Assisted living in Illinois: how it is licensed.
Who licenses assisted living in Illinois, and what to check before you choose.
What Illinois calls it
In Illinois, assisted living is licensed under the term “Assisted Living and Shared Housing Establishments”. Other states use different names, so it helps to know the exact term when you search.
Who licenses and inspects
Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Assisted Living is the agency that licenses these communities. It is the official place to check a community’s license and inspection history. The state also lists an official facility search tool.
Paying for care
Medicare generally does not cover long term custodial care.
The Illinois Department on Aging's Community Care Program provides in-home and community-based services to adults 60 and older who might otherwise need nursing home care; applicants must apply for Medicaid and enroll if eligible. The page does not mention assisted living.
Checking a community
The Illinois Department of Public Health page links to a list of Assisted Living and Shared Housing establishments and to complaint forms; it does not publish inspection results on that page.
Help and complaints
Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (Department on Aging) supports residents of long term care and their families.
Also worth knowing in Illinois
The Illinois Department of Public Health says assisted living and shared housing establishments must submit an annual renewal application with the licensure fee.
Sources we checked (October 2026)
Licensing rules change. We checked the pages below. Confirm with the state agency.
Questions
Who regulates assisted living in Illinois?
Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Assisted Living.