Connecting Older Adults with Community-based Resources and Options The Area Agency on Aging of Suburban Cook County, since 1974

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Living Well in Your Home

AgeOptions is committed to supporting older adults and their caregivers so that they can remain independent. Our priority is to foster safe and healthy environments by helping older adults maintain their self care and locate assistance as needed.

Management of Care

In the process of aging, situations may arise when older adults are unable to live at home without additional help. When this occurs, AgeOptions connects them with care managers who can initiate the process for identifying needs. Working closely with the client and family members, they will develop a service package that respects each individual’s wishes while supporting health and safety.

AgeOptions funds community agencies for Case Management and Case Advocacy and Support to provide casework services and Senior Opportunities and Services to link special groups of older adults to benefits.

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Nutrition

Managing a healthy diet can be difficult for older adults who are homebound and unable to shop for groceries or prepare meals on their own.

Popularly known as Meals on Wheels, home-delivered meals are a convenient and nutritious solution for adults aged 60 and over. Typically, volunteers deliver lunchtime meals daily or weekly.

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Housekeeping

Illness or physical conditions can prevent older adults from performing the daily tasks necessary for independent living. Assistance with such tasks as dressing, light housekeeping and meal preparation can extend their ability to remain in their own homes longer.

Homemaker Service, through the Illinois Community Care Program, is an option for older adults who meet certain financial eligibility requirements. In addition to housekeeping, trained homemakers may assist with self-administered medications, personal care, and chores outside of the home. Housekeeping Service may be provided on a limited basis.

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Home Repair

Although desiring to stay in familiar surroundings, older adults are often without the resources necessary to maintain the condition of their homes or to adapt them for accessibility. Renovations can make such activities as bathing, cooking and climbing stairs easier and safer.

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Caregiver Services

Caring for an older adult or family member consists of many responsibilities and, while rewarding, can be overwhelming.

AgeOptions and our partner agencies offer a wide variety of resources in support of caregiving. At 11 community-based Caregiver Resource Centers, specialists are prepared to help with education, workshops, care coordination and referral sources. Individual counseling and peer support are also made available.

Respite care is available to caregivers who would not otherwise be able to have a temporary break from caregiving duties. Individual care for an elderly parent or spouse can be provided by a trained professional either in-home or out-of-home.

Grandparents and older relatives caring for grandchildren have a tremendous responsibility. Oftentimes overwhelmed, they are unaware of the support and benefits available to them. These dedicated family members can find the resources they need through the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program.

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