COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAMS

community care programs for dementia patientsThe Illinois Department on Aging has a Community Care Program focused on “helping older people live independently” Their service helps seniors that might otherwise need nursing home care, remain in their own homes by providing in-home and community-based services. Providing cost effective alternatives to nursing home placement with the intend to allow seniors to maintain their independence and stay at home.

The Community Care Program provides services to any person who applies for the program and meets all current eligibility requirements. The Community Care Program is one of the waivers for home and community-based services under the Medicaid Program.

Eligibility requirements are as follows:

  • 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
  • Have a Determination of Need (DoN) assessment showing the need for long term care and at risk for nursing facility placement
  • While income level does not affect eligibility, an income level is established for each participant to determine their ability to contribute to the cost of care.

Community Care Program Services Include the following:

Adult Day Service

Adult Day Service is designed for older adults who want to remain in the community but who cannot be home alone during the day due to a physical, social and/or mental impairment. Adult day service also provides respite for family caregivers, socialization for isolated adults.

Services offered in adult day service centers include:

  • Health monitoring
  • Medication supervision
  • Personal care
  • Recreational and therapeutic activities
  • Nutritious lunches, snacks and special diets are provided

Several centers specialize in providing care to participants diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

Emergency Home Response Service

Emergency Home Response Service (EHRS) is a 24-hour emergency communication link to assistance outside the home for older adults with documented health and safety needs and mobility limitations. This service is provided by a two-way voice communication system consisting of a base unit and an activation device worn by the client that will automatically link the older adult to a professionally staffed support center.

EHRS is Community Care Program core service provided to improve the independence and safety of clients in their own homes and help reduce the need for nursing home care.

In-Home Service

This Community Care Program service provides assistance with household tasks such as cleaning, planning and preparing meals, doing laundry, and shopping and running errands. Homecare Aides also assist participants with personal care tasks such as dressing, bathing, grooming and following special diets.

Follow this link to find resources near you.

Source: Illinois Department of Aging

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