Best Nursing Homes in Illinois

109 of 669 nursing homes (16%) meet our strict criteria. The national average is 31%.

#50 of 50 states

109 recommended · 449 avoid · 330 cities · data

Recommended Statewide

109

Facilities graded B or better with zero fines

109 recommended 14 caution 449 avoid

National Rank

#50

Below Average

Total Facilities

669

across 330 cities

Facilities to Avoid

449

396 Grade F

$68,537,448 in combined fines

Best City

Wheaton

67% recommended

State Average

2.5

CMS star rating

Illinois vs National Average

Comparison of nursing home metrics between Illinois and national averages
Metric Illinois National Verdict
% Recommended 16% 31% ✗ Worse
Average CMS Stars 2.5 3.0 ✗ Worse
Staff Turnover 50% 44% ✗ Worse
RN Hours/Day 0.65 0.75 ✗ Worse
Avg Deficiencies 8.5 7.5 ✗ Worse

Data from CMS Care Compare as of . National averages based on all 15,000 U.S. nursing homes.

The Illinois Reality

Nursing home care in Illinois presents significant challenges for families seeking quality assistance for their loved ones. Ranked last nationally at #50 out of 50 states, Illinois struggles to meet the needs of its aging population. Only 16% of the 669 nursing facilities in the state are recommended, a stark contrast to the national average of 31%. This alarming statistic underscores the difficulties families may face when searching for reliable long-term care options for their elderly relatives.

While there are notable exceptions, such as Wheaton, where 67% of facilities come highly recommended, the overall landscape is concerning. Families should be aware that out of the 669 facilities, 449 are classified as ones to avoid, including 396 that received failing grades (F). The financial implications of subpar care are also evident, with total fines amounting to $68,537,448 against these facilities. On a more positive note, facilities like APERION CARE FOX RIVER in Elgin boast a trust score of 95, highlighting that quality care can be found, albeit with considerable effort.

When searching for nursing home care in Illinois, families should prioritize several factors to ensure the best possible environment for their loved ones. It is advisable to examine trust scores and average CMS star ratings, as Illinois has an average of 2.52 stars, indicating a need for caution. Furthermore, checking for any fines against facilities can provide insight into their operational integrity and commitment to patient care. By taking these steps, families can better navigate the complexities of nursing home options in Illinois and make informed decisions that align with their loved ones' needs.

Quality Trend

Is Illinois improving or declining?

2024
19%
2025
17%
2026
16%

Illinois quality has remained stable.

Cities Ranked by Quality

Click any city to see detailed facility recommendations

Statewide Warning Patterns

Common issues found across Illinois nursing homes

High Number of Facilities with F Grades

In Illinois, 396 out of 669 nursing homes have received F grades, indicating significant quality and safety issues.

Facilities to Avoid

There are 449 facilities in Illinois recommended to avoid, indicating a significant portion of homes may not meet quality care standards.

Substantial Total Fines

With total fines amounting to $68,537,448, Illinois nursing homes face notable financial penalties, reflecting ongoing regulatory challenges.

Top 10 Nursing Homes in Illinois

Highest-scoring facilities statewide

  1. 1
    95 A+
  2. 2
    95 A+
  3. 3
    95 A+
  4. 4
    VI AT THE GLEN

    Glenview

    95 A+
  5. 5
    95 A+
  6. 6
    95 A+
  7. 7
    93 A
  8. 8
    93 A
  9. 9
    93 A
  10. 10
    93 A

Care Type Availability

Where to find specific care in Illinois

Memory Care

30 facilities

Best options in Wheaton

Short-Term Rehab

80 facilities

Highest success in Wheaton

Medicaid Beds

150 facilities

Avg waitlist: 2-4 months

Ventilator / Complex Care

5 facilities

Limited availability

Cost Overview

Private Room

$7,500/mo

Near national average

Semi-Private

$6,500/mo

Medicaid Rate

$165/day

75% of recommended facilities accept Medicaid

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Illinois compare to neighboring states?

Illinois ranks 50th in the nation for nursing home care, which is significantly lower than several neighboring states. For example, states like Wisconsin and Indiana generally have better rankings and a higher percentage of recommended facilities, indicating a need for improvement in Illinois nursing homes compared to its neighbors.

What percentage of nursing homes in Illinois meet quality criteria?

Only 16% of nursing homes in Illinois meet quality criteria, which is notably lower than the national average of 31%. This highlights a concerning gap in the quality of care available to residents in the state.

Which city in Illinois offers the best nursing home care?

Wheaton is recognized as the best city for nursing home care in Illinois, offering a combination of quality facilities and services. It stands out among other cities in the state, providing residents with better options for care.

What is the cost of a private room in a Illinois nursing home?

The cost of a private room in an Illinois nursing home averages around $8,000 per month, which is reflective of the overall high costs of long-term care in the state. This figure can vary widely depending on the facility and location, making it essential for families to research their options.