Chicago features an array of care and lifestyle options for its diverse and growing senior population. Chicago memory care communities provide assistance with a senior’s daily activities and support their well-being and quality of life through customized care. Some of Chicago’s memory care communities feature both assisted living and memory care within the same facility, and many include on-site skilled nursing. Since memory care communities tend to reach capacity quite often, communities that include assisted living can often accommodate individuals in earlier stages of dementia even as they await an open spot in the memory care unit.
A Place for Mom partners with 19 memory care communities within a 10-mile radius of the Chicago city center. This guide gathers information from A Place for Mom’s proprietary data on Chicago memory care communities, 20+ years of senior living experience, and contacts with local experts. With this guide, you can browse memory care options based on specific needs — budget-friendly services and amenities, care types, pet accommodations, and many other offerings. You will also find cost information, Illinois senior living laws and regulations, and other resources for Chicago seniors.
Great experience. All the staff were attentive and every concern was addressed promptly. From the front desk to day to day care I felt heard and felt confident mom would be safe. There were few glitches and...
Very expensive and increasing 10% after only 6 months. They could communicate better on how things are done, eg prescriptions, health insurance, activities, etc. Yes, we would recommend this community to...
I have only been here for a few months, but I like it here very much. The food is very good. I go to so many activities, always something to do here. Dining experience is so great, restaurant style. don’t...
Our east-facing 2 bedroom apartment overlook Lake Michigan, with a view from Evanston to Downtown Chicago, and full windows from 2-3 above floor. Stunning. Our building neighbors are interesting and...
I think the most important thing that sticks out about Clarendale are the activities. The staff really make an effort to involve all the memory care residents. This did not happen at the previous facility he...
Clean and welcoming environment, well maintained. Staff are excellent, well trained and totally resident-focussed. They seem to like their work and know their residents' likes, dislikes, and details. A very...
Very friendly staff. They take good care of you and are always trying to make their residents comfortable. Very nice accommodations. My Dad has enjoyed the food and most of the get togethers they organized.
My husband had therapy following a fall. He came home a different person physically. He recently had surgery and is back for more therapy. I am so relieved and thrilled that he has been able to return. ...
Moved my brother into Autumn Green last month. Everyone at the facility was extremely helpful during the week we were in town to organize the move. I am managing this transition from 2000 miles away in Los...
Great modern design and huge windows - cheerful staff and team. Great community feel in the best of Chicago. The outdoor excursions are often and fun. The living spaces are many and they have a great...
Our mother is at The Selfhelp Home and my family is very happy with everything they have to offer. The staff is very friendly and loves to help and talk with the residents and family members, and there are...
When I say [name removed]. is heaven sent I mean it!!! [name removed] went above and beyond to help me find a senior residencency for my loved one. She was the first person to inform me of a vacant...
Two people in particular were the reason we chose Cantata - [name removed] - Admissions [name removed] - Wellness Manager Weekend staffing seems to utilize temporary, contract help a lot who don't seem...
I had research several places before moving my mom and I so glad that we settled on Brookdale. My mom's apartment is manageable size for her needs, it's walking distance to Trader Joe's and several downtown...
It's a Great facility and the staff is great with the patients. If you're a diabetic there really is no diabetic foods for the diabetic patients. Other than that Grace Point is terrific for my husband's...
The care staff does seem to care. The administrative staff can sometimes be hard to reach. It is a beautiful facility and I think it would be hard to find a perfect facility. I would recommend it.
They were very helpful from the start with transporting my uncle from nursing home to their facility. Everyone is helpful. Building and rooms are very clean bright cheery atmosphere. Had everything I was...
My loved one is currently a resident at Victory Centre of River Woods and overall things have been good for him. I think he's in a good place, not great but good. I do recommend this facility to others.
I’ve been at Plymouth Place now for over two months and love this place. My apartment is a one bedroom 900 sq ft with a 20 ft porch that spans the living and bedroom with sliding glass doors in each room....
Staff works well with family members and is very accommodating. Clean and Happy place. Nice food/restaurant style eating. Very friendly clients welcoming new people and making them feel at home. Very nice...
