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Senior Living in Highland, IL

Explore top senior living communities in Highland, IL, near parks and hospitals, offering care tailored for active retirees.

2 Communities
10,215 Population
1,942 Seniors (65+)

2 Senior Living Communities in Highland

2 communities

Assisted Living, Memory Care & Independent Living in Highland

1 community offers assisted living, memory care, independent living, and other residential senior care options in Highland.

Skilled Nursing Facilities in Highland

1 skilled nursing facility providing 24-hour medical care, rehabilitation services, and long-term care in Highland.

Highland, Illinois, is a charming city in Madison County with a population of 10,215, as per the 2022 ACS Census data. Nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern Illinois, about 30 miles from St. Louis, Missouri, Highland boasts a mix of historic architecture and modern amenities that appeal to seniors seeking a peaceful yet accessible lifestyle. With a median age of 42.8 and 1,942 seniors aged 65 and older making up 19% of the population, Highland attracts retirees for its low crime rates, strong community spirit, and proximity to urban conveniences without the big-city hustle. Seniors often choose Highland for its affordable housing, median household income of $75,779, and opportunities for social engagement in local events like the Highland Homecoming Festival.

The senior living landscape in Highland features three key communities: Cedarhurst Senior Living of Highland, Highland Health Care Center, and San Gabriel Memory Care, providing a range of care types including assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. These facilities cater to the growing senior population by offering personalized care plans, with Cedarhurst focusing on independent lifestyles and Highland Health Care Center specializing in rehabilitation services. Healthcare infrastructure is robust, with nearby facilities like HSHS Holy Family Hospital providing easy access for routine check-ups and emergencies, ensuring seniors receive timely medical attention. This setup makes Highland a practical choice for families prioritizing quality care and a supportive environment for aging loved ones.

Highland offers a high quality of life with a comfortable climate, reasonable cost of living, and a vibrant cultural scene that resonates with seniors. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with mild summers and manageable winters, making outdoor activities feasible year-round. Cultural attractions include the historic Highland Museum and the annual Art in the Park events, while natural surroundings like the nearby Kaskaskia River trails provide serene walking paths. Seniors appreciate the affordability, with costs aligned to Illinois averages, and the close-knit community that fosters friendships through groups at the Highland Senior Center, enhancing overall well-being in a safe, walkable environment.

Cost of Senior Living in Highland

Senior living costs in Illinois, including Highland, align closely with national averages, making it a cost-effective choice for retirees. For instance, assisted living averages $5,900 per month in Illinois, matching the national figure, while nursing home semi-private rooms cost $9,277 monthly, also on par with the U.S. average, and private rooms reach $10,646 per month. Home health aide services are slightly lower at $6,250 per month compared to the national $6,292, and adult day care is $2,000 monthly versus the national $2,100. Factors influencing these prices include the level of care required, with memory care often adding 20-30% due to specialized staffing, room type preferences like private versus shared, and location-specific amenities such as Highland's access to parks and hospitals, which can increase costs by 10-15%. In Highland, proximity to St. Louis might slightly elevate prices for communities offering enhanced services, but overall, the area's median household income of $75,779 helps offset these expenses. Seniors should consider additional variables like inflation and personalized care plans, with data from the 2022 ACS indicating that 19% of Highland's population is 65+, many budgeting for these costs to enjoy a high quality of life.

Assisted Living
$5,900
per month
Nursing Home (Semi-Private)
$9,277
per month
Home Health Aide
$6,250
per month

Neighborhoods in Highland for Seniors

Downtown Highland

Downtown Highland, the heart of the city in Madison County, Illinois, is a walkable area favored by seniors for its historic charm and easy access to daily necessities. Key attractions include Memorial Park, where seniors can enjoy shaded walking paths and picnic areas, promoting gentle exercise and social gatherings. Nearby medical facilities like HSHS Holy Family Hospital, just a short drive away, offer specialized geriatric care, ensuring quick access to healthcare services such as cardiology and physical therapy. Seniors love dining at local spots like The Filling Station cafe, which serves hearty, senior-friendly meals like soups and sandwiches in a cozy atmosphere perfect for midday meetups. With a walkability score of about 75, as estimated from local transit data, this neighborhood features well-maintained sidewalks and crosswalks, making it safe for older adults to stroll to the post office or library without needing a car. Transit access is excellent via Madison County Transit's bus routes, which provide door-to-door service for seniors, reducing isolation. Seniors specifically appreciate this area for its community events, like the Highland Farmers Market, which encourages healthy eating and social interaction, fostering a sense of belonging in a low-traffic, pedestrian-friendly setting.

