10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Chicago, IL
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.
Chicago Memory Care Facilities | 989 Reviews
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...
My parents have been at The Clare since 2008, first in Independent Living, then my Father in Memory care and now my mother in Assisted Living. They chose the Clare as their plan for retirement. They both...
Since mom became a resident in [date removed] our overall experience has been a very positive one. Mom will turn [age removed] in June and lived in her house for 70 years. She, time and again tells me, "If I...
Jackson Park Supportive Living is its own community within itself. The residents acts as family helping each other when possible. The staff works greatly together, providing the best services possible for...
I picked this community, because it was near my home, the sales director at the time, [name removed]made me feel really comfortable with me leaving my aunt under her care, and the pricing was the most...
My grandmother is very comfortable in this community. It is very clean i have no complaints about it. My grandmother is known by her name, which is great that she is getting that one on one attention. They...
Everyone At Bethany Retirement seems friendly and helpful. The room size and layout of the community is good. My likes the food. They have an outdoor courtyard for residents to use. My mom is happy there.
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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...
From the first visit a great experience. Friendly, knowledgeable, caring staff. The place was always spotless The food was very good My cousin received excellent care. Would recommend it to everyone...
Dinner service at the Admiral at the Lake has successfully made it through the pandemic, staff shortages, and inflation that plague us all. Meals are nutritional and appetizing, and always include meat, fish...
We looked at other places and we chose The Hartwell because when we walked in it instantly resonated with my brother. They have had the same chef over 30 years and the staff have been there a long time. They...
My parents are living here and I believe my family is very happy so far. I think the staff at the facility is very attentive; they’ve had the nurses coming to the room, and have done a pretty good job with...
My sister loves being in a place that treates her and all residence with kindness and respect. It’s almost like a hotel with a dining room on the first floor and each resident has their own apartment with...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Chicago community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Chicago community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of memory care in the Chicago area
- What families are saying about memory care in Chicago
- How people pay for memory care in Chicago
- Understand Illinois laws and regulations for memory care facilities
- What to expect from memory care in Chicago
- Chicago memory care services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Chicago? Highlights for seniors
Costs of memory care in the Chicago area
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:
- Special diets
- Health care services
- Podiatry services
- Physical and occupational therapies
- Transportation and concierge services
- Day trips and events
- Beauty salon, barbershop, and spa services
- Pet fees
- Optional room amenities
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.
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Chicago, IL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Chicago, IL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Chicago vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Memory Care in Chicago, IL by room type
Average cost of Memory Care in Chicago over time
What families are saying about memory care in Chicago
Recent reviews for memory care in Chicago
Cantata Adult Life Services a CCRC in Brookfield, IL
Churchill Place in Glen Ellyn, IL
Artis Senior Living of Lakeview in Chicago, IL
Chicago review score based on 286 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 286 reviews of 54 Chicago memory care communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Chicago review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Chicago memory care
When memory care residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 286 reviews of 54 Chicago memory care communities. This chart helps you compare Chicago resident and family memory care satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for memory care in Chicago
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]
Assistance with VA benefits
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:
- Illinois Medicaid offers a Persons who are Elderly waiver. As one of the state’s home and community based services (HCBS) waivers, the Persons who are Elderly waiver is designed to help cover care within a community setting for individuals eligible for skilled nursing care but who’d prefer to remain in their home or a senior living facility, such as memory care. This waiver is for Illinois residents who are 60 or older and meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid, in addition to meeting specific eligibility requirements for home and community based services waivers.
- Medicaid’s Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) program is specifically for individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled that meet income limits. The benefits of this program generally entail cash, medical assistance, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). For a disability to qualify an individual for AABD Medicaid, it must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of a disability.
- Medicaid’s Supportive Living Program (SLP) waiver program offers eligible seniors in senior living communities coverage for health care services not usually covered by Medicaid, such as assistance with activities of daily living and social and health activities. The state of Illinois offers locations within the SLP waiver program specifically designed to offer dementia 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:
- Inpatient hospital stays or skilled nursing care
- Doctors’ services, medical services, and medical supplies
- Prescription medications
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:
- Qualified seniors may get help paying for Medicare deductibles and premiums through Medicare Savings Programs. In Illinois, call 1-800-252-8966 or get help through the Medicare advising service: Senior Health Insurance Program, linked in the resources list below.
- Illinois also offers dual Medicare/Medicaid coverage in which Medicaid can help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Your loved one can access the application to this specific program and others through the HMS Medical Forms page. For this specific program, look for form HFS 2378M: Application for Payment of Medicare Premiums, Deductibles and Coinsurance.
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
Understand Illinois laws and regulations for memory care facilities
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:
- Three daily meals
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Housekeeping services
- Security
- Emergency response systems
- At least one awake staff member 24 hours per day
In addition to these services, Illinois senior care facilities designated to provide memory care must also abide by the following regulations:
- The administrator and care staff must receive ongoing training in caring for individuals with dementia.
- The facility must have safety measures in place for individuals who may wander.
- The facility must provide activities to support cognitive function.
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.
Illinois Department of Health contact information
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
COVID-19 regulations for Chicago memory care facilities
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.
What to expect from memory care in Chicago
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:
- Security measures to prevent wandering
- Activities designed to support cognitive function
- Indoor and/or enclosed outdoor walking spaces
- Care staff available around the clock
- 24-hour emergency response
- Assistance with activities of daily living, such as grooming, bathing, and dressing
- Incontinence care
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Barber and beauty services
- Exercise classes
- Engaging recreational, social, and entertainment activities
- Restaurant-style dining
- Grocery and errand services
- Transportation services
Tiered senior living
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.
Supportive living
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:
- Dementia care and cognitive support
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Medication assistance
- Social activities and recreation
- 24-hour care staff
Chicago memory care services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Chicago memory care
Availability of select dementia care services in Chicago memory care
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Chicago memory care
Availability of select dining options in Chicago memory care
Availability of select programs and activities in Chicago memory care
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Unfamiliar with Chicago? Highlights for seniors
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
Health care for seniors in Chicago
Chicago seniors have several reputable medical centers to choose from when it comes to getting the care they need.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
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
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
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 University Health System
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.
Transportation for seniors in Chicago
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:
- Many Chicago residents find the Chicago Transit Authority “L” train to be the most convenient and cost effective way to get around the city.
- Chicago provides AC Med Tran transportation services specifically for seniors, veterans, and individuals who require a wheelchair or mobility assistance.
- For commuting to the surrounding suburbs, Chicago has more than 100 bus routes, as well as the Metra Rail train.
Senior activities in Chicago
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.
Family-friendly Chicago
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 Museum of Science and Industry
- Chicago History Museum
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Adler Planetarium
- Chicago Children’s Museum
- DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Chicago for memory loss
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Encore Village of Schaumburg, a CCRC, Brookdale Northbrook and Brookdale Des Plaines 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 $5,724 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
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.
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