Programs and Services
The programs and social services offered by the Southwest Suburban Center on Aging are provided to adults age 60 and older and their family members. Programs and services are designed to provide options for care to seniors in order to enhance their ability to remain as independent as possible in their own communities. The Center employs professionally-trained staff who can assess the needs of older adults facing a change in health or functional ability on an individual basis. A case manager can offer information, assistance and referral to in-home services designed to address the needs identified. Programs and services can also provide support and assistance to family members caring for older adults. Caregivers can receive valuable information on a wide range of programs, services, support and resources currently available.
Information and Assistance
An Information and Assistance Specialist is available daily to answer questions, make proper referrals for needed services, and provide guidance about the many programs and services available to older adults on the local, state and national levels.Top of the page
Case Management
Professional staff, trained and sensitive to the special needs of older adults, provide comprehensive assessments in the home to determine individual needs and areas of concern to older adults and their relatives. Case management includes the development of options for care designed to meet individual needs identified during the assessment process. Coordination of services and ongoing care management are provided to ensure that services are adequate and appropriate to the changing needs of older persons. Case management is also beneficial to long-distance caregivers as they pursue quality care for relatives.Top of the page
Chore Housekeeping
This service is available to older adults in need of assistance with light housekeeping, shopping, and laundry, but is not a substitute for private housekeeping services. Individuals participating in this program generally have health concerns that limit their ability to complete household tasks.Top of the page
Respite
This service is intended to give caretakers a break from the everyday responsibilities of caregiving, allowing the caregiver time to get their own needs met. By providing appropriate care and supervision for the person for whom they are caring, respite services can benefit both the caregiver and care receiver.
Respite services may be provided in-home, out-of-home, or through adult day services. In-home respite offers a trained worker who can assist with personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and supervision or companionship. Out-of-home respite services are coordinated with a skilled nursing facility in cases where a loved one's needs cannot be met through in-home or adult day services. Adult day service respite provides supervision, a day-time meal, medical monitoring, and activities in a congregate setting. Top of the page
Telephone Reassurance
A daily check-up call to ensure the safety of those who live alone and do not have family or friends in the area. Telephone reassurance can be available on a short-term or long-term basis depending on a person's individual circumstances. Top of the page
Community Care Program
This state-subsidized program provides a variety of services for older adults in need of assistance with activities of daily living on a regular basis. A case manager will conduct an in-home assessment of areas of concern and work with the older adult in developing a plan to address identified needs. Financial support may be provided by the State of Illinois once the determination of eligibility is completed by the case manager. Top of the page
Elder Abuse
Our agency has been designated as an Elder Abuse Provider Agency by the Illinois Department on Aging and AgeOptions (the Area Agency on Aging of suburban Cook County) to investigate reports of suspected physical and emotional abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Comprehensive casework services and support are available to victims of abuse as they seek alternatives in these difficult situations. Anyone can report a case of elder abuse in good faith and be immune from liability. All information is kept completely confidential. Top of the page
Financial Assistance and Benefits
The Center provides trained staff and volunteers to assist and educate seniors about benefits and services to which they may be entitled. Benefits range from pharmaceutical assistance programs, public assistance eligibility and Medicare claims. Staff is also available to discuss Medicare D Plan options and to further assist with enrollment. Top of the page
Transportation
Senior buses are available on a daily basis to provide one-way or round-trip rides to the Center, nutrition site, grocery stores, doctors' appointments, area hospitals, and shopping malls. Transportation is limited to a specific geographic area. If the senior bus is not appropriate for your needs, the Center may be able to assist with other forms of transportation.
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Nutrition Programs
The home delivered meal program is available to those confined to their homes and unable to prepare a nutritious meal for themselves. Top of the page
Mental Health Programs
The Southwest Suburban Center on Aging and Pillars have combined resources to offer support services to older adults experiencing emotional difficulties or adjustments to changes in their lives. This service is available to homebound individuals, at the Center on Aging, or at Pillars. Top of the page
Health Services
The Senior Health Center of Southwest Suburban Center on Aging provides quality health care to older adults looking for a primary care physician sensitive to the special needs of older patients. Physician services are offered on-site at the Center to promote wellness throughout all stages of later life. Our health clinic is a satellite program of the Department of Geriatrics of Adventist LaGrange Memorial Hospital. Another important health service at the Center is a podiatry clinic offered in cooperation with the Family Podiatry Center. The podiatry clinic is available on a bi-weekly basis.
In addition, health education and support groups are offered by the Center. Top of the page
Other Services
There may be other support services you are interested in that are not listed here. Please feel free to contact the Center if you are searching for a specific service. We are here to serve you. Top of the page
Information and
Assistance
Case Management
Chore Housekeeping
Respite
Telephone Reassurance
Community Care Program
Choices for Care Program
Elder Abuse
Financial Assistance and Benefits
Transportation
Nutrition Programs
Mental Health Programs
Health Services
Other Services
Support Groups
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