Community Care Program

"...helping older people live independently"

Established in 1979 by Public Act 81-202, the Illinois Department on Aging’s Community Care Program helps senior citizens, who might otherwise need nursing home care, to remain in their own homes by providing in-home and community-based services.

...aimed at assisting seniors to maintain their independence and providing cost effective alternatives to nursing home placement.

The Community Care Program provides services to any person who applies for the program and meets all current eligibility requirements.

Who is eligible?

People who...

• Are 60 years old or older;
• Are U.S. citizens or legal aliens;
• Are residents of Illinois;
• Have non-exempt assets of $17,500 or less (Non-exempt assets do not include home, car, or personal furnishings.); and
• Have an assessed need for long term care (scoring 29 points or higher on the "Determination of Need" form).
  NOTE: Although the level of income does not affect eligibility for the program, an income level is established for each client to determine the client’s ability to contribute to the cost of care.

Services

offered through the program include...

• Adult Day Service
• Case Management Services
• Emergency Home Response Service
• In-Home Service

The Community Care Program is also mandated to implement the following:

• Choices for Care Program
• Background checks of Adult Day Service and In-Home Service staff
• Prevention of Spousal Impoverishment

Contact

For more information on the Community Care Program, contact the Senior HelpLine.

See also publications and Web sites related to this program:

• Publications
• Related Web sites