Illinois

IL · State guide

An assisted living establishment provides sleeping accommodations and assistance with activities of daily living to at least 3 unrelated adults, at least 80% of whom are 55 or older. A shared housing establishment is a free-standing residence for 16 or fewer people, at least 80% of them 55 or older. IDPH licenses both, with licensing since 2002. Older 'sheltered care' facilities, which provide personal care and supervision below nursing level, are licensed separately by IDPH under the Sheltered Care Facilities Code.

License categories

Assisted living establishment
Shared housing establishment
Sheltered care facility
Supportive living facility

Key laws

210 ILCS 9

Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act

77 Ill. Adm. Code 295

Assisted Living and Shared Housing Establishment Code
Official text →

77 Ill. Adm. Code 330

Sheltered Care Facilities Code
Official text →

Key requirements

License required for establishments serving 3+ unrelated adults (at least 80% age 55+) with ADL assistance available 24 hours a day as needed
Manager must be at least 21, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have 2 years of relevant management or progressive health care/housing experience
New employees must complete orientation within 10 days of starting, with further orientation within 30 days
Managers and direct care staff need at least 8 hours of ongoing training every 12 months
Direct care staff are subject to the Health Care Worker Background Check Act