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Senior Services Associates
Fulfilling our Mission
Dorothy is a seventy-four year old lady, who lies independently
in a senior building apartment, and has an income of $952.00 per month.
She suffers from asthma, osteoporosis and diabetes which have significantly
impacted her ability to function. When we first met her, she was walking
with a cane and was interested in programs that might assist with the
cost of medication. Senior Services was able to assist her in applying
for Medicaid, Food Stamps, energy assistance and pharmaceutical assistance
through the Circuit Breaker. Thee programs have made an enormous difference
in her ability to pay her bills; however, she needs constant monitoring
to assure that she gets the benefits due her. She is overwhelmed by the
paperwork and is not well enough to maneuver the demands of the "bureaucracy" without
regular assistance.
As her health has diminished, Dorothy has been able to continue
as a participant in the building’s activities; however she is often
in a wheelchair and tires easily. In the past three years Senior Services
has done several comprehensive assessments of her living situation and
needs. We have established a care plan in which she receives assistance
with housekeeping, laundry and shopping through the Illinois Community
Care Program. She also receives meals through the Salvation Army. In spite
of the independence and good attitude, she now faces a new struggle. IN
the past month, she has been diagnosed with a lung fungus further impairing
her lungs. Volunteers from Senior Services’ Neighbor to Neighbor
program have taken her to and from required tests prior to her upcoming
surgery.
Following surgery we will advise her on a facility to choose
for rehabilitation, meet with Dorothy to review and increase or decrease
services as needed. Senior Services will continue to keep her on the energy
assistance program, Circuit Breaker, and see that her Illinois Department
of Human Services caseworker does the required work to provide additional
medical cost program. Dorothy’s job will be to rehabilitate so that
she can continue as a Mother, Grandmother and a member of her apartment
community.
While Dorothy’s family is of great comfort and is available evenings
and weekends for support when needed, they lever several communities away
and all work full time. These services’ not only allow Dorothy to
live independently, but also provides relief to family members who are
concerned about her ability to live alone.
Thanks to our partnership with United Way of Elgin, Senior Services
brings together the delivery of basic needs in a timely manor through
a coordinated system of resources, providing seniors the opportunity to
achieve their highest potential.
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