Table of Contents

Adult Protective Services

The APS program investigates reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation and self-neglect of adults aged 60 or older and adults aged 18-59 with disabilities living in the community.

Download the Adult Protective Services flyer
Download the Adult Protective Services flyer (Spanish version)

Eligibility: *60 years of age minimum OR individual with a disability: must reside in the Aging Care Connections service area.

An intake will be screened into the program. If one is interested in having an intake screened for the APS program, please call Aging Care Connections during regular business hours (M-F 830-430) at 708-354-1323 or the 24-hour Adult Protective Service Hotline at 866-800-1409.

  • For all cases that are not self-neglect, the client’s alleged abuser must have a relationship and continued access to the client (scams are not accepted at this time, but a referral can be provided).
  • Client can live in the community, an unlicensed facility, or a licensed facility (financial exploitation only). If allegations are not financial exploitation, then additional requirements apply regarding where the alleged abuse/neglect occurred and relationship of alleged abuser to the client.
  • The latest incident of abuse/neglect/financial exploitation must have occurred within the last twelve months OR the effects of the abuse/neglect/exploitation continue to affect the client.
  • Must reside in the service area

How to access this service: To report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation or self-neglect of an older person or persons with disabilities, call the statewide, 24-hour Adult Protective Services Hotline: 1-866-800-1409. Or contact ACC at 708-354-1323 and ask to speak with an APS caseworker during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30am – 4:30pm).

What you can expect:

Local APS caseworkers who are trained and certified will assess allegations and coordinate client service referrals to mitigate the risk of the effects of the abuse/neglect/financial exploitation. Client health, welfare, and safety are taken into consideration. The Adult Protective Service Program is a client-directed advocacy program.

  • A verified and substantiated finding of abuse may place an individual on the APS registry. The APS registry serves to prohibit the initial or re-employment, retention, compensation or use of an individual to provide direct care in a position that is regulated by or paid with public funds.
  • The APS Act defines a caregiver as “A person who either, as a result of a family relationship, voluntarily, or in exchange for compensation has assumed responsibility for all or a portion of the care of an eligible adult who needs assistance with activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living” (320 ILCS 20/2(a-7)).

Home Delivered Meals

Home delivered meals provide nutritious meals to older adults and other eligible individuals who are mostly homebound, require a general or special/medically tailored diet, and are unable to shop for groceries and/or prepare their own meals.

Download the Home Delivered Meals flyer
Download the Home Delivered Meals flyer (Spanish version)

Some of the approved special diets include: pureed, mechanical soft, finger foods, Controlled Carbohydrate Diet (CCD), renal, 2-gram sodium and more.

Eligibility: Persons aged 60 years and over, who are assessed by a Care Coordination Unit (CCU) or a Managed Care Organization (MCO), and deemed eligible due to frailty and/or being homebound for periods of three days or more due to acute or chronic illness, incapacitating illness or are otherwise isolated and unable to shop for or obtain meals. Also eligible: A spouse (of any age) of an eligible frail and/or homebound individual may receive a home delivered meal if desired and if (1) provision of the meal relieves the spouse of undue stress in the daily care of the client, or (2) the spouse has demonstrated an inability to adequately provide meals for both members due to lack of knowledge, equipment, skill, or capacity. AND to individuals with disabilities, regardless of age, who reside at home with an eligible older adult; must reside in the service area.

How to access this service:  Call 708-354-1323 ext. 215 during regular business hours (M-F 8:30am-4:30pm) and ask to speak with an Information and Assistance Specialist to begin the intake process/application for in-home services.  Se Habla Espanol.  Can also email 24/7 at info@agingcareconnections.org

What you can expect: Following intake, you will be contacted by a certified Care Coordinator to schedule a comprehensive in-home assessment.  Eligibility for meals is generally determined following a comprehensive in-home assessment, however, in some cases meals can be started if there are extenuating circumstances, such as recent hospital discharge.  Meals are delivered Monday through Saturday between the hours of 10am and 3pm.  Hot and cold meals are available; second and/or weekend meal availability will be determined by your Care Coordinator based on need and availability.  Meals must be delivered directly to the participant. Meals must not be left outside the participant’s door or delivered to someone other than the participant.

