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Are you in need of dementia and Alzheimer’s care homes for your elderly parents or family members? If so, then you have come to the right place for information. If you are trying to find a memory care facility, then this is probably your first time having to do so. Well, you are not alone, and we are here to help you out by giving you as much information as possible.
Dealing with a loved one who is struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be a difficult thing for a family to have to do, however, finding and paying for a facility where your loved one can get the care they need, doesn’t have to be. In Illinois, there are a lot of great options that allow you to place your family member in an exceptional home so that they get the specialized memory care that they deserve.
Below is a table detailing the average monthly memory care costs in Illinois, including the state's average and costs in its 10 largest cities.
| Location | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| State of Illinois | $5,300 |
| Chicago | $6,000 |
| Aurora | $5,500 |
| Joliet | $5,400 |
| Naperville | $5,600 |
| Rockford | $5,100 |
| Springfield | $5,000 |
| Peoria | $5,200 |
| Elgin | $5,400 |
| Waukegan | $5,300 |
| Cicero | $5,600 |
The average cost for memory care in Illinois is approximately $5,300 per month. Larger cities such as Chicago and Naperville tend to have higher costs, reflecting their greater demand for specialized services and higher cost of living. On the other hand, smaller cities like Springfield and Peoria generally have lower costs.
Compared to nearby states, memory care costs in Illinois are mid-range. For example:
Overall, Illinois offers competitive pricing for memory care services, though urban areas like Chicago command higher fees due to the level of resources and amenities available.
Below is a table highlighting the five most expensive and five least expensive zip codes for memory care in Illinois. The costs reflect average monthly rates in these areas.
| Category | Zip Code | City/Area | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Expensive | 60611 | Chicago (Downtown) | $7,200 |
| 60563 | Naperville | $6,800 | |
| 60093 | Winnetka | $6,700 | |
| 60045 | Lake Forest | $6,600 | |
| 60062 | Northbrook | $6,500 | |
| Least Expensive | 62703 | Springfield | $4,800 |
| 61605 | Peoria | $4,900 | |
| 61101 | Rockford | $4,850 | |
| 62901 | Carbondale | $4,750 | |
| 61832 | Danville | $4,700 |
The most expensive zip codes for memory care in Illinois are primarily located in affluent suburban or urban areas like Chicago, Naperville, and Winnetka, with monthly costs exceeding $6,500. Meanwhile, the least expensive zip codes are found in smaller cities like Springfield, Rockford, and Danville, where costs range between $4,700 and $4,900 per month. This significant variation is influenced by factors such as local living costs, facility quality, and proximity to metropolitan areas.
Memory care is one of the more specialized and higher-cost senior living options due to the additional services and staff training required. Below is a table comparing the average monthly costs of memory care to other types of senior living in Illinois.
| Type of Senior Living | Average Monthly Cost in Illinois | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Living | $2,900 | Housing for active seniors without the need for personal or medical care. |
| Assisted Living | $4,600 | Housing with personal care support, such as help with daily activities. |
| Memory Care | $5,300 | Specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or memory issues. |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $6,700 | Round-the-clock medical care in a shared room. |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $8,200 | Full-time medical care in a private room. |
Memory care costs in Illinois average $5,300 per month, which is higher than independent living and assisted living but lower than nursing home care. This cost reflects the additional services required to support individuals with memory-related conditions, such as 24/7 supervision, cognitive therapies, and specialized facility designs.
Independent living is the most affordable option, suited for seniors who do not require assistance, while nursing homes are the most expensive due to the comprehensive medical care provided. Memory care bridges the gap, offering specialized services at a cost that balances independence and intensive care needs.
Illinois facilities that provide memory care to their residents are specialized homes for those who struggle with the unique challenges of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Unlike typical elderly patients who will likely need certain personal care services and reminders to take medications, those who struggle with a form of dementia may need even more help with daily tasks and medical care.
Alzheimer's care facilities in Illinois cater to the needs and challenges that go along with patients who have Alzheimer’s or dementia, which are degenerative brain diseases that affect memory and thinking abilities. These diseases greatly affect a person’s ability to function regularly, so the level of care that is needed and that is offered at these facilities meets those specific needs.
Medicare plays a significant role in covering health care services for older adults, but when it comes to memory care, its coverage is limited. Memory care, designed to support individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, primarily involves custodial care, which Medicare does not typically cover. However, there are specific circumstances where Medicare may help with certain aspects of memory care in Illinois.
Medicare does not pay for long-term residential memory care in Illinois, as these services are considered custodial care. However, Medicare Part A and Part B may cover certain medical services related to the treatment of dementia and its associated health conditions:
Hospitalization and Acute Care Services
If someone with dementia requires hospitalization for a medical condition, Medicare Part A will cover inpatient care in an Illinois hospital.