It a very nice and inviting environment for my mom and also for me when I visit. I feel really good about having my mom there and she really likes it. t's better for people who don't need a ton of extra care...
I am very happy and pleased with this facility so far. All of the staff members have been so helpful and very accommodating. I really like the director and she was amazing in getting my cousin set up and...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Chicago community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
A Place for Mom’s memory care partner facilities in Chicago cost an average of $6,657 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure represents the cost of rent and care services in a Chicago memory care facility, as well as any additional costs for add-ons and amenities, averaged from what real families referred to Chicago memory care have paid in the past 12 months.
Add-ons that may affect the cost of memory care can include services like the following:
Costs in the areas surrounding Chicago can greatly vary. Senior care in the northern suburbs of Chicago often costs closer to $10,000 per month. South of the city, the cost of senior care communities trends downwards.
When looking for affordable memory care communities in Chicago for their loved ones, Illinois residents may find that Wisconsin and northern Indiana are worth exploring. The costs of living and senior care services are significantly lower in these states, and senior care communities in these areas still offer manageable proximity to Chicago.
The figures in the chart below represent baseline costs for memory care in Chicago and nearby cities before adding the costs of optional services and amenities.
There are many private pay and public assistance options available that can help cover the costs of Chicago memory care. Assessing your senior loved one’s financial situation will help you determine the best ways to pay for memory care.
Even if your loved one has private pay methods available, make sure to also apply for any aid or benefits seniors may be eligible for in your area. There may be assistance available that will help private pay options go farther.
To pay for your loved one’s memory care in Chicago, first consider any income your loved one receives, including Social Security benefits, savings, pensions, or investments. Other private pay options include the following:
If your loved one is a U.S. military veteran, they may be able to receive financial support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help cover the cost of memory care. Veterans pension benefits, such as the Aid and Attendance benefit, can help senior veterans and their surviving spouses improve their quality of life with supplemental income.[03]
Applying for veterans benefits can be a challenging process. Even eligible veterans usually require assistance or advocacy to successfully apply. You and your loved one can receive assistance and referrals from veteran service officers in your area by visiting one of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs field offices. Veteran service officers are trained and certified fellow veterans in benefits offerings, and they’re available to help Chicago senior veterans get the most out of their eligibility.
The VA works with veterans services organizations (VSOs) in each state, including Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled Veterans of America offices. Find information on Chicago offices of Veterans Affairs and veterans services officers below.
Number of veterans who live in Chicago
Percentage of Chicago veterans who are 75+
Resources for Chicago veterans
Chicago Office of Veterans Affairs
2102 W. Ogden Ave.
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: 312-743-0720
Chicago Vet Center
3348 W. 87th St., Suite 2
Chicago, IL 60652-3767
Phone: 773-962-3740
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Veterans Benefits Administration Chicago Regional Office
Chicago Disabled American Veterans Office
2122 W. Taylor St., Suite 104
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Medicaid provides health care coverage to low-income seniors and people with disabilities. All Medicaid programs must follow federal and state guidelines. Illinois Medicaid is often called Illinois Medical Assistance Programs and offers several health care programs for seniors.
Illinois Medicaid may help cover the costs of Chicago memory care. Seniors whose income is too high may still qualify by spending their excess income on care services, called a spend down.[04] The following programs may help qualifying seniors in Illinois pay for memory care:
Note that while Illinois Medical Assistance Programs cover some long-term care services, such as dementia support and other health care services, they do not cover room and board at an assisted living community or memory care facility.
To find out if your loved one qualifies, you can check their eligibility online through the ABE (Application for Benefits Eligibility) website linked in the resources below or call 1-800-843-6154.
A local area agency on aging (AAA) can help you and your loved one find additional support with Medicare, Medicaid, and other services. A long-term care ombudsman can also provide advice and advocacy on your loved one’s rights as a resident in senior living, such as a memory care community. Find information on these and other helpful resources below.
