Observance highlights services that offer support & independence to seniors
SPRINGFIELD –(ENEWSPF)–September 16, 2014. In observance of Adult Day Services week Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Director John K. Holton, Ph.D., is praising providers who offer support services at Adult Day Centers. Adult Day Service (ADS) is designed for older adults who want to remain in the community but face limitations if left home alone during the day due to physical, social and/or mental impairment. In addition to recreational and therapeutic activities to help clients maintain/develop physical and mental status, ADS provides health and medication supervision, personal care, and meal service for clients. ADS providers also offer respite for family caregivers, especially those who are employed outside the home.
“Adult Day Services support the well being of older adults who participate in the programs as well as their caregivers and families,” said Director Holton. “Providers tend to the physical and mental wellness of clients in effort to maintain their health and independence. By administering programs that promote independence, dignity and quality of life, the adult day service provider is a true advocate for older adults.”
IDoA provides certification only to Adult Day Centers that offer services through the Community Care Program. Along with case management, in-home service and emergency home response service, ADS is a core service under the Community Care Program. The program does not maintain a waiting list, so all clients who meet the eligibility criteria (i.e., age 60+, have non-exempt assets of $17,500, US citizen, resident of Illinois, and obtained a minimum Determination of Need (DON) score of 29 or greater for Long Term Care services) are given service and may select an approved provider of their choice within the service area.
Adult Day Services Week, sponsored by the National Adult Day Services Association, is scheduled each year during the third complete week of September, to raise awareness of the availability and accessibility of adult day programs nationwide. The theme of this year’s weeklong observance is The Power of the Adult Day Services: The Future of Care.
For information about programs to assist older adults in Illinois and their caregivers, including how to locate an Adult Day Service Provider, call the Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or for TTY (hearing impaired use, only) call 1-888-206-1327, or log on to the department website at:
http://www.illinois.gov/aging/CommunityServices/Pages/ccp.aspx.
Editor’s Note: ADS oversight overlaps between Departments: on Aging, of Human Services (DHS) and Public Health (DPH):
IDoA certifies only ADS seeking to participate in the Community Care Program
DHS certifies ADS (called Developmental Training sites) and funds ADS under DD Adult Waiver
DPH regulates adult day care programs housed within in existing long-term care facilities
Source: illinois.gov
