Assisted Living Illinois

Single Applicant

$17,775

$2,000

Two-Person Household
(Only One Person Applying)

$24,040

$3,000

$109,560 for non-institutionalized spouse.

Two-Person Household
(Both People Applying)

$24,040

$3,000

ABE Hotline

(800) 843-6154

The ABE Hotline will assist applicants with the online application process if needed. It will also connect Illinois residents with their local Department of Healthcare and Human Services office.

Illinois Legal Aid

(217) 277-2100

Through Illinois Legal Aid, seniors may be able to get free legal help to understand their rights regarding Medicaid coverage. The group also provides a significant amount of free information online to help Medicaid recipients and applicants understand their options.

Illinois Department on Aging Legal Services

(800) 252-8966

The Legal Services department of the Illinois Department on Aging offers legal assistance in a number of areas, including conflicts over Medicaid. Providers who participate in this program advocate for those age 60 and older who need help to get their Medicaid application approved or to appeal a denial. Seniors can find their local Legal Services office by calling the Senior HelpLine, which is available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Aid and Attendance

Learn more and apply online at va.gov.

Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Assisted Living.

Reverse Mortgages

Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov

If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Assisted Living. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.

Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance

Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov.

Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Assisted Living. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Assisted Living will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy.

Area Agencies on Aging

(800) 252-8966

Illinois is divided into 13 Planning and Service Areas, and each of these is served by an Area Agency on Aging. These agencies coordinate programs for older adults that live in their service areas. They connect seniors to the local services, such as legal assistance and Information & Assistance programs in their local communities.

Veterans Administration Centers in Illinois

(800) 437-6641

Throughout the state, Veterans Administration centers connect veterans and their spouses to the senior care and residential options they qualify for, as well as other benefits earned through military service. There are several VA centers located throughout Illinois.

Illinois Social Security Offices

(800) 772-1213

Social Security offices in Illinois help seniors get the Social Security Income they should receive based on their work years. These offices are run by the federal government, but they can help seniors with their financial needs. Appointments are available to help seniors apply for Social Security benefits or to check the status of benefits.

Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

(888) 831-0404

The Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program connects seniors living in assisted living and other long-term care facilities with advocates that will ensure they are receiving a high level of care. Representatives from the Ombudsman Program will help seniors and their families resolve issues or look into accusations of abuse and neglect with long-term care facilities. This program is free to any resident who needs it.

Illinois Adult Protective Services

(866) 800-1409

Illinois Adult Protective Services coordinates with 40 provider agencies through the state to investigate any claims of abuse and neglect of seniors or disabled individuals. This program looks into instances of abuse and neglect that are outside of the boundaries of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. If someone suspects abuse, exploitation or neglect of a senior, they can call the number 24-hours a day to get immediate help.

Illinois Senior HelpLine

(800) 252-8966

The Illinois Senior HelpLine is a hotline seniors or their family members can call at any time of the day to get help with accessing programs and services. The HelpLine will also listen to accusations of abuse and provide connections to services that can help. The primary goal of the Senior HelpLine is to connect seniors to the local information and assistance they qualify to receive.

Are loved ones allowed to visit to provide emotional support?

Are relatives allowed to visit for end-of-life care?

Are residents required to quarantine after visiting with a loved one?

Are visitors required to wear PPE (including masks) in order to visit residents?

Are non-medical contractors (such as hairdressers and entertainers) allowed in senior living facilities?

Does the state recommend or require that senior living facilities assist families with setting up virtual visit alternatives?

Are visitors checked for elevated temperatures?

Are visitors required to answer questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?

Are residents allowed to leave the facility for non-medical reasons?

Yes

Are residents of senior living facilities who leave and return required to self-quarantine?

No (Conditions Apply)

Are senior living facilities required to cancel all group outings?

No

Are residents still eating together in the dining hall?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are facilities still allowed to host group activities within the community?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are staff members and contractors being screened for elevated temperatures?

Yes

Are staff members and contractors being tested for Coronavirus?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are staff members and contractors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?

Yes

Are staff members required to regularly screen residents for coronavirus symptoms?

Yes

Are residents relied on to screen themselves and self-report potential coronavirus symptoms?

No

Are staff members required to take residents’ temperatures?

Yes

Are residents being tested for coronavirus?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Assisted Living Service Plan Requirements

Before admission to an assisted living facility, seniors must have an evaluation from a medical professional. Through this evaluation, the facility can determine if they are equipped to care for the needs of the resident. All residents receive a service plan that outlines the care provided.

Assisted Living Admission Requirements

Only residents above the age of 65 or who have a physical disability can enter an ALF in Illinois. Residents must not pose a threat to themselves or others at the facility and they may not require total rehabilitation services or extensive nursing care.

Assisted Living Scope of Care

ALFs must provide housing, meals, housekeeping, laundry and security services. They also must provide assistance with activities of daily living. All residents must have emergency communication devices provided.

Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

The Illinois Supportive Living Program, a Medicaid waiver program, may be able to fund some of the costs of assisted living facilities in Illinois. To qualify, residents must meet medical and income guidelines. This funding covers all but room and board, but funds go to the resident to pay the facility. If a resident has other income, they must spend all but $90 a month on their assisted living costs.

Assisted Living Facility Requirements

All apartments in an ALF must have a locking door, emergency communication option, telephone jack and a view of the outside through a window or door. A bed in good condition, lighting and privacy corners are also necessary. All residents must have their own bathroom with working fixtures and assistive devices as required in their service plan. Apartments must have small kitchens.

Medication Management Regulations

Under the current Administrative Code, only licensed healthcare providers can administer medication. If a facility is going to offer medication management, then a qualified health professional must approve their handling methods. Staff that are not licensed cannot watch self-administered medication unless they report directly to a licensed healthcare professional. Medications have to be stored safely with proper labeling indicating the patient and dosing. All residents must have medication records that show when they took their medications.

Staffing Requirements

At all times, ALFs must have one staff member on-site who is trained in CPR. They also must always have at least one awake staff member. The state does not specify a particular ratio of staff members but does require that they are sufficient in number to meet the needs of residents.

Staff Training Requirements

All newly hired staff must have an orientation about the community and the basic requirements of care. Within the first 30 days, they must have training about resident service plans and activities of daily living. Eight hours of training every 12 months are required for all staff members.

Background Checks for Assisted Living

The Health Care Worker Background Check Act and Health Care Worker Background Check Code require ALFs in Illinois to perform background checks on their staff members. All staff members will also need a check against the Health Care Worker Registry.

Requirements for Reporting Abuse

Any instances of potential abuse must be reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health within 24 hours using the Assisted Living Complaint Registry. The person who is accused of abuse must be immediately terminated.