Companion Care for Seniors in University Park, IL
Conversation, outings, meals together and a steady, friendly presence for an older adult who lives alone or spends long days by themselves. Post what you need in University Park for free and hire a caregiver directly, with no agency mark-up.
Companion Care in University Park, IL: the local picture
About 264 residents of University Park aged 65 or older live alone, 34% of older residents in households (22% in Will County). They are the people companion care is usually for: mostly independent, but on their own for long stretches of the day.
4.9% of University Park households have no vehicle (3.9% in Will County). A companion who drives can turn a week at home into appointments, shopping and visits.
Of the 829 University Park residents aged 65 or older, 37 are 85 or older (4.5%). Before the first visit with someone in that oldest group, ask the family about hearing, eyesight, walking and any memory changes, so the visit is planned around them.
547 University Park households headed by someone 65 or older own their home and 82 rent. A companion visiting a house may also help with mail, light chores and keeping an eye on things; in an apartment building, ask whether visitors sign in.
About 84 older University Park residents (10%) live below the poverty line (7.5% in Will County). For them, Medicaid home and community-based services or the local Area Agency on Aging may cover some companion or homemaker hours, depending on the state program; private pay is not the only route.
About 5.5% of University Park residents aged 5 and over speak a language other than English at home. The most common are other languages (229), Spanish (114), other Indo-European languages (19). If the person you care for is more at ease in one of these languages, say so in your posting; many caregivers list the languages they speak.
University Park compared with Will County and Illinois
| Census figure | University Park | Will County | Illinois |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residents 65+ in households who live alone | 34% | 22% | 30% |
| Residents 65 or older | 11% | 15% | 17% |
| Residents 5+ who speak a language other than English at home | 5.5% | 22% | 24% |
| Households with no vehicle | 4.9% | 3.9% | 11% |
| Residents 65+ below the poverty line (approx.) | 10% | 7.5% | 10% |
| Residents 65+ with a disability | 39% | 28% | 32% |
| Median income, households headed by someone 65+ | $87,375 | $72,666 | — |
Older residents in towns around University Park
| Town | Distance | Residents 65+ | Live alone (65+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richton Park, IL | 2.8 mi | 2,524 | 35% |
| Park Forest, IL | 2.8 mi | 3,340 | 36% |
| Monee, IL | 2.8 mi | 718 | 21% |
| Crete, IL | 4.6 mi | 2,060 | 26% |
| Matteson, IL | 4.6 mi | 3,756 | 31% |
| South Chicago Heights, IL | 4.7 mi | 424 | 17% |
Hospitals near University Park (for rides to appointments)
| Hospital with an emergency department | Town | Distance | CMS overall rating | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franciscan Health Olympia & Chicago Heights | Olympia Fields, IL | 5.0 mi | 3 of 5 | (708) 747-4000 |
| Franciscan Health Dyer | Dyer, IN | 11 mi | 2 of 5 | (219) 865-2141 |
| Ingalls Memorial Hospital | Harvey, IL | 12 mi | 2 of 5 | (708) 333-2300 |
Straight-line miles from the center of University Park. Medicare (CMS) data, October 2026; call ahead to confirm. We are not affiliated with these providers.
What a companion caregiver can help with
- Conversation, cards, puzzles and shared hobbies
- Walks and outings to the park, library or senior center
- Company at meals, and help preparing them
- Rides or escort to appointments, church and visits
What companion care costs in University Park
At the Illinois median aide wage of $18.30 an hour, 20 hours of help a week comes to about $1,586 a month in wages, which is 22% of the $7,281 monthly median income of University Park households headed by someone 65 or older. Private rates are agreed directly with the caregiver, so yours may be higher or lower. Illinois's minimum wage is $15.00 an hour (U.S. Department of Labor table, updated July 1, 2026).
Hiring directly, you agree the rate with the caregiver and usually become the household employer (U.S. Department of Labor rules). Some families qualify for programs that pay for care at home; see Medicaid programs for family caregivers: who can be paid, and the rules in 12 states.
What to know before hiring a companion caregiver
Isolation is a health risk, not only a mood. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that nearly one in four Americans aged 65 and older living in the community is socially isolated, and linked isolation to higher risks of dementia, heart disease and early death (2020 report).
Questions worth asking: What do you enjoy doing with the people you care for? Are you comfortable driving, and is your car insured for passengers? How do you handle a client who does not want company at first? More in our companion care guide.
CaregiverConnect does not run background checks. Check identity, references and any certification yourself before anyone starts. The Safety Center explains how.
Companion Care in University Park: common questions
How many seniors live alone in University Park?
About 264 residents aged 65 or older, 34% of older residents in households (Census ACS 2020–2024) (22% in Will County).
How much does companion care cost in University Park?
At the Illinois median aide wage of $18.30 an hour, 20 hours of help a week comes to about $1,586 a month in wages, which is 22% of the $7,281 monthly median income of University Park households headed by someone 65 or older. Private rates are agreed directly with the caregiver, so yours may be higher or lower. Illinois's minimum wage is $15.00 an hour (U.S. Department of Labor table, updated July 1, 2026).
What does a companion caregiver do in University Park?
A companion keeps an older adult company and helps around the visit: conversation, activities, walks, meals, errands, rides and reminders. It suits someone who is mostly independent but lonely, or a family that wants someone to check in on weekdays.
More senior care near University Park
Companion Care in nearby cities
- Companion Care in Richton Park, IL
- Companion Care in Park Forest, IL
- Companion Care in Monee, IL
- Companion Care in Crete, IL
- Companion Care in Matteson, IL
- Companion Care in South Chicago Heights, IL
- Companion Care in Steger, IL
- Companion Care in Olympia Fields, IL
- Companion Care in Chicago Heights, IL
- Companion Care in Flossmoor, IL
- Companion Care in Frankfort Square, IL
- Companion Care in Sauk Village, IL
- Companion Care in Country Club Hills, IL
- Companion Care in Homewood, IL
- Companion Care in Beecher, IL
- Companion Care in Glenwood, IL
Other care in University Park
- Dementia Care in University Park
- Respite Care in University Park
- Live-In Caregivers in University Park
- Post-Surgery Care in University Park
- Senior Transportation in University Park
- Home Health Aides in University Park
- Nursing Assistants in University Park
- Personal Care in University Park
- Overnight Caregivers in University Park
- 24-Hour Home Care in University Park
- Mobility Assistance in University Park
- Parkinson’s Care in University Park
- Stroke Recovery Support in University Park
- Disability Care for Adults in University Park
- Hospice Support in University Park
- Senior Meal Preparation in University Park
- Senior Housekeeping in University Park
- Medication Reminders in University Park
- Veterans’ Home Care in University Park
Sources
Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year; CMS provider data (October 25, 2026); U.S. DOL state minimum wages (July 1, 2026); BLS OEWS May 2025 aide wages, which cover employed aides rather than private rates.
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