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.
Alzheimer's Disease State Plan Survey
If your life has been touched by Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, the Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Illinois Chapter would like to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to share your observations and experiences and any suggestions you have about how to improve the services and resources in Illinois that are available to support persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. To participate, link to the Alzheimer's Disease State Plan Survey.
Seniors Ride Free! Now, all seniors can ride mass transit for free in Illinois. For information on how it works in your area, visit the Seniors Ride Free Web site or contact the Department on Aging Senior HelpLine.
Safety Net Works is an initiative by Governor Rod R. Blagojevich to prevent teen violence and help stop the tragic loss of life and hope experienced by too many young people in Illinois. The Safety Net Works brings State and community resources together to help young people residing in targeted communities enhance their opportunities for positive development into healthy adulthood. For more information, visit Safety Net Works.
NOTICES
The Department published its Regulatory Agenda on page 225 of Issue 1 (PDF) in Volume 32 of the Illinois Register on January 4, 2008.
Proposed amendments have been filed with the Secretary of State Index Department to update Sections 240.865, 240.920, and 240.950, which relate to the Community Care Program in Part 240 of Title 89 of the Illinois Administrative Code. This rulemaking project implements Public Act 95-0565 (effective June 1, 2008) (clarifying eligibility requirement for new applicants seeking in-home and community-based services to make a good faith effort standard to enroll in the Medical Programs under Article V of the Illinois Public Aid Code). It will appear in the Illinois Register on page 16599 of Issue 51 (PDF) in Volume 31 on December 21, 2007.
A proposed amendment has been filed with the Secretary of State Index Department to update Section 240.1800, which relates to the Community Care Program Advisory Committee in Part 240 of Title 89 of the Illinois Administrative Code. This rulemaking project implements Public Act 95-0473 (effective August 27, 2007). It appeared in the Illinois Register on page 16375 of Issue 50 (PDF) in Volume 31 on December 14, 2007.
Proposed rulemaking has been filed with the Secretary of State Index Department to establish an Americans with Disabilities Act and Civil Rights Program Grievance Procedure for the Illinois Department on Aging on November 5, 2007. This rulemaking will add a new Section 1725 to the Discrimination Procedures in Title 4 of the Illinois Administrative Code. It appeared in the Illinois Register on page 15127 of Issue 46 (PDF) in Volume 31 on November 16, 2007.
Interested persons may submit written comments on the above rulemaking projects within 45 days after the date of publication of the notices.
Keep Warm Illinois offers a variety of tips for households and businesses to save energy and lower their utility bills. Visit www.keepwarm.illinois.gov.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for winter energy services. LIHEAP services are provided by local community action agencies or not-for-profit agencies throughout the state. To locate an agency near you and apply, visit www.liheapillinois.com.
Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) helps low-income residents save fuel and money, while increasing the comfort of their homes. IHWAP services are provided by local community action agencies or not-for-profit agencies throughout the state. To locate an agency near you and apply, visit www.weatherizationillinois.com.
Emergency Home Response Service Certification
The Illinois Department on Aging is soliciting applications for certification in the provision of Emergency Home Response Service (EHRS) under a statewide demonstration project.
Emergency home response service (EHRS) is defined as a 24-hour emergency communication link to assistance outside the client’s home for clients based on 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 client to a professionally staffed support center. The support center assesses the situation and directs an appropriate response whenever this system is engaged by a client. The purpose of providing EHRS is to improve the independence and safety of clients in their own homes in accordance with the authorized plan of care, and thereby help reduce the need for nursing home care.
Because applications are being solicited under an all willing and qualified process, there is no deadline for submission of applications or limit to the number of contracts which could be awarded, based upon a successful response to the service standards for the EHRS program.
Applications will be evaluated as they are received and applicants will be notified, in writing, of the results of their certification application for emergency home response service. Faxed transmission of applications will NOT be accepted by the Department.
News: 03/ 28 /08 – Gov. Blagojevich announces partnership with Center for Economic Progress to help seniors, veterans get their federal economic stimulus payments
(more)
03/ 18 /08 – Gov. Blagojevich announces 2008 State Fair theme: “A Family Tradition.” Theme and contest inspired by 1950s “Burma Shave” campaign
(more)
02/ 20 /08 – Gov. Blagojevich proposes Fiscal Year 2009 budget focused on boosting Illinois' economy and helping working families
(more)
Updated! The Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program You Have a Voice! brochure (460 KB, 8.5" x 11"). To view multiple versions of this brochure, see Publications.
New! The Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Indicators and Action Steps brochure (143 KB, 9.83" x 11.17").
New! The Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program You Have the Right! poster (169 KB, 11" x 17"). To view multiple versions of this poster, see Publications.
You can contact the Department's toll–free Senior HelpLine for free publications and additional information about aging services in Illinois.
To report elder abuse, call the 24-hour, toll–free Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-866-800-1409, 1-888-206-1327 (TTY).
You may obtain information about services for senior citizens anywhere across the United States by contacting the Administration on Aging's Eldercare Locator Program homepage or calling toll free at 1-800-677-1116 (Voice & TTY).
View the Illinois Department on Aging Fiscal Year 2009 
