Look for topics of interest below and their references to web pages and telephone numbers where you can find help for services in Southern Illinois. Also, use our Eligibility Guidelines for government programs.

Abuse & Neglect:

1. Attorney General’s Office - Consumer fraud, crime victim assistance, and public information.
2. Elder Abuse Program - Case Managers work with victims to resolve abuse, exploitation, or neglect of older people.

Adult Day Services:

1. Adult Day Services - Supervision, activities, and meals for frail older individuals.

Advance Directives:

1. The Durable Power of Attorney for Property - In Illinois, it enables you to authorize another person to make decisions about your personal and business property in the event you are unable to do so.
2. The Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care - In Illinois, it enables you to authorize another person to make decisions about your health care when you are unable to, due to illness or disability. The Power of Attorney for Health Care is more flexible and more powerful than a Living Will.
3. The Living Will - In Illinois, it enables you to authorize, in advance, the withholding of life-sustaining procedures should you become terminally ill or injured. The Living Will is prepared while you are able to make independent decisions.
4. Forms - Power of Attorney and Living Will for Illinois residents.
5. SIUC Legal Services for the Elderly - General legal services including Wills, Guardianship, Powers of Attorney, and other legal problems.
6. Illinois Senior HelpLine - To obtain free copies of the Power of Attorney forms and or the Living Will form.

Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia:

1. Adult Day Services - Supervision, activities, and meals for frail older individuals.
2. Alzheimer’s Disease Association - Information on Alzheimer’s, current research, referrals to local Alzheimer’s Chapter near you, and help finding resources.
3. SIUC School of Medicine, Carbondale Family Practice Center, Memory & Aging Clinic - Information and assessment for dementia. Serves all of Illinois. Call 618.453.3777 for an appointment.
4. Family Counseling Center, Memory Disorder Program - Information and assessment for dementia. Serves Alexander, Hardin, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, and Union counties. For the clinic in Vienna call 618.658.2611, in Golconda call 618.683.2461, or in Elizabethtown call 618.287.7010.
5. Good Samaritan Regional Health Center - Information and assessment for dementia. Call 618.244.5230.
6. Support Groups

Area Agency on Aging:

1. Egyptian Area Agency on Aging - General information and referrals.

Assistive Devices:

1. Look under “Blind & Disabled” below.

Assisted Living:

1. Housing Options & Assisted Living

Black Lung:

1. Respiratory Disease Clinics - Clinics in Southern Illinois.

Blind, Vision Impaired & Disabled:

1. Adult Day Services - Supervision, activities, and meals for frail older individuals.
2. Associations - Associations for AARP, Alzheimer’s Disease, Arthritis, Blind, Cancer, Diabetes, Heart, Kidney, etc.
3. Center for Independent Living - Distributes teletype machine and gives information to the disabled.
4. Easter Seals Society
5. Guardianship & Advocacy - State guardian of last resort.
6. Hearing Aid Consumer Protection
7. Home Modifications - Senior centers have limited funds for minor changes to homes to make them accessible (bath rails, raised toilet seats, ramps, etc.)
8. Illinois Assistive Technology Project - Information about assistive devices for disabled and older people.
9. Illinois Relay Center - Relays voice messages to teletype machines for the hearing impaired. No charge for the service.
10. Low Vision Reading Aids
11. Office of Rehabilitation - State agency for the blind & disabled.
12. Southern Illinois Talking Book Center - Books & magazines on audio tape.

Caregiving Services:

1. Caregiver Counseling
2. Family Caregiver Services
3. Family Caregiver Support Program
4. Getting Help in Your Home - a guide to getting the help you need.
5. Tele-help Line for Caregivers - consultation by telephone.

Case Management:

1. AccessSI - a website which lists all of the social services available in Southern Illinois.
2. Case Management - Case Managers work with frail older people to determine eligibility for various programs, develop a care plan, and make referrals.
3. Egyptian Area Agency on Aging - General information and referrals.
4. Eldercare Locator - Locates agencies in other states which provide senior services.
5. Illinois Senior HelpLine - Locates agencies in Illinois which provide senior services, or to report problems and complaints.
6. Senior Centers - Outreach Workers provide information & assistance with forms or applications, and make referrals.
7. Southern Illinois Case Coordination Unit Services - for disabled persons under age 60.

