The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Chicago, IL

Page Reviewed / Updated - August 18, 2020

Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a thriving city that's home to nearly 2.7 million residents. Seniors aged 65 and older make up 12% of the population, and the city is ranked as one of the top five best cities in America by Resonance Consultancy, based on factors such as air quality, crime rates and cultural diversity. 

Seniors who like to stay active can find plenty to do in Chicago. The Lincoln Park Zoo is a popular destination for day trips, and there are lots of shops, restaurants and galleries to explore along the Magnificent Mile. The city is home to a number of renowned academic institutions, museums and world-class hospitals, including the nationally-ranked University of Chicago Medical Center and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Here are our picks for the 10 best assisted living facilities in Chicago, Illinois. Additionally, find out more about the cost of assisted living in Chicago and what financial assistance programs are available.

The Best Assisted Living Facilities in Chicago, IL

Victory Centre of South Chicago

3251 East 92nd Street
Chicago, IL 60617
(872) 228-9726

The Victory Centre of South Chicago is a large senior living community with 72 independent living apartments and 112 assisted living apartments. Residents are encouraged to join some of the many on-site activities such as the World Tour, an educational series that explores new languages and international cultures. The facility also operates See Spot Retire, an innovative program that connects residents with older rescue dogs, and Good Vibrations, a drumming circle focused on spiritual, physical and mental well-being. We included Victory Centre of South Chicago on our top 10 list because it offers unique programming to keep seniors active and engaged. 

• One-bedroom apartments equipped with kitchenettes and accessible bathrooms
• Meals prepared using locally sourced ingredients

Autumn Green at Midway Village

6700 South Keating Avenue
Chicago, IL 60629
(708) 978-6533

Located next to Michael J. Madigan Sr. park, just a few blocks from Chicago Midway International airport, Autumn Green at Midway Village offers independent and assisted living services. There are plenty of amenities, including a business center and free Wi-Fi, library, cards room and art center. Residents can enjoy the great outdoors in comfort thanks to the spacious courtyard patio and paved walking path, and well-behaved pets are welcome upon approval. 

• Daily recreational activities focused on maintaining balance and mobility
• Regular escorted trips to local restaurants, shops and attractions

Brookdale Lake Shore Drive

2960 North Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 231-7206

Offering stunning views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, Brookdale Lake Shore Drive is a luxurious senior living community. Residents enjoy easy access to Chicago's iconic Lincoln Park, where seniors can stroll paved walking trails to the Lincoln Park Zoo, Theatre on the Lake and Fullerton Beach. AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital is right next door, and there are plenty of independent shops and restaurants in the neighborhood. On-site amenities include a concierge service, guest suites, fireside living room and enclosed courtyard. We featured Brookdale Lake Shore Drive in this top 10 list because of its impressive location in one of Chicago's most sought-after neighborhoods. 

• Assisted and independent living services
• Pet-friendly community

Covenant Home of Chicago

2720 West Foster Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 596-2215

Covenant Home of Chicago is a nonsectarian senior living community located in Andersonville, a vibrant residential neighborhood. The Swedish Hospital, an acute care facility with a 24/7 emergency department, is right across the street, and a number of physician and specialist clinics are nearby. Covenant Home features large, bright apartments equipped with kitchenettes, and residents can choose from many dining options. A concierge is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and residents receive priority access to memory care, skilled nursing and rehab care at Chicago Methodist Senior Services. 

• 24-hour emergency response system
• LGBTQ+ inclusive

Autumn Green at Wright Campus

4239 North Oak Park Avenue
Chicago, IL 60634
(872) 205-4250

Situated close to O'Hare International Airport, Autumn Green at Wright Campus is a welcoming, vibrant senior living community that offers assisted and independent living services. Pets are welcome, and residents have access to plenty of common amenities, including a billiards and cards room, enclosed courtyard, library and beauty salon. Meals are served in the restaurant-style dining room, and the on-site culinary team accommodates special diets on request. 

