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Mary Killough, Acting Director Senior HelpLine: 1-800-252-8966 (711 TRS)

Illinois Care Connections (ICC)

The Illinois Care Connections (ICC) program provides technology and assistive devices to older adults living in the community to enhance their overall well-being and quality of life. Aging Network partners that are (1) Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs); (2) AAA-funded entities; (3) Care Coordination Units (CCUs); and (4) Adult Day Service (ADS) providers can refer individuals aged 60+ to the program using an online referral form. All other provider types must refer through one of the four entity types.  Older adults do not need to be enrolled in CCP or receive Older Americans Act services at the time of referral to receive ICC services.

How to Make a Referral

Referring agencies must submit an online referral form for each older adult they are referring to the ICC program. The form is designed to be completed in collaboration with the older adult and includes questions about their current technology usage, as well as a three-question assessment for loneliness.

Referrals are received and processed by the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP), with whom IDoA partners to administer this program. Once a referral has been submitted, IATP staff may follow up with the referral source and/or the older adult to request additional information to determine which technology and/or assistive devices may best meet their needs.

Who Would Benefit?

An older adult may benefit from the ICC program if they:

  • Live alone and/or are physically unable to leave the house for social activities.
  • Are not as strong or agile as they used to be and have difficulty moving around their home.
  • Have arthritis or another health condition that affects their ability to perform certain movements.
  • Have difficulty hearing or reading small print.
     

Determining Eligibility

Older adults aged 60+ who live in the community are eligible for ICC services.  There are no income or asset requirements, but the older adult must have a demonstrated cognitive, functional, social, or psychological need that prevents them from functioning in the home or completing tasks that they wish to accomplish.  Older adults who are socially isolated are also eligible for ICC services.  Any equipment provided must be for the older adult directly.

Examples of Available Devices Include:

Technology  Mobility and Accessibility Aids  Smart Home Technology

iPad or Android tablet with case

Cane

Video doorbell

Keyboard

Walker

Keyless smart lock

Headphones

Wheelchair

Voice-activated home assistant

Screen protector

Shower chair

Smart light bulbs

Stylus pen for touch screen devices

Adaptive kitchen tools and utensils

Robotic pets

Laptop computer

Non-prescription vision and hearing devices

 

Wi-Fi router for internet access, if needed

 

 
ICC does not provide hearing aids (but does offer other hearing assistance items), prescription items, installed grab bars or shower benches/seats, or electric scooters/wheelchairs.

For more information about the ICC program and how to refer an older adult: