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Choices for Care Program
Under the Choices for Care Program, individuals considering nursing facility admission are screened by Care Coordinators and informed about their long-term care options, including Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) options. This provides individuals with the information they need to make an informed choice about their options for long-term services and supports, and prevent a person from entering a facility when their needs may be met at home. As part of the Choices for Care consultation, Care Coordinators determine eligibility for long-term care services and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).
| How It Works | |
|---|---|
| Who is screened? | Older adults age 60+ and individuals with disabilities age 18-59 who are considering nursing facility admission. |
| Where do screenings occur? | Screenings most commonly occur in hospitals prior to discharge, but can also occur in nursing facilities after admission or in an individual’s home in the community prior to admission to a nursing facility. |
| What to expect during a screening? | A Care Coordinator will assess the person’s needs and goals and determine their eligibility for long-term care services. The individual will be asked about their abilities to perform daily activities, such as personal care, preparing meals, shopping, housework and whether they currently have any assistance with these activities. Based on the assessment, the Care Coordinator will provide the individual with information to assist them with choosing the services that best meet their needs. |
| What happens after services are chosen? | If an individual meets eligibility criteria and chooses nursing facility care or Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), they may always request a follow-up consultation with a Care Coordinator to discuss their ongoing services and supports. |
Contact
To learn more about this program, contact your local Care Coordination Unit (CCU) using our map tool or contact the Illinois Department on Aging’s Senior HelpLine.
