Home Care in Illinois

The average starting cost of home care in Illinois is $33 per hour, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data. Based on our ranking methodology, the top-rated home care agencies in Illinois are Optimum Senior Care, Senior Helpers of Geneva, IL or Cornerstone Caregiving - Wheaton, IL.

Home care in Illinois allows seniors to remain in the comfort of their own homes while receiving help with everyday tasks and routines. Across communities such as Naperville, Chicago, and Rockford, families can choose from a variety of home care providers offering services tailored to different needs and preferences. When comparing options, many families prioritize caregiver dependability, personalized support, and affordability while looking for a provider they can trust.

Home care focuses on nonmedical assistance, such as help with personal care, household tasks, and companionship. Home health care, by contrast, provides medical services delivered by licensed health care professionals. Although some agencies offer both types of support, A Place for Mom’s network consists of nonmedical home care providers. A Place for Mom has partnered with 275 home care agencies to help seniors and their families find the right fit for their needs.

Home care in Illinois typically costs $33 per hour, which is similar to the national average of $32 per hour.^[01] Costs are relatively consistent across much of the state, with cities like Chicago, Evanston, and Arlington Heights remaining close to the national average. Monthly costs vary depending on how many hours of care your loved one needs. The following estimates are based on the average hourly rate in Illinois:

• Part-time care (20 hours/week): $2,814 per month
• Full-time care (44 hours/week): $6,190 per month

Several factors can affect home care costs in Illinois, including:

• Level of care (companionship vs. personal care)
• Specialized services (such as dementia care)
• Overnight care, weekend care, holidays
• 24-hour and live-in care needs
• Caregiver experience and certifications
• Location within Illinois

In Illinois, most families pay for nonmedical home care using a combination of private and public sources, which may include long-term care insurance, Medicaid, and other payment methods.

Private pay options

Common private pay options include:

• Social Security benefits
• Savings, investments, or pensions
• Long-term care insurance
• Life insurance conversion
• Reverse mortgage

VA benefits

Veterans and their surviving spouses may be eligible for financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help offset the cost of home care. Programs that may help include:

• VA health care, which may provide access to certain in-home services, including homemaker and home health aide programs for eligible veterans.^[02]
• Aid and Attendance, a benefit that provides additional monthly payments to qualifying veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating. These funds can be used to help pay for home care services.^[03]

Eligibility requirements vary by program. Veterans and their families can learn more through VA.gov or the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Illinois Medicaid

Medicaid is a health care program jointly funded by the state and federal governments. It’s designed to support people who have low incomes and those who are living with disabilities. In Illinois, the Medicaid program is also known as the Medical Assistance Program.

The Medical Assistance Program supports eligible elderly residents through several programs, including the state’s regular plan for aged, blind, and disabled residents, and two home- and community-based services (HCBS) waiver programs: the Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program and the HCBS Waiver for the Elderly program.^[04,05,06]

The state’s regular Medicaid plan and the LTSS program, which is available to residents who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, are entitlements, meaning that any resident who qualifies will receive services. The HCBS Waiver for the Elderly isn’t an entitlement, so your loved one may be placed on a waiting list if the program is full.

Medicaid recipients must meet income and asset requirements and must demonstrate a medical need for services.

Medicare

Medicare may cover limited home health care services when they’re medically necessary and ordered by a doctor. This can include skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and certain medical supplies.

However, Medicare doesn’t typically pay for ongoing nonmedical home care on its own. Services like help with bathing, grooming, feeding, walking, meal preparation, or housekeeping are only covered when they’re provided as part of a qualifying home health care plan that also includes skilled medical services.^[07]

Illinois regulates both home health agencies and nonmedical home care providers to help protect consumers. These regulations ensure agencies meet standards for safety, training, and quality of care.^[08,09,10]

Does Illinois require home care agencies to have a license?

Yes. In Illinois, home care agencies must be licensed through its Department of Public Health. This applies to both home health agencies and many nonmedical providers.^[08,09,10]

Does Illinois conduct inspections of home care agencies?

Yes. The Department of Public Health conducts regular inspections, which may be announced or unannounced. These inspections help ensure agencies comply with state regulations and maintain quality standards.^[10]

How to check licensing and inspection reports for home care agencies in Illinois

Families can verify an agency’s license and review inspection reports using the professional license lookup tool made available by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation. Licensed agencies must meet requirements related to:^[10]

• Staff qualifications
• Safety protocols
• Care standards

Some agencies may also seek voluntary accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission, which can indicate a higher level of quality.^[11]

What are hiring practices for home care agencies in Illinois?

Illinois requires agencies to follow hiring and training practices, including:^[10,12]

• Background checks for caregivers
• Verification of qualifications and certifications
• Initial training and ongoing education requirements

These standards help ensure caregivers are qualified to provide safe, effective support.

Choosing the right agency is one of the most important steps. Here are some tips to guide your decision:

• Check licensing. Make sure the agency is licensed in Illinois. A Place for Mom verifies licensing for agencies in our network twice per year, helping families feel more confident in their search.
• Read reviews. Look for consistent feedback about caregiver reliability and compassion.
• Ask about training. Ensure caregivers receive proper onboarding and ongoing education.
• Request detailed pricing information. Agencies may require weekly hour minimums and charge higher rates for care provided overnight, on weekends, and on holidays.
• Understand services. Confirm the agency offers the level of care your loved one needs.
• Meet caregivers. A good personality match can make a big difference when it comes to the comfort of your loved one.

Read more: How to Choose a Home Care Agency