Skilled Nursing Facility Care
After a qualifying hospital stay (usually three days), Medicare Part A may cover short-term care in a skilled nursing facility in Illinois if the care includes skilled medical services, such as physical therapy or wound care. However, this is not a long-term solution and is only covered for up to 100 days.
Doctor Visits and Medical Tests
Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and other outpatient services related to the diagnosis and management of dementia.
Home Health Care
If someone with dementia in Illinois qualifies, Medicare may pay for intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, or other home health services. This does not include 24-hour care or custodial services like help with bathing or dressing.
Hospice Care
For individuals with dementia who have a prognosis of six months or less to live, Medicare covers hospice care, which can be provided in a nursing home, memory care facility, or at home in Illinois.
Medicare does not pay for:
If Medicare does not fully meet the financial needs of memory care, other options include:
Not all residential facilities are created equal, and not all of them are made for specialized care. However, Illinois memory care facilities are made to cater to a patient's unique needs in a way that other homes don't. What sets these homes apart are the amenities that they offer their residents. Those who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's need a higher level of care, and these facilities account for that.
In Illinois, dementia care facilities offer certain amenities like personal care services, laundry facilities and services, and constant medical supervision that allows patients to receive personal and medical care around the clock. For those who can’t complete daily tasks on their own, there is staff available to help them with their activities.
There may also be available transportation for group outings and special events that allow staff to accompany residents off the premises, as well as social activities that are hosted at the facility grounds. These types of amenities are put in place to help foster a sense of community among patients and help them to maintain healthy social skills while receiving treatment. This also allows the residents to feel more independent with the ability to choose what they want to participate in.
Memory care facilities in Illinois are subject to specific regulations established by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to ensure the safety and quality of care for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. These regulations address licensing, staffing, training, physical environment, and care standards.
Memory care facilities must be licensed under the Illinois Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act or as part of a supportive living facility or nursing home. Facilities offering specialized dementia care programs must include details of their services in their licensing applications, which are subject to approval by the IDPH.
Illinois mandates that all staff working in memory care units complete specialized training in dementia care. Training must cover:
Staff must also receive annual continuing education to remain informed about advancements in dementia care practices.
Memory care facilities must maintain adequate staffing levels to meet the needs of residents. While Illinois does not specify a fixed staff-to-resident ratio, the regulations require that facilities assess residents’ care needs regularly and adjust staffing accordingly. At least one staff member trained in dementia care must be present at all times.
The physical environment of memory care facilities must be designed to support the safety and comfort of residents. Requirements include:
Before admission, residents must undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine if the memory care facility can meet their needs. Individualized service plans (ISPs) must be developed for each resident, addressing:
These plans must be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in residents’ conditions.
Memory care residents in Illinois are entitled to the same rights as those in assisted living facilities, including:
Facilities must provide clear information about services, costs, and care limitations to residents and their families upon admission.
The IDPH conducts regular inspections of memory care facilities to ensure compliance with state regulations. Facilities found in violation may face fines, sanctions, or loss of licensure. Complaints from residents, families, or staff trigger investigations to address potential issues promptly.
Memory care facilities are required to have emergency plans tailored to the unique needs of residents with cognitive impairments. Staff must be trained in evacuation and crisis management procedures to ensure residents' safety during emergencies.
Although there may be some similarities between Illinois memory care homes and assisted living or nursing homes, they are not exactly the same thing. All three of these types of communities offer residential living and care for their residents, but the type of care offered is a bit different.
At Alzheimer's care homes in Illinois, there are a number of things that are offered that are not available at the other communities. Things like special medical care that caters to dementia and Alzheimer’s unique challenges, and intensive care for those whose disease has progressed severely, are part of the involved care that is given at memory care communities. These facilities are often designed with secure environments to prevent wandering, a common issue for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and provide staff who are specifically trained to understand and manage the unique behaviors associated with memory loss.
For those who suffer from dementia, their memory may be drastically affected so that they often forget where they are, who they're with, or even who they are. So, the level of care is increased due to the special care needed to handle these specific issues. Medical staff at other facilities would not be required to have this type of training, and the amount of time spent with each patient would differ in each community. Memory care homes provide a higher level of supervision and often have a structured daily routine designed to help reduce confusion and anxiety.
In addition to basic medical and personal care, memory care communities often incorporate cognitive stimulation activities, such as memory exercises, music therapy, and sensory engagement activities, which are specifically designed to help maintain cognitive function and promote a sense of purpose. These activities are tailored to the individual's abilities and are designed to improve quality of life while offering some level of independence.
