Rep. Jan Schakowsky read a letter from AgeOptions CEO Jonathan Lavin in the February 1 U.S. House of Representatives debate on the CLASS (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports) Act. The House voted to repeal the Act, a voluntary long-term care insurance program that would have helped address the needs of older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers and families..

Speaking to the House, Schakowsky stated: "Roughly 70 percent of us at some point are going to have difficulty taking care of ourselves independently, and we're going to need some sort of long-term care or support. So as the population ages, of course the need for these services only increases....

"We all kow that the costs associated with long-term care are very high, that nursing homes can cost over $70,000 a year, and that just 20 hours a week of home care costs nearly $20,000 a year. For working families, there are few practical options in order to plan and pay for long-term care and support services."

She went on to quote from Lavin's letter:

Please do not vote to repeal the CLASS

Act. Such a vote will reverse the hope of millions

of Americans that one day they may

collectively insure themselves for the eventuality

of a debilitating disability. When we

see a young former Congresswoman gunned

down and a healthy, vibrant Illinois Senator

struck by a stroke, we realize that any of us

may suffer from a disability.

A broad-based, effective insurance program

will assist those who face such life-altering

challenges. We understand why the CLASS

Act is delayed in implementation since the

economic situation is so dire, but we cannot

understand deliberately acting to eliminate

the potential for such legislation to do so

much good after the economy recovers.

Important Changes to Illinois Cares Rx

Funding for Illinois Cares Rx, the state program to help older adults and people with disabilities pay for prescription drugs, was cut in half. The program will continue to provide vital assistance to more than 160,000 low income people, but about 43,000 individuals will lose their benefits on September 1. Those remaining in the program will see an increase in the amount they pay for each prescription (the co-pay).

The links below explain the changes and what you can do if you are affected.

For additional information or assistance, call AgeOptions at (708)383-0258, or (708)524-1653 for TTY users.

Illinois Cares Rx changes

New income levels & co-pays

DOs and DON'Ts for people losing Illinois Cares Rx benefits

Programs to help pay for prescription drugs

Income eligibility for Illinois Cares Rx, Circuit Breaker & Ride Free

You Know Someone Who Is One Away

Millions of older Americans are one bad break, one accident or one layoff away from economic disaster.

Emma has been caring for her 85 year old mother and her 102 year old Gran for years. Several times each week they all take the senior bus to the senior center where they meet their friends for group exercise, lunch and of course bingo. Two days each week Gran goes to an adult day service program where she participates in all sorts of activities. These programs allow Emma to have a break from her caregiving duties and give them all a sense of independence and belonging. Also, Emma's mom and her Gran are able to remain in the community and out of nursing homes.

The Older Americans Act provides funding for many of the programs that Emma and her family rely on to keep them independent.

Funding for Act is up for reauthorization and is in jeopardy. Please tell your Senators and members of Congress to reauthorize the Older Americans Act.

Click here to see Emma's story:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXj1Jyxvbeo

Darlene spends what seems like 36 hours a day caring for her husband Bill. This is not the retirement either of them had envisioned, with him in bed and her doing everything she can to make him comfortable and give him some quality of life.

Older adults like Darlene and Bill are struggling every day to make ends meet.

Click here to see Darlene's story: http://www.youtube.com/user/AgeOptions

Andre never imagined he would have to live in his car -- until he lost his job and then his home. Click here to view Andre's story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycg_0qRoRy4

And click here to see the national video featuring Andre and other older Americans who are One Away: www.OneAway.org

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Elder Abuse, Neglect and Financial Exploitation: How to Recognize and Report is Health Matters

Mickey Rooney, the iconic 90-year-old actor, bravely reported his experience as a victim of elder abuse to Congress. Unfortunately, most victims of elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation aren't even able to report these crimes to the authorities or agencies who could help them.

Join the fight to break the silence and report elder abuse and neglect.

If you suspect an older person is being mistreated, call the Illinois Department on Aging’s elder abuse hotline at (866)800-1409.

Tens of thousands of older adults in Illinois are victims of abuse every year. This includes physical abuse, emotional mistreatment, neglect and financial exploitation. Most cases are never reported.

These older adults may be vicitms of physical abuse, but, like Mickey Rooney, they may also suffer from financial exploitation, emotional abuse or neglect.

How to Get Help

Help is available, not only for victims, but for caregivers overwhelmed by the responsibilities, demands, stress and expenses of caring for an older person. For information or to speak to an expert about elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, as well as options for care of an older adult, contact Katie Schmit, AgeOptions Elder Rights Specialist, (708)383-0258 or katie.schmit@ageoptions.org.

Victims and anyone who observes or suspects abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of an older person is urged to call the Illinois Elder Abuse Hotline, (866)800-1409 or (888)206-1327 for TTY users.

