Based on the CareScout Cost of Care Survey, assisted living in Illinois runs about $6,219 a month, a semi-private nursing home room about $8,304 a month, and a private room about $9,216 a month. In-home non-medical care averages roughly $82,368 a year.

Most families use a mix of personal savings, long-term care insurance, home equity, and — once eligible — Medicaid. Selling a house, even as-is for cash, is one of the fastest ways to free up funds when a move needs to happen quickly.

The guide covers real senior care costs, how to weigh assisted living against nursing home options, questions to ask during the transition, and funding strategies — including how a cash home sale can help cover the first months of care.