• Weekly happy hours, movie nights and group outings
• Spacious private suites equipped with kitchens, en suite storage and large bedrooms

St. Joseph Village of Chicago

4021 West Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 328-5500

Founded in 1894 by Mother Mary Theresa Dudzik, St. Joseph Village is a Catholic, nonprofit senior living community that welcomes people of all faiths. Located just a few blocks west of Wrigley Field, with easy access to public transit, this facility offers a range of services, including assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and memory care. Regular services are held at the on-site chapel, and residents are encouraged to make use of the craft and hobby rooms, landscaped courtyard, exercise room and hydrotherapy whirlpool. 

• SeniorFIT program promotes active aging
• Family party room can be reserved for private events

Norwood Crossing

6016 North Nina Avenue
Chicago, IL 60631
(773) 631-4856

Norwood Crossing is a pet-friendly senior living community in Old Norwood Park offering assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing care. The AMITA Health Resurrection Medical Center is nearby, and numerous cafes and shops are within easy walking distance. Residents can rest easy knowing that caring, compassionate staff is always available, and housekeeping, laundry and linen service are provided each week. Nutritious meals and snacks are served in the dining room, and the busy activity calendar includes live entertainment, exercise classes and sing-alongs. 

• Locally owned and operated nonprofit facility
• Large, landscaped campus

Brookdale Lake View

3121 North Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 234-3981

Offering an ideal location just steps from Chicago's lakeside Lincoln Park, Brookdale Lake View is an upscale, full-service senior living community. Residents can spend their days enjoying on-site amenities such as the bistro, theater, fitness center and crafts studio, or explore one of the many nearby restaurants and shops. A community room is available for special events, and guest suites can be reserved for out-of-town visitors. 

• On-site medical clinic and therapy room
• Business center equipped with computers and Wi-Fi access

Sunrise of Lincoln Park

2710 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
(874) 686-3720

Sunrise of Lincoln Park is a warm, inviting senior living community in Chicago's Park West neighborhood, close to Lincoln Park. Caring staff is available 24 hours a day, and a number of world-class medical facilities, including Northwestern Hospital and Illinois Masonic Hospital, are nearby. Residents are encouraged to stay as active and independent as possible through the Live With Purpose program, which includes gentle exercise classes to promote physical and cognitive wellness. 

• Large, sunlit common areas
• Restaurant-style dining room

Mercy Circle

3659 West 99th Street
Chicago, IL 60655
(773) 253-3600

Located on a sprawling, landscaped campus 17 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, Mercy Circle is a full-service senior living community with independent and assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing services. Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, this faith-based facility provides seniors with spacious one-bedroom apartments equipped with large walk-in showers, en suite storage and compact kitchenettes. Friends and family are always welcome to join their loved ones for a meal in the formal dining room, and daily liturgy is offered in the chapel. 

• Beauty salon and barbershop
• Regular movie nights

The Cost of Senior Living and Care in Chicago

Chicago’s senior care is the most expensive in Illinois compared to other large cities. Assisted living costs in the city are almost $800 more than the state average. The city also leads the way in cost in other areas of senior care – according to the 2018 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, nursing home care is 19% higher than the state average. These costs, however, can be offset by the many services, waivers and low-cost housing options offered by the City of Chicago and various charities.

How much does Assisted Living Cost in Chicago?

Chicago’s assisted living cost is $4,794 per month, which is about $800 more than the state average of $4,030. Nearby cities that come close in cost are neighbors Rockford to the east at $4,770 and the more northerly Bloomington at $4,650. Other large cities in the state average between $3,700 and $4,400 per month, with Peoria having the lowest rate of $3,750, more than $1,000 less per month than Chicago.   

How much does Home Care Cost in Chicago?

At $28.60 per hour, the average monthly home care costs in Chicago are $4,576, assuming a 44-hour work week. This is almost $400 more than the state average of $4,195. The city of Bloomington’s monthly average is relatively close to that of Chicago’s at $4,433, but it’s about $150 less per month. Decatur is the least expensive city in the state at almost $1,000 less a month than Chicago.