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Your Donation to AgeOptions Can Be Matched by a Challenge Grant

AgeOptions has received a $20,000 challenge grant from an organization that wishes to remain anonymous. For every new dollar (up to $5,000 from a single source) donated to AgeOptions for any purpose in the next year, an additional dollar is provided to AgeOptions’ Make Medicare Work (MMW) Coalition.

The key concept is that the donation, grant or other contribution must be from NEW individuals, corporations or foundations, and/or increased donations from CURRENT donors. (Family members of current donors residing at the same address may not give separately to qualify as new donors.)

The MMW program is unique in joining aging and disability agencies to provide education and outreach, policy development and advocacy. MMW formulates workable public policy proposals to improve health care and prescription drug coverage for seniors and persons with disabilities in Illinois.

Please consider making or increasing your contribution to AgeOptions today in support of this fantastic opportunity.

To donate, please click on the PayPal logo below or call AgeOptions at (708)383-0258.

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Illinois Health Matters: Facts and Answers on Health Care Reform s Health Matters

AgeOptions is partnering with four other organizations to introduce a new website, Illinois Health Matters, that provides comprehensive information on health care reform. Funded by The Chicago Community Trust, the website's goal is to provide up-to-date information on health care reform and its impact, now and in the future, for Illinois consumers, small businesses, the news media, policymakers and community-based organizations.

In addition to AgeOptions, partners in the website are Health & Disability Advocates, Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, Campaign for Better Health Care and Health & Medicine Policy Research Group.

Click here to go to the website: illinoishealthmatters.org

Take Charge of Your Health:

Live Well, Be Well

Click here for workshop dates and locations.

Take Charge of Your Health programs, offered continually throughout suburban Cook County, are free and open to all older adults who want to thrive, not simply survive, with ongoing health conditions. The interactive series of six workshops is available in four formats: Take Charge of Your Health: Live Well, Be Well; Tomando Control de su Salud; Take Charge of Your Diabetes; and Tomando Control de su Diabetes.

All programs are facilitated by class leaders taught through AgeOptions in the Stanford Patient Education Research Center Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, which is the core of the Take Charge of Your Health programs. Class leader training is ongoing and free to those who teach in suburban Cook County.

Participants learn about exercise, nutrition, using medications, communicating with family, friends and health professionals, and problem-solving around their ongoing health condition. Participants report feeling better, getting relief from pain, having more energy, being more confident and in control of their lives and feelings.

To join a class or be trained as a class leader in the Take Charge of Your Health program, including classes offered in languages other than English, contact Marilyn Cramton, (708)383-0258, marilyn.cramton@ageoptions.org. Funding for the program is provided in part by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Click here for Take Charge of Your Health Webinar PowerPoint presentation for class leaders.

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AgeOptions Offers Economic Security Planning

Older residents of suburban Cook County who are struggling in the economic downturn now have access to a free program that assesses their economic needs and identifies ways to effectively meet them.

The AgeOptions Economic Security Planning project provides personalized financial assessments and economic security plans for adults between 55 and 75. Residents who have monthly incomes below $2,327 for one person or $3,152 for two may be eligible.

The program takes a holistic approach to economic security planning and helps clients navigate the full range of public and private services that can improve their quality of life.

Staff members will work by phone with clients, looking at each person’s needs, such as foreclosure, home repairs, job placement, health insurance, credit cards, debt management, local, state and federal benefit programs, legal assistance, health promotion and disease prevention and other services.

Clients will also receive personal assistance and follow up to ensure they actually receive the services and programs that they need in order to be more economically secure.

AgeOptions is one of eight organizations nationally to be awarded a two-year grant for an Economic Security Service Center from the National Council on Aging, with support from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. The Retirement Research Foundation provided matching local funding.

Economic Security Service Centers were developed through the National Council on Aging’s Economic Security Initiative, created to address the needs of older adults facing economic challenges. Since the start of the economic downturn, seniors have been encountering multiple challenges getting their health, housing, employment and personal financial needs met. In addition, many lack knowledge of benefits and financial support available to them.

To contact the Economic Security Service Center, or for more information on economic security counseling and support, call AgeOptions at (708)383-0258, or (708)524-1653 for TTY users.

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Senior Community Service Employment Program

AgeOptions offers the Senior Community Service Employment Program for low-income adults age 55 and over. Participants receive on-the-job training and guidance in workforce skills to improve their qualifications and increase their opportunities. Click here to go to the CBS 2 story and video about this program.

This link opens a larger video-only version of the story.

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Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

AgeOptions wants grandparents (and other non-parent relatives age 55 and older) raising children to know about the services and resources available to them.

Through AgeOptions and its partner agencies in suburban Cook County, grandparents can receive support in providing a safe and loving home for their grandchildren and taking care of themselves in the process. For example, caregiver specialists can help them apply for benefits, including child-only Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which many don’t know is available to them. They can also help with school enrollment and education issues.

