Lifescape Community Services senior and disabled assistance programs.
A combination of information and assistance is provided by Lifescape Community Services. While the organization does try to provide direct aid to the needy, in many cases they will refer clients to other local non-profits or government benefits.
Resources are focused on the counties of Winnebago, Lee, Boone and Ogle Counties, however they can also support people in other areas as well. The main assistance programs are below, and anyone that is struggling, or even their caregivers, can call the agency for help.
With emphasis placed on people that have physical or mental impairments as well as senior citizens, Lifescape offers assistance and information in regard to available programs, services and benefits. All of the caseworkers from the agency are certified State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselors. Available resources include, but are not limited to, the following.
- Elderly – There is assistance for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren as well as Family Caregivers.
- Financial aid – This can include applications for heating bill help from Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or weatherization.
- Government benefits – Inquire into Homestead Exemption Freeze, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare for seniors or Medicaid for the poor. There is also Medicare Part D Enrollment forms.
- Other services include Applications for Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) as well as Transportation to appointments.
Meals on Wheels from Lifescape provides hot, nutritious congregate or home-delivered food to help preserve the independence of senior and disabled residents in Winnebago County. This will also assist clients enhance their health and well-being. Meals are provided at a number of Senior Dining Sites at churches, community centers, senior activity centers, and high rises in Winnebago, Ogle, Boone, and Lee counties.
In addition to serving hot, tasty meals, the Lifescape Senior Dining Sites give clients the opportunity to take part in varied educational and informational activities, or to just relax and enjoy healthy and good food. For adults, whether a senior or disabled person, who are homebound with no access to nutritious, freshly prepared meals, Lifescape offers the only home-delivered, community-based Meals on Wheels (MOW) program.
All food served, groceries passed out and meals are prepared to meet one-third of the federal government USDA Recommended Dietary Allowance of nutrients. The non-profit will also run the senior meal services so that clients are provided with special emphasis on helping older adults stay independent and avoiding unnecessary or premature institutionalization.
The Lifescape Caregiver Assistance and Training service consists of three programs, and they include the Caregiver Asssitance, the Wellness Class and Support Group, and also the Resource Center. Overall, the program provides family caregivers of disabled people, elderly parents, spouses, or other individuals with the skills and tools needed to care not only for their charges, but also for themselves.
In addition to that, the agency will also provide assistance with completing applications for financial aid such as TANF, LIHEAP (energy assistance), Medicaid, Medicare Part prescriptions and general Benefits Access. They also coordinate transportation and other services in the community.
The Brightside Adult Day Service in Rockford Illinois operates as a community-based program that offers safe and supportive daytime care for younger individuals with disabilities or senior citizens. The goal at Brightside is to meet the needs of functionally impaired adults, and even their caregivers. The agency will provide them access to a number of health and social services, in a structured, comprehensive program. An added advantage is that the non-profit’s day service allows caregivers to continue with their work and daily living routines and offer them a chance at respite.
If someone needs a ride to the pharmacy, grocery store or another destination, the Lifescape Community Transportation Service will get help get people where they need to be. An appointment is needed, but the transportation is available five days per week, and rides may be arranged with a small fee.
Help is offered for filing taxes. In close collaboration with the AARP - American Association of Retired Persons, Lifescape services provides free advice and income tax preparation to Winnebago and Ogle County residents over the age of 60. Staff will help ensure people get all the deductions they are entitled too and gain other benefits.
Numerous other resources are available, in particular referrals. Lifescape Community Services is based at 705 Kilburn Ave., Rockford, Illinois 61101. Call 815-963-1609 for details.
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