According to the Alzheimer's Association, an estimated 230,000 Illinois seniors were living with Alzheimer's disease as of 2020. It's estimated that by 2025, that number will increase by 13% to 260,000. Sadly, 3,954 seniors died of Alzheimer's in 2019, making it the sixth-leading cause of death in the state.
Memory care facilities provide those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia with care that is tailored to their unique needs. Memory care can take place in its own facility, or as part of a designated wing of another residential care community. Staff members of memory care units or facilities undergo specialized training in caring for those with memory impairment, and the facilities often coordinate social activities and schedules specifically for the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
This guide will cover the cost of memory care in Illinois, financial assistance options for paying for memory care, free memory care resources in the state, and a directory of memory care facilities in Illinois.
Because of the specialized staff training and resources required to provide high-quality memory care, memory care typically costs more than other types of residential care. On average, memory care will cost 20-30% more than assisted living.
To calculate the cost of memory care in Illinois, we've added 25% to the cost of assisted living reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. When it comes to the state average, Illinois, at $5,610, is just $15 below the U.S. average. Nearby in Wisconsin, seniors pay a little more at $5,750 per month, while in Indiana, Iowa and Missouri, costs for memory care are lower at $5,354, $5,459 and $3,750, respectively.
The cost of memory care varies depending on where in the state seniors receive care, as well as the services and amenities provided. While Chicago's seniors pay an average of $6,031 monthly, those in Decatur pay far less, as the average cost here is just $5,478 per month. In Rockford, the average cost of memory care is $6,563 per month, which is the highest cost in the state.
Illinois Medicaid provides health insurance for low-income seniors and disabled individuals residing throughout the state. While regular Medicaid only covers the cost of institutional care, such as that provided in nursing homes, managed care programs and waivers that amend the program's coverage limitations are available to help seniors access safe and affordable memory care services.
Healthchoice Illinois
Healthchoice Illinois is the state's managed Medicare plan. It provides long-term support, along with other necessary health care services, for seniors aged 65 and older. All care is coordinated by a dedicated case manager who can help seniors find doctors, specialists and other important resources.
Illinois Medicaid-Medicare Alignment Initiative
The Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative is a managed care program that's open to seniors with full Medicaid and Medicare benefits. It streamlines the services provided by both plans, helping seniors combine coverage to access care more easily. Thanks to this program, seniors can access services such as memory care and personal care while residing in a long-term care facility.
Illinois Supportive Living Program
The Illinois Supportive Living Program helps low-income seniors who require a nursing home level of care but prefer to remain in assisted living. It offers funding for the services provided in assisted living or memory care facilities, including personal care, housekeeping services, medication management and social and recreational activities. However, seniors participating in this program must pay their own room-and-board expenses.
Seniors in Illinois are subject to maximum income and asset limits to qualify for Medicaid coverage. While a single applicant can't earn more than $18,755 per year, those coming from a two-person household, whether applying independently or together, are subject to an annual household income limit of $25,268. Assets are counted as well in consideration for Medicaid eligibility. A single applicant can't own more than $2,000 in countable assets, while applicants in two-person households applying together are limited to $3,000 in countable assets.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Illinois
family size | annual income limits | asset limits |
---|---|---|
Single Person | $18,755 | $2,000 |
Two-Person Household (Single Applicant) | $25,268 | $2,000 for applicant & $109,560 for non-applicant |
Two-Person Household (Dual Applicants) | $25,268 | $3,000 |
In addition to the above income limits, seniors must also meet the following requirements to qualify for Medicaid:
Assistance programs are available to Illinois seniors who need help navigating the Medicaid application process.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
The ABE Health Benefits Hotline | 800-843-6154 | The Health Benefits Hotline is a state program that provides Medicaid counseling services as well as help with determining eligibility and completing applications. |
Get Care Illinois | 877-805-5312 | Get Care Illinois helps seniors navigate the application process and, when necessary, can help them determine if they already have Medicaid coverage. The Shriver Center on Poverty Law provides this service. |
Illinois Department of Insurance | 877-527-9431 | The Department of Insurance helps consumers understand health and other insurance policies, including Medicaid. Its representatives can assist seniors in determining their eligibility for coverage as well as with completing Medicaid applications. |
Unfortunately, Medicare does not generally cover the cost of Memory Care. Most Memory Care Facilities are considered to be "social settings," so Medicare does not cover the cost incurred in these facilities. The only exception to that is if you are receiving memory care services in a Nursing Home. While this situation is much less common, Medicare would sometimes cover the cost, depending on a number of circumstances.
That being said, Medicare does still cover qualified doctor visits, medications, etc., as it would if you were still at home, but it will not cover the cost of care received at the Memory Care Facility.
In addition to the state programs mentioned above, those looking for resources to finance memory care may consider:
In Illinois, memory care is provided in assisted living facilities, which are classified as assisted living establishments, shared housing establishments and supportive living facilities, depending on the accommodations they provide and how they’re funded. The Illinois Department of Public Health licenses and monitors assisted living and shared housing establishments, and the state’s Department of Healthcare and Family Services governs supportive living facilities, which are Medicaid-approved residential settings for low-income adults.
