Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Illinois

Although there is no overarching federal agency that regulates retirement communities, the private non-profit organization CARF-CCAC provides a voluntary process for individual CCRCs to become accredited. Although this process is very expensive and lengthy, facilities that are accredited by CARF-CCAC can usually be considered of higher quality and standing than others.

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Recreation and Attractions In Illinois

Visitors and residents of Illinois can enjoy a wide range of activities statewide. Popular destinations include The Field Museum with the largest, most complete Tyrannosaurus skeleton ever found, and Navy Pier’s boardwalk style restaurants and unique shopping experience. Shawnee National Forest’s Garden of the Gods is also a breathtaking excursion for nature-lovers to enjoy dramatic rock formations and landscapes.

Illinois' Climate, Geography, and Culture

This midwest state gets wind and snow off the great lakes to the north, so you can expect some chilly winters. Built on the backbone of the commercial industry, expect some hardworking citizens that are always willing to help their neighbors. As the home state of President Obama, the Prairie State is a great place to settle down.

Illinois CCRCs Regulations and Laws

Illinois has various regulations and laws in place to ensure that you or your senior will get the proper care necessary. The Illinois Department of Health  contains the entire set of regulations that CCRCs must abide by. Some of these regulations include regular facility inspections, background checks for employees, and a strict health code.

Crime and Safety In Illinois

It is important to note that some places in Illinois are more suited for senior living than others. Today, Chicago is considered to be the most gang-infested city in America. Even though annual homicide rates are down compared to the 90’s, someone is shot approximately every 2.84 hours in Chicago. Given these statistics, it may be more reasonable to look for a senior care option elsewhere unless you are already familiar and comfortable with living in this city. On the other hand, below are listed some of the safest places to call home in the state. 

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Round Lake Park01.06
Lake Forest.722.11
Western Springs.073.76

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Illinois

The payment plans will differ at each CCRC, however, large entrance fees are to be expected and can range anywhere from $30,000 to $500,000 and even up to $1 million at a single time depending on your contract and location. The national average cost of an entrance fee based on the most recent data is $248,000, and this price is expected to continue to fluctuate based on local housing prices.

The type of contract entered into by the resident will include a monthly maintenance fee costing between $300 and $4,500 or more depending on which services are utilized. Some residents may choose a buy-in option, meaning they join the facility through buying an actual property. Whether you buy a property or not, it’s still necessary to look out for any additional maintenance or service fees before signing a contract. 

The difference in prices is largely a result of the type of contract residents enter into, as well as their individual health care costs and possible Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

  1. Extensive Contracts – Guarantee a lifetime of housing and care at any and all levels provided by the facility. This includes monthly fees in exchange for a wide range of services. Because there is a relatively lower degree of risk, the upfront costs are much higher.
    1. Entry Fee: $160,000 - $600,000
    2. Monthly Fee: $2,500 - $5,400
  2. Modified Contracts – Modified contracts only extended to a set number of days. After exceeding this limit, services are paid for out of pocket by the resident. Monthly fees are also still charged at an ongoing rate.
    1. Entry Fee: $80,000 - $750,000
    2. Monthly Fee: $1,500 - $2,500
  3. Fee-For-Service Contracts – Residents only pay for the services they currently use, however, are not safeguarded from any future changes in pricing or service availability. Most of the financial burden is borne by the resident, depending on Medicare or Medicaid eligibility. These are considered to be the contracts with the highest risk, even though their upfront costs are the lowest.
    1. Entry Fee: $100,000 - $500,000
    2. Monthly Fee: $1,300 - $4,300
  4. Rental Agreements – Allow residents the ability to rent a housing unit on a monthly or annual basis. This type of contract does not guarantee access to health care on a fee-for-service basis, unlike other agreements.
    1. Entry Fee: $1,800 - $30,000
    2. Monthly Fee: $900 - $10,700
  5. Equity Agreements – Shares of the community or association are afforded to individuals by the transferal of actual home, condominium, or townhome ownership within the CCRC. Healthcare services can still be purchased for additional fees. Through an equity agreement, the property’s appreciation benefits the individual or their estate as specified by the terms of the contract. This type of agreement relies heavily on the fluctuations of real estate in the area. 

From a Report by The U.S. Government Accountability Office

Senior and Elderly Rights For CCRCs In Illinois

Entering an Illinois CCRC doesn’t mean your rights as a United States citizen are left behind. These rights are guarded by state and federal laws that ensure that your rights are never violated and that you are treated with dignity and care. You may still control all finances and property during your time in a CCRC. Coupled with Illinois’s diverse attractions and natural beauty, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

Illinois CCRCs: Medical Record Rules and Regulations

Many times an applicant’s health records are required in tandem with physical examination given by a physician selected by the particular CCRC. Unfortunately, it is common for applicants with frailties and those older than 80 years of age to be denied admission, especially if their pre-existing medical conditions are excluded from the health care coverage to be provided. Residents receiving any type of medical attention in Illinois are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. Otherwise, these records are to remain confidential for up to 10 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee. 

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.