Assisted Living in McHenry County, IL

Assisted Living Costs in McHenry County

Of the major regions surveyed, McHenry County is among the most expensive for assisted living. According to data published in the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care survey, assisted living in this county costs an average of $4,770 per month, versus the state average of $4,030 and the national average of $4,000. The county’s assisted living costs are surpassed only by Bloomington ($4,650). The most affordable cities for assisted living include Carbondale, where the average monthly cost is $3,475, and Champaign ($3,578).

Note: Cost data for assisted living in McHenry County is unavailable, so data for the closest city, Rockford, was used.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• McHenry County/Rockford: $4,770
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $4,030
• Bloomington: $4,650
• Carbondale: $3,475
• Champaign: $3,578
• Kankakee: $3,986
• Danville: $4,200 
• Decatur: $4,046

Care Cost Comparison

The cost of senior care greatly depends on the level of care needed. In McHenry County, the most affordable type of senior care is adult day health care, which has an average monthly rate of $1,647. Home care services, including homemaker and home health aide services, cost an average of $3,886 per month. This assumes 44 hours of care per week at $20.38 per hour. The cost of assisted living, which generally includes care services, room and board and meals, averages $4,770 per month. The most expensive type of care in McHenry County is nursing home care, where seniors and families pay an average of nearly $6,000 per month for a semiprivate room. 

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $4,770
• Homemaker services: $3,886
• Home health aide: $3,886
• Adult day health: $1,647
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $5,916 

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in McHenry County

Medicaid in Illinois

McHenry County seniors who meet income guidelines may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance coverage through Illinois Medicaid, which is called Medical Assistance Program. This program is an entitlement, meaning that all eligible applicants will receive benefits, and it may cover home care services and adult day health care services. While Illinois Medicaid does not pay for services in assisted living establishments, shared housing establishments or sheltered care facilities, there are two waiver programs that may provide coverage for these services. These programs are outlined below.   

To qualify for Illinois Medicaid, applicants must be:

• U.S. citizens or legal residents
• Residents of Illinois
• Individuals with a monthly income of no more than $1,041 and less than $2,000 in countable assets, or
• Couples with a monthly income up to $1,409 per month and less than $3,000 in countable assets

Those who do not meet the income and asset requirements may still qualify for Medicaid through a spend-down program called the Medically Needy Pathway or through Medicaid planning, which is for those who are unable to afford their medical bills. 

In addition to standard Medicaid coverage, applicants may be eligible to have their senior care services covered through two home and community-based waiver programs. 

The Supportive Living Program pays for services received in an assisted living facility by low-income individuals who qualify for nursing home level care. While this waiver does not pay for room and board in an assisted living facility, it does cover services, such as personal care assistance, social and health activities and medication management. 

To receive financial assistance through Illinois Medicaid, seniors must apply through the Department of Human Services website or call (800) 843-6154 and obtain a needs screening through the Department on Aging. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Optional State Supplement

Low-income seniors in McHenry County who meet the qualifications for Supplemental Security Income may be eligible to receive an optional state supplement (OSS) on top of their SSI benefit. This cash benefit can be used toward assisted living costs, including room and board. In Illinois, the benefit received is based on state-approved allowances provided for specific needs, which may vary from person to person. To learn more about OSS or to apply for this benefit, applicants can visit the Illinois Department of Human Services website or call (815) 338-0234.

Veterans Assistance Commission

Qualifying veterans who need personal care services may receive financial assistance through the McHenry County Veterans Assistance Commission. This assistance is used to help pay for independent living services, enabling veterans to continue living independently for as long as possible. This financial assistance is available to eligible honorably discharged veterans and their eligible immediate family members, including their surviving spouse. To apply for assistance, veterans should contact the Veterans Assistance Commission of McHenry County at (815) 334-4229.

Assisted Living Bridge Loans 

Seniors in McHenry County who are transitioning to an assisted living facility and need short-term financial assistance may have the option of taking out an Elderlife Bridge Loan. This short-term loan allows borrowers to pay for room and board and care services while they’re waiting for other funding to come in or benefits to begin paying. This funding may be used as a line of credit or taken out as a lump sum, and interest-only monthly payments are available. To apply for an assisted living bridge loan, contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Assisted Living Resources in McHenry County

Veterans Services  

McHenry County provides a variety of services for local veterans, including transportation, advocacy services and financial assistance. The county is also home to an outpatient clinic, where veterans can receive a variety of health care services, and an active American Legion post. 

McHenry VA Outpatient Clinic
3715 Municipal Drive, McHenry, IL 60050
(815) 759-2306

American Legion Post 491
1331 N Riverside Drive, McHenry, IL 60050
(815) 344-8491

Veterans Assistance Commission
667 Ware Road, Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 334-4229

Senior Centers 

Local senior centers provide McHenry County seniors with a variety of engaging, enriching opportunities, including educational workshops, day trips and movie nights.

McHenry Township Senior Center
3519 North Richmond Road, Johnsburg, IL 60051
(815) 344-3555

Kraus Senior Center
441 Main Street, Cary, IL 60013
(847) 639-8118

Community Aid Agencies

McHenry County supports local seniors through Senior Services Associates, Inc., an organization that connects seniors with transportation programs, assessment and care coordination and advocacy services.

Crystal Lake Senior Services Associates, Inc.
110 West Woodstock Street #B, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
(815) 356-7457

McHenry Senior Services Associates, Inc.
3519 North Richmond Road, Johnsburg, IL 60051
(815) 344-3555