The Community Care Program is designed to prevent unnecessary or premature nursing home placement by providing services that older people are in need of to remain in their homes. One service under the Community Care program is the homemaker service.

What does the homemaker service provide?
Homemakers are available to do wide range of duties that are specific to your needs.

Duties include:
Dust and vacuum
Clean rooms in your residence
Do laundry
Prepare Meals
Assist with personal care (grooming and bathing)
Meal planning
Provide limited transportation
Assist in grocery shopping
Supervision
Non-medical personal tasks

You are eligible for the Community Care Program if:
You are 60 and older
You are determined physically in need of service, meaning you are at least moderately impaired.
You are a resident of the state of Illinois
You are a United States citizen or legal alien
You meet the asset requirements, which will be explained to you when the Case Manager comes to your home.

What is the Cost of the homemaker service?
If you meet the eligibility requirements and if your family income is below the federal poverty level, the State will pay the entire cost of the service; you will not be charged of fee.

If your family income is above the federal poverty level, the State may still pay part of the cost of service. Your share of the cost will depend on:
1. Your level of impairment
2. The cost of the care
3. The number of people who will receive the service

How do I apply for the homemaker service?
You or your caregiver can contact our office and a case manager will set up a time to come to your home for a personal interview. During this interview, the case manager will determine your needs (such as housecleaning, shopping, etc.) and develop a personal plan of care. The case manager will then monitor the delivery of the plan. You still apply for the CCP program if you are hospitalized and wish to return home. A case manager can make a visit to the hospital. Eligible seniors returning to their homes from nursing homes may also apply for the Community Care program services to assist them upon returning to their own homes.

To contact a case manager please call the office in the county in which you reside in:

Effingham County: ContactSenior Services of Effingham County at 217-347-5569 and ask for Jean Whaley. The Senior Center is located at 209 S Merchant, Effingham.

Clay County: Contact Senior Services of Clay County at 1-888-618-7304 and ask for Mary Ellis. Senior Services of Clay County is located at 832 West North Ave., in Milt`s Alley, Flora.

Fayette County: Contact Senior Services of Fayette County at 1-866-618-4122 and ask for Jo Swinehart. Senior Services of Fayette County is located at 109 S Fifth, Vandalia.

Marion County: Contact Senior Services of Marion County at 1-800-295-2903 and ask for Tonia Oberg. Senior Services of Marion County is located at 120 E Green, Centralia.