Senior services 2016-11-15

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID Elgin IL 60120 PERMIT NO 38

We Are More Than You Think!

Our professional staff have been serving seniors and disabled for over 40 years.

Our “one stop shop” provides comprehensive advice and solutions Annually we serve over 29,000 individuals.

Kane County

101 S. Grove St., Elgin, IL 60120 900 N. Lake St., Aurora, IL 60506

McHenry County

110 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014 3519 N. Richmond Road, McHenry, IL 60051

Kendall County

908 Game Farm Rd., Yorkville, IL 60560

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

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Dear Friends of Senior Services, “The Strong Will Survive!” was the title of our 2015 Annual Report. Well, we survived our fiscal year 2016 and I cannot overstate what a struggle it has been. It is very difficult operating in a state where one has to wait over 12 months to get paid for work done helping senior’s access programs and services needed to remain living independently at home.

It was and it continues to be a very scary situation, Bette Schoenholtz since we can never be sure when or if we will be paid, and there is always the threat of cuts in needed services. We already know there are

very significant cuts proposed for 2017 including cutting the average amount of money available for in home services from $800 to $400 per month. This will undoubtedly result in some seniors entering nursing homes that could otherwise have stayed at home.

We have also been subject to cuts from local funders such as townships and cities that have lost money because of state funding issues. All of this has put us at great risk. Consequently, we are very dependent on your generous donations.

To help address some of these cuts we hope to pass a Senior Tax Referendum in Aurora and Elgin in April 2017. I know that probably sounds scary to you, but it will only cost a maximum of 45 cents a week or $24.12 per year for a

taxpayer with a house assessed at $300,000.

That’s a pretty good deal for services such as senior center programming, transportation, abuse protection, and financial assistance, home delivered meals, legal services and many others. We have already passed similar referendums in Kendall and McHenry counties.

Both have had a strong impact on the level of service available.

Hopefully, you can join us in this endeavor and assure that all needed services are there for you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,

Bette Schoenholtz Executive Director

Our Mission Statement

Senior Services Associates, Inc. is a non-profit agency dedicated to sustaining and improving the quality of life for individuals age 60 and over, persons with disabilities, veterans and their caregivers by providing access to the social services they need. We are dedicated to preserving their independence, promoting mental and physical well being, and protecting their rights and dignity.

Leave a Legacy; Make a Difference in the Lives of Seniors

Senior Services Associates, Inc. Board of Directors President: Deborah Brunelle Vice President: Joseph McVicker Secretary/Treasurer: Gil Nore Past-President: Tom Smith Kevin Barry

Dolores Hicks

Mary Bina

Jack Kreger

Sam Clementz

Barbara Lockwood

Dr Mohammad Habibulla

Paz Montero

Joanne Hartmann

Bruce Treadway

We are here to serve you!

Elgin 847-741-0404 Aurora 630-897-4035 Crystal Lake 815-356-7457 McHenry 815-344-3555 Yorkville 630-553-5777 Don’t forget to check out our website at www.seniorservicesassoc.org

You rely on Senior Services to help seniors, and the disabled, remain independent in their communities by providing them access to the social services they need. You depend on Senior Services to protect the rights and dignity of those we love.

Senior Services relies on the generosity of people like you for our survival. Who will be there to provide essential programs and services to this escalating group of individuals?

You can make your gift Today! When you make a gift of $1,000 or more to the endowment fund, recognition of your gift will be memorialized in perpetuity on our beautiful Legacy Tree which has been mounted at 101 S. Grove in Elgin. In addition, a canvas picture of our Legacy Tree will be displayed at all of our offices and donors to our endowment fund will be acknowledged in every edition of The Senior Voice Newspaper.

Contributions to Senior Services Endowment Fund can be made at any time with gifts of cash, securities, real estate, and tangible personal property.

Gifts can also be made on a future date through deferred gifts such as making Senior Services the beneficiary of a bequest, life insurance, IRA and qualified retirement benefits, charitable lead or charitable remainder trusts.

Checks should be made payable to Senior Services Associates, Inc. and sent to 101 S. Grove Avenue, Elgin Illinois, 60120. If you have questions, or would like more information, contact your local office.

In FY2016 we investigated 99 reports of abuse of a disabled person age 18 to 59 also 198 substantiated cases of abuse of a senior and 126 cases of self-neglect or hoarding. “Because we have cultivated great working relationships with first responders like the police and fire departments and they know our record

of successful resolutions within the senior population, we are confident that Senior Services is more than capable of handling our expanded role” said Boncosky. We continue to work with state and local law enforcement, The Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Councils, the Department of human Services and the Division of Developmental Disabilities and other local providers for persons with disabilities to educate everyone on the expansion of our services to this under-served population.

