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The Best Assisted Living in Chicago

Matthew Jones Matthew Jones Writer and Editor

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Chicago is known for having one of the largest senior populations in the nation. The Windy City currently has 2.66 million people, 12.8 percent of whom are 65 or older.1 That means there are approximately 340,000 older adults in Chicago. According to the Administration for Community Living, about 37 percent of adults age 65 and over will require facility care — including assisted living — during their retirement.2 There could be well over 100,000 people in need of assisted living in Chicago right now.

Fortunately, there are dozens of assisted living and retirement communities throughout the greater Chicago area. To make care even more accessible, Illinois developed the Supportive Living Program (SLP), which helps low-income seniors and people with eligible disabilities get Medicaid coverage for supportive care.3 That can make the language a bit different for senior communities in Chicago and the rest of Illinois, however, since the terms “assisted living” and “supportive living” are often used interchangeably, although the latter often includes certain types of care that would be available only at a nursing home.

In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the best assisted living communities in Chicago, Illinois. Continue reading to see which community may be the best fit for you or someone important in your life.

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  • 1. Belmont Village Senior Living Lincoln Park

    Luxury Senior Apartments Near Lincoln Park Zoo

    STARTING PRICE

    $6,000 per month

    ADDRESS

    700 W. Fullerton Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The street view of Belmont Village Senior Living Lincoln Park. 

    Source Image: Belmont Village Senior Living Lincoln Park. 

    Highlights

    • Independent living, assisted living, mild cognitive impairment care, memory care, and short-term stays
    • Central location just blocks away from Lincoln Park Zoo and Lake Michigan
    • Extensive resident-enrichment programs
    • Thorough in-house training for all caregivers

    Overview

    Belmont Village Senior Living in Lincoln Park offers several living options for older adults. In addition to independent living and assisted living, seniors can take advantage of mild cognitive impairment care, memory care, and short-term stays as needed. The best part of moving to Belmont Village Senior Living is that the community thoroughly vets and trains its staff. Every caregiver must go through a 40-plus-hour in-house training course, along with advanced dementia training and customized training for different types of caregivers.

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: Want to learn more about what it’s like to live in Illinois? Check out our Illinois senior statistics guide.

    Belmont Village Senior Living in Lincoln Park is known for its wide range of resident-enrichment programs. The programs are specifically designed to keep residents feeling engaged and fulfilled. Some of the most popular programs include Whole Brain Fitness and Circle of Friends, both of which help build cognitive function through fun activities. Online reviews frequently praise Belmont Village Senior Living for its award-winning staff and the efficacy of its therapeutic programs.

  • 2. Artis Senior Living of Lakeview

    Holistic Senior Care With Ample Amenities

    STARTING PRICE

    $5,500 per month

    ADDRESS

    3535 N. Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The street view of Artis Senior Living of Lakeview.

    Source Image: Artis Senior Living of Lakeview.

    Highlights

    • Assisted living, memory care, respite care, and hospice care
    • Holistic approach to resident care plans
    • LGBTQ-friendly community
    • Close to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment

    Overview

    Located just a few blocks from Wrigley Field, Artis Senior Living of Lakeview is an assisted living and memory care community that also offers respite and hospice care services. Rather than depending on cookie-cutter senior living solutions, Artis has designed its own holistic approach to care, known as the Artis Way. The approach creates a profile based on each resident’s needs and interests to build an adaptive care plan.

    Artis Senior Living is one of the few assisted living communities in Chicago to be outspokenly passionate about diversity and inclusion. The community has attained SAGECare credentials, demonstrating competency and training related to LGBTQ+ aging. Many family members commend Artis Senior Living of Lakeview for the fun activities calendar and the spacious, cheerful rooms.

  • 3. The Carrington at Lincolnwood

    13-Acre Campus With Easy Access to Shopping

    STARTING PRICE

    $5,425 per month

    ADDRESS

    3501 Northeast Parkway, Lincolnwood, IL 60712

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Overhead view of the Carrington at Lincolnwood and the city skyline.

    Source Image: The Carrington at Lincolnwood and the city skyline.

    Highlights

    • Independent living, assisted living, and memory care
    • Transparent pricing and cost-comparison calculator
    • Across the street from Lincolnwood Town Center
    • Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts

    Overview

    Located in North Chicago, the Carrington at Lincolnwood is a sprawling, 13-acre property that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Close to the Lincoln Town Center shopping mall and Lincolnwood Centennial Park, the Carrington gives residents plenty of ways to enjoy their surroundings. The community has a movie theater, designated worship areas, two libraries, a game room, and community-wide Wi-Fi.

    Another benefit of choosing the Carrington at Lincolnwood is the ability to anticipate your expenses before you move in. If you visit the community’s website, you can find starting prices for different levels of care. You can input your current living expenses to see how the cost of living at the Carrington compares. Many online reviews also commend the Carrington for its modern, resort-style rooms and common areas.

  • 4. Covenant Home of Chicago

    Supportive Living by the ZA Medical Center

    STARTING PRICE

    $4,190 per month

    ADDRESS

    2720 W. Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front entrance at Covenant Home of Chicago.

    Source Image: Covenant Home of Chicago.

    Highlights

    • Independent and assisted living
    • Concierge service
    • Nearby access to the ZA Medical Center
    • SLP provider

    Overview

    Located just a few blocks east of the Chicago River, near River Park, Covenant Home of Chicago is an independent and assisted living community, as well as an official SLP provider. That means you may be eligible to get help paying for your care at Covenant Home via Medicaid. It’s technically labeled a “supportive living” community, but Covenant Home of Chicago provides all the same services and care you would expect at a standard assisted living community, including 24/7 access to caregivers, scheduled transportation services, and assistance with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing.

    Covenant Home has a calendar full of fun activities and a concierge service to help make each day easier and filled with entertainment. The community also has a movie room, cafe, art studio, library, and physical therapy gym. Multiple online reviews mention the cleanliness of the property and the dedication of the friendly staff.

  • 5. The Sheridan at River Forest

    Stylish Senior Community on the West Side

    STARTING PRICE

    $5,500 per month

    ADDRESS

    800 N. Harlem Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    A bird’s eye view of the Sheridan at River Forest.

    Source Image: The Sheridan at River Forest.

    Highlights

    • Assisted living and memory care
    • Close to various parks and cultural points of interest
    • Bright, modern interior design
    • Family-owned and operated

    Overview

    The Sheridan at River Forest is located in West Chicago, just a short drive from some of Chicago’s most interesting historical landmarks and cultural hotspots. Residents of the Sheridan can visit the nearby Ernest Hemingway Museum, the home of Frank Lloyd Wright, or the Trailside Museum of Natural History. The community is also just a short drive from the Oak Park Country Club.

    What really counts is the kind of care and attention you receive at the Sheridan at River Forest. As a family-owned business, the Sheridan offers round-the-clock care and personalized plans for each resident. You can enjoy some of the community’s unique programs, such as Thymeless, which focuses on growing and cultivating gardens, or Bookmarks, a Montessori-based book club. Online reviews of the Sheridan at River Forest often praise the design and layout of the facility, a feature that helped it come in second place for the annual SHN Architecture and Design Award in 2021.

  • 6. The Clare

    High-Rise Apartments in the Heart of Chicago

    STARTING PRICE

    $5,500 per month

    ADDRESS

    55 E. Pearson Street, Chicago, IL 60611

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front entrance of the Clare.

    Source Image: The Clare.

    Highlights

    Overview

    The Clare is a luxury senior apartment building that primarily functions as an independent living community in central Chicago. It also offers a skilled nursing facility, short-term rehab, and assisted living, collectively known as the Terraces. The Clare and the Terraces are in the same building and are operated by the same staff, but the latter is equipped to provide residents with medical care and assistive services.

    Whether you move into the Clare or the Terraces, you’ll have access to the same luxury services and amenities. The property has valet and concierge services, fine dining, and life enrichment programs. Reviews of the Clare frequently commend the community for providing top-notch care and customer service.

  • 7. Grand Regency of South Shore

    Supportive Medical Care Near Rainbow Beach Park

    STARTING PRICE

    $3,290 per month

    ADDRESS

    7419 S. Exchange Avenue, Chicago, IL 60649

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    A common area at Grand Regency of South Shore.

    Source Image: Grand Regency of South Shore.

    Highlights

    • Affordable senior housing and care
    • Easy access to Rainbow Beach Park
    • Spacious and comfortable rooms
    • SLP provider

    Overview

    Formerly known as Coles Supportive Living, Grand Regency of South Shore is an approved SLP provider and assisted living community located steps away from the beautiful Rainbow Beach Park. The location is ideal for older adults who want help with their daily needs, but also want to enjoy all the beauty and convenience Chicago has to offer. Spacious, comfortably furnished rooms make life at Grand Regency even more appealing.

    With starting prices well below average for assisted living in Chicago, Grand Regency of South Shore is among the most affordable senior-care communities in the city. Since Grand Regency is also a certified SLP provider, some residents may qualify for financial assistance through Medicaid. Based on reviews of the community, family members have often been pleasantly surprised by the knowledgeable and caring staff.

  • 8. Ravenswood Senior Living

    Affordable Housing for Independent and Supportive Living

    STARTING PRICE

    $3,200 per month

    ADDRESS

    1922 W. Sunnyside Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front entrance at Ravenswood Senior Living.

    Source Image: Ravenswood Senior Living.

