Illinois Department of Human Services
and Department of Aging share resources for older adults at risk
during social isolation
Resources Shared as Part of Mental Health
Month and National Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day 2020
Send a link to a friend
[June 29, 2020]
The Illinois Department of Human
Services (IDHS) Division of Mental Health, together with the
Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA), is sharing resources for all
Illinoisans who are older adults or have older adults in their lives
in need of support. While the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting
everyone, older adults are particularly at risk for social
isolation. These resources are being shared today, which is National
Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day 2020.
|
“Older adults, particularly those who are at a
greater risk for social isolation, need our support now more than
ever,” said Grace Hou, Secretary of IDHS. “We want to be sure older
adults and their loved ones know they are not alone. The Illinois
Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health and the
Illinois Department on Aging offer many resources to address mental
health issues and are here to help now and always.”
To slow the spread of COVID-19, IDHS and IDOA recommend following
guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health, including
wearing a face mask when in public, practicing social distancing,
and washing your hands frequently. The departments also recommend
getting an average of 6-8 hours of sleep per night, establishing or
keeping a record of a daily routine and exercise, and practicing
regular self-care, such as showering and grooming.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2020/May/08/images/ads/current/Powell_sdadaily_SFARM_2019.png)
“The stress on everybody is growing every day. Plan for what you
can, and focus on things you can control,” said Paula Basta,
Director of IDoA. “I encourage everyone to be mindful of our older
family members, friends, or neighbors, and check in to see how they
are doing. Find a creative way to communicate with them during this
time and monitor their health.”
[to top of second column] |
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2020/May/08/images/ads/current/heartland_discover_lda_April_2020.png)
For those seeking assistance, please visit
www.dhs.state.il.us and click on HELP IS HERE, visit the IDoA
website at
www.illinois.gov/aging, call the IDOA Senior HelpLine at
1-800-252-8966 (hearing impaired call 888-206-1327), or by email
aging.ilsenior@illinois.gov.
IDHS also offers the following links and resources for older adults
who are in need of support:
Distress:
Disaster Distress Hotline or the
National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline.
1-800-273-8255
Food assistance:
Meals on Wheels
and Feeding America
provide options based on ZIP Code.
Transportation:
Eldercare
Locator for local services.
Medicine:
GoodRX or
NeedyMeds.
b
Seek advice from the local
State Health Insurance Assistance Program or from
Medicare.gov.
Benefits assistance:
BenefitsCheckUp.org provide options by state to help with
utility bill payments, prescription drug costs, and more.
[Text from file received from
] |