AQUINO COMMITS TO PROTECTING COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM
01/08/2018
During my time as a case manager in the Community Care Program (CCP), I saw firsthand the benefits of giving older adults the resources that they need to live fulfilling and independent lives in their own homes. Sadly, Gov. Bruce Rauner recently blocked a legislative proposal to protect the program from cuts and ensure crucial care for thousands of low-income Illinoisans.
For years, the CCP has been an alternative to unnecessarily institutionalizing older adults in nursing homes. Instead of costly residential care, the CCP lets people remain in their homes with the help of in-home care and local wrap-around services.
Instead of continuing to support this program to the fullest extent possible, Gov. Rauner wants to change eligibility requirements to deny thousands of Illinoisans the help that they need and dismantle the program altogether. In its place, he wants an untested patchwork of vouchers and coupons for crucial goods and services. An attempt to cut costs should not come at the expense of our most vulnerable residents.
During my time working for the program, my clients were people over the age of 60 who, due to conditions like early-onset dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and mobility issues, could not accomplish simple household tasks, but wanted to remain in their communities. To help a client maintain independence, CCP case managers assess the client’s needs and connect them with services from adult day programs to rides to the doctor to meals on wheels.
In-home health care workers who assist with daily tasks like laundry, cooking and cleaning are a key part of the support system for CCP clients. Aside from their official responsibilities, home care workers are watchful, providing social and emotional support and monitoring the physical wellbeing of their clients.
The governor’s veto of the legislation to protect the Community Care Program is potentially disastrous for some of the most vulnerable people in Illinois. I know from firsthand experience that this program means independence and dignity for our seniors. It is crucial that we override the governor’s veto and protect the right of Illinois’ seniors to remain in their own homes.
For years, the CCP has been an alternative to unnecessarily institutionalizing older adults in nursing homes. Instead of costly residential care, the CCP lets people remain in their homes with the help of in-home care and local wrap-around services.
Instead of continuing to support this program to the fullest extent possible, Gov. Rauner wants to change eligibility requirements to deny thousands of Illinoisans the help that they need and dismantle the program altogether. In its place, he wants an untested patchwork of vouchers and coupons for crucial goods and services. An attempt to cut costs should not come at the expense of our most vulnerable residents.
During my time working for the program, my clients were people over the age of 60 who, due to conditions like early-onset dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and mobility issues, could not accomplish simple household tasks, but wanted to remain in their communities. To help a client maintain independence, CCP case managers assess the client’s needs and connect them with services from adult day programs to rides to the doctor to meals on wheels.
In-home health care workers who assist with daily tasks like laundry, cooking and cleaning are a key part of the support system for CCP clients. Aside from their official responsibilities, home care workers are watchful, providing social and emotional support and monitoring the physical wellbeing of their clients.
The governor’s veto of the legislation to protect the Community Care Program is potentially disastrous for some of the most vulnerable people in Illinois. I know from firsthand experience that this program means independence and dignity for our seniors. It is crucial that we override the governor’s veto and protect the right of Illinois’ seniors to remain in their own homes.
