The Senior Links Department was established July 1, 2001 to encompass the need for collaborative efforts to develop systems for seniors and their caregivers to easily access needed services. The department's initial program the Senior Care Program provides case management services to eligible seniors age 60 and older. Without the services provided by the program, many elderly would face premature and/or unnecessary institutionalization.

Senior care...helping older people live Independently

HCI implemented case management services for seniors in October of 1999. Under a contract received from Illinois Department on Aging and the Chicago Department on Aging to provide services to eligible seniors. Without the services provided by this program, many elderly would face premature or unnecessary institutionalization.

Qualifying seniors must be:

. 60 years of age or older
. A resident of Chicago
. Unable to perform functions of daily living as a result of a chronic and/or acute disability
. In greatest social and economical need

Services provided include:

. In home assessments to evaluate the applicant's/client's need for long term care services
. Referrals for community services such as home maker services, adult day care services, home delivered meals, and senior companion services
. Additional referrals for community services such as; counseling, legal services, respite care, transportation.
. Pre-screenings of all nursing home applicants prior to admission to determine options to nursing home placement such as in-home and other community-based services
. On-going case management services for clients enrolled in the program

Community areas served:

West Pullman - West Lawn - Chicago Lawn - Ashburn - Auburn Gresham - Beverly
Morgan Park - Washington Heights - Mount Greenwood

The program goals and objectives are:

. To enable the elderly to live independently in their homes and communities for as long as possible
. To facilitate access to a range of services available to the elderly in the city of Chicago
. To ensure the delivery of integrated services to all clients
. To ensure a timely review and assessment of the client's condition and services received.

Realizing the importance of giving attention and assistance to the people who care for seniors, HCI implemented the CARESS (Caregiver Assistance Registry & Enhanced Support System) Program. Click here to learn more about CARESS.

To learn more about Senior Links call (708) 841-9515.