Assisted living facilities that provide care for adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia through special care units or freestanding centers are required to disclose this information to their governing agency as well as the resident or their representative.
Information that must be provided in writing includes:
Memory care facilities located within assisted living or shared housing establishments are required to provide services, including housekeeping, laundry, security, emergency response systems and assistance with four or fewer activities of daily living. Residents may contract with home health agencies for care beyond what is provided by the facility. Additionally, facilities are required to provide at least 1.4 hours of services daily for each memory care resident.
In supportive living facilities, residents receive a wide scope of personal and health-related services. These include personal care, medication management and assistance with self-administration, social, recreational and exercise programs, emergency call systems, monitoring by a 24-hour security staff, emergency call systems, health referrals, transportation services, daily checks and maintenance services. Nursing services must also be provided, including assessments, short-term medication administration assistance for self-administered medications and health counseling.
To be admitted to a facility that offers memory care, adults must be at least 22 years old, and their care needs must fall within the scope of care provided by the facility.
Seniors who aren’t eligible for admissions include those who:
Prior to admission to an assisted living or shared housing establishment, a prospective resident must receive a comprehensive assessment by a physician to evaluate their physical, cognitive and psychosocial condition. At least one specified tool, including the Functional Activities Questionnaire, the Functional Assessment Staging and the Clock Drawing Test, must be used to assess the prospective resident’s stage in the Alzheimer’s disease process.
In supportive living facilities, residents receive an initial assessment within 24 hours of admission and a comprehensive assessment within two weeks of admission by a licensed practical or registered nurse.
Memory care facilities may provide medication reminders to residents and supervise the taking of self-administered medication, as well as medication administration by a licensed healthcare professional employed by the facility as an optional service.
Medication has to be stored in its original container in a locked cabinet, container or room that is inaccessible to residents. A separate medication record must be maintained for each resident that includes their name; the name, dosage, directions and route of administration of the medication; the date and time of when the medication is supposed to be given; what time it’s actually given and the signature or initials of the employee who administered the medication.
Facility requirements for memory care facilities vary depending on whether they’re located within an assisted living establishment, a shared housing establishment or a supportive living facility.
In assisted living and shared housing establishments, each unit must have a bathroom with an operational toilet, sink, mirror, bathing facilities, a means of ventilation and assistive devices as necessary. Additionally, each unit in an assisted living establishment must be able to accommodate small kitchen appliances.
In supportive living facilities, units licensed on or after October 18, 2004, must have a full bathroom, lockable doors, emergency call systems, a kitchenette with a sink, microwave or stove and a refrigerator and a separate bedroom for each occupant.
In assisted living and shared housing establishments, the manager and a sufficient number of staff members must have the qualifications, education, skills and experience to meet memory care residents’ around-the-clock scheduled and unscheduled needs.
In supportive living facilities, there must be at least one licensed nurse on-site at all times to provide medication management services, and there must be at least one CNA on each shift per 10 residents.
Services in supportive living facilities are covered by Medicaid’s Supportive Living Program waiver program. Medicaid does not pay for services provided in assisted living or shared housing establishments.
Assisted living and shared housing establishments are required to report suspected abuse, neglect or financial exploitation to the Department of Public Health within 24 hours after receiving the allegation, and they must investigate and develop a written report within two weeks of the initial report. Supportive living facilities must report suspected abuse to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Abuse can also be reported to the regional ombudsman, through the Senior HelpLine or to the Illinois State Police Medicaid Fraud Unit.
Several free and low-cost resources are available to provide help and support for Illinois seniors who live with dementia and Alzheimer's.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer’s Association - Illinois Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter provides an array of support services, education, training and support for those who are affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. |
Regional Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Centers | 217-782-2570 | Illinois is home to three ADA centers that provide diagnostic evaluation, treatment and referrals for seniors with Alzheimer’s, as well as research initiatives. |
Alzheimer's Support Groups | Multiple locations with contact information online | There are various support groups available to help seniors who are living with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia better cope with the changes they're facing. A comprehensive list of these groups can be found here, and those wishing to join can contact their local group directly for information. |
Senior HelpLine | 800-252-8966 | The Senior HelpLine provides assistance with locating resources and facilitates connections between seniors or their caregivers and local support programs. It can help with finding medical or nonmedical transportation, nutritional assistance programs, long-term care services and care coordination. |
Adult Protective Services | 866-800-1409 | Adult Protective Services oversees the safety and security of seniors, including those in long-term care. It accepts and investigates complaints regarding abuse, neglect and exploitation of seniors. |
Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/7/2022. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your Memory Care Facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.
question | answer |
---|---|
Am I allowed to visit my loved one in person? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Is my loved one required to quarantine after I visit him or her? | No |
Am I required to wear a mask if I visit my loved one in person? | Yes |
Are visitors screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Are residents allowed to leave the facility at-will? | Yes |
Are residents of senior living facilities who leave required to quarantine when they get back? | No (Conditions Apply) |
Are staff members and contractors checked for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Are staff members and contractors tested for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Do staff members have to regularly screen residents for COVID-19 symptoms? | Yes |
Do staff members have to regularly check residents for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Do staff members have to regularly test residents for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |