What does a Case Coordination Unit do?
Upon request, the Case Coordination Unit will provide a qualified Care Coordinator to come into the home to conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the needs of the older adult. The assessment covers questions regarding the individual’s physical and behavioral health, cognition, environment, medication, transportation, legal needs, spiritual and social well-being and finances. The Care Coordinator then utilizes the gathered information to work with the older adult and involved family members to develop a Case Management plan of care that links them to services and resources in the community. Linkages may include in-home services, adult day care, home delivered or congregate meals, transportation options, assistive devices, financial aid programs and many other resources. The Care Coordination Unit continues active contact and follow up with the older adult to ensure changing needs are addressed and vital program information is updated.
Is there any cost?
No. The Case Coordination Unit is contracted with the Illinois Department on Aging to perform a comprehensive assessment on all individuals age 60 and older who ask, free of charge.
Do they have to conduct an assessment in the home?
Yes. In order to fully understand which services and referrals are appropriate for the older adult, it is important for the Care Coordinator to conduct the assessment in the home environment. In order to receive the Community Care Program offered by the Illinois Department on Aging, the assessment must be conducted at the older adult’s residence. The Case Coordination Unit can arrange a visit to individuals in the hospital or Long Term Care facility to conduct a shortened version of the assessment to allow immediate and temporary in-home services upon discharge. A full assessment will then be completed in the home environment within two weeks to ensure the services are appropriate and meeting the needs of the individual.
How long does the assessment take?
he average assessment takes about 2 hours. Depending on the older adult and any present family members, the assessment time may vary. The Care Coordinator is available to discuss any and all service and referral options, as well as answer any questions that arise.
How do I get services?
The comprehensive assessment will allow the Care Coordinator to identify whether or not the Community Care Program is a needed service for the older adult. It will also provide information to determine if the individual’s impairments and finances meet the eligibility requirements for the Community Care Program. In some situations, private pay or other community-based services may be more appropriate. The Community Care Program is just one of many resources and services offered to the older adult.
My family member is declining and I’m not sure what to do.
The comprehensive assessment will allow the Care Coordinator to identify whether or not the Community Care Program is a needed service for the older adult. It will also provide information to determine if the individual’s impairments and finances meet the eligibility requirements for the Community Care Program. In some situations, private pay or other community-based services may be more appropriate. The Community Care Program is just one of many resources and services offered to the older adult.
