Why Select Assisted Living in Chicago, IL?

Chicago is one of the country’s top metropolitan cities, but it’s not exactly a city that is synonymous with retirement. After all, Chicago sits on the shores of Lake Michigan, which routinelybuffets the city with strong winds and blustery winter storms, thus earning it the nickname,“the Windy City.”So, why would a senior want to consider Chicago for their Assisted Living needs?The answer is the city itself. There’s no other city quite like Chicago!

Once revered as one of the country’s industrial powerhouses, things have changed a lot in Chicago over the last few decades. Today, Chicago is one of the cultural epicenters of the nation and home tosome of the world’s finest museums and most iconic architecture. The city’s skyline is pierced by some of the most identifiable skyscrapers in the world, its public transportation rail system is known worldwide by a single letter, and it’s home to the pizza to end all pizza, the deep dish.A regular fixture in movies and television shows, a walk down just about any street in Chicago will showcase something special.

Of course, it can’t go without saying that Chicago is also one of the country’s most passionate sports towns, while at the same time boasting the brightest arts and culture scene in the Midwest. And there’s no shortage of shopping experiences,innovative restaurants, and other exciting attributes.

Like most major cities in America, Chicago’ssenior population continues to grow at a rapid pace. Thankfully, it is well equipped with a variety of senior living community options that will help older adults feel safe and supported throughout their later years of life.

If you’re thinking aboutAssisted Living in Chicago for yourself or a loved one, then you will find an abundance of options available for you to consider. And at Senioridy.com, we recommend taking your time to thoroughly compare the facilities you’re most interested in, so you can find the right one for your unique needs.

Want to learn more about assisted living in Chicago, IL? This guide from Senioridy is the perfect place to start.

 

Assisted Living in Chicago, IL: What You Need to Know

Chicago is home to an incredible selection ofAssisted Living facilities and senior services, so it should come as no surprise why so many seniors choose the Windy City for the next logical phase in their lives. If you’re lookingto learn more about what to expect fromthe Chicago’s Assisted Living communities, then Senioridy is here to help. Just click on the topics below to learn more.

• Senior Population and Assisted Living Volume in Chicago, IL
• Criteria for Admittance in Assisted Living in Illinois
• Typical Costs of Assisted Living in Chicago, IL
• Benefits of Assisted Living in Chicago, IL
• Quality of Life in Chicago, IL
• Senior Centers in Cook County
• Public Transportation Services in Chicago, IL
• How to Find Assisted Living Facilities in Chicago, IL

 

Senior Population and Assisted Living Volume in Chicago, IL

In2021, there were 5.2 million people in Cook County, with more than 776,000 of those residents aged 65 or older. The city has more than 80 Assisted Living facilities for seniors to choose from, sothere are plenty of options available tothose who need these services.

Seniors make up almost 13% of the adult population in Chicago, which might be surprising considering the region’s cold and blustery winters. But what it lacks in warm weather for part of the year, it more than makes up for with its nationally recognized healthcare, incredible selection of senior-friendly attractions, and generous senior services. In fact, there is so much to Chicago that it makes for an ideal place to live for older adults. However, because the city’s Assisted Living facilities are in such high demand, there can sometimes be a waiting list to get into some of itstop-rated facilities.

Older adults in Chicago can also access a variety of free and low-cost senior resources that can help them in their Assisted Living journey, including:

• Chicago Methodist Senior Services
• Catholic Charities
• Caregiving Assistance
• Benefit Housing Program
• Chicago Housing Authority Senior Housing (CHA)
• O.M.E.

 

Criteria for Admittance in Assisted Living in Illinois

To become an Assisted Living residentinChicago, an individual needs to meet certain admission requirements put in place by the state of Illinois. Along with being at least 62 years old, each new resident must have a completed physician’s assessment no more than 120 days before moving into an Assisted Living facility (ALF). The assessments also need to be re-evaluated on an annual basis.

Within 24 hours after admitting a resident, a licensed practical or registered nurse at the Assisted Living facility is required to complete or co-sign an initial assessment and service plan.

 

Typical Costs of Assisted Living in Chicago, IL

Assisted Living in Chicago costs an average of $4,794 per month, but some facilities can be as high as $7,000 a month. With an average cost that’s about $800 higher than the state average, this makes Chicago the most expensive city in Illinois for Assisted Living. While this can be considered costly for many seniors, it is important to note that the cost of Assisted Living in Chicago can be offset by the many services, waivers, and low-cost housing options offered by the City of Chicago and various charities.

