Helping Older Adults in Illinois Age Independently at Home
The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA), in partnership with the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP), provides support aimed at enabling social connectedness; maintaining health, safety, and well-being; and promoting independence and community living.
The Mission of the Illinois Department on Aging (New Page) is to serve and advocate for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence, dignity, and quality of life. Visit their website to learn more about the many programs and services they offer or contact the Senior Helpline at 1-800-252-8966.
What Happens Next?
If the form is completed and no questions are necessary, the device(s) will be shipped directly to the program participant, usually within 1-2 weeks of the referral. If additional questions are necessary based on the details in the referral, additional time will be needed before the device can be shipped.
Who is Eligible?
Individuals over 60 connected to, or receiving services from, an Area Agency on Aging (AAA), AAA-funded entity, Community Care Program Care Coordination Unit (CCP-CCU), Adult Day Service (ADS), Adult Protective Services agency (APS), or Home Care Ombudsman (HCO) are eligible for the Illinois Care Connections (ICC) program.
Common reasons additional time may be required:
What Devices Are Available?
Technology
iPad or tablet with case, laptops, and optional accessories
Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
walkers, toilet risers, manual wheelchairs, and other DME as necessary
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Devices
to aid in bathing, grooming, cooking, medication management, and other daily living tasks
Smart Home Devices
smart doorbells, lightbulbs, door locks, and other smart devices as necessary*
*Those living in apartments or rental properties must obtain landlord permission for smart devices to be installed or delivered
Hearing & Vision
manual and electronic magnifiers, hearing helpers, talking clocks, and other assistive devices as necessary
Speech
Augmented Alternative Communication apps and devices as necessary to aid or replace speech
Person-Centered & Customized
Once an applicant is approved to the ICC program, they will complete an intake with a member of ICC staff to discuss their needs, their goals, and what devices may best support them. Items often vary from person to person, as not every applicant has the same need, struggles, or goals. For this reason, ICC staff cannot provide a comprehensive list of available items.
What ICC Cannot Provide
While we aim to provide as much as we can to keep older adults safe and independent, there are just some items that aren’t within the scope of this program. This list is not comprehensive, and as new items are requested and discussed, it could grow. If you have questions about whether we are able to provide a certain item, please contact us at iatp.care@iltech.org or by calling 217-321-0980.
Braces/Prostheses
Caregiver Services
Cell Phones/Cell Phone Service
Disposable Products (incontinence products, internal devices, etc.)
Door/window Alarms
Full-Length Bed Rails
Glasses
Grab Bars
Hearing Aids
Home Delivered Meals
Home Modifications (entry ramps, door widening, bathroom remodels, etc.)
Hospital Beds
House Cleaning Services
In-Home Surveillance Cameras
Life Alert Systems
Motorized Wheelchairs or Scooters
Printers, 3D-Printers, etc.
Security Systems
Smoke Detectors
Stair Lifts
Subscription Services (software, security/medical alerts, etc.)
Vehicle Modifications (including devices to transport scooters/wheelchairs)
Braces/Prostheses
Caregiver Services
Cell Phones/Cell Phone Service
Disposable Products (incontinence products, internal devices, etc.)
Door/window Alarms
Full-Length Bed Rails
Glasses
Grab Bars
Hearing Aids
Home Delivered Meals
Home Modifications (entry ramps, door widening, bathroom remodels, etc.)
Hospital Beds
House Cleaning Services
In-Home Surveillance Cameras
Life Alert Systems
Motorized Wheelchairs or Scooters
Printers, 3D-Printers, etc.
Security Systems
Smoke Detectors
Stair Lifts
Subscription Services (software, security/medical alerts, etc.)
Vehicle Modifications (including devices to transport scooters/wheelchairs)
Device Technical Support
For technical support, we recommend first reviewing the User Guide that was enclosed in the package. The User Guide was designed to answer basic questions about the device, including overview of the device buttons, basic functions of apps, and information on how to set up accounts and email addresses. If you have other questions, please feel free to contact us in one of the following ways:
Telephone: IATP – 1-800-852-5110
For Illinois Relay Services: Dial 7-1-1
Email: iatp.care@iltech.org
Reporting Lost/Stolen/Damaged Equipment
Please use the following link to download the form for reporting lost, stolen, or damaged equipment.
The completed form should be returned to IATP at IATP.care@iltech.org
Illinois Care Connections Fact Cards