Programs and Services
The programs and social services offered by Aging Care Connections 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. Aging Care Connections 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
Aging Care Connections provides comprehensive information about local, state and national resources important to older adults and their family members. An Information and Assistance Specialist is available daily to answer questions, make referrals, and discuss options for care. Aging Care Connections can provide a skilled professional able to access services through direct referrals to service providers; linkage to assessment for in-home care and benefits; and information on aging issues, chronic illness and support networks. Aging Care Connections is your local point of entry to a statewide network of care coordination units able to provide help throughout the state with timely, appropriate, and accurate information. Top of the page
COMPREHENSIVE CARE COORDINATION
Aging specialists with knowledge and experience in the field of aging are available to provide consultation on resources and comprehensive assessment to older adults and their families in a variety of settings. Staff are able to offer consultation in the home, local rehab facilities and the hospital. Assessments are based on the unique needs of each older adult and existing resources. Care managers consider multiple factors such as physical, emotional, and financial needs, as well as strengths and support systems. The result is a plan of care utilizing public and private resources, family support, and the older adult's preferences. Care coordinators assist with the implementation of the plan by making referrals and linkage to services. Continued coordination of services and ongoing care management are provided to ensure that services are adequate and appropriate to the changing needs of the older adult. Family members play an important role in the process and are encouraged to contact care managers with their questions and concerns. Top of the page
CHORE HOUSEKEEPING
This service is available to older adults in need of assistance with light housekeeping, shopping and laundry. Workers are selected and assigned by Aging Care Connections to provide housekeeping for two hours each week or bi-monthly. Top of the page
TRANSPORTATION
Senior buses are available on a daily basis to provide one-way or round-trip rides to Aging Care Connections, 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, Aging Care Connections may be able to assist with referrals to other forms of transportation. Specific situations can be reviewed on a case by case basis. Top of the page
HOME DELIVERED MEALS
Assessment for the home delivered meal program provided by Community Nutrition Network is available to homebound older adults unable to prepare nutritious meals for themselves. Top of the page
COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM
The Illinois Department on Aging's subsidized in-home care program provides a variety of services for older adults who need assistance with activities of daily living on a regular basis. Eligibility for this program is based on the need for care and financial criteria. A Care Coordinator is able to provide an in-home assessment to determine eligibility for this program. Services provided by the Community Care Program include: homemaker services, adult day care, and emergency home response systems. Top of the page
RESPITE
Respite is one of many services offered to support caregivers of older adults. Trained respite workers can supervise and assist a loved one with bathing, grooming, dressing and meal preparation, giving the caregiver the opportunity to take a break, run an errand or engage in a social activity. 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.
BENEFITS ASSISTANCE
Aging Care Connections provides trained staff and volunteers to assist and educate seniors about benefits and services to which they may be entitled. Benefits include 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.
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SUPPORT GROUPS
Aging Care Connections, in partnership with local community organizations, offers the following support groups: an Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group, a Reminiscing Support Group, a Caregivers Support Group, a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group, a Caregivers with Adult Family Members Who Have a Mental Illness, and a Men's Support Group. For further information please contact the Information and Assistance Office at (708) 354-1323, extension 15 or via e-mail at info@agingcareconnections.org.
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CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM
The Caregiver Support Program includes many levels of assistance to those caring for an older adult. On a daily basis, Aging Care Connections' staff is available to answer questions, provide information on resources currently available and make appropriate referrals by phone. In addition, one-on-one visits from our case management staff can provide comprehensive in-home assessment, problem solving and service referrals. We offer a respite program enabling caregivers to take a break. Through our support groups, advice and emotional support is shared among caregivers. Finally, we offer a Caregiver Resource Center containing books, films and resource material. These services offer support for those in the caregiver role.
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Information and Assistance
Comprehensive Care Coordination
Chore Housekeeping
Transportation
Home Delivered Meals
Community Care Program
Respite
Elder Abuse
Benefits Assistance
Support Groups
Caregiver Support Program
Support Groups
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