    Highlights

    • Independent living, assisted living, and hospice and palliative care
    • Kitchenettes in every room
    • Daily activities and enrichment programs
    • SLP provider

    Overview

    Ravenswood Senior Living is a certified SLP provider that offers independent living, assisted living, and hospice care to seniors in North Chicago. The surrounding neighborhood has various attractions, including art exhibits, shopping, and fine dining. Ravenswood Senior Living is also just a short drive from a few natural sites such as Montrose Beach and Peace Garden.

    Residents at Ravenswood Senior Living can enjoy the convenience of homestyle meals and snacks, along with a kitchenette in each room to allow for greater independence. Ravenswood hosts a wide range of daily activities, including wellness programs, exercise classes, and parties. Most reviews praise Ravenswood for the easy application and smooth move-in process.

  • 9. Eden Supportive Living Chicago North

    Supportive Care for Young Adults and Seniors

    STARTING PRICE

    $4,200 per month

    ADDRESS

    940 W. Gordon Terrace, Chicago, IL 60613

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front entrance of Eden Supportive Living Chicago North.

    Source Image: Eden Supportive Living Chicago North.

    Highlights

    • Large indoor spaces for sports and other physical activities
    • Beautiful outdoor garden and gazebo
    • Care available to both younger and older adults
    • SLP provider

    Overview

    Eden Supportive Living (Chicago North) is one of several Eden locations throughout Illinois. The Chicago North location is a certified SLP provider that focuses on assisted living care for older adults. Unlike most facilities of its kind, however, Eden Supportive Living doesn’t just provide care and housing to the over-55 crowd. Adults ages 22 and older with qualifying disabilities can live at Eden Supportive Living and receive one-on-one care, which makes Eden more accessible and creates a diverse environment for the residents.

    The facility at Eden Supportive Living (Chicago North) is one of its most attractive features. Residents can stroll around the grounds, enjoying the gardens and outdoor seating areas. There are also plenty of places indoors to kick up your feet with others or in the privacy of your own room. The staff at Eden Supportive Living puts an emphasis on physical activity, with a calendar full of sports and exercise classes for people of all ages. Family members often praise the community for its high-quality facilities and warm hospitality.

  • 10. The Selfhelp Home

    Award-Winning Assisted Living for Jewish Seniors

    STARTING PRICE

    $3,860 per month

    ADDRESS

    908 W. Argyle Street, Chicago, IL 60640

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    A solarium at the Selfhelp Home.

    Source Image: The Selfhelp Home.

    Highlights

    • Independent living, assisted living, long-term skilled care, outpatient therapy, short-term rehab, respite care, and short-term stays
    • CMS five-star rated Medicare-licensed facility
    • Large halls for worship, activities, and other social gatherings
    • Pet-friendly property

    Overview

    The Selfhelp Home was founded in the wake of World War II as a haven for Jewish seniors in Chicago. The Selfhelp Home is among the best senior care facilities in the city, having been recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the quality of its services. As a Jewish retirement community, the Selfhelp Home offers kosher cuisine, along with special accommodations for worship and the celebration of Jewish holidays.

    FYI:

    FYI: Want to learn more about accessing religious services at an assisted living community? Visit our guide on faith-based senior care.

    Part of what makes the Selfhelp Home so popular is its versatile care options. The community provides a full continuum of care so seniors can get the support they need at every stage of life. The Selfhelp Home also offers lots of extras to make life even more enjoyable, including music therapy, pet-friendly apartments, and fun outings. Online reviews often commend the Selfhelp Home for its professional and organized team of caregivers.

  • Belmont Village Senior Living Lincoln Park
  • Artis Senior Living of Lakeview
  • The Carrington at Lincolnwood
  • Covenant Home of Chicago
  • The Sheridan at River Forest
  • The Clare
  • Grand Regency of South Shore
  • Ravenswood Senior Living
  • Eden Supportive Living Chicago North
  • The Selfhelp Home

How We Chose the Best Assisted Living in Chicago

Choosing an assisted living community is a big decision. It’s not something you should take lightly, since it could affect your happiness and well-being for the foreseeable future. We also take it very seriously, and we believe in researching assisted living communities thoroughly to provide you with the best options. Here are some of the criteria we used while researching the best assisted living communities in Chicago:

  • Cost: The cost of assisted living is not the only factor we consider, but it’s one of the most important. Assisted living is usually more expensive than independent living because trained professionals are providing direct assistance to residents. We focus our attention on communities that keep prices low but still provide good value.
  • Available care: Many — but not all —  assisted living communities offer multiple types of care and housing. You may find a combination of independent and assisted living, or an assisted living facility that also offers memory care or short-term rehabilitation. We try to include as many communities as possible that have the capacity to adapt to the changing needs of adults in retirement.
  • Reviews: We comb through hundreds of online reviews to see what people have to say about each community. We cannot include information from every single review in our analysis, but we take common complaints and commendations into consideration.
  • Amenities: Amenities are a big part of what makes assisted living communities so much more than mere facilities. Quality amenities help improve the resident experience and make you feel as though you’re staying at a high-end resort or five-star hotel. If a community offers great amenities, it has a much better chance of making our list.
  • Location: Location is very important since most seniors want to go out and enjoy the city from time to time. If a community is near shopping, restaurants, or popular attractions, it may be more appealing to older adults who want to partake in regular excursions.
  • Staff size: We focus on assisted living communities that offer high staff-to-resident ratios, often with a maximum of eight residents per caregiver.