Adult Protective Services investigators are trained and certified by the Illinois Department on Aging to investigate cases. People should feel comfortable reporting, giving victims the opportunity to receive the help they need to stop the abuse. A reporter’s identity is always kept confidential.

If you are aware of abuse or neglect taking place please call Senior Services 24/7/365.

We are Ombudsman; Your Advocate

The Long Term Care Ombudsman offers assistance to long term care facility residents and their families. Senior Services Associates announces they now offer this service to persons with disabilities age 18 to 59 and their families.

Ombudsmen advocate for your rights and quality care. They investigate complaints residents make regarding long term care facilities, and they mediate solutions to any problems that residents may have with facilities or facility staff.

The five most frequent nursing facility complaints are: • Improper eviction or inadequate discharge/planning • Unanswered requests for assistance • Lack of respect for residents, poor staff attitudes • Quality of life, specifically resident/roommate conflict • Administration and organization of medications

Your Ombudsman involves the community through volunteer recruitment; last year over 2500 ombudsman staff nationally were assisted by 8500 volunteers educating consumers and providers about the resident rights guaranteed by the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law. Nationally, last year, ombudsman investigated nearly 200,000 complaints on behalf of 288,000 residents, resolving 73% to the satisfaction of the resident or complainant.

They promote the development of citizen organizations, family councils and resident councils providing educational presentations for facility staffs; members of the community, resident groups and family members. They help this community by providing

consultation for the senior or disabled person and their family members on how to choose a long term care facility. What falls under the category of a long term care facility? Long term care facilities include Nursing, Assisted Living facilities and Sheltered Living facilities.

REPORT ABUSE! ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Offering Protection and Advocacy for older adults and adults with disabilities.

1-800-942-1724 Kane/Kendall Counties 1-800-339-3200 McHenry County

24 hours/7 days a week

1-866-800-1409 IL Department on Aging

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Senior Services Associates conducts investigations of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation on behalf of persons 60-yrs of age and older and persons with disabilities age 18 to 59 who reside in the community. “This follows nationally recognized best practices by creating an Adult Protective Services Unit within the Department on Aging which is responsible for investigating all suspected cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation of seniors and adults with disabilities” explained Marsha Boncosky, Adult Protective Services (APS) Supervisor. Prior to the passage of this law abuse against the disabled was severely under-reported. The primary reason was lack of resources and limited accessibility.

Senior Services |

3 ­ enior Services Provides Protective Services S To Seniors and Persons with Disabilities age 18 to 59

Senior Services Associates, Inc. offers evidence-based exercise programs at their senior centers that can be of great benefit to you, your spouse and friends. Just what are “Evidence-Based Healthy Aging Programs?” These are programs which have been designed with measureable outcomes that can be evaluated and have been proven to produce positive, healthy results. These programs have been created to promote and enhance the independent lifestyles of seniors; they are sponsored by the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging and offered at no cost to you! These life changing programs, recommended by the National Council On Aging, include:

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program: This is a 6 week program, developed at Stanford University, which provides information, helps you to create and implement your action plan and teaches practical skills on managing chronic health problems such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and strokes; also offered in Spanish.

“The information helped us learn more about our own medical conditions, and we learned how our peers cope with the same conditions.”

Eating Better and Moving More: This is a 12 week program in which participants learn about good nutrition and take part in a walking program. It was designed

by Florida International University to fit the interests and needs of older adults who want to maintain their quality of life and independence.

Matter of Balance: This is an 8 week program, developed by Boston University, which emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

“I learned how I want to live everyday”

Fit and Strong!: This is an 8 week program, developed by the University of Illinois at Chicago, which combines flexibility, strength training and aerobic walking with health education to create a lifestyle change among older adults with lower extremity osteoarthritis (OA).

“By taking these classes, I feel strong. I am motivated to sign up for whatever is offered because I enjoy exercising and learning with the group!”

“I just feel better all the way around and stronger. Not as stiff when walking, going upstairs or getting out of the car.”

It has been proven that those who enroll in these programs and continue to utilize the skills, exercise and behavioral improvements have significant improvements in their ability to exercise, are more social and have better physical and emotional health. In addition to all of the health benefits, did we mention that these programs are provided by certified trainers; they are FUN and are at no cost to the participants?

Looking for more? Try Country Line Dance, Tap or Folkloric Dance, Tai Chai, Yoga, Super Stretches or Walking Club; also parties, dances, educational workshops, computer, craft and art classes and more, offerings vary by location.

Some experts say it takes 21 days to create a habit; others say it takes up to 200+ days. With multiple class offerings let’s see how long it takes YOU to create some healthy aging habits or to build on and add variety to good habits you already have in place.

