Believe it or not, many older adults hope to retire in the heart of the Midwest. Although the winter season may seem like a deterrent, there is something lovely about being able to celebrate all four seasons during the year and stay connected to neighbors who are like family. In the Midwest, most everyone is polite and genuinely helpful, making it hard for many Illinois residents to leave when it comes time to consider retirement.
Fortunately, there are plenty of senior living options throughout the state of Illinois, especially within the Chicagoland suburbs. For older adults looking for the added peace of mind that comes with additional assistance from around-the-clock caregivers, assisted living could be an ideal option. Read on for more of what you need to know about assisted living throughout the Illinois suburbs and beyond.
What is assisted living in Illinois?
There are multiple senior living options to consider when thinking about retirement plans for yourself or your loved one. All communities are unique in their own way, but there are four specific types of communities here in Illinois: independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Knowing the differences between these four solutions can help you know which type might be best for your situation now and in the future.
Independent living communities are ideal for active seniors who are looking to downsize their home ownership responsibilities and gain easier access to wellness resources, socialization, and maintenance-free living. These communities feature luxury amenities and services that make life a bit more convenient.
Offering the same types of amenities and services as independent living communities, assisted living communities additionally feature around-the-clock caregivers who are there to lend a helping hand during activities of daily living. Seniors who would like the peace of mind that comes with knowing assistance is right down the hall or who need help with tasks like showering, dressing, or mobility will thrive in assisted living communities.
Memory care communities are specially designed for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. Typically licensed under an assisted living license, these communities are laser-focused on providing interventions that increase independence while combating the challenges that can come with cognitive decline.
Finally, skilled nursing facilities (sometimes referred to as SNFs) are more clinical communities that feature around-the-clock nursing care. These communities offer both long-term and short-term stay options depending on the type of care needed and are ideal for residents who need complex care or chronic disease management.
Where are assisted living facilities in Illinois?
Assisted living communities tend to feature just the right balance of amenities, services, independence, and assistance, making them a popular option for older adults. Because they are so in demand, you can find assisted living communities in nearly every suburb and throughout smaller, rural towns in the rest of the state.
When you begin your search for the right assisted living community, it is wise to start with a general location. You might have a particular town or neighborhood in mind, but it is a good idea to extend your radius in order to open up your options more. Look for a community that is convenient for your loved one as well as for any family members or friends who might want to stop by for visits regularly.
Are assisted living communities in Illinois different from other senior living communities?
Assisted living communities are designed to support seniors who could benefit from having help with at least one type of activity of daily living (ADL). These activities can include bathing, toileting, eating, dressing, taking care of personal hygiene, and remaining mobile. Caregivers are there to provide a helping hand with these tasks based on each individual’s preferences and abilities. Maintaining independence is always the goal, even when the resident needs extra help.
It is important to note that assisted living communities are licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health. This means that in order to stay in operation and in good standing, the community must be evaluated or assessed by a team from the Illinois Department of Public Health at least annually. These visits ensure that communities are providing quality care and following any and all regulations. The assisted living license is different from the skilled nursing license, and there is not a license for independent living.
When it comes to memory care, these communities are typically nestled within an assisted living community. The Illinois license for a memory care community is unique, but it mirrors regulations put forth for assisted living while adding lengthy sections to address best practices in dementia care interventions and environment.
What do senior living facilities include in Illinois?
When it comes to senior living in Illinois, communities offer a wide variety of amenities, services, and perks to residents who live there. You can easily find a community that gives you or your loved one the care they need in addition to the lifestyle they desire.
Each senior living community is unique. However, when it comes to assisted living, exceptional communities often offer:
- Three chef-prepared meals served daily in a social dining room setting
- Dining adaptations developed so everyone has access to a dignified and enjoyable dining experience
- Rooftop gardens, patios, terraces, and other outdoor spaces for entertaining or relaxing
- Concierge services
- Transportation services
- Weekly housekeeping visits
- Laundry and linen services
- On-site beauty salon and spa services
- On-site therapy services
- Fitness centers and group exercise classes
- On-site health screenings and presentations about senior health topics
- Resort-like spaces such as on-site movie theaters, bistros, bars, and game rooms
- Caregivers available around-the-clock
- Personalized care plans that are developed by trained nurses with help from the resident, their physician, and their family
- Family events, support groups, and special opportunities
- A robust and vibrant event calendar full of trips and programs offered daily, including on the weekends
- A community designed to enhance socialization and interaction with neighbors
Many exceptional assisted living communities offer even more than this extensive list. You can get a more in-depth look at what makes a community unique by scheduling a tour of the community.
What is the cost of assisted living in Illinois?
Assisted living communities typically charge residents a monthly fee that covers much more than just a spacious apartment and meals. Monthly bills generally include utilities, Wi-Fi access, caregiving costs, activity costs, and more. On average, monthly fees for assisted living in Illinois are just under $4,000 per month. For many seniors, this number is much more affordable than they may have originally anticipated, especially when they consider their monthly grocery bills, mortgage, insurance fees, utilities, and more.
Are you ready to explore assisted living communities here in Illinois to see what they have to offer? This is an exciting time for you and your loved one, and you are wise to begin considering your options before an emergency health crisis arises. This way, your loved one is an active part of the decision-making process, and you can all take the time you need to make a well-informed choice.
The first step in choosing a senior living community is to narrow down your options before scheduling a personalized tour. Download our free guide, Finding a Safe & Comfortable Senior Living Community, to get tips from our experts on how to make the most of your research and community tours. You’ll learn about questions to ask and observations to make that can point you in the right direction.
