Feeling frustrated trying to find local resources available to help an aging parent? Are you yourself of an older age and need some assistance but don’t know where to turn? You aren’t alone in your frustrations, and quite frankly, there is a lot of disjointed information to sort through.
One resource that is sometimes overlooked is the Illinois Department On Aging. IDOA’s mission is “to serve and advocate for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence, dignity, and quality of life.”
This department carries out all duties that are in the Illinois Act on the Aging. It works with thirteen Area Agencies on Aging across the state. AAAs then award funds to local agencies in each county to provide services. Each AAA monitors services within its geographic area and acts as the link between local, state, and national aging services and programs.
Agencies assist a wide-variety of tasks, such as social security and benefits programs. Most AAAs also help with:
- Mobility assistance programs/transportation
- Meal Plans
- Individual counseling, support groups and caregiver training
- Senior Activities
- Supplemental services (on a limited basis)
Some programs require applications. Qualifications for some programs is related to low-income. However, other programs are open to a larger pool of seniors. Keep reading to learn about some of the programs and services provided by the IDOA and where you can find your Chicagoland Area Aging agencies on Aging.
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A GLANCE AT IDOA SERVICES & PROGRAMS
BENEFITS ACCESS PROGRAM
This program allows seniors to ride free on transit. Interested seniors must submit a Benefit Access Application on the internet. Processing time is around 12 weeks.
To apply, you must be 65 years of age and live in Illinois. To qualify, your total income for the previous year must be less than:
- $27,610 for 1 person household
- $36,635 for 2 person household of qualifying residents
- $45,657 for 3 person household of qualifying residents
Application can be found here.
SENIOR HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (SHIP)
SHIP is a free statewide health insurance counseling service. The program services Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. Trained counselors answer questions on many types of insurance: Medicare, long term care insurance, fee-for-service, and more. SHIP is not affiliated with any insurance company. SHIP has 186 offices across the state of Illinois and more that 600 volunteer counselors.
For more information, please contact: AGING.SHIP@illinois.gov
CARE COORDINATION SERVICE
Care Coordinators work with seniors and their caregivers to determine what services are available to meet their needs. The care coordinators are based within local AAA agencies, and are often referred to as Care Coordination Units. Care Coordinators are educated on services funded by limited state and federal government and the many fee-for-service programs. These services are also able to do well-being check to evaluate the condition of seniors.
The senior helpline can be contacted for more information at (800) 252-8966 or aging.ilsenior@illinois.gov
ADULT DAY SERVICE
Adult Day Services are for seniors who aren’t able to stay home during the day independently due to physical, social, or mental reasons. Many adult day service locations also offer health monitoring, activities, and medication supervision. Select centers also service Alzheimer’s disease and another more specific medical conditions.
More information on Illinois Adult Day Service can be found here.
That’s not all. For a full overview of all IDOA’s programs and services, explore their website.
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LOCAL AREA AGENCIES ON AGING
Senior Services Area Agency on Aging
Chicago Department of Family and Support Services
1615 W Chicago Ave, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 744-8168
aging@cityofchicago.org
Cityofchicago.org/aging
AgeOptions, Inc.
Suburban Cook Country
1048 Lake Street, Ste. 300
Oak Park, Illinois 60301
(800) 699-9043
information@ageoptions.org
http://www.ageoptions.org
Northwestern Illinois AAA
DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties
Filed Office
245 W Roosevelt Road, Bldg 6, Ste. 41
West Chicago, IL 60185
(630) 293-5990
info@ageguide.org
http://www.ageguide.org
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Hopefully, the resources listed above help inform caregivers and aging seniors as to the resources that are available on a state level. By using some of the Illinois resources noted above, you can hopefully continue your senior living planning with less frustration.
For more information on planning for senior living, visit the rest of the LivingPath blog. To search for senior living options for you or a loved one, visit LivingPath.com today.
