Nursing homes and assisted living in Illinois

Illinois has many options for caring for an older loved one. Here we explain the names you'll hear, how Medicaid helps and who to call.

What care settings are called here

• Nursing home: provides nursing care around the clock. In Illinois, licenses come in different classes, such as skilled, intermediate and sheltered care. Nursing homes are licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
• Assisted Living Establishment: a residence with your own apartment or room, meals and help with daily activities like bathing or dressing. Licenses are issued by the IDPH's Division of Assisted Living.
• Shared Housing Establishment: another type of residence with support services. It's covered by the same law as assisted living (the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act) and is also licensed by the IDPH.
• Supportive Living Facility (SLF): residences similar to assisted living that are part of a Medicaid program. They are overseen by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), not the IDPH.

To find a licensed place, the IDPH has an online directory: llcs.dph.illinois.gov.

How Medicaid helps in Illinois

Illinois Medicaid is run by the HFS. It can pay for care in a nursing home when the person qualifies based on income, assets and care needs. Many people get their benefits through HealthChoice Illinois health plans.

If your loved one would rather stay at home or in a smaller place, there are two key programs:

• Community Care Program (CCP): run by the Department on Aging. It's for people 60 and older who need long-term care and have no more than $17,500 in assets (the home, car and furniture don't count). It offers help at home, adult day care and an emergency button, among other services. You must apply for Medicaid as part of the process. It's coordinated by local offices called Care Coordination Units.
• Supportive Living Program: works through a Medicaid waiver. It's for people 65 and older, or ages 22 to 64 with a physical disability, who need the level of care a nursing home provides. Medicaid pays for services such as personal care, housekeeping and medicines. The resident pays for rent and meals from their income and keeps $90 a month for personal expenses. Information: 217-782-0545 or 844-528-8444.

Where to apply for Medicaid: online at abe.illinois.gov or by phone through the DHS Help Line, 1-800-843-6154 (TTY 1-800-447-6404). When you finish, ask for your case number and keep it.

How much care costs in Illinois

According to the CareScout Cost of Care 2025 survey (data from July to November 2025, published in March 2026), these are the median costs in Illinois:

• In-home caregiver (non-medical): $36 an hour.
• Adult day center: $91 a day.
• Assisted living: $6,219 a month.
• Nursing home, semi-private room: $8,304 a month.
• Nursing home, private room: $9,216 a month.

These are typical prices for the state. They change depending on the area and the place, so always ask for a written quote.

Who to call

• Department on Aging Senior HelpLine: 1-800-252-8966 (711 TRS). It offers guidance on programs for older adults, the Community Care Program and your local agency.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman (an advocate for residents): reach it through the same Senior HelpLine, 1-800-252-8966. It's free and confidential, and it helps residents and families with their questions.
• IDPH nursing home hotline: 1-800-252-4343, available 24 hours a day.
• Eldercare Locator (national): 1-800-677-1116, to find services anywhere in the country.

Tips for your family

• Check the license before you visit. The IDPH directory shows each place's license type and capacity. You can also see the licensed care facilities in Illinois on hogaresparamayores.com.
• Ask about Supportive Living. If your loved one has a low income and doesn't need nursing care all day, it can be a good option. You can find these residences by county on the HFS website.
• Look for staff who speak Spanish. When you visit, ask how many staff members speak Spanish and whether there are activities in Spanish.
• Get your Medicaid paperwork ready early. For people over 65, they ask for bank and retirement account balances. If you have questions about assets or income, check with the agency or a professional.