Member List
Aging Care Connections
Volunteer Opportunities: Adults, Older Adults/Seniors, Teens,
| Member Information | |
|---|---|
| Name | Aging Care Connections |
| Main Contact | Deborah Verschelde |
| info@agingcareconnections.org | |
| Year Established | 1971 |
| Mission Statement and Program & Services | To enrich the quality of life of older adults and their families through a range of programs and services that enhance their well-being and independence. PROGRAMS & SERVICES: Aging Care Connections is the connection to the most comprehensive, expert information, programs and services enabling older adults to remain independent and their families to make the best, most informed decisions regarding needed care in their lives. We offer: AGING RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAM--The Aging Resource Center (ARC) Program offers older adults and their families the opportunity to explore and secure community resources and services prior to discharge from Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital and local skilled care facilities. On-site assessment for services, connection to information about community resources, and follow-up in the community are provided through the ARC Program to ensure a smooth transition back home. For more information about the Aging Resource Center Program, please call (708) 245-8083 or e-mail arc@agingcareconnections.org. AGING WELL—Aging Well is a partnership in 20 communities in the Greater Lyons Township area composed of hundreds of older adults and more than 130 community-based organizations working together to create an environment in which people can age well. BENEFITS ASSISTANCE--Aging Care Connections provides trained staff and volunteers to assist and educate seniors about benefits and services to which they may be entitled. Benefits include pharmaceutical assistance programs, public assistance eligibility and Medicare claims. Staff is also available to discuss Medicare D Plan options and to further assist with enrollment. CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM--The Caregiver Support Program includes many levels of assistance to those caring for an older adult. On a daily basis, Aging Care Connections’ staff is available to answer questions, provide information on resources currently available and make appropriate referrals by phone. In addition, one-on-one visits from our care management staff can provide comprehensive in-home assessment, problem solving and service referrals. We offer a respite program enabling caregivers to take a break. Through our support groups, advice and emotional support is shared among caregivers. Finally, we offer “The Caregiver Place,” a caregiver resource center, containing books, films and resource material. These services offer support for those in the caregiver role. CHORE HOUSEKEEPING--This service is available to older adults in need of assistance with light housekeeping, shopping and laundry. Workers are selected and assigned by Aging Care Connections to provide housekeeping for two hours each week or bi-monthly. COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM--The Illinois Department on Aging’s subsidized in-home care program provides a variety of services for older adults who need assistance with activities of daily living on a regular basis. Eligibility for this program is based on the need for care and financial criteria. A Care Coordinator is able to provide an in-home assessment to determine eligibility for this program. Services provided by the Community Care Program include: homemaker services, adult day care, and emergency home response systems. COMPREHENSIVE CARE COORDINATION—Care Coordinators with knowledge and experience in the field of aging are available to provide consultation on resources and comprehensive assessment to older adults and their families in a variety of settings. Staff members are able to offer consultation in the home, local rehab facilities and the hospital. Assessments are based on the unique needs of each older adult and existing resources. Care Coordinators consider multiple factors such as physical, emotional, and financial needs, as well as strengths and support systems. The result is a plan of care utilizing public and private resources, family support, and the older adult’s preferences. Continued coordination of services and ongoing care management are provided to ensure that services are adequate and appropriate to the changing needs of the older adult. Family members play an important role in the process and are encouraged to contact Care Coordinators with their questions and concerns. EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION We are dedicated to presenting the most cutting-edge information on resources and health and wellness to enhance the well-being and independence of older adults. Seniors and their families and caregivers are able to make much better decisions about the often complex and multi-dimensional issues related to aging when they are well-informed. ELDER ABUSE INVESTIGATION AND PREVENTION--Our agency has been designated as an Elder Abuse Provider Agency by the Illinois Department on Aging and AgeOptions (the Area Agency on Aging of suburban Cook County) to investigate reports of suspected physical and emotional abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Comprehensive casework services and support are available to victims of abuse as they seek alternatives in these difficult situations. Anyone can report a case of elder abuse in good faith and be immune from liability. All information is kept completely confidential. HOME DELIVERED MEALS--Assessment for the home delivered meal program provided by Community Nutrition Network is available to homebound older adults unable to prepare nutritious meals for themselves. INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE--Aging Care Connections provides comprehensive information about local, state and national resources important to older adults and their family members. An Information and Assistance Specialist is available daily to answer questions, make referrals, and discuss options for care. Aging Care Connections can provide a skilled professional able to access services through direct referrals to service providers; linkage to assessment for in-home care and benefits; and information on aging issues, chronic illness and support networks. Aging Care Connections is your local point of entry to a statewide network of care coordination units able to provide help throughout the state with timely, appropriate, and accurate information. RESPITE--Respite is one of many services offered to support caregivers of older adults. Trained respite workers can supervise and assist a loved one with bathing, grooming, dressing and meal preparation, giving the caregiver the opportunity to take a break, run an errand or engage in a social activity. SUPPORT GROUPS--Aging Care Connections, in partnership with local community organizations, offers the following support groups: an Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, a Reminiscing Support Group, a Caregivers Support Group, a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group, a Caregivers with Adult Family Members Who Have a Mental Illness, and a Men's Support Group. TRANSPORTATION--Senior buses are available on a daily basis to provide one-way or round-trip rides to Aging Care Connections, nutrition site, grocery stores, doctors' appointments, area hospitals, and shopping malls. Transportation is limited to a specific geographic area. If the senior bus is not appropriate for your needs, Aging Care Connections may be able to assist with referrals to other forms of transportation. AREAS SERVICING: We serve twenty-two communities in Lyons, Riverside and South Proviso Townships and an additional ten communities in Leyden and Norwood Park Townships for the investigation of Elder Abuse. CONTACT PERSON: Kenneth Grunke, Director of Philanthropy and External Affairs |
| Web Site | www.agingcareconnections.org |
| Agency Phone | 708-354-1323 |
| Contact Information | |
|---|---|
| 111 W. Harris Avenue La Grange, IL 60525 |
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