Community Care Program:

1. The Community Care Program is for eligible frail older individuals who are in danger of nursing home placement. The older person is assessed, and if found eligible, may receive homemaker, adult care services, or senior companion services at no or a reduced cost. This program does not provide 24 hour care.
2. Assessment and Case Management - Case Managers determine eligibility and develop a care plan to fit the older individual’s need.
3. Choices for Care - Everyone applying for admission to a nursing home must be informed of all care options in the community by Case Managers.
4. Adult Day Services - Supervision, activities, and meals for frail older individuals.
5. Assisted Living - Independent housing, usually apartments, with personal care, supervision, and meals for frail older individuals.
6. Homemakers - Housekeeping, errands, transportation, personal care, and health monitoring.
7. Senior Companion - Companions offer assistance and support to frail older people.

Consumer Protection:

1. Look under “Disputes & Legal Assistance” below.

Counseling:

1. Area-wide Counseling Services - Individual and group counseling.
2. Cancer Information and Counseling
3. Community Counseling Centers - Counseling, alcohol and substance abuse, and support groups.
4. Family Caregiver Counseling - Individual counseling, usually in the home. Limited services available.
5. Gerontological Counseling - Individual counseling, usually in the home. Limited services available.
6. Psychiatric Services - 24 hour crisis intervention and short-term, in-patient assistance with mental illness.
7. Support Groups
8. Tele-help Line for Caregivers - consultation by telephone.

Dementia:

1. Look under “Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia” above.

Dentist & Dental Care:

1. Adult Care Dentures (Carmi, IL) - discounted dentures, one-day service. No checked accepted. Call 1.800.825.8044 or 618.382.2822
2. Affordable Dentures - 1.800.336.8873
3. Cobden Dental Clinic - general dentistry. Accepts medical card, insurance and has a sliding fee scale. Call 618.893.4005.
4. Community Health Centers
5. Community Health and Emergency Services Clinics: Cairo at 618.734.4400, Harrisburg at 618.253.8450, Tamms at 618.747.2391, and Rosiclare at 618.285.3930
6. Create A Smile Foundation - provides money for all dental work for indigent patients in Jackson and Williamson counties who have exhausted all other sources of assistance. Call 618.925.2140
7. Hardin County Dental Clinic - sliding fee scale based on income. All procedures except dentures and root canals. Call 618.285.3930
8. Illinois Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped - volunteering Dentists provide comprehensive dental care to people who, because of permanent disability, advanced age, or chronic medical problems, are unable to work or lack adequate income to pay for needed dental care. There is a waiting list. Call 1.800.699.6785 for an application.
9. John A. Logan College Dental Hygiene Program - cleaning, only. Call 618.985.2828 ext. 8690.
10. Marion VA Hospital - must have been 100% disabled or had trauma to mouth while in military service or former POW. Call 618.997.5311, etc. 4109 or 618.993.4109
11. Shawnee Health Service Dental Clinic - sliding fee scale based on income. Payment plans. Some procedures discounted, but not all. Call 618.684.2321
12. SIUC Community Dental Center - Medicaid patients, only. Call 618.453.8826
13. SIUC Dental Hygiene Clinic - cleaning and x-rays, only. Call 618.453.2353

Disabilities:

1. Southern Illinois Center for Independent Living

Disaster Assistance:

1. Egyptian Area Agency on Aging - General information and referrals.
2. American Red Cross
3. Information on disaster preparedness

Disputes & Legal Assistance:

