Long-Term Care - Illinois General Assembly

changes that can improve health; health screenings that can reveal small problems
before they become big problems; assistance with information and help with applying for
benefits such as the various “Medication Assistance Programs.”
• The “Independent maintenance” program should not be cut. “Independent maintenance”
refers to services such as Home Delivered Meals. The need for this program continues
to grow. Included in this category is the (Demonstration Congregate Community Care
Meals Program) which allows the state of Illinois to purchase meals from (Older
Americans Act) Title-III programs for clients who receive homemaker services.
• Other vital services include homemaker services, adult day care, home health care and
case management services. They are a very important to the continuum of care needed
by many elderly to remain independent.
• A special Demonstration Program has been a great benefit to the elderly of Saline
County, the “Congregate Care Demonstration Program”. This is a cooperative effort
among the Saline County Housing Authority, Golden Circle, Shawnee Alliance for
Seniors, and the Area and State Agency on Aging. It could be replicated across the
state.
• Traditional assisted living facilities are also very beneficial. More affordable ones are
needed. Other recommendations include:
• Stabilize adult day care programs. Increase funding for Adult Day Care Programs.
• Stabilize homemaker services.
• Service hours a client can receive should be extended.
• The asset eligibility ceiling has not increased since the program began 24 years ago. It
is far too restrictive. It needs to be raised.
• Increase the unit rate reimbursement to providers. The reimbursement rate for the
homemaker service does not cover the cost of service. To keep a dependable well
trained staff, employees need to be provided a decent living wage and benefit. They
have to leave for better paying jobs. In the Community Care Homemaker Program there
are presently 58 people working, down from over a 100 just a couple of years ago. The
turnover rate is 78%. 45 of 58 employees left this year. Supervisory or administrative
staff has not been replaced. If service provision is going to be maintained, unit rates are
going to have to increase. Community Care staff are caring, dedicated people who
deserve to be properly paid for their work.
• Stabilize core Older Americans Act services which support long-term care.
• Rural areas are hurt when it comes to funding formulas. There needs to be a “funding
floor” that will help assure that seniors in rural areas of the state have access to services
as seniors do in urban areas.
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