Assisted living facilities, on the other hand, offer a more generalized approach to senior care. They typically assist with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management. However, they do not provide the same level of specialized care required for individuals with dementia. Assisted living homes may offer support for residents with mild cognitive impairments, but they lack the secure environments and specialized training necessary for more advanced stages of memory loss.
Nursing homes provide around-the-clock care for individuals who have significant health concerns and require constant medical supervision. They focus more on individuals with severe health issues, disabilities, or chronic illnesses. While nursing homes can accommodate people with memory impairments, their primary focus is on physical health, rehabilitation, and complex medical needs. Unlike memory care facilities, nursing homes may not offer the structured environment or specialized activities that promote cognitive stimulation for residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
Ultimately, memory care communities are designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment for individuals who are experiencing significant memory loss and require specialized care. The distinct focus on dementia care sets these facilities apart from assisted living and nursing homes, which are generally not equipped to handle the unique challenges presented by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Families must carefully assess the specific needs of their loved one when determining the appropriate level of care, considering factors like cognitive function, medical needs, and personal preferences.
Admission requirements for these facilities are designed to ensure that residents receive appropriate care and that facilities are equipped to meet their specific needs. Below is a detailed overview of the typical requirements and processes for admission to memory care in Illinois.
Most memory care facilities in Illinois require a formal diagnosis of a cognitive condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, from a licensed healthcare provider. This ensures the facility is suited to address the resident's unique care needs. Facilities may also assess whether the individual’s level of care aligns with their capabilities.
While memory care typically caters to seniors, most facilities set a minimum age requirement, usually 55 or older. Some exceptions may exist for younger individuals with early-onset dementia.
Before admission, a comprehensive health and functional assessment is usually required. This evaluation may include:
Applicants must typically provide:
Memory care facilities often require documentation related to legal and financial arrangements, such as:
Facilities in Illinois assess potential residents for behavioral suitability. If an applicant exhibits extreme aggression or behaviors that cannot be safely managed, the facility may require alternative arrangements.
Each memory care facility in Illinois may have additional criteria, such as:
Memory care facilities in Illinois are regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Facilities must meet strict licensing standards, including staffing ratios and training requirements for staff in dementia care. These regulations indirectly influence the admission process to ensure that facilities do not admit individuals they cannot appropriately care for.
Some memory care facilities in Illinois may have waiting lists due to limited capacity. Families are encouraged to inquire early and explore multiple facilities to find the best fit.
Some facilities may offer trial stays or short-term respite care, allowing families and the individual to evaluate whether the environment is a good match before committing to long-term residence.
Choosing the right memory care facility for a loved one is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By asking the right questions, you can gain insight into the facility’s care standards, environment, staff expertise, and overall suitability for your loved one’s needs. Below is a comprehensive guide to the key questions to ask when evaluating memory care facilities in Illinois.
What is the facility’s licensure and certification status?
Verify that the memory care facility meets state regulations and holds the appropriate certifications for dementia care.
How many residents live in the facility?
This provides an idea of the community size and the ratio of residents to staff.
What is your philosophy of care for residents with dementia?
This helps you understand the facility’s approach to memory care, including their emphasis on safety, dignity, and quality of life.
Do you offer specialized care for different stages of dementia?
Ensure the facility can accommodate your loved one’s current needs as well as potential future care requirements.
What are the qualifications of your staff?
Ask about certifications, experience, and specific training related to dementia care.
What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
A lower ratio generally indicates more individualized attention.
Do staff members receive ongoing training in memory care?
Dementia care evolves, so continuous education ensures staff remain knowledgeable about best practices.
How do you handle staff turnover?
High turnover can disrupt the continuity of care, which is particularly crucial for individuals with memory loss.
What measures are in place to ensure resident safety?
Inquire about secured entrances, monitoring systems, and protocols for preventing wandering.
How do you manage medical emergencies?
Learn about the facility’s procedures for handling urgent health issues and its relationship with nearby hospitals.
Are there systems to track and monitor residents’ health?
Ask about regular health assessments and how changes in health are addressed.
What does a typical day look like for residents?
Look for structured routines that balance stimulation, relaxation, and social interaction.
Do you provide tailored activities for residents with dementia?
Activities should be designed to enhance cognitive function, social engagement, and emotional well-being.
How are meals planned and served?
Ensure the dining experience is safe, enjoyable, and accommodating to dietary needs.
Are family visits encouraged?
Ask about visitation policies and opportunities for family involvement in activities or care planning.
What are the costs, and what is included in the monthly fee?