The great news is that the positive testimonials by older adults who have participated in one or more of these programs keep coming in to our offices throughout the three counties we serve. If you are interested in participating, give your local Senior Services Office a call! We would love to see everyone take positive steps to healthy aging!

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Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Take Advantage of Healthy Aging Programs With Proven Results; At Your Local Center

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Tuesday, November 15, 2016

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We Have the Answers!

Bring your questions to Senior Services and ask our Information and Assistance Specialist for an answer, a solution to a problem.

They may be able to help by telephone or by appointment in your home if needed. They will explain various government programs, answer questions about benefits and their requirements and share information on community resources and services that are available to the older adult.

We are experts; if we don’t have an answer, we will find an answer for you. Do you receive mail almost daily that says Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security Recipients to catch your attention?

Our Specialists can help you sort through and determine if they are actually important or advertising.

Prescription costs are often the most difficult for seniors to afford.

Our Information Specialists use the formulary to work with you and your particular list of prescriptions to figure out what Medicare Part D program is most cost effective for you. Open enrollment for Part D is October 7 through December 15; call, schedule an appointment, review your options!

Are you familiar with the License Plate Discount program and eligibility for RTA/CTA Metra passes or the Extra Help from Social Security for Prescription Assistance, LIHEAP energy assistance for winter assistance or energy assistance available for the summer or the Senior Homestead Exemption and the Deferred Property Tax program? WE ARE! And can help you apply!

We All Can Use a Hand At Times

Everyone needs a little extra help now and then, and that is precisely what the Community Care Program offers.

Care Coordinators are trained and certified by the Illinois Department on Aging and have the most up to date lists of resources. They develop an overall plan of care appropriate to a senior’s needs and follow up with each participant to make sure that they are receiving the services that that are in the plan.

During a free in home needs assessment the care coordinator will talk to you about your health, finances and any issues affecting your ability to live independently at home. Then they will arrange the services you need to resolve the problem. While one senior may benefit from a home delivered meal, another may need help with light housekeeping or personal care assistance.

Through the Community Care Program, seniors can receive Homecare Aides who offer non-medical support such as bathing and dressing assistance, meal preparation, and light housekeeping and shopping.

Adult Day Care Service and supervision can be arranged where seniors can benefit from exercise and social activities. Participants may qualify for Emergency Home Response Service at no cost or at a reduced fee according to their asset guidelines.

For those who do not qualify for the Community Care Program because of not meeting Medicaid income requirements, a new program called the Community Reinvestment Program is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2017, if a state budget is approved. This program is designed to meet some of the needs of those who do not qualify for the Community Care Program. Contact your local office for assistance.

Caregiving Can Be Difficult; but you are not alone.

A caregiver can be anyone, a family member, friend or neighbor.

You are a caregiver when a senior relies on you to provide unpaid help so he or she may remain in their current living situation. The person may live in your home, across town, or in another state.

One in four households nationwide is involved in caregiving for someone age 50 or older. Caregiving is rewarding, but also can be very stressful. Caregiving can impact the physical and emotional health of caregivers, who often neglect their own needs while caring for others.

“I was ready to talk to the rest of the family about placing Mom in a nursing home. I was really overwhelmed with having to be available to help Mom so much,” a daughter, Christine told us. In Kane County, Senior Services is honored to be able to provide

individual counseling for caregivers, also training and support groups.

We assist the caregiver through our Caregiver Support Program; strengthening and supporting families by providing information, training, and respite. Services provided include information about available services, respite care (services that give caregivers a rest), adult day services, home modification, caregiver support groups, assistive devices, transportation, legal assistance, assistance with housework, case management, training, counseling and emotional support.

Programs may also assist grandparents and relative caregivers of children not more than 18 years of age. Senior Services is here to help, you are not alone!

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program offers much more to the community than most people realize

There’s a Senior citizen that needs a friend The Senior Companion program can help. It connects volunteers with seniors who cannot get out as much and would enjoy a friendly visitor once a week. It helps alleviate the effects of loneliness and gives the senior a chance for increased socialization. The volunteer also benefits by gaining a new friend and having the satisfaction of knowing they are making a difference in someone’s life. Through our program, Peter became a Senior Companion to Bill who suffered chronic back pain, and social anxiety. The two men discovered that as youth they both had enjoyed building erector sets. So they

purchased a model race car. Bill enjoyed working on the model so much that he decided to record a short video for his new friend. The video gave both men such a good laugh, that Bill created another.

Before long, Peter and Bill were sharing their projects through a series of videos that were then shared with family and friends. Peter helped Bill reconnect and visit with his family too. Soon, the two friends started posting their projects to YouTube. Peter says he really appreciated the Senior Companion program, “I have made a new friend in Bill. This is a really great opportunity for people, and it feels good when you are helping others.” Their videos are now on YouTube on the “Bill Sikora” channel, and the two friends are planning longer outings beyond Bill’s home.

A Transportation Program which runs on enthusiastic volunteers is a component of the RSVP and truly exemplifies what it means to be a volunteer. This program matches volunteers with good driving records with seniors in need of a ride to the doctor or other necessary appointments. Volunteers have the freedom to choose where and when they can drive.

Mark Tallarico moved to Illinois and became a volunteer driver in December 2015, after coming in to visit the Aurora office of Senior Services to enjoy a meal. There he met Volunteer Coordinator, Barb Nadeau. “Mark’s compassion for people in need was evident to me right away,” Barb said.

“He is an overnight caregiver for an elderly man in hospice too, and this gave him good insight to the problems that seniors face daily.” Mark decided that being a volunteer driver would help him meet Mark Tallarico new people and to get to know his new surroundings. Helping others in his spare time was a perfect way to give back for all that life had given him.

“This program has made me so much more understanding of others,” Mark said. “There are so many people who struggle, and this program helps me to make a real difference for those who are in need.” Currently Mark drives seniors in both Southern Kane and Kendall Counties.

Do you know a senior that may be in need of a senior companion or transportation? Would you be able to include visits to an isolated senior or give a senior a ride to a doctor in your life as a volunteer?

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Our RSVP program recruits and places volunteers age 55 and older, this year focusing on “Healthy Futures”. Our efforts are concentrated on making life changing differences in the lives of seniors in need and also the lives of our volunteers. The strength of this program includes; providing life-changing opportunities for volunteers, meeting critical community needs, and mobilizing 125,000 volunteer hours serving over 120 sites in Kane, Kendall and McHenry Counties each year. RSVP strengthens public and nonprofit agencies by matching skilled volunteers with vital programs and services.

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Senior Services |

Senior Corps RSVP Offers Life Changing Opportunities

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

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DONATE November 29, 2016 www.SeniorServicesAssoc.org

ONE DAY ONLY!

#GIVING TUESDAY is a global day dedicated to giving back. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students come together to celebrate generosity and give to the charities of their choice.

Consider giving to the care and quality of life of our seniors!

Make a donation on line to Senior Services Associates to help us provide necessary services to the elderly and disabled so that they can maintain a good quality of life and their independence. Due to “matching” grants, your donation may be doubled!

On November 29, go to our website Click on #IL GIVE DONATE! T h an k yo u fo r yo ur Su pp or t We Gratefully Acknowledge our Friends and Sponsors

“Cheers for Years” 2016

Diamond Sponsor EFS Foundation Sage/Foglia Family Foundation

invites you to

Celebrate

s ’ 0 6 e Th in’ l e e F vy! o o r G

Join us throughout 2017 as we fondly remember the 60’s

Join us throughout 2017 as we fondly remember the 60’s.

April 9, 2017 McHenry County Fashion Show April 29, 2017 Elgin Dinner/Dance/Auction September 17, 2017 Kendall County Event November 17, 2017 Aurora Pie Auction

Contact your local office for details.

All Proceeds to Benefit Senior Services Associates, Inc.

Ruby Sponsor Heritage Woods Kane & Kendall Counties Gold Sponsor Crossroads Care Center Heritage Health Therapy & Senior Care Northwest Herald Star 105.5/103.9 Silver Sponsor City of Aurora Youth & Senior Cary Bank & Trust Heritage Woods of McHenry McHenry County Task Force On Aging Bronze Sponsor Advocate Sherman West Court Black Orchid Boutique Eastgate Manor Lundstrom Insurance Meadowvale Visiting Angels of the Fox Valley Topaz Sponsor Community Church United Church Of Christ Richmond Crystal Pines Rehabilitation Health Care Center Curran Group Inc Dolan & Murphy

Fairview Dental Guardian Medical Monitoring Intren, Inc. JourneyCare Konica Minolta Markison, Bill & Mary Ellen Mayflower Tours Nicor Rabine Group Foundation Rush-Copley Medical Center Shepherd Premier Senior Living Thrivent Financial for Lutherans North McHenry Chapter Tower Hill Healthcare Copper Sponsor A & B Exteriors, LLC Abcor Addus Home Care Beverly Popp City of Aurora Caring Transitions Community Nutrition Network Elgin Senior Providers Network Elgin Today w/Jeff Myers First Insurance Group Help at Home Home State Bank Kevin Fitzpatrick McHenry County College Old Second Rita Murphy Visiting Angels – Crystal Lake Woodman’s