State recognizes adult day service providers during awareness week Sept. 15-21

[September 18, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD -- In observance of Adult Day Services Week, Illinois Department on Aging Director John K. Holton, Ph.D., praised providers who offer support services at adult day centers. Adult day service, or ADS, is designed for older adults who want to remain in the community but face limitations if left home alone during the day, due to physical, social or mental impairment. In addition to recreational and therapeutic activities to help clients maintain and develop physical and mental status, the day service provides health and medication supervision, personal care, and meal service for clients. Providers also offer respite for family caregivers, especially those who are employed outside the home.

"Adult day services benefit the older adult as well as their family and caregiver. Providers help clients maintain their health, independence and socialization, while also providing families peace of mind when they are away from their loved ones," said Holton. "This type of support speaks to our mission at the Department on Aging, which is to serve and advocate for older adults by administering programs that promote independence, dignity and quality of life."

Holton's comments echo the words of a proclamation from Gov. Pat Quinn celebrating adult day service providers. (The proclamation follows this article.)

The Department on Aging provides certification only to adult day centers that offer services through the Community Care Program.

Along with case management, in-home service and emergency home response service, adult day service is a core service under the Community Care Program. The program does not maintain a waiting list, so all clients who meet the eligibility criteria (i.e., age 60-plus, have non-exempt assets of $17,500, are a U.S. citizen, resident of Illinois and obtained a minimum "Determination of Need" score of 29 or greater for long-term care services) are given service and may select an approved provider of their choice within the service area.

Adult Day Services Week, sponsored by the National Adult Day Services Association and scheduled the third complete week of September, is to raise awareness of the availability and accessibility of adult day programs nationwide. The theme of this year's weeklong observance is "Pushing Boundaries to Reach New Heights."

The Illinois Adult Day Service Association provides coordination among providers throughout the state.

Kathy Wyatt, president of the association, said: "I know that our programs are helpful for the health and mental wellness of our participants as well as their caregivers and families. We appreciate the governor's support for the proclamation and the well-being of the frail senior population that we serve in the great state of Illinois."

For information about programs to assist older adults in Illinois and their caregivers, including how to locate an adult day service provider, visit www.state.il.us/aging/ or call the Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or, for hearing-impaired use only, TTY 1-888-206-1327.

Proclamation by Gov. Quinn:

(Copy)

WHEREAS, adult day centers are structured, comprehensive programs that offer a variety of support services for the purpose of providing personal attention and promoting social, physical and emotional well-being in a supportive setting; and

WHEREAS, adult day services centers in Illinois provide these services with professional and compassionate care; and

WHEREAS, through this service, functionally and cognitively impaired adults receive needed care and services in a community environment; and

WHEREAS, adult day centers offer participants an opportunity for enriching educational, therapeutic and social experiences outside the home, and

WHEREAS, these centers provide much-needed assistance and counseling to caregivers including anyone involved and dedicated to this noble service; and

WHEREAS, the State of Illinois proudly joins the Illinois Adult Day Service Association in designating September 15-21, 2013, as Adult Day Services Week,

THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim September 15-21, 2013 as ADULT DAY SERVICES WEEK in Illinois, and encourage all citizens to honor and celebrate these noble caregivers and the communities they enrich.

[Text from Illinois Department on Aging file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]

Note: Oversight of adult day services overlaps between three Illinois departments: Aging, Human Services and Public Health:

• The Department on Aging certifies only adult day services seeking to participate in the Community Care Program

• The Department of Human Services certifies adult day services called developmental training sites and funds the services under waivers for adults with developmental disabilities.

• The Department of Public Health regulates adult day care programs housed within existing long-term care facilities.