• The Illinois Department on Aging helps older people live independently in their own homes and communities. As the population ages, services and programs for older people must evolve as well because longevity means more when quality of life is enhanced. To best serve older adults, we must also serve their families and teach younger people about the realities of aging, so many of our programs have an intergenerational emphasis. Working with Area Agencies on Aging, community-based service providers and older people themselves, the Illinois Department on Aging strives to improve quality of life for current and future generations of older Illinoisans.
  
  Programs and Services:
  • Older Adult Services Act (P.A. 093-1031) calls for restructuring all aspects of service, including the provision of housing, health, financial and supportive services for older people.
    
    
  • Community Care Program
    The Illinois Department on Aging’s Community Care Program helps senior citizens who might otherwise need nursing home care, to remain in their own homes by providing in-home and community-based services.
    
    
  • Choices for Care
    All persons age 60 and older who are seeking admission to a long term care facility must be informed of all care options prior to admission.
    
    
  • Illinois Family Caregiver Support Program
    Are you or is someone you know caring for an older adult? Are you an older person caring for grandchildren or other young family members? Are you an older person caring for an adult with a disability? This program provides basic services for family caregivers.
    
    
  • Do you need someone to discuss programs and services in another language? Senior citizens who are not fluent in English and live in the Chicago area can locate an ethnic provider by contacting the Coalition of Limited-English Speaking Elderly, a consortium of ethnic organizations representing 18 different ethnic groups.
    
    
  • When an older person needs financial assistance from Medicaid for nursing facility care or Community Care Program services, the federal law on Spousal Impoverishment Prevention helps make sure that the spouse will have the money needed to pay for living expenses by protecting a certain amount of the couple's resources.
    
    
  • Senior Centers provide opportunities for socialization, relaxation and participation in a variety of programs and activities, as well as a wide range of services for older adults such as congregate meals, transportation, education, counseling, legal assistance and health screening.

Chicago Office:
State of Illinois Center
Suite 10-350
100 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 785-2870
FAX: (312) 814-2916