How much does Adult Day Care Cost in Chicago?

Chicago is the third most expensive city for adult day care in Illinois at $1,728 per month – that’s $161 higher than the state average of $1,567. Although the cities of Champaign and Carbondale average monthly costs higher than Chicago, the difference between the three cities is less than $10 per month. Peoria is the least expensive city at $1,186 per month, $542 less than Chicago. The average monthly cost for other cities in Illinois is between $1,408 and $1,647 per month.

How much does Nursing Home Costs in Chicago?

A semi-private room at a nursing facility in Chicago is $7,330 per month, $1,414 more than the state average. The cities of Champaign and Bloomington are relatively close in cost to Chicago at $6,570 and $6,342 respectively. Other cities in the state are cheaper while still averaging monthly costs between $5,019 and $6,088.

Financial Assistance Programs in Chicago

HealthChoice Illinois

HealthChoice Illinois is a version of the state’s Medicaid program available in Chicago’s Cook County. As part of HealthChoice Illinois, Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Medical Benefits is a Medicaid entitlement program specifically for low-income seniors and persons with a permanent disability. The program covers everything that traditional Medicaid does, along with long-term nursing care, home health aids, hospice, transportation, and durable medical equipment.

As of 2017, applicants must fall below an asset threshold of $2,000 per month if single and $3,000 if applying as a married couple. 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.

Medicare Extra-Help

Some low-income Medicare beneficiaries may be eligible to participate in the Extra Help Program. Benefits are estimated to be worth $4,900 per year and will help to cover the costs of prescriptions, monthly premiums, and annual deductibles. Applicants should have a yearly income of $14,390 or less for individuals and $28,720 or less for couples. For more information and to apply, interested parties can call (800) 772-1213 or visit the website.

Other Financial Assistance Programs in Chicago

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers

HCBS waivers offered by Medicaid will pay for services for eligible seniors 60 years or older. Most waivers available to Chicagoans will require that the applicant has been assessed as being at risk for nursing home placement, and the cost of in-home care would be less than that of institutionalization. Waivers typically cover home health aide services, emergency response, and adult day care, at a minimum. To apply for an HCBS waiver in Chicago, please call (800) 252-8966.

Aid to The Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD)

This is a cash and medical assistance program that is available to low-income seniors through the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). Recipients may also be eligible to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and may use the same application. Applicants should be 65 years or older, blind or disabled, and already receiving supplemental Insurance benefits, or be eligible in all regards except for income. Applications may be submitted via the DHS website or by calling (800) 843-6154 to find a local DHS office.

Waiver for Supportive Living Facilities

This is a program designed to help low-income seniors 65 and older that currently receive Medicaid to live independently in a long-term care facility that is not a nursing home. This waiver covers the costs of assisted living that are not usually covered by Medicaid such as food and rent. Program participants must need a nursing home level of care, but choose to receive it in an assisted living facility. There is an income cap of $735 for single adults and $1,103 for couples as of 2018.

Home-care services, medication oversight, personal emergency response devices, intermittent nursing, housekeeping, and laundry are some services that are included in the waiver. Interested parties may read more about the program here, or call (844) 528-8444 to obtain more information and instructions on how to apply.

Community Care Program

The Community Care Program, also known as the Waiver for the Elderly, is a Medicaid entitlement waiver specifically for seniors that need a nursing home level of care, but would rather stay in their own homes. To be eligible, recipients must be 65 or older, be able to pass a Determination of Need assessment, have limited mobility, and be at risk of being placed in a nursing care facility. Additionally, an asset level of $17,500 or less is required.

Waivers services include adult day care with meals, emergency home response services for seniors that have documented mobility issues and health and safety needs, and in-home care that provides help with daily tasks. For more information on this waiver or to apply, please visit the Community Care website or call (800) 252-8966.

More Senior Living Resources in Chicago