Highland Pointe

Highland Pointe, a residential suburb on the eastern edge of Highland, Illinois, is ideal for seniors seeking a quieter, suburban vibe with modern conveniences. This neighborhood features Silver Lake Park, offering accessible fishing docks and paved trails that are perfect for seniors' leisurely walks or birdwatching sessions, helping maintain mobility and mental health. Medical support is readily available at the nearby St. Louis University Hospital affiliate clinics, which specialize in senior health issues like arthritis management, just a 20-minute drive away. For casual outings, seniors frequent the Highland House Restaurant, known for its senior discounts on comfort foods like baked chicken and vegetable sides, providing a welcoming space for weekly lunches with friends. The area scores high on safety with low crime rates reported by local police, and its walkability is enhanced by wide, even sidewalks connecting homes to nearby shops, though public transit via the Madison County Senior Shuttle offers free rides for those over 65. Seniors are drawn to Highland Pointe for its age-restricted housing options and community centers that host activities like book clubs and gardening workshops, creating a supportive network that combats loneliness and encourages active aging in a peaceful, green environment.

West Highland

West Highland, located on the western side of the city bordering the Kaskaskia River, appeals to seniors with its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Parks such as the Kaskaskia River Trail Park provide senior-friendly features like bench-lined paths and scenic overlooks, ideal for therapeutic walks that improve balance and reduce stress. Healthcare is convenient with the Alton Memorial Hospital network nearby, offering specialized services in orthopedics and senior wellness programs, ensuring comprehensive care within a 15-minute drive. Dining options include the cozy Main Street Cafe, which caters to seniors with early-bird specials on heart-healthy meals like grilled fish and salads, fostering social dining experiences. This neighborhood boasts good walkability with flat terrain and safe, lighted streets, rated highly by local surveys, and transit access through the Illinois Rideshare program for seniors, making errands easier. Seniors particularly like West Highland for its proximity to nature, which supports activities like photography clubs and volunteer river cleanups, promoting physical activity and community involvement in a safe, family-oriented area that minimizes fall risks with its well-maintained infrastructure.

Senior Care Options in Highland

In Highland, Illinois, senior living options encompass a variety of care types designed to meet the diverse needs of adults aged 65 and older, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Independent living facilities like those at Cedarhurst Senior Living of Highland provide a maintenance-free lifestyle for active seniors who can manage daily tasks but seek community amenities such as fitness centers and social events. Assisted living, available at Highland Health Care Center, caters to residents needing help with activities like bathing or medication management, typically serving individuals with mild mobility issues or chronic conditions, allowing them to maintain dignity and independence. Memory care, offered by San Gabriel Memory Care, specializes in supportive environments for those with Alzheimer's or dementia, featuring secure settings and specialized therapies for residents in their 70s and 80s experiencing cognitive decline. Skilled nursing, also at Highland Health Care Center, is ideal for seniors recovering from surgery or managing complex health needs, with round-the-clock medical supervision for those over 80. These three communities in Highland reflect the local demand, with typical residents including retirees from nearby St. Louis seeking familiar surroundings and family proximity, ensuring a continuum of care that adapts to aging gracefully.

Healthcare & Transportation

Highland, Illinois, provides reliable healthcare and transportation options tailored for seniors. Key hospitals include HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Highland, which specializes in geriatric care, emergency services, and rehabilitation, and Alton Memorial Hospital, about 15 miles away, offering expertise in cardiology and orthopedic surgery for older adults. For veterans, the St. Louis VA Medical Center, located roughly 30 miles from Highland, serves as the nearest facility, providing comprehensive services like mental health support and primary care for eligible seniors. Senior transportation in the area includes Madison County Transit's public bus system, which offers discounted fares for those over 65 and routes connecting to major sites like grocery stores and medical centers, as well as the Illinois Department of Transportation's paratransit services for door-to-door rides. Additionally, senior shuttles through local organizations, such as the Highland Senior Center's volunteer-driven program, facilitate access to appointments, while ride-sharing apps like Uber provide on-demand options with senior discounts. Illinois supports senior care through the Medicaid waiver program known as the Illinois Community Care Program, which helps cover costs for home- and community-based services for low-income seniors, enabling them to age in place rather than moving to facilities, with eligibility based on income and health needs as per state guidelines.

Activities & Recreation Near Highland

Highland, Illinois, offers a range of activities tailored for seniors, focusing on low-impact and social options. Parks like Memorial Park and Silver Lake Park feature walking trails and picnic areas, perfect for gentle exercise and nature observation, with the latter including fishing spots that encourage relaxation. Recreation centers such as the Highland Community Center host senior-specific events like yoga classes and card games, promoting physical and mental health. For cultural outings, the Highland Museum showcases local history through exhibits that are easy for seniors to navigate, while the nearby St. Louis area provides access to theaters like the Fox Theatre for occasional trips. Restaurants like The Filling Station and Highland House offer senior discounts on meals, making them ideal for group lunches. Libraries, including the Highland Public Library, provide book clubs and computer classes for lifelong learning, and faith communities at places like St. Paul Catholic Church offer volunteer opportunities in community service projects. These activities, combined with the Highland Senior Center's programs, ensure seniors have ample chances for social engagement and staying active in a supportive environment.

Weather & Climate in Highland

Highland, Illinois, experiences a humid continental climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer, and about 40 inches of precipitation yearly. Seniors should note that summer humidity often exceeds 70%, increasing risks of heat-related illnesses, while winter brings frequent snow and ice, heightening fall risks on uneven surfaces. Allergy seasons peak in spring with high pollen counts from local trees, affecting respiratory health for those over 70. The best months for outdoor activities are May through October, when temperatures are mild (60-80°F) and precipitation is lower, allowing safe walks in parks like Memorial Park. Overall, seniors can mitigate challenges with indoor alternatives during extreme weather, ensuring year-round comfort in this region.

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Living in Highland

What is the average cost of senior living in Highland, IL?
The average cost of assisted living in Highland, IL, is approximately $5,900 per month, based on Illinois state data, while nursing home semi-private rooms average $9,277 monthly. These figures align with national averages, but local factors like proximity to St. Louis can influence pricing; for example, memory care might add 25% for specialized services at places like San Gabriel Memory Care. Seniors in Highland, with a median household income of $75,779, often factor in these costs against benefits like access to HSHS Holy Family Hospital, making it manageable for the 1,942 residents aged 65+ to choose options that fit their budgets and needs.
How many senior living communities are in Highland, IL?
There are 3 senior living communities in Highland, IL, including Cedarhurst Senior Living of Highland, Highland Health Care Center, and San Gabriel Memory Care. This number serves the local senior population of 1,942, or 19% of the total 10,215 residents, offering care types like assisted living and memory care. These facilities are strategically located near parks and hospitals, making them ideal for seniors seeking community support in Madison County.
What hospitals are near senior living in Highland, IL?
The primary hospital near senior living in Highland, IL, is HSHS Holy Family Hospital, specializing in geriatric and emergency care, located within the city limits. Additionally, Alton Memorial Hospital, about 15 miles away, provides advanced services like cardiology for seniors. These facilities ensure quick access for residents of communities like Cedarhurst Senior Living, enhancing safety and health outcomes for the area's 65+ population.
Does Illinois offer Medicaid waivers for senior living?
Yes, Illinois offers Medicaid waivers for senior living through the Illinois Community Care Program, which provides funding for home- and community-based services to help seniors avoid institutional care. This program, available to low-income residents in areas like Highland, covers costs for assisted living or home health aides averaging $6,250 per month, supporting the 19% senior population by enabling them to age in place near local amenities like Memorial Park.
What is the climate like in Highland, IL, for seniors?
Highland, IL, has a humid continental climate with average summer highs of 85°F and winter lows of 20°F, making it moderately comfortable for seniors but requiring caution for heat waves and icy conditions. The area's precipitation averages 40 inches annually, with high humidity in summer posing risks for those with respiratory issues, while winter snow increases fall risks; best months for outdoor activities are May to October, allowing seniors to enjoy walks in Silver Lake Park safely.
What are the best neighborhoods in Highland, IL, for seniors?
The best neighborhoods in Highland, IL, for seniors include Downtown Highland and Highland Pointe, known for their walkability, safety, and access to parks like Memorial Park. These areas feature senior-friendly amenities such as nearby HSHS Holy Family Hospital and cafes like The Filling Station, catering to the needs of the 1,942 seniors aged 65+, with low crime rates and transit options making daily life easier and more enjoyable.
What VA benefits are available for seniors in Highland, IL?
VA benefits for seniors in Highland, IL, include access to the St. Louis VA Medical Center, about 30 miles away, offering healthcare services like primary care and prescriptions for veterans. Programs such as the VA Aid and Attendance pension help cover assisted living costs averaging $5,900 per month, benefiting the local veteran population among the 19% seniors by providing financial aid and transportation support to enhance their quality of life.
What are the key demographics for seniors in Highland, IL?
Highland, IL, has a senior population of 1,942 individuals aged 65 and older, representing 19% of the total 10,215 residents, with a median age of 42.8 as per 2022 ACS data. This demographic enjoys a median household income of $75,779, which supports access to senior living options like Cedarhurst Senior Living, allowing retirees to engage in local activities and healthcare, fostering a vibrant community for aging adults.

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