Senior Living Apartments in Naperville, IL

Navigating the financial landscape of senior living can be complex, with various avenues available for covering the cost of senior apartments in Naperville. It’s crucial to understand that senior apartment communities are typically not covered by programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance, primarily because these communities don’t provide medical care. These programs are designed to cover health care costs, not the costs of housing or amenities.

However, this doesn’t mean these programs are entirely irrelevant when it comes to living in a senior apartment. For instance, Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance may help cover the costs of medically necessary in-home care services, which seniors may require while residing at their senior apartments.

In this section, we’ll explore the most common payment options, shedding light on which costs are covered by which programs and where other potential funding might come from. Here, you can find private pay, VA benefits, public assistance, Medicare, and Medicaid resources for seniors.

In Naperville, senior apartment communities do not require licensing or regular inspections because they are not categorized as care facilities by the Division of Assisted Living. Nonetheless, they follow specific city, county, state, and federal laws and regulations that govern senior housing and rental properties to ensure residents enjoy comfortable and high-quality living quarters.

Applicable laws and regulations

Naperville enforces Fair Housing laws to prohibit discrimination in any part of real estate transactions, including renting or leasing. The Illinois Human Rights Act is administered by the Illinois Department of Human Rights to eliminate discrimination in areas such as employment, financial credit, public accommodations, and housing.

For those with Housing Choice Vouchers or non-employment income (such as disability payments), it’s important to know that it’s against Illinois law to discriminate based on source of income.

All senior apartments in Naperville are required to follow the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Landlords cannot discriminate or deny housing to tenants based specifically on their disability.

Inspections

All Illinois rental properties, including senior apartments, are subject to inspections for compliance with building and safety codes. The City of Naperville’s Code Enforcement Division and building inspectors are responsible for enforcing these regulations and conducting the necessary inspections. Fire safety inspections are also conducted annually on all commercial and multi-family occupancies to verify adherence to fire safety regulations and codes.

For the convenience of residents and potential renters, the city maintains a publicly accessible database of building permits and inspection reports. These can be found on the City of Naperville’s website. This online resource allows you to view recent inspections and identify any potential issues or violations that have been recorded.

Age requirements for living in a senior apartment

It’s common for senior apartment communities to set an age limit of 55 years or older. This requirement ensures the community is primarily composed of older adults, creating an environment where residents can feel a sense of belonging and connect with one another.

Illinois Department of Health contact information

Illinois Department of Public Health
122 S. Michigan Ave., Seventh and 20th Floors
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312-814-2793

69 W. Washington St., 35th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-814-5278

COVID-19 regulations for Naperville senior apartment communities

There are no COVID-19 regulations specific to senior apartments in Naperville. However, senior apartment communities may have their own guidelines, so it’s best to check for further information. In DuPage County, it is recommended to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including the following:

Naperville provides a comfortable suburban lifestyle with a plethora of amenities and opportunities for seniors. Its strong reputation for safety, quality of life, and overall livability, along with its easy access to the larger Chicago metropolitan area, make it a top choice for active seniors.

Exceptional quality of life

Senior apartments in Naperville offer a unique blend of independent living and community engagement. The city’s rich history, vibrant arts scene, and diverse community create a dynamic environment that is highly appealing.

Desirable amenities and services

Senior apartments in Naperville offer a range of amenities designed to provide enhanced comfort and convenience for residents. Some apartment complexes include fitness centers, swimming pools, and more. Some communities also offer added services such as housekeeping and laundry. These amenities allow seniors to enjoy a stress-free lifestyle so they can focus on enjoying their golden years.

Senior-friendly community

Naperville is an inclusive community that values its senior residents. The city offers a range of programs and services designed specifically for seniors, including senior centers and social events. This focus on community support enhances the overall lifestyle of seniors living in Naperville.

Chicago’s next-door neighbor

Naperville’s location, just 30 miles west of Chicago, offers seniors the opportunity to enjoy all that the vibrant city of Chicago has to offer. From world-class museums and cultural attractions to diverse shopping and dining options, Chicago provides a variety of forms of entertainment that are easily accessible to seniors living in Naperville.

Health care for seniors in Naperville

Transportation for seniors in Naperville

Getting around Naperville is largely dependent on private transportation, as the city has been designed with car travel in mind. This suburban city does offer some public transportation options and limited walkability, though, particularly downtown and in neighborhoods like Woodlake and East Highlands. According to Walk Score, which ranks cities’ transportation options on a scale from 0 to 100, Naperville scores a low 34 due to its poor walking infrastructure. Transit and biking don’t fare much better with scores of 12 and 45, respectively.^[07]

While Naperville’s public transportation options are limited, there are still accessible ways to get around. The city offers two main public transportation systems: the Metra train system and the Pace bus system. The Metra connects to different cities, providing easy access to Aurora and Chicago, while Pace operates a standard city loop for local travel.

Seniors can also use Ride DuPage, a transportation program aimed at improving services for seniors 65+ and persons with disabilities. Implemented by the Naperville/Lisle Area Transportation Partners and Pace, these bus or taxi services offer curb-to-curb transportation 24/7 at significantly reduced rates.

Senior-specific private transportation options may be more suitable and comfortable for seniors with special needs. Assisting Hands Home Care is one such service that can take you anywhere around town, from doctor’s appointments to grocery shopping. Their caregivers will work with you to create a schedule for your unique needs.

Ride Assist Naperville (RAN) is another private option for seniors 60+ to make it to their medical appointments. RAN is a program under Naperville Seniors in Action, a 501(c)(3) organization. This means that no rider is required to pay, although donations are accepted. Volunteer drivers will assist you throughout the whole process, from picking you up at home to taking you back.

Senior activities in Naperville

Naperville thrives on community engagement and offers a wide range of activities for senior residents. It boasts a vibrant mix of indoor and outdoor activities, features passive and interactive options, and caters to seniors of all abilities.

Naperville values the arts, as demonstrated by the fantastic initiative Singing for Seniors. This program offers seniors the chance to relish musical performances at The Compass Church. Transportation is provided to and from concerts for those who need it.

Cultural enthusiasts will find a wide variety of museums, art galleries, and theaters in Naperville. The city hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair and the Naperville Wine Festival, providing opportunities for seniors to immerse themselves in local culture and community festivities.

For those interested in the town’s history, Naper Settlement will be for you. Spanning 13 acres, guests can delve into the enchanting museum grounds, discover 30 historic buildings, and gain insight into how the past connects to the present through the guidance of costumed interpreters. Seniors 62+ can purchase tickets for $10 from May to October and $5 from November to April.

Nature lovers will appreciate the city’s parks, which offer a host of senior activities, including gardening, golf, and even senior kung fu. Naperville also has a vast parks and forest preserve network. Knoch Knolls is one such park filled with beautiful flora and fauna that offers kayaking and canoeing, fishing, and hiking.

Downtown Naperville also offers a variety of shops for leisurely walking and entertainment, along with regular events like wine walks, car shows, and scenic riverfront walks. Pottery and painting classes are also available at Pinot’s Palette and Pottery Bayou.

The Senior Suburban Orchestra is another great option for seniors looking to keep their minds engaged. It gives those who love music a chance to spend time with other musicians and keep their skills sharp.

For seniors who enjoy staying active, the Naperville Senior Center and the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association offer a variety of programs. Whether you prefer to exercise on a bike, take a stroll around the walking track, or simply relax in a quiet room, there are plenty of options available.

The Levy Senior Center in nearby Bolingbrook is an ideal spot for the 55-and-over crowd, offering a plethora of activities such as exercise classes, art classes, dancing, dinners, and card games. There is always something happening at the Levy Senior Center. The best part? Membership is free for DuPage seniors!

Overall, Naperville is a city known for its engaged community life and its commitment to providing a variety of engaging and accessible activities for seniors. Whether you prefer to stay active, enjoy the arts, or simply socialize with friends, Naperville has something to offer.