Top Home Care Agencies in Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois, is home to 304 home care agencies. Known in Illinois as home services or home health agencies, these agencies provide in-home support for seniors and adults with disabilities. Services range from companionship and support with activities of daily living to in-home medical care. Chicago’s average home care cost sits at $28 per hour, but total costs vary depending on care needs. We provide an overview of common payment methods, crucial questions to ask potential agencies, local home care agency listings, Illinois licensing requirements, and reviews to help you choose an agency.
Home Care Agencies near Chicago, IL
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Costs of home care in Chicago, Illinois
Average cost of home care in Chicago, IL
Average monthly cost of home care vs. senior living in Chicago, IL
Compare the costs of aging in place against senior living
Use our cost calculator to compare your loved one’s current living and home care expenses against the cost of senior living in Chicago.
Paying for home care in Chicago, Illinois
Private or public health insurance, like Medicare or Medicaid, is often the first place Chicago residents think of turning to when paying for home care. However, most insurance only covers medical care. Insurance may cover nonmedical home care services if they’re a part of medically necessary at-home care services prescribed by a doctor.
Most people rely on personal funds, such as retirement savings accounts or pensions, a health savings account (HSA), or long-term care (LTC) insurance. Depending on the specific policy, home care services may be covered under an LTC policy, as long as the individual needs support with at least two activities of daily living, such as dressing and eating. Additionally, eligible veterans and their spouses may be able to use Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits to cover home care costs.
Paying for home care
Get an overview of all payment options for home care.
VA home care benefits
See how VA benefits can help veterans and their spouses pay for home care.
Home care and LTC insurance
Learn how to use long-term care insurance to cover home care costs.
Does Medicare pay for home care in Chicago?
Yes, Medicare will cover some home care services in Chicago if deemed medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor.[01] Medicare doesn’t cover nonmedical services on their own, but may cover some of the costs if they’re provided alongside doctor-prescribed medical care by a Medicare-certified home health agency.
In Illinois, seniors and their loved ones can turn to the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) for free Medicare counseling. This is a great resource to start with if you’re eligible for Medicare and want to maximize your benefits. To connect with a counselor, email aging.ship@illinois.gov or call 800-252-8966.
Does Medicaid pay for home care in Chicago?
Yes, HealthChoice Illinois, the state’s Medicaid program, pays for some in-home care services, as long as those services are determined to be medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor. However, there may be exceptions for those who qualify for waiver programs, which are designed to help seniors cover additional care at home.
HealthChoice Illinois has an in-home care waiver program for seniors age 60+ and adults with disabilities who would qualify for skilled care in a nursing home. It may cover services that Medicare wouldn’t otherwise cover, including homemaker services, minor home renovations, and personal care.[02]
Where do I get information about veterans benefits in Chicago?
Chicago veterans, their dependents, or their surviving spouses may be eligible for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that can be used to pay for home care. However, understanding what you’re eligible for and going through the application process can be challenging. Fortunately, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) offers many resources to help veterans access their eligible benefits and apply. You can call or visit this office using the information below.
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
Chicago Office
69 West Washington, Suite 1620
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Phone: 217-782-6641
The IDVA can also connect Chicago veterans to veterans service organizations (VSOs) that assist veterans for free. VSOs pair trained officers with veterans and walk them through benefits, eligibility, and the application process. Use the VSO search tools below to find an officer near you:
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post search
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter search
- American Legion post search
- Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) chapter search
What other Chicago services help seniors age in place?
Chicago seniors have access to several tools that enable them to maintain their independence and continue living at home for as long as possible.
Start by browsing the list of senior services created by Chicago Family and Support Services. You’ll find mental health resources, meal programs, insurance counseling, and more than 20 senior centers that host activities and educational programs. Seniors and their loved ones can also take advantage of the Chicago Senior Services Hotline by calling 312-744-4016 on weekdays to learn more. The Village Chicago is another network of resources for seniors age 50+, which offers transportation, assistance with technology, and health and fitness events.
Illinois also has several Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) regions in Chicago. PACE coordinates services, including those covered by Medicare and Medicaid, for seniors so they can continue living at home instead of moving to a nursing facility. You can search for PACE programs in your area on their website.
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How to choose the right Chicago home care agency
Choosing the right Chicago home care agency can feel overwhelming, but understanding local listings can help. To confidently make a home care decision, it’s important to learn about local licensing requirements and required caregiver qualifications. Prepare questions in advance regarding fees and care minimums so you can narrow down options more easily.
The type of care needed also impacts which agency you choose. For instance, home services agencies may be a good fit for people who need nonmedical care, like support with daily activities and light housekeeping. If medical care is required, home health agencies might be a better option.
