Affordable assisted living model administered by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services that offers frail elderly (65 and older) or persons with disabilities (22 and older) housing with services (depending on the population served by the facility). The aim of the program is to preserve privacy and autonomy while emphasizing health and wellness for persons who would otherwise need nursing facility care.

The Supportive Living Program is open to any resident who:

undergoes preadmission screening (individuals seeking assistance through the Medical Assistance Program must be found in need of nursing facility level of care according to screening guidelines);

is without a primary or secondary diagnosis of developmental disability or serious and persistent mental illness;

has income no less than the current maximum allowable amount of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (SSI amounts for 2008 - $637 for a single person; $956 for a couple);

has had a tuberculosis test that indicates the absence of active tuberculosis. The test must be completed no more than 90 days prior to the date of admission, or the test must be commenced no more than seven days after admission; and

Residents choose from the following menu of services that are provided by the facility:

• temporary nursing care
• social/recreational programming
• health promotion and exercise programs
• medication oversight
• ancillary services
• 24-hour response/security
• personal care
• laundry
• housekeeping
• maintenance

Providers must also regularly assess each resident's health status and consult with the resident on an ongoing service plan that promotes health and wellness.

Each Medicaid-eligible resident must have income equal to or greater than the current SSI and must contribute all but $90 each month to the provider for lodging, meals and services. The $90 is to be kept by the resident as a personal allowance to use as the resident wishes. When sharing a room, a Medicaid-eligible resident is required to contribute no more than one half of the current SSI rate for a married couple minus the $90 personal allowance. Any resident receiving food stamp benefits may be required to contribute those benefits to the facility as payment toward meal costs.

Contact the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Bureau of Long Term Care, for more information or if you have questions regarding a supportive living facility.

Phone: 217-782-0545
Fax: 217-524-7114
E-Mail: Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services

Complaints concerning a supportive living facility may be directed to: