Question 1

How much does in-home care cost in the Northwest Chicago suburbs?

Accepted Answer

In-home care in the Northwest Chicago suburbs typically ranges from $25–$38 per hour for a non-medical home health aide, depending on the agency, hours needed, and level of care. Live-in arrangements and specialized skilled nursing cost more. Most families pay out-of-pocket since Medicare only covers short-term skilled care after a hospital stay.

Question 2

What is the difference between a care manager and a home health aide?

Accepted Answer

A care manager (also called an aging life care professional) is a trained specialist — often a social worker or nurse — who assesses your parent's needs, coordinates services, and advocates for them across providers. A home health aide provides hands-on daily assistance: bathing, dressing, meals, and companionship. Many families benefit from a care manager to oversee a team of aides.

Question 3

When is it time to consider assisted living instead of in-home care?

Accepted Answer

Consider assisted living when your parent needs around-the-clock supervision, when in-home care costs exceed what a facility would charge, when safety risks at home have escalated, or when social isolation has become a serious health concern. An aging care manager can do a formal needs assessment to help you make this decision.

Question 4

Does Medicare pay for in-home care?

Accepted Answer

Medicare covers in-home care only in limited circumstances: your parent must be homebound, under a doctor's care, and need skilled nursing or therapy services. It does not cover custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, meals) on an ongoing basis. Medicaid may cover custodial care for those who qualify financially.

Question 5

How do I vet a home care agency before hiring them?

Accepted Answer

Ask whether the agency is licensed by Illinois IDPH, how they screen and train their aides, whether workers are employees or contractors (employees are covered by the agency's insurance and workers' comp), what their backup plan is when an aide calls in sick, and whether they do criminal background checks. Get references from current client families.

Care for Parents in the Northwest Chicago Suburbs