I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Crystal Lake, IL
When you’re searching for a retirement city with distinct seasons and a small-town feeling, Crystal Lake, IL, fits the bill. It’s home to just 40,411 residents, 15.4% of whom are 65 or older. With its extremely low crime rate, cost of living close to the national average and various home care options, Crystal Lake is a comfortable spot to age in place. If you decide to make the city your home, you won’t be alone — the county’s senior population is expected to grow by 157% by 2030.
It’s easy to see why Crystal Lake is so popular among retirees. Surrounded by farmland and dotted with parks and lakes, the area has a quiet, pastoral atmosphere. The historic downtown is home to independent boutiques, restaurants and regular community events. If you need to get around, MCRide offers affordable, on-demand public transportation. The Union Pacific/Metra Northwest train streamlines the 50-mile journey to Chicago, so family and friends can visit easily.
Regarding health care, Crystal Lake residents can access services through Illinois Cardiovascular Specialists or Crystal Lake Medical Arts. Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital sits just 10 miles away, and a new facility, the Mercyhealth Hospital and Physician Clinic, arrives in 2023.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Crystal Lake, IL
Seniors in Crystal Lake typically pay an average of $5,672 per month for home care and $5,720 for home health care. This data comes from the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, which collects cost information directly from care providers. When assessing monthly costs, Genworth assumes that seniors need about 44 hours of care every week. Of course, your needs may be different based on your health and mobility; if you think you’ll need part-time assistance, you can calculate the potential cost using the average hourly rate. According to Genworth, home care costs $29.75 per hour, and home health care will likely be $30 per hour.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Costs for in-home care in Crystal Lake are higher than both the Illinois and national averages. Local seniors pay a little more than Rockford residents, who have monthly costs of $5,625 for home care and home health care. The most affordable nearby city is Peoria, where seniors pay $619 less per month for home care and $667 less for home health. Moline, which lies to the west on the border of Illinois and Iowa, has average monthly costs of $5,148 for both health and personal care.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
When you live in Crystal Lake, you can choose from a variety of senior-living solutions. At $1,842 per month, the most wallet-friendly choice is adult day care. If you discover that you’re more comfortable living with more support and access to staff, you can opt for an assisted living facility. In Crystal Lake, the average monthly fees are $4,825. For round-the-clock skilled medical care, a nursing home is a good option; you can expect to pay $6,996 monthly for a semiprivate room. Home care and home health care are considerably more affordable, bringing you monthly savings of $1,324 and $1,276, respectively.
III. How to Find Home Care in Crystal Lake, IL
Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Crystal Lake, IL.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Crystal Lake, IL
Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP)
What You Should Know
The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) is designed to help boost efficiency and reduce energy bills during the state’s cold winters and hot summers. In addition to weatherization, program staff can also make changes to increase the health and safety standards of your residence. The program provides up to $16,000 in weather-related work and up to $3,500 in other repairs. The amount you receive depends on your outstanding needs.
Common weatherization projects include home insulation and repairing or replacing water heaters, lights, HVAC systems and refrigerators. Workers can also air seal your home, improve the ventilation system and implement solutions to control moisture.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility for IHWAP is income-based and limited to homeowners. Funding for the project comes from both federal and state sources. To receive state funds, you must make 150% or less of the federal poverty level; for federal funding, this number rises to 200%.
How to Get Started
Find out more about IHWAP by calling the Office of Community Assistance at (217) 785-2533.
Habitat for Humanity Critical Home Repair
What You Should Know
Habitat for Humanity of McHenry County offers the Critical Home Repair program to help residents stay safe in their houses. In particular, volunteers aim to serve seniors and veterans who may be unable to handle the repairs on their own. The program prioritizes projects that correct code violations, improve your safety, reduce fall risk or resolve health issues.
Habitat for Humanity uses a mix of volunteers and licensed contractors to ensure that work is safe, high-quality and up to code. The program requests that you pay back part of the cost of materials. If you can’t pay due to income, it’s possible to get services for free through the program’s “silent lien” process.
Who Is Eligible?
The Critical Home Repair program is open to homeowners in McHenry County with property insurance and a demonstrated need. You must be current on property taxes, and your total household income should be within 30% and 80% of the county median. For 2022, this is $21,900–$58,350 for one person or $25,000–$66,700 for two people.
How to Get Started
Call the Habitat for Humanity Community Outreach Coordinator at (815) 759-9002, extension 108, to apply or learn more.
Senior Citizen Homestead Property Tax Exemption
What You Should Know
The Senior Citizen Homestead exemption offers a way to reduce your property taxes. The exemption reduces the assessed value of your home by $5,000, so you pay less each year. It’s an age-restricted program, so you should be prepared to provide a photo ID and proof of ownership.
The Senior Citizen Homestead exemption stays in force as long as you own your home. You can continue to claim it if you move to a licensed nursing home as long as the home is empty or occupied by your spouse.
Who Is Eligible?
To get the exemption, you must be a homeowner in McHenry County aged 65 or older. The house must be your main residence, and you must be the person who is responsible for taxes. Applications are due by November 30 of the year taxes are assessed.
How to Get Started
With questions, contact the McHenry County Office of Assessments at (815) 334-4290. If you’re ready to apply, you can download the application form to get started.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
What You Should Know
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a national initiative; Crystal Lake residents can receive assistance through the McHenry County Housing Authority. LIHEAP provides financial help with energy bills. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for a single payment to help with costs or an income-dependent Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP). Make sure to apply as quickly as possible, as funding for both programs is limited.
Who Is Eligible?
To get a one-time LIHEAP payment or to participate in PIPP, you must meet income limits. If you live alone, you can make no more than $2,265 per month. For two people, the maximum monthly income is $3,052.
How to Get Started
If you need information about LIHEAP or PIPP, call (815) 308-6045. You can also start the process by booking an appointment online.
Senior Care Volunteer Network
What You Should Know
The Senior Care Volunteer Network provides a range of services; its goal is to help seniors maintain their independence and stay safe at home. You can contact the network for assistance with yard work, grocery shopping, social visits, transportation to medical or recreational appointments and more. In some cases, volunteers can even perform minor repairs to your home.
If you need durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, bed rails, walkers or shower chairs, the Senior Care Volunteer Network can loan items to you at no cost. Volunteers are also available to help connect you to other resources in Crystal Lake or the surrounding areas. All services are free of charge.
Who Is Eligible?
Senior Care Volunteer Network services are available to people aged 60 or older in McHenry County.
How to Get Started
Call (815) 455-3120 with questions or to make an equipment request. You can also request services online by filling out the resource center intake form.