The listings on this page include home care agencies that offer a wide range of services, so as you review the options in Chicago, keep your loved one’s needs top-of-mind. If in-home medical care is necessary, we recommend reaching out to your loved one’s doctor or social worker. This can help ensure you know what services your loved one will require and can look for those as you evaluate these listings.
Below, we offer information on agencies that offer nonmedical and medical care at home. Reviewing the information below can help you get a better understanding of how these agencies differ and help you decide what’s best for your loved one.
Licensure and accreditation
Illinois home care agencies listed on this page must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Agencies that provide medical care are licensed as Home Health Agencies. Home care agencies providing nonmedical services are licensed as Home Services Agencies, and they can provide the following services:[03]
- Support with activities of daily living
- Housekeeping, laundry, and shopping
- Meal preparation
- Companionship
You can look up any agency’s license by searching in or downloading the Illinois home health agencies directory or the Illinois home services agencies directory. Both types of home care agencies must comply with the following regulations to hold a license:[04]
- Have evidence of liability insurance
- Have a policy for addressing complaints
- Cooperate with on-site surveys after an initial license application is approved
Chicago home care agencies can also apply for accreditation to highlight their dedication to high home care standards. If a home care agency you’re interested in is accredited, it means this agency has met an accrediting organization’s home care standards. The Joint Commission is the only accrediting organization recognized by the state of Illinois, and their standards encompass infection control practices, caregiver competency, and assessment methods.[05]
Hiring practices
Learning about a home care agency’s hiring practices may help you feel more comfortable with their caregivers’ ability to meet your loved one’s needs. Read through the standards listed below to understand the basic requirements that every Chicago in-home caregiver must follow:[04]
- Pass a background check
- Complete at least 8 hours of training before working with clients
- Complete 10 hours of annual training
- Pass a post-training competency exam
- Comply with supervisor observations (conducted every 90 days)
- Comply with annual supervisor visits to the clients’ homes
Caregiver training must include the following topics:[04]
- Personal care tasks (e.g. bathing, toileting, and skin care)
- Adaptive equipment
- Basic hygiene, safety, infection control, and first aid
- Client emergency preparedness plans
- Communication skills to use with people who have special needs or dementia
- Challenging behavior of people with dementia
- Client confidentiality
- Client health observation and documentation
Home health aides who work in home health agencies must meet additional training standards and one of the following requirements:[04]
- Be on the approved IDPH Health Care Worker Registry
- Complete an approved training program
- Be registered in another state or show proof that they’ve finished a nursing program
The requirements listed above are basic and mandatory for all agencies. As you speak with prospective agencies, we recommend asking if they have additional caregiver qualifications. You may find that some agencies require caregivers to obtain a specific caregiver certification or complete annual educational classes.
Fees and minimums
Chicago home care agencies might differ in fees and minimum care and scheduling requirements. For instance, some agencies might require at least seven hours of care per week, which can affect the overall cost of care. We recommend gathering this information in advance so you can take the time to plan your finances accordingly.
Ask the following questions as you interview potential home care agencies:
- Are there upfront fees or deposits?
- Is there a charge for initial client assessments?
- What are the required minimum number of caregiver shifts, or hours per shift?
- Is there a higher rate for care provided overnight or on holidays and weekends?
- What is the minimum client age requirement?
Other questions to ask Chicago home care agencies
Ask these 10 questions to help you find the right home care agency.
Frequently asked questions about home care in Chicago
ComForCare Home Care - Wheaton, IL, Senior Helpers of Elmwood Park and Ellen's Care Group, Inc. are the top-rated Home Care facilities near Chicago, IL. These Home Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Home Care in Chicago is {{ zipAverageCost }} per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Home care is provided by an aide who comes to a senior’s home to help with daily chores and activities of daily living. It can be offered anywhere a senior calls home — including a house, senior apartment, independent living, or assisted living. Learn more about home care.
Home care services are customizable to a senior’s unique needs. Services can include companionship, help with chores like cooking and housekeeping, or assistance with activities of daily living, like toileting and bathing. Explore home care services in more detail.
Home care provides nonmedical services for seniors who require assistance with daily tasks like housework, bathing, dressing, and transportation. In contrast, home health care is prescribed by a doctor and includes services like skilled nursing care and therapies, health monitoring, and medication administration that are provided by licensed medical professionals. Read more about home care vs. home health care.
References
Medicare.gov. Home health services.
Illinois Department of Human Services. (2023). PM 20-28-02: Services.
Illinois Department of Public Health. (2024). Home services agencies.
Public Health, Illinois Administrative Code § 245.10 – 245.250. (1978 & rev. 2024).
The Joint Commission. (2018). Accreditation for personal care and support.
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