1. Attorney General’s Office - Consumer fraud, crime victim assistance, and public information.
2. Crisis Centers - Assistance and shelter for victims of domestic abuse (listed under Housing Options.)
3. Guardianship & Advocacy - State guardian of last resort.
4. Governor’s Office of Citizens Assistance
5. Hearing Aid Consumer Protection
6. Land of Lincoln Legal Services - Legal assistance for low-income individuals.
7. Legal Assistance for the elderly.
8. Medicare Peer Review Organization Hotline- Call when a Medicare patient of a hospital, skilled nursing or home health agency has problems with the quality of care or to file an appeal if it appears a patient is being discharged too early.
9. Regional Ombudsman - Help for assisted living and nursing home residents and their families.
10. Scams and Swindles - “How to” guide to avoid being taken.
11. Self Help Legal Center
12. Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) - Assistance with Medicare and supplemental insurance claims.
13. SIUC Alternative Dispute Resolution Clinic - Mediation services which give two or more parties an opportunity to resolve disputes outside of a Court of Law.
14. SIUC Domestic Violence Clinic - Representation in a Court of Law for intervention in domestic violence cases.
15. SIUC Legal Services for the Elderly - General legal services including Wills, Guardianship, Powers of Attorney, and other legal problems.

Domestic Violence & Homeless Shelters:

1. Also, look under “Abuse and Neglect” above.
2. Women’s Centers and Homeless Shelters – Anna, Cairo, Carbondale, Harrisburg, Herrin, Marion, Ullin, and West Frankfort.

Driver’s License:

1. Illinois Driver’s License Examining Station - call your local facility for driving tests, photo identification cards, discounts on License Plate fees, and special License Plates and Parking Permits.
2. Senior Centers - Information on Rules of the Road Review Courses and Circuit Breaker & Illinois Cares Rx information which qualifies eligible individuals for a reduced price on License Plate fees.

Drugs:

1. Look under “Prescription Drugs” below.

Education:

1. Community Colleges
2. Southern Illinois Learning in Retirement

Elder Abuse and Neglect Program:

1. Look under “Abuse and Neglect” above.

Elected Officials:

1. Legislators - US & state Legislators for Southern Illinois.

Employment & Job Training:

1. Community Colleges
2. Employment & Job Training - Employment and job training opportunities.
3. Senior Employment Specialist - Staff at the Egyptian Area Agency on Aging help with resume and interviewing skills and help find job training and employment.

Eye Glasses:

1. Look under “Vision Aids” below.

Food & Meals:

1. Food Pantries
2. Food Stamps (Illinois LINK card) - County offices of the Illinois Dept. of Human Services assist low-income people with purchase of food.
3. Hunger Hotline - Information about food stamps, emergency food pantries, and soup kitchens in Illinois.
4. Senior Citizen Centers - Hot, noon meals for older people in congregate sites and home delivered meals for the homebound (listed by county.)

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

1. Caregiving Index
2. Guide for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Health Care & Monitoring:

1. Also, look under “Income Assistance” below.
2. Adolescent Health Center
3. Adult Day Services - Supervision, social activities, and light recreation for frail older individuals.
4. Illinois Cares Rx - Information on assistance with some pharmaceuticals.
5. County Health Departments
6. Emergency Response Systems - Useful for shut-ins or older people living alone. Emergency response equipment is attached to the phone line and activated by a push of a button.
7. Family Health Clinics
8. Health Clinics
9. Home Health Care Agencies - In-home nursing and therapy for eligible homebound patients.
10. Hospice - Nursing, medications, and pain control for those with terminal illness. Support and practical help for both patient and family.
11. Hospitals
12. Medical Assistance - County offices of Illinois Dept. of Human Services assist low-income individuals pay for medical bills.
13. Medicare Coverage & Claims
14. Medical Equipment and Supplies
15. Medicare Peer Review Organization Hotline - Call when a Medicare patient of a hospital, skilled nursing or home health agency has problems with the quality of care or to file an appeal if it appears a patient is being discharged too early.
16. Prescription Drug assistance
17. Private Duty Nursing
18. Rehabilitation & Therapy
19. Respiratory Disease Clinics
20. Senior Centers - Routine screening such as blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol screening. Information on pharmaceutical assistance.
21. Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) - Assistance with Medicare and supplemental insurance claims, and information on long term care insurance and managed care plans like an HMO. Comparative shopping guides are available.
22. Therapy
23. Urological issues dealing with incontinence, impotence, STD’s, prostate cancer an other cancers of the urinary tract. Individuals can ask questions and get free anonymous answers from a board certified urologist.