For instance, HealthChoice Illinois is a version of the state’s Medicaid program that’s available to seniors in Chicago’s Cook County. As part of HealthChoice Illinois, the Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Medical Benefits program is specifically designed for low-income seniors and covers everything that traditional Medicaid does, along with long-term nursing care, home health aids, hospice, transportation, and durable medical equipment.Monthly income for single adults should not exceed $938, and $1,328 for couples. Applications may be downloaded from the Healthcare and Family Services website and mailed in, or a local office may be located by calling (800) 842-1461.Veterans may also be eligible for one of several different pension programs from the VAto help cover some of the costs associated withAssisted Living.

It is important to note that the monthly cost mentioned above is just an average. Price ultimately often depends on the programs, amenities, and services a facility has tooffer. For instance, amenities that can impact the cost of Assisted Living in Chicago can include, but are not limited to:

• Restaurant-style dining
• Pet-friendly accommodations
• Private and shared apartments with full kitchens
• Housekeeping and linen service
• Scheduled transportation
• Social, cultural, and recreational activities
• Emergency response system
• On-call medical staff

It is also important to remember thatan affordable Assisted Living facility may not be any more or less effective or beneficial than a more expensive facility.It is always recommended tothoroughly compare severaldifferent facilities, so you can find the one that best meets your needs and budget.

 

Benefits of Assisted Living in Chicago, IL

Moving yourself or a loved one into Assisted Living isn’t an easy decision to make, and the fact that Chicago is such a massive city can understandably increase one’s trepidation, but many of the common fears and concerns can be eased simply by taking a closer look at how yours or your loved one’s life can improve by making this move.Chicago’s Assisted Living facilities provide a wealth of life enhancing benefits that can have an immeasurable effect on your yours or your loved one’s quality of life and state of mind.These benefits include:

 

24/7 Hands-On Assistance When Needed

The most common reason why older adults move into Assisted Living is because they can no longer live independently or perform their daily tasks capably or safely. In an Assisted Living facility, seniors can receive hands-on assistance whenever needed from highly trained, compassionate staffwho are always on hand, 24/7.

 

Improved Safety and Security

Another common reason why seniors move into Assisted Living is because these facilities offer exceptional safety and security. This is especially important in cases where a senior is prone to wander. Should your loved one reach the point in their life where wandering is a concern, there’s no safer place for them to be than in a highly secure Assisted Living facility.

 

Personalized Care

Every senior requires some level of care, some more than others. Assisted Living facilities are staffed by skilled healthcare professionals and compassionate support staff who are more than capable of meeting the needs of most seniors. This allows your loved one to receive a consistent continuum of care that can satisfy their unique health and wellness needs as well astheir personal preferences.

 

Easy Access to Quality Healthcare

As effective as most Assisted Living facilities are athandling a senior’s basic medical needs, should a senior require more substantive or ongoing treatment, they haveplenty of nationally recognized hospitals in Chicago where they can get a more advanced level of care. Some of the top hospitals in Chicago include theUniversity of Chicago Medical Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and NorthShore University Health Systemto name just a few.

 

Living Spaces That Feel Like Home

One of the biggest hurdles that new residents face is feeling comfortable in a new living environment after decades of living in their own home. Assisted Living facilities help new residents adjust to their new living spaces by allowing them to personalize their apartments with their own furnishings and décor, so they feel more like home. By being surrounded by the things they love and are familiar with, a senior can make a quicker and smoother transition to Assisted Living.

 

Social Activities

Staying socially engaged and an active part of a community are essential for keeping feelings of isolation and depression from setting in when first entering Assisted Living. And these communities provide a highly diverse calendar of social activities that are designed to help keep their residents active physically and mentally. Participating in these activities is therefore highly recommended, especially because they are also instrumental in helping new residents make friends.

 

Quality Nutrition

Seniors who live on their own face are much higher at risk of suffering from hunger and malnutrition, and this can expose them to a wide range of potentially dangerous health problems. This is why nutrition plays such an important role in the services provided by Assisted Living facilities. In an Assisted Living facility, a senior can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals, including diet-specific meals, three times per day created for them by highly trained nutritionists and culinary professionals.

 

Quality of Life in Chicago, IL

The quality of life in Chicago is second to none. Chi-Town is home to one of the world’s most vibrant arts and culture scenes. From its world-class museums and thrilling sporting eventsto itsdiverse culinary sceneand gorgeous parks, there is always something new to experience and enjoy every time you leave your Assisted Living community for a day out.

Some of the most popular attractions among Chicago’s senior population aretheArt Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, The Museum of Science and Industry, Adler Planetarium, and Lincoln Park Zoo. Of course, there’s also the famous SkyDeck at Willis Tower, the Navy Pier, and Millennium Park, where you’ll find the famous sculpture,The Bean, or Cloud Gate as it is officially named.