How to Find the Right Assisted Living Community for You

When it comes time to find the right assisted living community, you can make the process much easier by following a few simple tips:

  • Identify your needs: Do you have a family history of dementia? Are you currently struggling to prepare food on your own? Do you anticipate mobility issues in the near future? These are all questions you should ask yourself before deciding which community is right for you. Understanding your current needs and anticipating your future needs will help you find a community that can cater to your specific requirements.
  • Review your budget: Some assisted living communities may not be a good fit for your budget. Prices vary from one community to another, so you’ll want to know how much you can comfortably spend before you make a decision. Medicare usually doesn’t cover assisted living, but Medicaid may be an option in Illinois if you qualify. Most seniors depend on Social Security benefits, retirement savings, long-term care insurance, or a combination of the three to pay for assisted living.
  • Read reviews: Reading reviews from residents or family members who have firsthand experience is one of the best ways to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each community. Even though we consult reviews during our research, you’ll almost certainly find that reading the reviews yourself can provide additional insight.
  • Visit communities: Always visit a community before moving in. Just because a community looks great on paper (or on its website) doesn’t mean it will be a great experience in real life. Whether you schedule a tour in advance or show up unannounced, try to get a feel for the day-to-day operations of the community by speaking to residents and staff.
  • Check licensing and certifications: While researching a community, check that it has up-to-date licensing and certifications to operate in Illinois.
  • Trust your gut: When all else fails, don’t be afraid to trust your gut! It can be nerve-wracking to decide between two or more assisted living communities you like, especially if they offer similar services. In the end, you’ll have to make a decision, and you may have to rely on your intuition to figure out which one is right for you.

What Is Living in Chicago Like for Seniors?

Chicago is a great city for seniors since it offers many interesting cultural attractions and the natural beauty of Lake Michigan. There are several factors to consider, however, especially if you’re relocating from another city. Below are a few important things to know about living in Chicago, Illinois:

  • Climate: Chicago has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The city is known for being very windy, and winter temperatures regularly dip below freezing. Some seniors may not mind the cold temperatures and strong winds, but the city may be a bit too chilly for others.
  • Health care: Chicago generally has good health care, with several hospitals that rank among the best in the nation.4
  • Cost of living: Life in Chicago is pretty expensive compared to many other places in the United States. The cost of living is approximately 20 percent higher than the national average, and housing is one of the biggest expenses. Since a large portion of assisted living fees go directly to room and board, high housing costs can make it more expensive for seniors to access supportive services in Chicago.
  • Walkability: Many neighborhoods in Chicago are very walkable — weather permitting. Chicago is also known for its public transit system, which makes it easier for older adults to explore the city.
  • Activities: Chicago has a lot for older adults to enjoy, including professional sports, public parks, museums, boating, and historical sites.
  • Safety: Sadly, Chicago has a reputation for being unsafe, largely because the crime rate has been on the rise in recent years.5 Nonetheless, there are dozens of perfectly safe neighborhoods throughout the city.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Chicago, Illinois?

According to Genworth, the 2024 estimated median cost of an assisted living community in Chicago is $5,272 per month. That’s around 7.2 percent more expensive than the national median of $4,917.6

The price of assisted living can vary substantially based on the community you choose and the level of care you require. Costs associated with specific types of care can significantly impact the price. Memory care, for example, typically costs far more than traditional assisted living care. That said, you can find communities that offer customizable plans and starting rates that are well below the average in Chicago.

Citations
  1. United States Census Bureau. (2022). QuickFacts – Chicago city, Illinois; United States.

  2. Administration for Community Living. (2020). How Much Care Will You Need?

  3. Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. (2023). Illinois Supportive Living Program.

  4. Chicago Business. (2023). These are the best hospitals in Chicago, says new list.

  5. NBC Chicago. (2023). How Chicago ranked on list of cities deemed ‘safe’ by Americans in new poll.

  6. Genworth. (2022). Cost of Care Survey.

Written By:
Matthew Jones
Writer and Editor
Read About Our Panel of Experts
Matthew is a freelance writer who has written on a wide range of topics, from personal finance to nutrition. Over the past three years, Matthew has worked extensively on articles and guides for seniors related to Medicare, insurance, and finance…. Learn More About Matthew Jones
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