Hearing Aids:

1. Also, look under “Disputes & Legal Assistance” above.
2. Illinois Relay Center - Telephone assistance for the hearing impaired and others wanting to phone the hearing impaired.
3. Lions of Illinois Foundation - Assists low-income individuals with eye exams/glasses and with hearing aids.
4. Southern Illinois Center for Independent Living
5. Southern Illinois Talking Book Center - Books recorded on audio tape.
6. The Starkey Hearing Foundation - call 1.800.648.4327 for eligibility guidelines.

Homemaker:

1. Look under “Community Care Program” above or “Respite Care” below.

Homeless Shelters:

1. Homeless Shelter Hotline
2. Homeless Shelters and Women’s Centers – Anna, Cairo, Carbondale, Harrisburg, Herrin, Marion, Ullin, and West Frankfort.
3. Southern Illinois Coalition for the Homeless

Housing & Housing Maintenance:

1. Assisted, Independent, & Domiciliary Living - Check availability by county.
2. Energy Assistance & Weatherization Programs - Assistance paying for utility bills and insulation and other weather related improvements to homes of low-income individuals.
3. Federal information on housing alternatives.
4. Habitat for Humanity - Listed by county as “Housing Options.” Homes built by volunteers for low-income individuals.
5. Homeless Shelters - Listed by county as “Housing Options.”
6. Low Interest Loans - The Rural Development Corporation (formerly the FmHA) provides low interest loans for improving, renovating, or building homes for low-income individuals.
7. Nursing Homes - Listed by county under “Housing Options.”
8. Private Housing - Listed by county.
9. Public Housing - Listed by county.
10. Renovations & Modifications - Senior centers have limited funds for minor changes to homes to help make them accessible (bath rails, raised toilet seats.)
11. Section 8 Housing Vouchers
12. Southern Illinois Coalition for the Homeless
13. Subsidized Housing - Listed by county.

Illinois Cares Rx

1. Illinois Cares Rx

Income Assistance:

1. Case Management - Case Managers assist frail older people determine eligibility for various programs, develop a care plan, and make referrals.
2. Circuit Breaker & Illinois Cares Rx - a rebate of state taxes to eligible disabled or older adults, pharmaceutical assistance, and auto license plates at a discount.
3. Energy Assistance - helps pay for utility bills.
4. Food Pantries
5. Food Stamps (Illinois LINK card) - County offices of Illinois Dept. of Human Services assist low-income people with purchase of food.
6. Medical Assistance (Medicaid) - Assists low-income individuals’ pay for medical bills. Apply at your local Dept. of Human Services office.
7. Public Aid - apply at the local Illinois Dept. of Human Services offices.
8. QI - Pays for the premium on Medicare Part B for moderate-income individuals. Apply at the local Dept. of Human Services office.
9. QMB - Pays the premium, deductible, and coinsurance on Medicare for low-income individuals. Apply at the local Dept. of Human Services office.
10. Reverse Mortgages - get help by looking under “Case Management” above or “Senior Centers” below.
11. Senior Centers - Outreach Workers provide information and assistance with forms or applications, and make referrals.
12. SLMB or SLIB - Pays the monthly Part B Medicare premium for low-income individuals. Apply at the local Dept. of Human Services office.
13. Social Security Offices - Assistance with retirement, disability, and low-income supplemental income benefits.
14. Supplemental Security Income - Social Security offices assist low-income individuals with supplemental income.
15. Weatherization Program - Insulation and other related improvements to homes of low-income individuals.

Information on Services for Seniors:

1. Also, look under “Case Management” above or “Senior Centers” below.
2. Eldercare Locator - Locates agencies in a different part of the nation which provide services to seniors.
3. Illinois Senior HelpLine - Locates agencies in a different part of Illinois which provide senior services, to report problems, and to report complaints.
4. AccessSI - a website which lists all of the social services available in Southern Illinois.

