"

Community Care Program

…helping older people live independently

 

Are you wondering how to find the specific services that will help you or a loved one remain at home?

 

The Illinois Department on Aging would like you to know that help is offered through the Community Care Program (CCP). This program is designed to assist you in remaining more independent, in your own home, and to keep you out of a nursing home, as long as nursing home placement is not necessary for you. There is an agency in your community that is knowledgeable about available Community Care Program services. That agency is called a Case Coordination Unit.

 

Case Coordination Unit

The Case Coordination Unit will send a Case Manager to your home at no cost to discuss your needs and to determine whether you qualify for the Community Care Program. Services provided through the Community Care Program include Homemaker, Adult Day Services, and in some areas of the State, Senior Companion. If you qualify for CCP, the Case Coordination Unit will work with you to determine your needs, set up services that are appropriate for you, and keep in touch with you to make sure the services continue to meet your needs.

 

Homemaker

Homemakers are available to dust, vacuum, clean the kitchen and bathroom, do laundry or prepare meals for older persons who are limited in performing basic household tasks themselves. Homemakers also assist with personal care, such as grooming and bathing, for older persons who are moderately impaired. Assistance is also available for more complex tasks, such as meal planning and household supervision, for older persons who have difficulty managing these activities.

 

Adult Day Services

Adult day services offer older persons the opportunity to interact with other people in a supervised setting outside their home. Adult Day Service centers offer a wide range of social activities. A noon meal is provided and participants may enjoy everything from arts and crafts to card games and current event classes. Some centers also offer counseling and physical therapy with trained professionals. Additionally, Adult Day Service centers can serve the needs of family members who may need respite from caregiving responsibilities or who may work outside the home during the day. In select Adult Day Service centers, funded by the Illinois Department on Aging, specialized services are offered for individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders.

 

Senior Companion

Senior Companions are volunteers who provide companionship and assistance when an older person cannot be left alone for long periods of time. The service not only provides the person with a new friend of about the same age, but also provides respite for a caregiver.

 

Eligibility

You are eligible for Community Care Program services if:

  • you are 60 or older;
  • you are determined physically in need of service, meaning you are at least moderately impaired;
  • you are a resident of the state of Illinois;
  • you are a United States citizen or legal alien;
  • you meet the asset requirements, which will be explained to you when the Case Manager comes to your home; and
  • you apply for medical benefits.

 

Cost

If you meet the eligibly requirements and if your family income is below the federal poverty level, the State will pay the entire cost of service; you will not be charged a fee.

 

If your family income is above the federal poverty level, the State may still pay part of the cost of service. Your share of the cost will depend upon   (1) your level of impairment, (2) the cost of care and (3) the number of people in your family who will receive Community Care Program Services.

 

To apply

For information and referral to the appropriate local agency, call the toll-free Senior Helpline:

 

1-800-252-8966

(voice and TTY)

Monday through Friday

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Illinois Department on Aging

Springfield, IL 62701-1789

421 E. Capitol Avenue, #100

FAX: 1-217-785-4477

www.state.il.us/aging/

 

For more information call:         The Alliance for the Mentally Ill

NAMI of Greater Chicago

1536 West Chicago Avenue

Chicago, IL 60622

(312) 563-0445

FAX 312-563 0467

NAMIGC@AOL.COM

WWW.NAMIGC.ORG