Chicago is also home to some of the most recognizable sports franchises, making it a wonderful city to live for sports fans. With the White Sox and Cubs (MLB), Bears (NFL), Bulls (NBA), Sky (WNBA), Blackhawks (NHL), and Chicago Fire (MLS) all calling the city home, sports fans have a full calendar of excitement at their disposal every year.

Spring through fall are ideal for enjoying the best of Chicago’s outdoor attractions. From the Buckingham Fountain and Grant Park to Maggie Daley Park and the Garfield Park Conservatory, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the pleasant weather of Chicago’s milder seasons.

While you’re making new memories by visiting some of the most incredible attractions and sites in the Windy City, you will find it always pays to stop for a bite to eat at any of the many, many excitingly tempting restaurants, bistros, or cafes. After all, if your dietary needs support it, you’ve just got to try Chicago’s deep dish pizza, its famous Italian beef sandwich, and original Rainbow Cone, at least once in their lifetime.

 

Senior Centers in Cook County

Cook County offers local seniors plenty of opportunities for making new friends, participating in fun programs, enjoying hot meals, and learning new things via the city’s many senior centers and satellite centers.

Below is a list of senior centers in Chicago where you can access a complete calendar of engaging activities and senior-focused services:

• Central West Center: 2102 W. Ogden Avenue
• Northeast (Levy) Senior Center: 2019 W. Lawrence Avenue
• Northwest (Copernicus) Senior Center: 3160 N. Milwaukee Avenue
• Renaissance Court: 78 E. Washington
• Southeast (Atlas) Senior Center: 1767 E. 79th Street
• Southwest Center: 6117 S. Kedzie Avenue

Below is a list of Chicago’s satellite senior centers:

• Abbott Park Satellite Senior Center: 49 East 95th Street 60619
• Auburn Gresham Satellite Senior Center: 1040 West 79th Street 60620
• Austin Satellite Senior Center: 5071 W. Congress Parkway 60644
• Chatham Satellite Senior Center: 8300 S. Cottage Grove 60619
• Edgewater Satellite Senior Center: 5917 N. Broadway 60660
• Englewood Satellite Senior Center: 653-657 West 63rd Street 60621
• Garfield Ridge Satellite Senior Center: 5674B South Archer Avenue 60638
• Kelvyn Park Satellite Senior Center: 2715 N. Cicero Avenue 60639
• North Center Senior Satellite: 4040 N. Oakley 60618
• Norwood Park Senior Satellite: 5801 N. Natoma 60631
• Pilsen Satellite Senior Center: 2021 South Morgan 60608
• Portage Park Satellite Senior Center:4100 North Long 60641
• Roseland Satellite Senior Center: 10426 South Michigan Avenue 60628
• South Chicago Satellite Center: 9233 South Burley 60617
• West Town/Logan Square Satellite Senior Center: 1615 West Chicago Avenue 60622

 

Public Transportation Services in Chicago, IL

Public transportation is essential for seniors living in Chicago, but it is especially important for those living in Assisted Living facilities in the city because these seniors are no longer able to drive their own vehicles. And in Chicago, seniors have the pleasure of riding one of the top-rated public transportation systems in the world, which is run by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).The CTA is the second largest transportation system in the country and it serves 35 suburbs, in addition to the City of Chicago, and provides 81 percent of the public transit trips in the six-county Chicago metropolitan area with its 1,864 buses and iconic “L,” which has 1,492 rail cars.

Seniors aged 65 and over are eligible for free rides on CTA buses and rail cars. Seniors must be Illinois residents, and currently enrolled in the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access Program to be eligible for free transit on fixed routes operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace. For more information, visit the RTA website.

 

How to Find Assisted Living Facilities in Chicago, IL

Whether you are looking for an assisted living facility for yourself or a loved one, there are a few options available to you that can help you find the right one for your needs in Chicago. One option is to do it the old-fashioned way by looking in the phone book or inquiring about assisted living from your friends and relatives.

Another is to contact a placement agency. Senior placement agencies help seniors find the right assisted living facility for them by working with the senior and their family to find the best possible fit for their needs. These types of services typically charge a referral fee to the Assisted Living community since they are bringing in revenue to that facility, so they don’t usually charge seniors or their families. It is important to note that since agents can only get paid by assisted living facilities that they have contracts with, you may not be shown all the assisted living facilities that are available to you.

Another option is to use an online directory to search for assisted living facilities in or near Chicago, IL from Senioridy.com. Senioridy's comprehensive assisted living search engine can provide you with the best possible results based on your needs.

Once you do this simple search, you will be presented with many of the top-rated facilities in and around the Chicago area to compare.