Assistance in Your Home & Community

This section provides information on programs and services that help senior citizens to remain living independently in their own homes. The programs and services mentioned in this section are provided through the Illinois Department on Aging’s Community Care Program, Older American Services, and Senior HelpLine, as well as through various state and federal agencies. Choose a link from the tool bar to the right to locate information on your area of interest.

Features   Older Adult Services Act (P.A. 093-1031) calls for restructuring all aspects of service, including the provision of housing, health, financial and supportive services for older people. Community Care Program 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. Choices for Care All persons age 60 and older who are seeking admission to a long term care facility must be informed of all care options prior to admission. Illinois Family Caregiver Support Program Are you or is someone you know caring for an older adult? Are you an older person caring for grandchildren or other young family members? Are you an older person caring for an adult with a disability? This program provides basic services for family caregivers.

Did You Know?   Do you need someone to discuss programs and services in another language? Senior citizens who are not fluent in English and live in the Chicago area can locate an ethnic provider by contacting the Coalition of Limited-English Speaking Elderly, a consortium of ethnic organizations representing 18 different ethnic groups. When an older person needs financial assistance from Medicaid for nursing facility care or Community Care Program services, the federal law on Spousal Impoverishment Prevention helps make sure that the spouse will have the money needed to pay for living expenses by protecting a certain amount of the couple's resources. Senior Centers provide opportunities for socialization, relaxation and participation in a variety of programs and activities, as well as a wide range of services for older adults such as congregate meals, transportation, education, counseling, legal assistance and health screening.