In-home Care & Help:

1. Look under “Community Care Program” above or “Respite Care” below.

Insurance:

1. Get help from agencies listed under “Case Management” above or “Senior Centers” below.
2. Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) - Assistance with Medicare and supplemental insurance claims, information on long term care insurance and managed care plans like an HMO. Comparative shopping guides are available.

Internet:

1. Egyptian Area Agency on Aging website has updated information for the Resource Guide on Aging and links the user to a variety of subjects for older people and their caregivers, and to other websites accessible on the Internet.

Legal Assistance:

1. Look under “Disputes and Legal Assistance” above.

Legislators:

1. Legislators - U.S. and state legislators for Southern Illinois.

Living Wills:

1. Look under “Advance Directives” above.

Job Training:

1. Look under “Employment & Job Training” above.

Meals:

1. Look under “Food & Meals” above.

Medical:

1. Look under “Health Care & Monitoring” above.

Medical Equipment:

1. Medical Equipment & Supplies

Medicare:

1. Information on Medicare
2. Medicare - description of benefits.
3. Medicare Coverage and Claims
4. Medical Equipment and Supplies
5. Medicare Peer Review Organization Hotline - Call when a Medicare patient of a hospital, skilled nursing or home health agency has problems with the quality of care or to file an appeal if it appears a patient is being discharged too early.
6. Medicare Fraud and Abuse - Medicare fraud and abuse hotline.
7. QI program - Pays for the premium on Medicare Part B for moderate-income individuals. Apply at the local Dept. of Human Services office.
8. QMB - Pays the premium, deductible, and coinsurance on Medicare for low-income individuals. Apply at the local Dept. of Human Services office.
9. SLMB or SLIB - Pays the monthly Part B Medicare premiums for low-income individuals. Apply at the local Dept. of Human Services office.
10. Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) - Assistance with Medicare and supplemental insurance claims, information on long term care insurance and managed care plans like an HMO. Comparative shopping guides are available.

Memory Disorders:

1. Look under “Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia” above.

Mental Health:

1. Look under “Counseling” above.

Money Management:

1. Money Management Program - Volunteers provide assistance to older people who need help with paying bills and check writing.

National Caregiving Resource Guides:

1. Aging Help - Online Caregiving Guide with links to national publications.
2. Benefits Checkup Guide - to find services anywhere in the USA. Also to find drug discount programs.
3. Eldercare Locator - Locates agencies in a different part of the nation which provide services to seniors.
4. Resource Directory for Older People - Telephone numbers of national associations and other resources.

Nursing Homes:

1. Choices for Care - Everyone applying for admission to a nursing home must be informed of all care options in the community by Case Managers.
2. Comparing Nursing Homes
3. Medicaid - assists with the cost of nursing homes.
4. Spousal Impoverishment - helps couples keep more income and assets when one enters a nursing home. Apply at your local office of the Illinois Dept. of Human Services.
5. Nursing Homes - Listed by county.
6. Regional Ombudsman - Help for assisted living and nursing home residents and their families when the resident is having problems. The Ombudsman also provides information on how to choose an assisted living facility or nursing home.

Outreach:

1. Senior Centers - Outreach Workers provide information and assistance with forms or applications and make referrals.

Paying Bills:

1. Look under “Income Assistance” above.
2. Look under “Money Management” above.

Powers of Attorney:

1. Look under “Advance Directives” above.

Prescription Drugs:

1. Illinois Cares Rx helps with the purchase of some prescription drugs.
2. Medicare Part D
3. Other Prescription Drug Assistance Programs - free and low cost drug programs.

