|
THE NETWORK CHICAGO
RESOURCE GUIDE TO
CHRONIC ILLNESS AND CARE |
||||
|
This micro-site is intended to give the reader a mini-guide to select resources available in the Chicago area for persons suffering from chronic illnesses and their caregivers. NATIONAL RESOURCES WHO CARES: Chronic Illness in America A comprehensive companion web site with a multitude of resources on chronic care and chronic illnesses. Click on “Resources” Directory Institutions that have websites are highlighted in blue. For direct access to those websites, simply click on the title.
 SOCIAL
SERVICES - ALCOHOL & DRUGS
Al
Anon/Alateen Site provides comprehensive list of Al Anon/Alateen locations throughout the world. Al-Anon’s one purpose is to help families of alcoholics by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic. Alcoholics
Anonymous SOCIAL
SERVICES - FAMILY
Community
Support Services, Inc. Supports approximately 60 near suburbs in services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families/caregivers, including counseling, respite support for caregivers and other services. Easter
Seals of Metropolitan Chicago Comprehensive services for children and adults with special needs including respite for caregivers, sibling support, vision and hearing screening, and other services Family
T.I.E.S. Network Features direct family assistance, specialized workshops/assistance, information and referral, advocacy/negotiation skills training, assistive technology and peer tutoring. Parental Stress Services Parental Stress Service operates a 24-hour hotline for parents and children in need of support. Sibling support for children with special needs
SOCIAL SERVICES - GENERAL
American Red Cross of Greater Chicago The American Red Cross has offices in Cook and the collar counties and provides a wide variety of services and classes, including Basic First Aid/CPR and seniors’ health and safety programs, Basic, African-American and Hispanic HIV educational programs. Catholic
Charities - Chicago Catholic Charities is the social service agency of the Archdiocese of Chicago serving all people in Cook and Lake Counties, Illinois, without regard to religion, race, economic circumstance or ethnic background. Its professional staff assists nearly half million needy individuals annually through more than 175 programs at over 160 locations. Catholic Charities is the largest private, not-for-profit social service agency in the Midwest. Some of its services include: counseling, residential care, education, food/nutrition, HIV/AIDS services, intake and referrals, senior services & housing and substance abuse. Community
Support Services A private, not-for-profit service agency that initiates, provides and promotes services for people with developmental disabilities and their families, within their own communities, in order to strengthen their independence, self-esteem, and ability to participate in and contribute to community life. El Valor Corporation Provides counseling, disabilities advocacy, physical disabilities and rehabilitation services, learning disabilities services, occupational rehabilitation services and group homes. Helping
Hand Rehabilitation Center Their mission is to assist persons with disabilities to achieve their highest level of independence through quality programs and services that include the Adult Development Center and Work Activity Center, Vocational Services, Community Living Services and Transportation Services. Lutheran
Social Services of Illinois A ministry of the three Illinois Synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) brings healing, justice and wholeness to people of all races, ages, religions and economic circumstances through an array of services at approximately 100 program sites across Illinois, including Behavioral Health Services, Senior Services, and Prisoner and Family Ministry. SOCIAL
SERVICES - INSURANCE
Illinois
Dept. of Insurance Their mission is to protect consumers by providing assistance and information by efficiently regulating the insurance industry, tracking market behavior and financial solvency, and by fostering a competitive insurance marketplace. SHIP is a state-sponsored counseling service provided at no charge. Volunteer counselors provide information on topics ranging from Medicare and Long Term Care Insurance to claims processing, and appealing claims denials. Visit the Office of Consumer Health Insurance, and click on any of the listings under ‘consumer’. Illinois Department of Public Aid The Department’s Medical Assistance Program consists of six different medical areas. Help with Medicare Premiums is also available. Illinois Insurance Information Service State of Illinois Public Services The Health Care Partnership for Long Term Care established a private-public long term care insurance program to help persons protect their assets from being diminished by the cost of long term care. Click on ‘Dept. of Aging’ in pull down menu, then click on ‘Long Term Care Insurance Shopping guide’. SOCIAL
SERVICES JOB OPPORTUNITIES
AL is a consortium of businesses and agencies that are committed to increasing job opportunities among qualified persons with disabilities, increasing awareness of the value of hiring people with disabilities, and providing technical support to community businesses and agencies. Illinois
Department of Human Services Rehabilitation Services SOCIAL
SERVICES SENIORS
For a variety of senior needs and activities, contact the Senior Center in your neighborhood. Here are just a few: Association
House of Chicago Berwyn-Cicero Council on Aging Provides a variety of services to persons 60+ including caregiver support, case advocacy and support, case management, chore worker, elder abuse investigation, legal assistance, respite, companion and transportation programs. Circuit
Breaker (Medication Assistance Program) The Illinois Circuit Breaker/Pharmaceutical Assistance Program was designed to give low-income senior and disabled residents access to essential medication. Drugs for treatment of the following conditions are covered: Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, glaucoma, heart and blood pressure problems, lung disease and smoking-related illnesses, osteoporosis and Parkinson’s disease. Glenview Senior Citizens Center Services include Helping Hands, health insurance, blood pressure testing, podiatry and other services. Illinois
Affiliates of American Geriatrics Association The Illinois Geriatrics Society is dedicated to the advancement of the science and art of Geriatric medicine.
The Levy Center is one of four community centers operated by the Evanston Recreation Division. Little
Brothers- Friends of the Elderly- Chicago Family of volunteers, staff, and funders whose mission is to create relationships that enrich the lives of the elderly and ease their loneliness and isolation. They offer special services such as transportation and companionship. Metropolitan
Family Services Niles
Senior Center The Center is a division of the Human Services Dept. of the Village of Niles. It’s a place where seniors come together socially to participate in a broad spectrum of social, educational and health related programs and support services, as well as off-site classes and trips. Senior volunteerism is encouraged. The Niles Free Bus stops at the Senior Center. Many special programs, including special events, are offered. Park
Ridge Senior Citizens Center A wide variety of activities including exercise and art classes, clubs for all interests, special trips and much more takes place weekly at the Center.
|