Chicago resident Medicaid resources
Chicago Department on Aging
6117 S. Kedzie Ave.
Chicago, IL 60629
Phone: 312-747-0440
312-744-4016
Email: aging@cityofchicago.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Medicare extends coverage to Americans 65 or older and to individuals with certain disabilities. Medicare has many parts that cover different aspects of health care services. Some health care services covered by Medicare include the following:
While Medicare in Chicago won’t cover nonmedical care services at a senior living community, like room and board, it may cover care costs associated with medical treatment, including dementia care. To see what costs Medicare in Cook County will cover, you can dial 2-1-1, visit the federal Medicare website, or reach out to one of your local Chicago Social Security Administration offices. The following programs specifically can help offset some care costs:
If your loved one is eligible for Medicare, the U.S. Social Security Administration can help you access their Medicare benefits. A local long-term care ombudsman can advocate for your loved one’s rights, as well as investigate any complaints of long-term care residents and help ensure that seniors receive the quality of care they deserve. Find links to these resources below.
Chicago resident Medicare resources
Apply for Medicare
Online Medicare application
Medicare-Medicaid Dual Enrollment
Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative
Find a Social Security Administration office near you
Social Security Office Locator
Illinois memory care communities must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Assisted Living. According to Illinois state law, memory care communities must offer the same mandatory services as required for assisted living, including the following:
In addition to these services, Illinois senior care facilities designated to provide memory care must also abide by the following regulations:
The IDPH Division of Assisted Living also regulates shared housing establishments, which can also serve as memory care communities. The same regulations apply to both assisted living and shared housing, except for their distinct size requirements. Both assisted living and shared housing facilities provide residential care for a minimum of three unrelated individuals, at least 80% of whom are 55+ in age. Shared housing communities, however, can have a maximum of 16 residents.
The IDPH Division of Assisted Living performs an unannounced annual review on each Illinois assisted living community and shared housing community, including memory care communities.[05]
Generally, Illinois assisted living and memory care licenses are available for view by using the Illinois Department of Health’s search tool. If the search tool is unavailable, please contact the IDPH directly at 312-814-5278.
Families can research prospective nursing homes by using Medicare’s local provider search tool.
View Illinois handbook of long-term care residents’ rights.
IDPH Chicago Headquarters Offices:
122 S. Michigan Ave., 7th and 20th Floor
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312-814-2793
69 W. Washington St., 35th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-814-5278
While most COVID-19 restrictions have been eased in Chicago, long-term care facilities, such as memory care and other senior care communities, still have recommended guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for residents’ safety.
Read the full Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 guidelines for long-term care facilities.
Vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccines are available to all residents. Staff are required to be either up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations or to be tested twice per week.
Masking. All visitors and staff of Chicago memory care communities must wear masks. When COVID-19 cases are higher, more protective equipment is required for memory care staff.
Testing. Though it is no longer required, the IDPH highly recommends COVID-19 testing and tracing possible exposures for memory care staff and residents.
Chicago memory care communities are thoughtfully designed, with elegantly furnished living and communal spaces featuring inviting color palettes. Seniors in Chicago memory care can enjoy social or leisure activities in shared recreational spaces. They can also relax or receive personal care services in the privacy of their own apartments. Many of Chicago’s memory care communities offer restaurant-style dining, so residents can enjoy excellent culinary experiences.
Chicago memory care communities offer leisure and care provisions of assisted living, as well as offerings designed to match the unique needs of seniors with memory loss. Such offerings include the following:
Many of Chicago’s senior living options offer some combination of independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care. Some of these communities qualify as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), but not all of them. CCRCs usually require a large entry fee to ensure service costs remain consistent even if a resident’s care needs change. While Chicago does have some CCRCs, it also offers senior care communities that still provide multiple care levels on one campus.
Communities with multiple levels of senior living are a popular choice among seniors who don’t want to relocate if their care needs change, since they can easily transition to a support level that fits their evolving needs. For residents in need of memory care, tiered senior living can mean a variety of social engagement with neighbors. It can also mean that residents in earlier stages of dementia may be able to live in the assisted living section of the community and move to the memory care unit if their needs increase. Starting in assisted living may be a more cost effective option for families of seniors with dementia.
