Care Coordination Unit
...getting information, assistance, or referrals?
Need help, but don’t know where to start? Start by making an appointment with SSCI’s Information and Assistance Specialist. The Information and Assistance Specialist directs indiviuals and/or family members to available services, community resources, and program which meet the individual’s expressed needs.
...enrolling in, or understanding your choices about, Medicare, Medicaid, or other health insurance programs?
The Senior Health Assistance Program (SHAP) helps sort out the complicated puzzle of Medicare, Medicaid, pharmaceutical assistance, and supplemental health insurance. Certified SHAP counselors can guide seniors to health care plans that include their doctor, cover their medications, and are affordable.
...to stay in your home and out of a nursing home?
Almost everyone hopes to live their later years in their own, familiar home. In most cases, a good plan can make this possible. With the help of the Comprehensive Care Program, a certified Care Coordinator identifies needs and strengths of each individual and develops client-centered care plans that promote independence and prevent premature institutionalization. Resources and supportive services such as homemaker services, adult day programs, emergency home response systems, and medication management may be included in the plan, depending on the client’s need.
...choosing the right kind of long-term care?
In the Choices for Care program, a Choices for Care caseworker completes a needs-based assessment in a hospital setting for patients who need further assistance after discharge. Choices for Care caseworkers review service options and costs, provide general information on nursing facility care as well as the Community Care program so individuals may make informed choices regarding their own care now and in the future.
...protecting yourself or someone you know from abuse, neglect or exploitation?
The abuse of seniors and of adults 18 and older with disabilities are serious problems that everyone has a responsibility to report. The most common types of abuse are financial exploitation, emotional abuse, and passive neglect. Additional types of abuse include deprivation, physical abuse, confinement, and sexual abuse. Adult Protective Services caseworkers respond to and investigate reports of abuse, neglect (including self-neglect and hoarding), and exploitation. Caseworkers develop and implement a care plan in order to stabilize the situation and reduce the risk of further harm. Anyone who suspects abuse or neglect should report it. All reports are confidential. Reports can be anonymous.
...managing your money, your Social Security, or your bills?
Low-income seniors who have difficulty managing their finances can request help from the Volunteer Money Management Program. Insured and trained volunteers and staff provide a variety of services such as assisting with opening/organizing mail, budgeting, checkbook balancing, bill paying, and/or managing monthly Social Security benefits.
These programs and services comprise the Care Coordination Unit of Senior Services of Central Illinois. These programs are designed to assist individuals 60 years of age and over remain independent and in their own homes for as long as possible. Most services are available without charge; however, all programs accept donations to maintain the quality and availability of services to seniors in Central Illinois. Some programs are income-specific.
Make arrangements soon for a Care Coordinator to visit you in the comfort of your own home for a personalized assessment of your needs.
These programs serve individuals in Sangamon, Logan, Mason, and Menard Counties.
Elder Assistance Services
Elder Assistance Services (EAS) is a program that provides one-on-one home or office visits for advocacy. EAS provides assistance in dealing with physical, family or other related losses that occur as part of the aging process. Counselors provide assistance obtaining access to local, state and federal programs, such as Medicaid, Food Stamps, BEAM and LIHEAP.
Caregiver Services
The Caregiver Specialist program assists caregivers of any age that care for an individual 60 years of age and over. A Caregiver Specialist can provide information and resources to both the caregiver and the care receiver. This program serves individuals in Sangamon and Logan Counties..
The Dementia Caregiver Support Group creates a safe, confidential, supportive environment (or community) to help develop informal mutual support and social relationships. The group also educates and informs participants to develop methods and skills to solve problems.
Savvy Caregiver is recognized nationally as a leading evidence-based dementia family caregiver training program.
Savvy programs are designed to provide the most relevant dementia knowledge, skills, and mastery to support family members as they provide care for their relative or friend living with dementia. Savvy Caregiver programs have been proven to decrease family caregiver distress, burden, and depression, while increasing caregivers’ sense of competence and confidence in their care role.
Savvy Caregiver provides person-centered, active-learning programs in a variety of formats that integrate core principles and insights from gerontology, nursing, family systems, and occupational therapy. Families learn strategies to enhance their own self-care as well as day-to-day time with their person.
Savvy Caregiver is a six week course designed to present easy to understand information, skills and strategies so that family caregivers can deal more effectively with the demands of dementia caregiving. The program emphasizes knowledge of dementia diseases and promotes caregiver self-care.
Each session uses a combination of instruction, interactive exercises, and home assignments for participants to learn Savvy concepts and apply them to their own caregiving situations. The goal of the Savvy Caregiver program is for family caregivers to feel confident and competent in their care role so that they can make the most of their time with their person who is living with dementia.