agingcareconnections.org programs and services




	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 HEALTH AND WELLNESS The Aging Care Connections Senior Health Center is an outpatient clinic of the Department of Geriatrics of Adventist LaGrange Memorial Hospital. In collaboration with the Aging Care Connections, the Senior Health Center is staffed by a physician specializing in the medical care of adults aged 60 and older. The Senior Health Center physician works closely with the professional staff of Aging Care Connections to assure that all the needs of patients are met. Additional services provided include health education, medication counseling and individual consultation on health-related topics. Top of the page EDUCATION AND TRAINING The Older Adults Education and Training Department provides enrichment opportunities through a variety of classes and programs for those navigating the changes in life associated with aging. These programs address the complex and multi-dimensional needs of aging. Top of the page THE AGING RESOURCE CENTER (ARC) PROGRAM The Aging Resource Center (ARC) Program offers older adults and their families the opportunity to secure community resources and services prior to discharge from the hospital and/or skilled care facilities. Top of the page AGING WELL Aging Well, a community partnership, is dedicated to working with communities to create an environment in which people can age well. Serving 20 communities in the greater Lyons Township Illinois area, the program is composed of hundreds of older adults and more than 130 community-based organizations working together to create an environment in which people can age well. 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 Lyons Township offers bus service to seniors who live within the Township. For information about the bus service, please visit the Lyons Township web site www.lyonstownshipil.gov and click on “OFFICES” and select “SENIOR TRANSPORTATION.” Please note that in order to use the bus service, a free pass must be secured at Aging Care Connections, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For those seniors who live in Proviso and Riverside Townships, there is a discounted cab voucher program available through Aging Care Connections in cooperation with PeopleCare, a nonprofit partner located in Riverside. To participate, seniors (60+) must: Complete a transportation application with Aging Care Connections Obtain taxicab voucher coupon books. Suggested donation of $10 per booklet (total value $20) Aging Care Connections receives Federal and State funds to help support this program. However, this funding only supports a portion of the service. Your contribution to the cost of this service is very important to maintaining it. We appreciate any support you are able to offer and encourage you to be as generous as possible with your voluntary contribution. Voucher coupon books will be distributed on a monthly basis throughout our fiscal year (October 1, 2011-September 30, 2012) based on available funding. For comprehensive information about transportation options for seniors within our service area, please call Linda Tomko, Aging Care Connections Information & Assistance Specialist, at 708-354-1323, ext. 215. Transportation Guide Transportation Guide Polish Transportation Guide Spanish Transportation Updates Top of the page LINKAGE TO 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 INVESTIGATION AND PREVENTION 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. Top of the page 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 215 or via e-mail at info@agingcareconnections.org. Top of the page 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. Top of the page		Information and Assistance Comprehensive Care Coordination Health And Wellness Education and Training The Aging Resource Center (ARC) Program Aging Well Chore Housekeeping Transportation Linkage to Home Delivered Meals Community Care Program Respite Elder Abuse Investigation and Prevention Benefits Assistance Support Groups Caregiver Support Program RELATED PDF LINKS Transportation Updates RELATED PAGE LINKS SUPPORT GROUPS
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