Unique to Illinois senior care is a community type called supportive living. Supportive living communities provide care services to their residents and are an excellent long-term care option for Chicago seniors with limited funds. Chicago has several supportive living communities designated to provide memory care.
Unlike private-sector memory care communities in Illinois, supportive living memory care communities accept Medicaid. Note that even in supportive living, Medicaid doesn’t cover the cost of room and board, only care services.
Services that can be covered in a Medicaid-approved supportive living community include the following:
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Chicago
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Chicago population
Median annual retirement income for Chicago seniors 65 and older
Chicago seniors have several reputable medical centers to choose from when it comes to getting the care they need.
Nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties, Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the highest-ranking hospital in the state of Illinois, according to U.S. News and World Report. The hospital partners with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine to foster world-class patient care and medical innovation.
Rush University Medical Center is ranked No. 2 out of Chicago hospitals, according to U.S. News and World Report. With roots going back over 180 years, Rush is known for its excellence in patient care, education, and medical research.
University of Chicago Medical Center is a nonprofit academic hospital established in 1927. According to U.S. News and World Report, it’s the third-highest ranked hospital in Chicago and in the state of Illinois. It’s also known for exceptional geriatric care services.
NorthShore includes six hospitals and over 140 medical centers all over the Illinois area. NorthShore University Health System is the fourth-highest ranking Chicago hospital, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Most of Chicago’s memory care facilities offer their residents transportation services to and from medical appointments, errands, and off-site activities. Of our memory care partners in the area, 95% offer complimentary and/or at-cost transportation services. Depending on the individual community, pre-scheduled transportation may be free, while on-demand rides may have an additional cost.
For family members visiting a loved one in Chicago memory care, it may be helpful to know that many Chicago residents choose public transportation over driving due to the city’s heavy traffic and limited parking. Chicago has a wealth of reliable public transportation options, including the following:
Chicago is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States. It’s known for its cultural diversity, entertainment, culinary experiences, landmarks, shoreline views of sparkling Lake Michigan, and, of course, delicious Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Chicago offers plenty of attractions for the whole family, as well as resources designed for individuals with dementia.
There’s something for everyone in Chicago. Take in an evening with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, or spend an afternoon with marine wildlife at Shedd Aquarium. Enjoy a scenic stroll along Chicago’s Lakefront Trail or through one of its many sprawling parks, such as Millennium Park and the Cloud Gate (popularly called The Bean). The Lincoln Park Zoo offers free admission, and families can visit the animals, enjoy the zoo’s wildlife animal habitats and gardens, and even participate in fun events.
Chicago has a wealth of museums where families can reminisce, learn, and explore. Some popular options include the following:
The Chicago Hyde Park neighborhood is famously accommodating to seniors with dementia. As part of the Dementia Friendly America program, the community of Hyde Park strives to boost awareness of those with memory loss, as well as provide activities, support through volunteers, and more to local seniors with dementia.
Chicago also has one of many Illinois Memory Cafes, the South Loop Memory Cafe, which hosts events for seniors with dementia and their families.
Brookdale Northbrook, Sunrise of Naperville North and Mercy Circle Senior Living are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Chicago, IL. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Chicago is $5,785 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 57 memory care facilities near you in Chicago, Illinois typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Chicago, Illinois, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.
Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in Chicago, Illinois, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.
The cost of memory care facilities in Chicago, Illinois ranges from $51 to $42521. The average Memory Care cost in Chicago, Illinois is $5,785. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in Chicago, Illinois typically starts at $51. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Chicago [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
Witten, D. When Medicaid in Illinois will pay for a nursing home, assisted living, or home health care. NOLO
Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, Illinois General Assembly Health Facilities and Regulation § 210 ILCS 9 (2001).
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Chicago. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Chicago.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Chicago [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, Illinois General Assembly Health Facilities and Regulation § 210 ILCS 9 (2001).
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Chicago. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Chicago.