Clarify the fee structure, including any additional charges for specific services.
Is there a process for adjusting care costs as needs change?
Ensure you understand how costs may evolve over time.
What is your policy on refunds and discharge?
Understand the terms in case a move is necessary or if a resident leaves the facility.
How do you help residents transition into the facility?
Smooth transitions are important for individuals with dementia. Learn about the onboarding process.
Do you provide support for families?
Some facilities offer counseling, educational resources, or support groups for family members.
How are residents’ personal histories and preferences incorporated into their care plans?
Personalized care can make a significant difference in a resident’s comfort and quality of life.
Dealing with having to find Illinois dementia care homes for parents or loved ones can be tough enough already, but adding the stress of figuring out how to pay for this level of specialized care can make everything much worse. However, that doesn’t mean that you are on your own. There are ways to lower or cover the cost of memory care that will help take some of the financial pressure off of you.
In Illinois, the cost of homes that offer dementia care can be over $4,000 a month. Plus, with the cost of medical care continually rising, that number could increase even more. But there are programs like Medicaid that can help cover the costs and allow you to place your loved one in good Alzheimer's care communities in your area.
Programs like HealthChoice Illinois and the Medicaid-Medicare Alignment Initiative both help qualified patients by covering the cost of facility treatment or home care. There are also a large number of waivers available through the state that will help lower costs for those who are not in dire financial need, or those who only need care for personal services such as bathing, meal preparation, and medication distribution, but don’t need specialized dementia care communities.
Having to find and pay for a family member or loved one to live at a memory care facility in the state of Illinois may be a tough job to handle, but with help in searching for a good facility and assistance with lowering the cost of care, you don’t have to feel overwhelmed with stress to get it done. Illinois facilities can be easy to find, with so many great options available, and Medicaid can help ease the financial burden so that you are not taking care of everything on your own.
If you would like more information about where you can find memory care facilities in the Illinois area, then you can use our memory care directory to find a home near you.
10 Memory Care Facilities in Illinois
River Birch Estates At Cockrell-4012 specializes in providing memory care in Sangamon county, Illinois. It can accommodate no more than 14 senior citizens. River Birch Estates At Cockrell-4012 offers luxury amenities that include faith-based services, pet therapy and special lighting in all areas to help with memory to any dementia sufferers who reside in Springfield, IL and nearby areas. River Birch Estates At Cockrell-4012 is located at 4012 Cockrell Ln, 62711 zip code and may allow Medicaid and Medicare to cover some costs associated with its care.
Rosewood Care Center allows Alzheimer’s patients to receive dementia and Alzheimer’s care in St. Charles, Illinois. It can accommodate no more than 107 Kane county residents at a time. It includes amenities such as encouraged family participation, weight gain and loss management and on-site occupational and physical therapy services and is located at 850 Dunham Rd, in 60174 zip code area inside Kane county.
When trying to locate memory care facilities in Chicago, Illinois, you will come across Presence Resurrection Retirement as a wonderful and luxurious memory and dementia care option that is located at 7262 W. Peterson Ave in 60631 zip code. It provides a maximum capacity of 37 dementia care units. Presence Resurrection Retirement includes services that include independence-focused care, caregiving staff trained for Alzheimer’s care and special dementia and Alzheimer’s programs to increase feelings of comfort. Its license # is 5101685. Presence Resurrection Retirement provides dementia care not just to seniors in Chicago, but also to Cook county older adults.
Estates Senior Living & Spa is a new memory care center that has capacity of 5 Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers. Estates Senior Living & Spa offers amenities such as tranquil and secure outdoor areas, emergency pendant system and special dementia programs to lower anxiety. It is located at 3305 Collinswood Drive, and can offer memory care to Springfield, IL seniors with dementia. Estates Senior Living & Spa has a license in Illinois to offer care, with license number 5201477.
For seniors who require aid with daily living, Carriage Oaks can be the best choice for memory care assisted living in St. Charles, Illinois. Carriage Oaks contains a total capacity of 80 dementia and Alzheimer’s units. It provides amenities like constant medical checks to ensure well-being, promoted socialization and activities tailored to dementia.
Situated at 200 Hunt Club Dr, inside 60174 zip code area in Kane county, Hunt Club Village offers Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care to St. Charles, IL seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia and offers services such as scheduled transportation, daily living assistance and color-coded rooms to assist with memory. Hunt Club Village contains a total of 104 Alzheimer’s and dementia units.
