Our Services
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.
Community Care Program Guidelines and Qualifications
- 60 years of age or older
- Illinois Resident
- U.S. Citizen or Legal Alien
- Birth certificate / Proof of citizenship
- 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
If you are interested in starting services or think you may qualify, please call 815-240-3050, to start the intake process.
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
Care Coordinators
Our Care Coordinators, certified by the Illinois Department on Aging, conduct comprehensive in-home assessments for seniors at least twice a year. These assessments help determine eligibility for in-home services and identify areas where additional support may be beneficial.
Care Coordinators also connect seniors to community resources that promote safety, health, and independence, allowing them to continue living comfortably in their own homes.
