Senior Living

Guides to senior housing and care in Chicago: nursing homes, assisted living, memory care, supportive living, life plan communities (CCRCs) and 55+ housing. Articles explain how Illinois licenses each type of care and cite the regulators’ own data from IDPH, HFS and CMS, with the date it was checked. General information only, not medical, legal or financial advice.

Senior Living

Nursing Home, Assisted Living or Supportive Living? How Illinois Licenses Senior Care in Chicago

Joe Bjorklund / October 23, 2026

Nursing homes, assisted living, supportive living, memory care, life plan communities and 55+ housing are six different things in Illinois. Who licenses each, who pays, and how to check a Chicago facility yourself.