I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Oak Park, IL

Oak Park is a welcoming village of about 55,000 residents, 16% of whom are retirement age. This Chicago suburb is best known for its historical landmarks, classic architecture and cultural amenities that offer a vibrant setting for retirement living. Senior-friendly income tax laws may help you maintain a comfortable standard of living, and generally comfortable weather provides opportunities to enjoy relaxing outdoors. Several public transportation options help you attend errands and medical visits without relying on your own car, and other resources, such as the local senior center and Area Agency on Aging, provide access to services to help you remain in your home throughout retirement.

Oak Park’s proximity to Chicago provides easy access to some of the best major medical facilities in the state. Two hospitals are located within the city, including West Suburban Medical Center and RUSH Oak Park Hospital, and there are 90 additional hospitals within range for those seeking more medical services. Over 260 doctors per 100,000 residents practice medicine here compared to the national norm of 210, and health care costs come in 6% below the nationwide average. Oak Park also has numerous home care agencies that provide the services you need to remain in your home.

II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Oak Park, IL

According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, full-time home care services in Oak Park cost about $5,672 per month. With this type of care, you receive nonmedical services, such as housekeeping, personal care and meal preparation, depending on your needs. If you need skilled nursing services, such as medication administration or physical therapy, home health care may be an appropriate alternative. This type of care has a slightly higher monthly rate of $5,720.

Genworth’s monthly home care and home health care rates assume 44 hours of weekly care and an hourly rate of $29.75 and $30, respectively. Depending on your income, you may qualify for programs like the HCBS Waiver for the Elderly, which pays for home care.

The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities

In Oak Park, home care agencies charge $5,672 per month, and home health care agencies charge slightly higher rates of $5,720. This is a few hundred dollars higher than the Illinois norm of $5,339, and it’s about $700 over the national norms of $4,957 for home care and $5,148 for home health care. In Rockford, rates are comparable to those in Oak Park at $5,625. In Kankakee and Peoria, respective fees are lower at $5,148 and $5,053.

The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options

Home care is a relatively expensive long-term care option in Oak Park with monthly rates of $5,672. Home health care is a little more expensive at $5,720. This care option is affordable compared to nursing home care, which provides medical care and monitoring for $6,996 monthly. However, you may pay less in an assisted living facility, which has a median monthly rate of $4,825, or for adult day care, which comes in about $3,800 less at $1,842.

Note: Data for Oak Park was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Chicago, was used instead.

III. How to Find Home Care in Oak Park, 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 Oak Park, IL.

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An infographic giving steps to finding a home care provider

IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Oak Park, IL

Oak Park Senior Services

What You Should Know

Oak Park supports seniors who live independently through various programs and services that may help you continue living at home. It operates the Dine Out Program, which provides vouchers for meals at participating restaurants throughout the region, such as Cozy Corner and Robinson’s Ribs. Vouchers are available for a suggested donation of $4 and are valid for special menus reviewed by a registered dietitian. The agency operates two other nutrition programs, including a home-delivered meal program and congregate dining program, along with transportation services for local trips. It also has a benefits specialist on staff who can help you determine whether you qualify for veterans or public benefits that may help you pay for home care.

Who Is Eligible?

You’re eligible for services and assistance through the city if you reside in Oak Park and are at least 60 years old.

How to Get Started

To learn more about the services and programs available to Oak Park residents, you can call (708) 383-8060.

Meals on Wheels of Northern IL

What You Should Know

This local Meals on Wheels program provides home-delivered and congregate meal services to help you remain independent at home even if you’re not able to prepare meals yourself. Meal deliveries are primarily for those who are housebound while meal sites are available for those who are able to leave their homes. To-go meals are available for those who don’t prefer in-person dining.

Who Is Eligible?

Home-delivered meals through Meals on Wheels are available to housebound individuals who are unable to obtain meals themselves. You can enjoy meals at one of the congregate meal sites if you’re at least 60 years old. There are no income qualifications for this program, but depending on your financial situation, you may be encouraged to make a small donation toward the cost of your meals. No one is denied meals due to the inability to donate.

How to Get Started

To get started, you can contact Meals on Wheels by calling (312) 207-5290.

AgeOptions

What You Should Know

AgeOptions, the Area Agency on Aging for the Oak Park area, administers numerous programs to support your comfort and quality of life. It operates programs in public libraries through which you can borrow tablets, learn how to use computers and smartphones, access recreational programs and check out take-home kits with crafts and puzzles. Its Nutrition Innovations Initiative provides meal boxes to those who are unable to shop but may have someone in their home who can prepare food, and the agency has benefits counselors who can screen you for eligibility for public benefits that may help you fund in-home care. The office also operates as the region’s Aging and Disability Resource Center and has options counselors to connect you with programs and services in the community.

Who Is Eligible?

You can obtain information and options counseling through AgeOptions if you’re at least 60 years old and living within the service area, which includes Oak Park.

How to Get Started

For more information, you can contact the agency by calling (708) 383-0258 or toll-free at (800) 699-9043. Language interpretation is available. You can also email the agency at [email protected] or use the online chat tool to speak with a live representative.

Senior Property Tax Exemption

What You Should Know

The Senior Property Tax Exemption reduces the equalized assessed value of your home. Potential annual property tax savings may make it financially feasible for you to maintain ownership of your home. This exemption renews automatically each year, so once your application is accepted, you don’t have to reapply.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible to save money on your property taxes if you own a home within Cook County, are at least 65 years old and use the property as your primary residence. If you’ve recently moved or plan to do so in the future, you may be eligible for a prorated Senior Exemption that’s based on the time you lived in the home.

How to Get Started

You can learn about the application process by contacting the Cook County Assessor’s Office by phone at (312) 443-7550 or by submitting an online contact form.

2-1-1 Metro Chicago

What You Should Know

2-1-1 Metro Chicago is a free nonprofit resource that can help you find programs and services in the Oak Park area that may help you age in place. It’s staffed with trained advisors who listen to your needs and concerns and make recommendations for budget-friendly solutions in the community. Through this organization, you can find utility assistance programs, legal help, chore assistance, transportation and home-delivered meals. All information services are free and confidential.

Who Is Eligible?

Everyone living in Chicagoland, including Oak Park, is eligible to get information and referral services through 2-1-1. You may have to meet eligibility requirements related to age, disability, health status or income for certain programs that you identify through this resource.

How to Get Started

To obtain assistance, you can use the online chat feature through the website or complete the online contact form. You can also navigate the website independently to find service providers and community-based programs.