Independent Living Communities in Illinois

Independent living communities in Illinois are great places for individuals looking to maintain their unique lifestyles in communities devoted to social enrichment, support, and overall well-being. Although each location varies, seniors are sure to find a range of amenities and opportunities for recreation, as well as the added benefit of elderly care when needed. Let us help you learn more information about independent living communities near you!

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Cost Comparison of Illinois Independent Living Communities

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Chicago $645 $3,195 $999
Joliet $645 $1,749 $1,197
Oak Park $1,250 $3,480 $2,365
Peoria $1,830 $3,400 $2,668
Rockford $2,250 $2,400 $2,325

Illinois has 245 independent living communities that have the average cost of $1,859 per month.

Every independent living community offers a unique range of amenities and services. You’ll likely find housekeeping and linen services, transportation, meal plans, and fitness centers anywhere you go. Medical services are available but usually, come at an extra cost. Independent living is about sustainability when it comes to pricing - here you can compare several cities in Illinois to choose the best option!

Recreation & Attractions in Illinois

Illinois has many sights that to keep residents busy like a trip to Lake Michigan, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Anderson Japanese Gardens, Chicago Riverwalk, the Starved Rock State Park, and much more. The Anderson Japanese Gardens is a magical place with an assortment of plant life, small rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and gazebos to enjoy the incredible scenery. The Chicago Riverwalk is a path by the waterfront with restaurants, beaches, boat rentals, perfect for a night on the town. The Starved Rock State Park has eighteen canyons, waterfalls, and walls of mossed covered stone that provide great views while taking a walk, hiking, or whatever activity a resident can dream of doing.

Illinois' Climate, Geography & Culture

Illinois has cold, snowy winters with icy winds and temperatures in the 30-degree range while the summers are hot, wet and have a high humidity with temperatures in the 80’s. Illinois receives 39.04 inches of rainfall annually and 14 to 38 inches of snowfall per year. Chicago is more likely to receive 38 inches of snowfall while the rest of the state may receive 14 inches or less. The average temperature in Illinois is 51 degrees, with a high of 59 degrees, and a low of 43 degrees. The spring temperatures are usually within the 40s to 70s range, with fall temperatures being nearly the same. May and September are the best months for the outdoors due to the more manageable temperatures compared to the cold winters and hot summers.

Illinois is a relatively flat state stretching out around 57,915 square miles in the Midwest with varying areas of floodplains and hills in the south. This makes it a great place for agriculture, growing a good portion of the nation's corn, soybeans, and other crops. 

This state is known for a relatively laid-back attitude and is the home to U.S. presidents like Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Barack Obama. Illinois is also home to Chicago, an internationally famous city for music, technology, finance, and much more. 

Crime & Safety in Illinois

Sperling’s Best Places ranked Illinois 46 on a scale of 100 (1 being the lowest crime) for violent crime and 42 for property crime; the United States overall ranked 41 for violent crime and 44 for property crime. Illinois has many crime prevention committees such as the Illinois Crime Stoppers, Cure Violence-Chicago and the Illinois Crime Prevention Association.

It's important to recognize that there are safer parts of Illinois than others -- with Chicago remaining a city with crime rates much higher than other places in the U.S. For those who call the city home, there's no place they'd rather be, but keep this in mind while visiting communities to find the one for you!

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Clarendon Hills0.351.73
Hawthorn Woods0.002.80
Campton Hills0.183.00
Pinckneyville0.542.70
 

Payment Options for Illinois Independent Living

Typically, seniors pay for their independent living with their own pension, savings, or by selling off their assets while more fortunate seniors may receive assistance from their families. Medicaid and Medicare do not cover independent living communities since they're usually used for short-term stays rather than long-term care.

Veteran’s benefits can be a great help for veterans who need long-term care. A single veteran could receive $1,644 monthly, veteran couples could receive $1,949, and the surviving spouse could receive $1,056. Long-term care insurance is also very convenient for those who had purchased it earlier in life -- rates tend to be much more expensive the older you get.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is another possibility for those who are blind, have a disability, or have children to support. The applicant must have little income and assets, be a U.S. citizen over 65 years of age. Seniors can receive an average of $733 a month which is helpful nonetheless.

Since independent living can be more expensive than other forms of long-term senior care, opening a senior living line of credit is an option that many are pursuing. Allowing up to $50,000 of unsecured credit that is paid directly to your independent living community, senior living lines of credit are flexible in their repayment options and require little to no collateral in most cases. 

Senior & Elderly Rights for Independent Living in Illinois

Residents of independent living communities in Illinois retain their rights to file official complaints, have their privacy respected, and most importantly receive the care they need in a safe, supportive environment. As a resident in independent living, you still retain your constitutional rights as a U.S. citizen, providing you autonomy over your financial and medical decisions. If you find that your rights have been violated, contact a lawyer well-versed in elder law. For more assistance in addition to reviewing the Illinois Ombudsman

Illinois Independent Living Medical Record Rules & Regulations

In accordance with state and federal HIPAA laws, your medical records are to be kept private and maintained for up to 10 years following your discharge from a senior living community or medical facility. As a resident, you are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of any diagnosis or treatment provided to you. If a disclosure of this information is to be made, you will be informed to provide consent. It is also possible to receive copies of your medical records, however, a small fee is usually required. 

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.