Community Care
The Senior Resource Center offers a variety of services through the Community Care Program that will help you or a loved one retain independence and remain at home. The Community Care Program is one of the 1915(c) waivers for home and community-based services under the Medicaid Program, assisting older adults, ages 60 and over, who might otherwise need nursing home care, to remain in their own homes by providing in-home and community based services.
COMPREHENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT
Eligibility for the Community Care Program is based on physical and financial needs. The Senior Resource Center Case Management staff will meet with you in your home to discuss an array of supportive services. Once eligibility has been established, your Case Manager will assess and monitor your needs and develop a person centered plan of care that will help you with physical needs and daily tasks that aid in remaining at home. Case Managers will also make referrals when assistance is needed.
Following are free services offered through the Community Care Program which are funded by the State of Illinois through the Department on Aging:
ADULT DAY SERVICE
AUTOMATED MEDICATION DISPENSER SERVICE
Automated Medication Dispenser Service (AMD) is a portable, mechanical system that can be programmed to dispense or alert the participant to take non-liquid oral medications in the participant’s residence through auditory, visual or voice reminders; to provide tracking and caregiver notification of a missed medication dose; and to provide 24-hour technical assistance to the participant and responsible party for the AMD service in the home. The service is provided by a stand-alone medication dispenser base unit that is connected to and supported by a Department on Aging-approved AMD provider through either the telephone line or a wireless/cellular connection that does not interfere with the normal use of the telephone or emergency home response system.
EMERGENCY HOME RESPONSE
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 electronic pendant worn by the participant that will automatically link them to a professionally staffed support center.
IN-HOME SERVICE
In-Home Service provides assistance with household tasks such as cleaning, planning and preparing meals, doing laundry, shopping and running errands. Homemakers also assist participants with personal care tasks, such as dressing, bathing, grooming and following special diets.
The Senior Resource Center also offers the following:
CHOICES FOR CARE PROGRAM
Since 1996, Illinois law (Public Act 89-21) requires that all person’s age 60 and over who are seeking admission to a long-term care facility be informed of all care options prior to admission, regardless of the individual’s income, assets or funding source.
Case Managers from the Senior Resource Center conduct the screenings primarily in hospitals immediately prior to patient discharge. Screens can also be completed in the community, a Supportive Living Program location or at a nursing facility.
The screening process gives seniors and their families the opportunity to learn and ask questions about home and community-based services and long-term care services. This may include the Community Care Program, Supportive Living Program— as well as the option of choosing a nursing facility for continuing care.
MONEY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
This program provides assistance to older adults who have difficulty managing their personal household budgets, paying bills, keeping track of banking records, intervening with creditors, completing medical forms, and handling other issues related to personal finances.
Our Money Management Coordinator and Volunteers are trained to assist older adults with these needs and under certain circumstances, may serve as Representative Payee, as someone designated by the Social Security Administration to manage monthly benefits.
To be eligible for the Money Management Program, individuals must be active Community Care Program participants or have a substantiated Adult Protective Services case, as well as meet program requirements.