What an Aging Services Navigator Can Do For You

Senior Counseling and Advocacy

Our Aging Services Navigators in the Senior Resource Center help adults 60+ address aging-related challenges that make it difficult to stay in one’s home.  

Aging is a privilege not everyone has, but it can come with its challenges.  The Senior Resource Center exists to help those in our community aged 60+ to meet those challenges head-on so they can enjoy the pleasures and adventures that life has in store for them. 

All residents of Champaign, Douglas, and Piatt Counties who are 60+ have the right to an Aging Services Navigator.  Your Navigator can help you with material needs such as: 

• License plate discounts 

• Medicare enrollments and Part D changes 

• Medicaid applications and recertifications 

• Power bill relief (LIHEAP – the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) 

• Getting enrolled in Meals on Wheels 

• Food insecurity and free grocery delivery (Food for Seniors) 

• Getting connected with Home Care Services 

• Transportation to medical appointments 

• Understanding your mail

• Reviewing options for long-term care or aging-in-place

• Providing supportive counseling as you experience the changes and losses that often come with age

• Addressing social isolation and loneliness

• Tackling your other goals

HOW WE help older adults Get more enjoyment out of life

Physical and financial well-being are important, but equally as critical is the need for good mental health and regular social interaction. If you feel isolated, lonely, or blue, that’s a serious concern that we can help address.  

You can find fulfillment, satisfaction, and your zest for life again.  Here are a few ways we make that happen: 

• Try PEARLS.   
  PEARLS stands for Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives.  It’s a fantastic program because it empowers you to take action to live life the way you want, on your terms. Your Aging Services Navigator can help you decide if PEARLS is right for you.   
   

• Get involved in a variety of social programs.   
  There are plenty of opportunities to connect with your community.  We’ll walk you through the options in your area. Possibilities include movies, playing cards, and BINGO. 
   

• Tap into your creative side with Creativity on Wheels (COW).  
  Get a box delivered every other month full of fun activities that will get those creative juices flowing.  As a Creativity on Wheels client, you’ll get follow-up phone calls to talk about the COW activities or whatever’s on your mind. Some clients consider their Creativity on Wheels delivery “happiness in a box.” 
   

• Free Healthy Aging classes.  
  These fun, interactive classes are free to enroll in.  They are popular because they’re so effective.  The course materials in all our Healthy Aging classes are backed by science.   
   

• Get supported as a caregiver. 
  We can connect you to the Caregiver Advisor in your county to access support for caregivers like you who are caring for loved ones 60+, as well as adults with disabilities. 

IN CASE YOU’RE WONDERING
(FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

Q:  What is the biggest advantage to calling the Senior Resource Center? 

A: When you call us, it takes the burden off you to figure things out.  Our Aging Service Navigators have abundant training and access to all sorts of resources.  Knowing what’s out there for seniors is a full-time job.  Our philosophy is that it shouldn’t be YOUR job.  It is our responsibility to make aging in your own home as easy as possible.  You should not have to expend mental energy trying to navigate “the system.”  We alleviate the pressure.  This way, you know you haven’t missed anything. 

Q:  Do I have to be 60 to participate? 

A:  Our Counseling and Advocacy program is available to those 60+, as well as adults with disabiities.  If you’re not sure if you qualify, give us a call. 

 Q: What is the cost of working with an Aging Services Navigator?  

A:  Although we gratefully accept donations from our clients, working with an Aging Services Navigator is free.  We are funded through the Older Americans Act and through local / county tax dollars, as well as individual donations.  These services are made possible especially through the Illinois Department on Aging, the East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging, the Champaign County Mental Health Board, and the United Way.   
 
Please note that Meals on Wheels costs are lowered substantially by donors and grants, but there is a cost associated with the meals.  (The meals are an excellent value, though!) For non-Medicaid clients, there is also a cost for HomeCare.  If we connect you to those services, we will thoroughly explain how pricing and billing works.   

Q:  Can I call on behalf of my loved one? 

A:  Yes! We work with family and friends who are advocating for their loved one.  If you want to talk about getting help for the older adult in your life, give us a call and we’ll walk you through the process.  The process is easy and gentle, and it protects your loved one’s right to privacy.  We would love to hear from you.  (And thank you for looking out for your loved one’s best interests!) 

Q:  It would be hard for me to get to the Family Service office.  Can you still help me? 

A:  Yes!  You can choose from several options: 

• We do home visits! Your Aging Services Navigator can come to you with a laptop and get all your needs taken care of on the spot. 

• Over the phone or Zoom.  We can take care of quite a few things with a phone call. 

• Meeting in a third place of your choice.  If you would like to meet at the local coffee shop, library, or other public place, we can do that! We travel anywhere in the Champaign, Douglas, and Piatt County area. 

Q:  What if English isn’t my strongest language? 

A:  We would love to work with you in the language in which you feel most comfortable.  We have a variety of resources, including professional interpreters and translators; sometimes, translation apps on smart phones are adequate to close the communication gap.  No matter what language you or your loved one speaks, we will find a solution that best suits your communication style. 

Q.  I want some services, but not others.  Can I say no to what is offered to me? 

A.  The Senior Resource Center at Family Service is 100% committed to your right to autonomy and privacy.  In all cases, you are empowered to decide which services best suit you.  You’re in charge, and we are here to support you. 

Q.  I’m sure I’m over-income for most programs.  Do you have any resources for me? 

A.  Yes! Some of our programs are income-based, but many are not.  For example, income is not considered for Medicare Enrollment through the State of Illinois Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP).  Our Social Connection and Healthy Aging programs are also open to residents of all income levels. 

Let’s Get Started

Call the Senior Resource Center for more info or to schedule a home visit. 217-352-5100 and ask to speak to an Aging Services Navigator.