Services administers the state Medicaid plan known as the Medical Assistance program. Services covered by the program include:

• Doctor and specialist visits
• Inpatient, outpatient and emergency hospital care
• X-rays and lab tests
• Prescriptions
• Necessary medical equipment
• Long-term nursing home care

The Illinois Department of Human Services handles MAP applications and eligibility decisions. To qualify for coverage, seniors in LaSalle County must be U.S. citizens or legal residents and over age 64, blind or disabled. Income and asset requirements also apply:

• Income is limited to 100% of the federal poverty level, or $1,041 per month for single people and $1,409 for married couples
• Assets are limited to $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples

If only one spouse in a married couple applies, MAP guidelines allow the transfer of up to $2,739 in monthly income and $109,540 in jointly owned assets as spousal resource and income allowances for the non-applicant.

Over-income seniors may also qualify through a month-to-month spend down. This allows excess income to be put toward medical care, treatments and supplies to reach the required limit for coverage to begin.

To apply for MAP benefits, LaSalle County seniors can call (815) 433-1572 or visit the DHS Family Community Resource Center at 1560 First Ave. in Ottawa.

Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled

The state of Illinois provides a monthly cash supplement to qualifying low-income residents through the Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled program. To qualify, applicants must be aged 65 or older, legally blind or disabled and meet one of these criteria:

• Currently receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits

• Ineligible for SSI benefits based on income

• Under age 65, disabled and ineligible for SSI due to excess income

LaSalle County residents can apply for AABD benefits online, by calling (800) 843-6154 or in person at the DHS Resource Center in Ottawa.

Assisted Living Bridge Loan

Bridge loans from Elderlife Financial are expressly designed to provide short-term funding for seniors who can’t cover upfront entrance fees or monthly living costs at an assisted living facility due to a temporary cash crunch. The loans are set up as a line of credit so seniors can withdraw the exact amount of cash needed each month.

The 24-month maximum term gives a borrower time to sell a home, sort out long-term care insurance or have government benefits kick in. Applications can be completed online or over the phone, and approval and access to funds often occur within one business day.

To learn more about assisted living bridge loans or apply, LaSalle County seniors can contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

The Western Illinois AAA is an invaluable access point to connect LaSalle County seniors with resources and programs to meet their particular needs. Agency staff can aid seniors with referrals to local resources that provide advocacy for long-term care, assistance with making community-based care choices, help navigating government health care and other benefit programs and finding transportation options. Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging
729 34th Ave., Rock Island, IL 61201
(800) 322-1051

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.