Senior citizens looking for assisted living and memory care in St. Charles, Illinois will find Halina's Home Care 3rd Ave, a memory care community located at 1024 N. 3rd Ave in 60174 zip code area which provides amenities such as customized care plans, a home-like design to encourage socialization and special dementia and Alzheimer’s programs to increase feelings of comfort. Halina's Home Care 3rd Ave can provide care to up to 4 seniors. Halina's Home Care 3rd Ave has a Illinois license # of 5201030.
Situated at 2451 W. White Oak Dr, Springfield, Illinois, 62704, Bickford - Springfield House is able to aid any Sangamon county dementia sufferer with daily tasks and provides services such as individualized programs and care, daily living assistance and high ratio of caregivers to residents. Bickford - Springfield House contains a total of 55 memory and dementia care units. Its license # is 5101891.
Mill Creek Trs, situated at 3319 Ginger Creek Dr provides dementia and Alzheimer’s care service in Springfield, Illinois and provides amenities such as secure indoor and outdoor wandering areas, daily living assistance and mental games. Mill Creek Trs contains a total of 38 Alzheimer’s care units for Sangamon county and surrounding areas residents. Mill Creek Trs is licensed to offer dementia and Alzheimer’s care in Springfield, Illinois. Its license # 5104119.
Located at 600 Dunham Rd in Kane county, Brighton Gardens Of St. Charles has a wonderful reputation for providing dementia care services to dementia sufferers in St. Charles, IL in addition to those who reside in nearby cities. Brighton Gardens Of St. Charles includes amenities like routine vital sign and health monitoring, licensed nurses with Alzheimer’s care training and excellent caregiver-to-resident ratio to Kane county older adults, with license number 5101560. Brighton Gardens Of St. Charles contains 104 dementia and Alzheimer’s units and offers multiple care levels.
Illinois offers a variety of free resources and services designed to assist seniors with their healthcare, financial needs, housing, and daily living. These programs provide invaluable support to ensure that older adults in the state have access to the services and assistance they need to maintain their quality of life.
The Illinois Department on Aging provides comprehensive programs and services for older adults. Through the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), the department offers information and assistance with services like meal delivery, transportation, home care, and legal assistance. The department also manages programs to help seniors navigate public benefits and health insurance options.
The Illinois Link Card is part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which offers low-income seniors assistance with buying food. Eligibility is based on income, and the program helps seniors purchase nutritious food while allowing them to stretch their food budgets.
SHIP provides free, unbiased counseling to help seniors navigate their health insurance options, including Medicare. Counselors assist seniors in understanding their Medicare benefits, selecting plans, and addressing issues related to coverage. This program is essential for seniors who need guidance in managing their healthcare.
The LIHEAP program offers assistance to seniors who need help paying their heating and cooling bills. This program is designed to help seniors with low incomes remain safe and comfortable in their homes by providing financial aid to cover utility costs.
Illinois offers property tax relief to senior citizens through several programs, including the General Homestead Exemption, the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption, and the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption. These programs reduce the taxable value of a senior’s home, resulting in lower property taxes.
Seniors in Illinois are eligible for free or low-cost legal assistance in areas such as estate planning, elder abuse, housing rights, and consumer protection. Many nonprofit organizations and legal clinics across the state provide these services to seniors at no cost.
This program helps seniors with prescription medication costs. Illinois Cares Rx provides financial assistance to seniors who qualify, reducing the cost of their medications and ensuring they can access essential drugs for their health.
Several programs in Illinois offer free or low-cost community services to seniors. These include congregate meal sites, transportation services, caregiver support, and adult daycare services. Local senior centers often provide these services, ensuring seniors can maintain their independence while receiving necessary support.
Veterans who are seniors may qualify for additional support through various state and federal programs, including financial aid, healthcare benefits, and housing assistance. The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs offers numerous resources to help seniors who have served in the military.
Illinois offers free or reduced-fare transportation programs for seniors, helping them access healthcare appointments, grocery shopping, and social events. These services are provided through local transit authorities and senior service organizations.
The ADRCs in Illinois serve as one-stop shops for seniors and people with disabilities, offering free information on services, support options, and long-term care. These centers help seniors make informed decisions about their care and connect them with appropriate resources.
There are programs designed to help older adults find part-time or full-time employment. The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provides training and placement services to low-income seniors, allowing them to gain work experience and improve their financial stability.
Illinois offers a range of free or low-cost health programs aimed at improving the wellness of seniors. These programs include free screenings for chronic diseases, access to mental health services, and fitness programs tailored to older adults.
Illinois has numerous programs that focus on preventing elder abuse and supporting those who have been victims. These programs provide legal aid, counseling, and emergency services to protect vulnerable seniors from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Seniors affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia can access free resources such as caregiver support groups, educational programs, and respite care services. These programs aim to support both individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
