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Should Mom Move to Assisted Living or Stay Home? A Chicago Family’s Guide
Facing this decision for your Edgebrook, Norwood Park, or North Side Chicago loved one? You’re not alone. Here’s what Illinois families need to know:
| Factor | Assisted Living | In-Home Care |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (Chicago Area) | 4,500−4,500−7,000/month | 25−25−35/hour (only pay for needed care) |
| Location | Facility with 20+ residents | Your loved one’s current home |
| Care Type | Standardized assistance | Fully personalized 1:1 support |
| Meals | Communal dining | Home-cooked preferred meals |
| Social Life | Built-in activities | Local senior center outings |
| Best For | Seniors wanting community | Those who cherish independence |
At All Family Health Care, Inc., we help families weigh these options without pressure.
Key Differences That Matter for Chicago Seniors
1. Cost Considerations
- Assisted Living:
- Covers room/board + basic care
- Extra fees for higher care needs
- Not covered by Medicare
- Home Care:
- Pay only for hours needed
- Medicare may cover skilled care
- Medicaid waivers available
Local Insight: Many North Shore families combine both – using home care to delay assisted living moves.
2. Care Personalization
- Assisted Living:
- Staff rotate; less continuity
- Scheduled medication times
- Home Care:
- Same trusted caregivers
- Routines adapt to preferences
Example: Our Edgebrook clients with dementia thrive keeping familiar surroundings.
3. Social Opportunities
- Assisted Living:
- Daily activities (games, crafts)
- Risk of isolation if mobility declines
- Home Care:
- Visits to Norwood Park Senior Center
- Family stays more involved
How to Decide: 3 Key Questions
- “Does my loved one crave community or prefer privacy?”
- “Would transitioning to a facility cause distress?”
- “What level of daily help is truly needed?”
Pro Tip: Try temporary respite care first to test options.
Local Chicago Resources
📍 Free Consultations: Illinois Department on Aging
📍 Assisted Living Compare Tool: Illinois Healthcare Council
📍 Home Care Savings: Illinois Medicaid HCBS Waiver program
🗺️ Need Personalized Advice?
All Family Health Care, Inc.
📍 6413 N Kinzua Ave. Ste 2, Chicago, IL 60646
📞 (773) 775-2588
🌐 allfamilyhealthcare.com<Google Map Embed>
FAQ Section
Q: Can we start with home care then switch to assisted living later?
A: Yes! Many families use home care to delay facility costs 2-5 years.
Q: Does Medicare help with either option?
A: No for assisted living. Yes for home health if skilled care is needed.
Q: How quickly can home care services start?
A: Often within 24-48 hours for private pay.
Q: Do you serve Arlington Heights families?
A: Absolutely! We cover Chicago’s North Side and suburbs.
Take the Next Step Without Pressure
📞 Call (773) 775-2588 today to:
- Get a free care needs assessment
- Compare local facility vs. home care costs
- Learn about hybrid solutions
📍 Serving Edgebrook, Jefferson Park, Norwood Park and surrounding communities
💡 “We helped 83% of local families avoid premature assisted living moves last year.”
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