Other services include support groups for grandparents and other older relatives raising children, and a limited amount of financial assistance. AgeOptions and its network of community agencies also provides free assistance with the various legal matters that older relatives raising children encounter, such as guardianship and adoption issues.

Grandparents and other older relatives raising children are encouraged to call AgeOptions for individualized information and assistance. Phone numbers are: (708)383-0258, (800)699-9043 and TTY(708)524-1653.

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Help Paying for Your Prescription Drugs

There are programs for older adults and persons with disabilities to help pay for prescription drugs. Help is available in person or over the phone. You can apply for the same programs throughout the year.

Illinois Cares Rx provides state prescription assistance to people with and without Medicare. More information, including application materials, can be found at www.illinoiscaresrx.com/.

[ Click here to go to illinoiscaresrx.com ]

If you have limited income and assets, you may qualify for extra help with the costs of your prescription drugs. The Social Security Administration (SSA) and Medicare are working together to give you this extra help.

[ Click here to learn more about Extra Help ]

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Seniors Ride Free

Beginning in late summer 2011, the Seniors Ride Free Program will be limited to low-income seniors who meet income requirements set by the Illinois Department on Aging Circuit Breaker program.

Seniors who are not eligible for Circuit Breaker WILL be eligible for a reduced fare permit to ride CTA, Pace and Metra buses and trains.

In advance of the changeover, individuals who have Senior Ride Free permit will be mailed a new permit if they are currently enrolled in Circuit Breaker, or a Reduced Fare permit if they do not meet the income requirements.

In the meantime, seniors with a valid Senior Ride Free permit can continue to ride free on CTA, Pace and Metra buses and trains.

To continue to be eligible to ride free, low-income seniors must apply directly through the Illinois Circuit Breaker Program by contacting the Illinois Department on Aging at (800)624-2459 or www.cbrx.il.gov.

Click here for frequently asked questions about the program provided by RTA.

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Join the AgeOptions Advisory Council

AgeOptions is seeking individuals to join its Advisory Council. Members of the Council provide insight into aging-related developments in their communities. They also advise AgeOptions on its Area Plan on Aging which outlines how the agency will use federal and state funds to provide services to older adults and their caregivers.

Membership in the Advisory Council is open to residents of suburban Cook County, including:

Older individuals who are participants or who are eligible to participate in programs for older adults
Representatives of older adults
Local elected officials
Providers of veterans’ health care
The general public

The Advisory Council’s responsibilities include assisting in development of the Area Plan on Aging by identifying needs of older persons through:

Publicizing and conducting “needs of the elderly” hearings and public hearings on the plan
Visits to program sites
Identifying gaps or deficiencies in services
Identifying resources for new or continuing programs

Advisory Council members also help with implementation of the Area Plan on Aging by increasing community awareness about services and providing feedback on service provision by agencies that AgeOptions funds in their community.

For more information on the Advisory Council and application forms, please contact Ilona Tabernacki at AgeOptions, (708)383-0258, or hr@ageoptions.org.

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Documents from Economic Recovery: Planning for a Strong Rebound

Click on these links for documents from the June 23 event.

Agenda and sessions

Managing People During Difficult Times

Employment Law Implications of Cutting Hours, Pay and Jobs

Critical Financial Issues: Strengthening Your Not-For-Profit

Organizational Capacity Building

Social Media

Illinois Partners for Human Service

Membership List

Join Us

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Helping Older Adults Survive the Recession

The links below provide information and resources on economic issues faced by older adults.

A list of links to several helpful websites

Fixing Your Credit Report

What to Do if You Can't Pay a Bill

Debtors' Rights

Home Repair Resources

Annuities

Property Tax Savings Programs

Property Tax Exemptions

Property Tax Deferral

Reverse Mortgages

Benefits Chart

Foreclosure Information

Foreclosure Timeline

Sample Foreclosure Court Documents

Legal Remedies to Protect Cognitively Impaired Adults

Nicor Conservation Guide

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The AgeOptions 2012 Area Plan on Aging (Click Here)

This document summarizes the 2012 amendment to the AgeOptions Area Plan on Aging for Fiscal Years 2012 - 2014 outlining our use of federal and state funds to provide services to older adults and their caregivers in suburban Cook County. We reissue this public information document in the spring of each year to provide detailed information for the upcoming year.

We are very interested in receiving feedback about our plan, especially from older adults. We will consider changes to our Area Plan based on the comments or questions we receive.

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AgeOptions News Releases

Click to read

The Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck Delivers Potatoes and a Check
For Older Adult Meal Programs in Suburban Cook County

Spring Into Action -- Play It Safe

Public Invited to Help Plan for the Future

Hospitals and Community Agencies Working Together

To Reduce Readmissions for Older Adults

AgeOptions Will Provide Resources for Older Adults

At American Diabetes Association EXPO

Public Input Sought on Programs and Services

For Older Adults and Their Families

Options Counseling Provides Place to Start