Agency Contact Information
Agency Head: Tara Russo, Executive Director
Address: Elder Care Services, 330 Grove Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone: 815-758-6550
Fax: 815-758-4239
Agency Description
Elder Care Services assists frail, vulnerable and primarily low-income seniors to remain independent and at home, safely and with dignity. Specific program offerings include:
Information and Assistance Program provides seniors with assistance in navigating and accessing available government benefit programs. A Senior Resource Guide is available to assist in identification and linkages to community resources. The array of available resources include: financial assistance, assistive technology, housing, energy assistance, pharmaceutical assistance or other senior living topics.
Comprehensive Case Coordination (CCC) Program provides a comprehensive geriatric assessment and care plans to seniors needing assistance. The care plan identifies needs and authorizes services that enable an older person to remain safely in their own home. For low income seniors, care costs are subsidized through the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA) Community Care Program. Examples of supportive services that help seniors remain safely in their own homes include: personal care, home maintenance, transportation, social programming, financial assistance and a host of others. Care coordination assistance is ongoing for as long as the client is in need.
Adult Protective Services formally (known as Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (ANE) Program) investigates reports concerning older persons (60 years and older) and persons with Disabilities (18-59 years of age) who may be victims of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation and advocates for interventions through the existing legal, medical, and social service system. In DeKalb County, Elder Care Services is the only agency certified and authorized by the Illinois Department on Aging –Bureau of Elder Rights to investigate and intervene in cases of Elder & Adult abuse. We work collaboratively with the
DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s office in prosecuting cases of Elder & Adult abuse and with Prairie State Legal Services to attain guardianship or support estate planning efforts. Adult Protective Services reports alleging imminent harm are responded to 24/7.
Self-Neglect Program provides intervention, intensive case management and referral to local treatment providers for seniors unable to perform essential self-care tasks that substantially threaten his or her own health. Although the Elder Abuse Act was amended to identify these conditions, no state funding is available to treat this vital need. Case management intervention and support for older persons with these needs in our community is funded with local dollars.
Money Management Program is a service designed to assist low-income elderly clients in managing their finances. Unfortunately, many elderly people lose their independence when they are no longer able to manage their finances effectively. Seniors are matched with a volunteer who assists them in maintaining their financial well being on an ongoing basis. The
services offered include: check book balancing, monthly bill paying, creating payment plans, consolidating debt and dealing with collection agencies or eviction notices. This program has been very successful in allowing seniors to remain in their own homes and avoid becoming victims of financial exploitation.
Choices for Care Program provides state-mandated nursing home pre-screens for adults prior to admission in long term nursing home or institutional care. The pre-screen is designed to ensure adults are aware of community resources that may present a safe alternative to placement, enabling the individual to remain or return home and/or in the community.