 IDoA is raising awareness among older Illinoisans to
identify the various services available in your area.
IDoA can connect older adults and their caregivers
with trustworthy local support resources that can assist older
adults with providing groceries, assistive technology, access to
ethnic meals, home modifications, and rental assistance. Learn more
by using the department’s Provider Profile search tool.
Additionally, visitors to
www.ncoa.org/FallsFreeCheckUp can complete a short, 12-question
survey that screens them for the most common falls risk factors.
“Unfortunately, the home is the number one place where falls occur,
and with many older Illinoisans spending more time at home these
days, it’s important to take the steps you can to reduce fall risks
in your home,” said Paula Basta, Director of IDoA. “The NCOA has a
strong history of helping older residents in Illinois, and we’re
proud to be part of this national education and outreach initiative
that is helping millions of older adults age well and stay falls
free.”
Prepare to safely stay inside during the COVID-19 pandemic with
these fall prevention tips:
• Home Safety: Find and fix trip and fall hazards in your
home. Consider rearranging your kitchen, so commonly used items are
within reach. Remove throw rugs, as they are a tripping hazard, and
wrap cords or wires and keep them off the floor if you can.
• Physical Activity: Be active! Physical activity is a great
way to prevent falls and there are many exercises that can be done
at home. For ideas, visit our website.
• Care for Your Feet: Wear proper-fitting, nonslip footwear,
even at home.
• Medicine Safety: Continue your medicine routine. Don’t wait
to the last minute to have your medications refilled. Talk to your
pharmacist and health care insurer to see if your insurance plan
offers a more affordable mail-order option.
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 Some insurers are also allowing early refills and
extending the term of a prescription from a 30-day supply to a
90-day supply. (See more on how Medicare is responding to COVID-19.)
Additionally, if you rely on others to help fill
your weekly medication boxes or remind you to take your medications,
consider the Automated Medication Dispenser Program (AMD). AMD is a
service provided under IDoA’s Community Care Program.
IDoA, its 13 Area Agencies on Aging, and 55 Care Coordination
Units are working to ensure that services provided by the agency are
never interrupted. If you or an older family member, friend, or
neighbor need assistance, please visit www.illinois.gov/aging or
contact the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 (hearing impaired call
888-206-1327) or by email aging.ilsenior@illinois.gov.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a trusted national
leader working to ensure that every person can age well. Since 1950,
their mission has not changed: Improve the lives of millions of
older adults, especially those who are struggling. NCOA empowers
people with the best solutions to improve their own health and
economic security - and NCOA strengthens government programs that we
all depend on as we age. Every year, millions of people use their
signature programs BenefitsCheckUp®, My Medicare Matters®, and the
Aging Mastery Program® to age well. By offering online tools and
collaborating with a nationwide network of partners, NCOA is working
to improve the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030. Learn more
at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information]
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