Property Tax Relief:

1. Also, look under “Case Management” above or “Taxpayer Assistance” below.
2. Circuit Breaker - provides for a rebate of Illinois state taxes to older adults who apply.
3. Property Tax Deferment - Call your county treasurer’s office for assistance with this program.
4. Senior Homestead Exemption and Senior Citizen Property Tax Assessment Freeze

Public Aid:

1. Look under “Income Assistance” above.

Recreation:

1. National Parks - Golden Age Passport is available for a small fee. Check with the nearest national park.
2. Senior Centers - Recreational and social activities for older adults.

Referral Agencies:

1. Look under “Case Management” above or “Senior Centers” below.

Rehabilitation:

1. Look under "Health Care" above.

Respite Care:

1. Also, look under “Community Care Program” above.
2. Adult Day Services include supervision, social activities, meals, and light recreation for frail older individuals.
3. Getting Help in Your Home - a guide to getting the help you need.
4. In-Home Care as Respite - Respite from care in the home.
5. Private Pay Nurses, Sitters, and Cleaning Services
6. Senior Centers - some senior centers offer in-home respite care for family caregivers.

Senior Centers:

1. Senior Centers - One stop focal point for senior services including information, assistance with forms or applications, referrals, congregate meals, home delivered meals, respite, and transportation.

Social Security:

1. Also, look under “Income Assistance” above.
2. Information and Links on Social Security
3. Social Security - benefits and guidelines.
4. Social Security Offices - Assistance with retirement, disability, and low-income supplemental income benefits.

Support Groups:

1. Associations - Associations for AARP, Alzheimer’s Disease, Arthritis, Blind, Cancer, Diabetes, Heart, Kidney, Lung, etc. often have their own support groups.
2. Community Counseling Centers - Support groups, outpatient assistance with mental illness, and alcohol and substance abuse.
3. Support Groups - Area support groups with varied interests and goals.

Taxpayer Assistance:

1. Also, look under “Property Tax Relief” above.
2. Problems Resolution Office - Call the IRS at 1.800.829.1040 for assistance.
3. Special Tax Credit - deductions for qualified individuals who care for aged adults and aged individuals on disability. Call the Internal Revenue Service at 1.800.829.3676 for assistance.
4. Taxpayer Assistance - Call AARP at 1.888.227.7669

Telephone:

1. Illinois Relay Center
2. Lifeline and Linkup Assistance
3. Southern Illinois Center for Independent Living

Therapy:

1. Look under "Health Care" above.

Training:

1. Look under “Employment & Job Training” above.

Transportation:

1. Elderly and Public Transit - Transportation is available throughout the southern thirteen counties of Illinois. Some transit to metropolitan areas available.
2. Community Care Program - Homemakers of the Community Care Program transport eligible older people.
3. Community Care Program demo - a demonstration program in the southeastern four counties of Southern Illinois.

Utility Bills:

1. Energy Assistance - Low-income individuals can receive assistance with their utility bills.
2. Low Interest Loans - The Rural Development Corporation (formerly known as FmHA) provides low interest loans for improving, renovating, or building homes for low-income individuals.
3. Weatherization Program - Insulation and other weather related improvements to homes of low-income individuals.

Veteran Services:

1. Offices of Veterans Affairs - Assistance with income, medical, and other benefits for veterans of the military service.
2. Veteran Services

Vision Aids:

1. Lions of Illinois Foundation - Assists low-income individuals with eye exams/glasses and with hearing aids.
2. Southern Illinois Center for Independent Living

Volunteer Opportunities:

1. Inter-generational Activities - READS uses volunteers to help children with their school work. Child Day Care Centers need volunteers to help with daily activities. For more information, use the link below to contact us.
2. Money Management Program - Volunteers are screened and trained to provide assistance to older people who need help with paying bills and check writing.
3. Regional Ombudsman - Volunteers are trained to visit and help residents in assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
4. RSVP - volunteer opportunities at nonprofit agencies.
5. Senior Centers - A variety of opportunities to help older people, such as delivering meals, assisting in the dining room, and transporting older people.
6. Volunteer Opportunities

World Wide Web:

1. Egyptian Area Agency on Aging website has updated information for the Resource Guide on Aging and links the user to a variety of subjects for older people and their caregivers, and to other websites accessible on the Internet.

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