Additionally, this program has a suggested donation based on a sliding fee scale.  Inability to donate does not exclude you from the program.

Congregate Dining

Congregate meals offer a nutritious lunch all while enjoying the company of friends. Meals are available for dine in only.

Download the December 2024 menu

Download the Congregate Dining flyer
Download the Congregate Dining flyer (Spanish version)

Eligibility: Age 60 years and over, the 60+ participant’s spouse regardless of age, if the eligible spouse is or has been an active participant of the program, and individuals with disabilities who reside with a person over 60 in a non-institutional household are eligible for a meal. Guest policy: an older adult may bring a guest or caregiver under the age of 60 but they must pay the full cost of the meal.

How to access this service:  For more information or to make a reservation, please contact our Nutrition Manager during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30am – 4:30pm) at 708-603-2269.  Reservations and cancellations are required 48 hours in advance before noon. You can also find our monthly menu at the link above.

What you can expect: Courteous staff, great company, delicious food, fun and enjoyable programs and activities.  Meals are available for dine-in or carry-out M-F between the hours of 1130am – 1pm. Meals are available for dine-in M-F between the hours of 11:30am-1:00pm at Aging Care Connections.

Additionally, this program has a suggested donation of $3/meal. The inability to donate does not exclude you from the program.

Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program

The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program is a food and education assistance program for older adults that helps them eat well and stay healthy.

This program is seasonal: July through October.

Eligibility: Older adults over the age of 60 who have household incomes equal to or less than 185% of the federal poverty income guidelines; must reside in the service area.

How to access this service:  Call 708-354-1323 ext. 215, visit during regular business hours (M-F 8:30am – 4:30pm) and ask to speak with an Information and Assistance Specialist.  Se Habla Espanol.  Can also email 24/7 at info@agingcareconnections.org. Note, you may only receive one booklet per program year.

What you can expect: After completing a short application, you will receive special checks to buy fresh, nutritious fruits, vegetables and herbs from authorized farmer’s markets throughout the area; ; please note not all vendors will accept these checks so please look for signs at each booth before purchasing.  Change cannot be given so be sure to use the full amount and/or be prepared to pay the difference if you exceed the check amount.

Home Repair

The home repair program offers minor repairs and modifications to homes and apartments that are essential to enabling an older adult to remain at home comfortably, safely and independently for as long as possible.

Download the Home Repair flyer
Download the Home Repair flyer (Spanish version)

Eligibility: Older adults over the age of 60; must reside in service area

How to access this service:  Call 708-354-1323 ext. 215 during regular business hours (M-F 8:30am – 4:30pm) and ask to speak with an Information and Assistance Specialist to begin the intake process/application for home repair services.  Se Habla Espanol.  Can also email 24/7 at info@agingcareconnections.org

What you can expect: Following intake, you will be contacted by a certified Care Coordinator to schedule a comprehensive in-home assessment. During the visit they will determine if your request meets the guidelines of the program.  In general, services must be necessary and/or have a safety component.  Examples include but are not limited to: installing grab bars or other safety devices like stair rails, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, etc., repairing windows or steps, minor plumbing and electrical issues and more.

Additionally, this program has a suggested donation of $5/visit. The inability to donate does not exclude you from the program.

Housing Assistance

Provides services to preserve an older adult’s housing, prevent homelessness, and provide assistance to relocate or obtain more suitable and affordable housing.

Download the Housing Assistance flyer
Download the Housing Assistance flyer (Spanish version)

Eligibility: Older adults over the age of 60; must reside in service area

How to access this service:  Call 708-354-1323 during regular business hours (M-F 8:30am – 4:30pm) and ask to speak with a Housing Specialist.  Can also email 24/7 at info@agingcareconnections.org

What you can expect: A personal interview, comprehensive benefits screening, review of resources, assistance with locating affordable housing, linkages to legal and/or in-home services if needed, and more.

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