Care Screening

Care Screening

A Care Coordinator provides an assessment to all potential nursing home applicants 60 years and over to discuss options for long-term care. The assessment includes options for home and community-based services, assistive and supportive living facilities as well as nursing facility care.

The assessment identifies needs, levels of care resource options, programs, and costs for the services. If the individual chooses community-based options, then a care plan is developed and implemented for them. If they choose to be admitted to a facility, the Care Coordinator reviews and provides listings of appropriate facilities for their selection.

Care Coordination Services

The doorway through which many of the services can be acquired begins with an in-home assessment. The assessment qualifies the senior access to home-delivered meals, simple home maintenance, light housekeeping, caregiver assistance, and other possible resources. The comprehensive assessment evaluates factors contributing to the quality of life and ability to live independently in the community.

What is the Community Care Program?

The Illinois Department on Aging’s Community Care Program helps seniors to stay in their own homes by providing in-home and community based services. The Community Care Program aims to help seniors maintain their independence as an alternative to nursing home placement. The Community Care Program will provide services to a senior that meet all the current eligibility requirements. 

What the Community Care Program is not…

  • The Community Care Program is not 24 hour care.
  • The Community Care Program also cannot assist with medical needs or care.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN STARTING SERVICES OR THINK YOU MAY QUALIFY, PLEASE CALL 815-723-9713, TO START THE INTAKE PROCESS.

What Services are offered?

Adult Day Service
  • Designed especially for older adults who want to remain in the community but who cannot be home alone during the day due to a physical, social and/or mental impairment.
  • Provides respite for family caregivers, especially those who are employed outside the home, and socialization for isolated older adults.
  • Services offered in adult day service centers include health, medication supervision, personal care and recreational/therapeutic activities.
  • Nutritious lunches and snacks are served, and special diets are provided.
Automated Medication Dispenser Service (AMD)
  • 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 or other temporary residence in Illinois 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 may provide additional medication specific directions, or prompts to take other medications via other routes such as liquid medications or injections based on individual need.
  • The service is provided by a stand-alone medication dispenser base unit that is connected to and supported by a Department-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 System
  • 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 activation device worn by the client that will automatically link the older adult 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 clients with personal care tasks, such as dressing, bathing, grooming and following special diets.
Senior Companion
  • Scheduled visits by an older adult to provide friendship, companionship, and social activities.

Community Care Program Guidelines and Qualifications

  • 60 years of age or older
  • Illinois Resident
  • U.S. Citizen or Legal Alien
  • Score of 29 Points on the DON (15 Under Part A) – the DON is part of the in home assessment and will be explained in detail by the case manager at the home visit
Have non-exempt assets of $17,500 or less
  • Your home, car, or personal furnishings are classified as exempt assets.
  • The assets that are counted are Checking and Savings account balances, cash on hand, life insurance policy with a cash value, prepaid burial policy, CDs, stocks, bonds, trusts, IRAs, annuity, real estate other than the primary residence, and vehicles other than the primary vehicle.
What are the asset levels?
  • Single person – $17, 500
  • Couple – $35,000
  • Couple where only one person is going to be receiving services – $120,780
  • Apply For and Receive Medicaid if necessary 
Will I have to Apply For Medicaid?
  • A Medicaid application will need to be completed if an exemption is not met; exemptions are based on asset level.
  • The assets that are counted are Checking and Savings account balances, cash on hand, life insurance policy with a cash value, prepaid burial policy, CDs, stocks, bonds, trusts, IRAs, annuity, real estate other than the primary residence, and vehicles other than the primary vehicle
    • Single person
      • Any single applicant is required to apply for and receive Medicaid
      • $17,501 or above – you do not qualify for services
    • Couple
      • $17,501 – $35,000 – you will qualify for services and will not have to apply for Medicaid
      • $35,001 or above – you do not qualify for service
      • If any couple where only one person is going to get service; please call the Care Coordination Unit for more information 

What needs to be provided at the home assessment?

  • Driver’s License/State ID
  • Social Security Card
  • All Insurance cards – Medicare/Medicaid/Private Insurance, etc.
  • Medications – the medication bottles or a list from your Doctor or Pharmacy
  • Monthly Income – such as social security, pension, railroad retirement, etc.
  • Checking/Savings account balances
  • Additional Checking accounts
  • Additional Savings accounts
  • Cash on Hand
  • Life Insurance (Cash Value)
  • Prepaid Burial Policy
  • CDs
  • Stocks
  • Bonds
  • Trusts
  • IRAs
  • Annuity
  • Real Estate – other than the primary residence
  • Additional vehicles – other than the primary vehicle

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN STARTING SERVICES OR THINK YOU MAY QUALIFY, PLEASE CALL 815-723-9713, TO START THE INTAKE PROCESS.