CHICAGO,  Sept. 23, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Zalutsky & Pinski Ltd., Attorneys at Law, a Chicago-based law firm that focuses solely on helping clients through bankruptcy, has launched a series of online videos. The series, which covers bankruptcy-related topics, is designed to educate and inform.

Current topics include “The Difference Between Wage Assignment and Garnishment,” “What Should Soldiers Facing Creditors Do?” “What Can Seniors Facing Creditors Do?” “Questions Regarding Filing for Bankruptcy” and “The Difference Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy”. Additional episodes on other bankruptcy-related subjects will be added in the future.

“These webisodes are just another example of Zalutsky & Pinki’s commitment to helping people facing bankruptcy,” said Kerrie Neal, Senior Associate.   “For over 50 years, our firm has been helping individuals in Chicagoland get a fresh start – and we want to continue to show people their options.”

To view the webisodes or the transcripts, visit the Zalutsky & Pinski website at http://zapbillsnow.com/media/

For more information on Zalutsky & Pinski, visit www.zapbillsnow.com, e-mail info@zapbillsnow.com or call 1-800-BANKRUPT.

About Zalutsky & Pinski Ltd.: Zalutsky & Pinski is one of Chicagoland’s premier bankruptcy law firms, backed by over 50 years of service. It was founded by Irwin L. Zalutsky, B.A., L.L.B., J.D. and Ronald L. Pinski, B.S. and J.D., (retired.). With eight locations in the Chicago region and a staff of six, highly experienced attorneys, the firm is dedicated to helping people get out of debt through bankruptcy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Oleva Juarez
ojuarez@zaplawfirm.com
312-782-9792

SOURCE Zalutsky & Pinski Ltd.

http://www.zapbillsnow.com

Zalutsky & Pinski Launches New Online Webisode Series | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Diane Palmer, spokeswoman for the RTA, said that the transit service’s three-year-old free ride system for seniors will be transitioning to a half-fare system.

Palmer said the change is expected to come “around Labor Day.”

The RTA has ordered new smart cards that will be replacing the 440,000 current Seniors Ride Free cards, continued Palmer. However, because the RTA could not acquire enough of the new cards in time for Labor Day, seniors will be receiving magnetic-stripe cards which must be inserted into the turnstiles, not unlike the older cards used by Pace and the CTA.

The cards will be mailed out around August 1, giving seniors a one-month buffer to receive them. The cards will be used until Pace, Metra, and the CTA all adopt a universal card system, which could come as soon as early 2012.

Free rides will continue only for seniors who have displayed eligibility under Illinois’ Circuit Breaker program. All other seniors will pay half fare.

The RTA anticipates that this change will bring in more than $30 million annually. The change is part of a revision to the RTA Act drawn up by former Governor Rod Blagojevich and signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn.

No more free rides for seniors after Labor Day | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine are combined to protect this season

SPRINGFIELD – In observance of September as Healthy Aging Month, Illinois Department on Aging Director Charles D. Johnson reminds seniors to prepare for the upcoming flu season by getting their flu shot.

Seniors are at increased risk for the flu especially those who have certain chronic health conditions.

“It’s important older adults get a flu shot to protect themselves,” said Director Johnson.  “Getting a flu shot this month can provide protection for the entire flu season, which usually starts in the fall and runs through spring.”

Good news this year is that only one flu vaccine is needed.  The H1N1 strain has been rolled into the seasonal flu vaccine, so seniors as well as everyone else only need to get the one flu vaccine.  Seniors are at higher risk for flu like complications so they should make getting a flu vaccine a priority.  Seniors should also talk with their health care provider about getting a pneumococcal vaccine.

Public Health officials say it’s not too early to get a vaccine.  The flu vaccine has started to arrive in Illinois, and will be available at local health departments across the state, as well as some doctor’s offices, health clinics, hospitals and pharmacies. The cost of vaccine may vary, but is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and by some insurance companies.

The flu, formally called influenza, is spread through coughing or sneezing.  In addition to getting a flu shot, people are also encouraged to use good sanitary measures, such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing/sneezing, washing hands and staying away from others when sick.

For more information about program services to assist older adults in Illinois and their caregivers, visit www.state.il.us/aging or call the Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or for TTY (hearing impaired use only) call 1-888-206-1327.

State Director on Aging urges Seniors to get Flu Shots in Observance of Healthy Aging Month | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Republicans and a handful of Democrats wanted the chamber to consider a resolution that required Aging to work with the state’s Procurement Policy Board to see if less costly office space is available for the agency. Aging plans to move from state-owned buildings into a private office that will cost the state more than $530,000 a year.

“Senior programs are being cut in all of our districts,” said Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville. “This is wrong.”

“Yesterday we heard bills that would reduce services for our senior citizens because the Department on Aging doesn’t have funding,” said Rep. Sandra Pihos, R-Glen Ellyn. “The move being proposed by the Department of Aging is irresponsible. It is irrational.”

Democrats, though, mustered enough votes to keep the resolution bottled up in the Democrat-controlled Rules Committee.

Read the original article from the Galesburg Register-Mail.

Aging lease resolution stalled in House | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The nursing home industry quickly signaled displeasure with the bill, saying the proposal “goes way beyond” issues addressed by Gov. Pat Quinn’s nursing home safety task force. But one of the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Jacqueline Collins, D-Chicago, said her coalition is ready for a fight.

“We are here to say quite boldly and courageously that we’re willing to take on the nursing home industry,” Collins said at a news conference in Springfield.

The proposal, SB 685, targets violence in Illinois nursing homes stemming from the state’s reliance on the facilities to house younger adults with serious mental illness. Assaults, rapes and murders reported in a series of news articles sparked the formation of the governor’s task force.

The nursing home industry has been taking part in talks in Springfield with members of the task force working toward legislation, said Terry Sullivan of the Health Care Council of Illinois, the state’s largest nursing home trade group.

Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, is sponsoring the legislation with Collins. It’s backed by groups such as AARP, unions representing health care workers, the Supportive Housing Providers Association and Illinois Citizens for Better Care.

The proposal calls for a database of nursing home assaults that would be kept by the Illinois Department of Public Health and a new tax on nursing homes to increase funding for the state long-term care ombudsman program, which sends trained advocates into nursing homes to help residents.

Legislators propose nursing home reforms | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The House voted 83-27, with three other representatives voting present, to move legislation pushed by Rep. Suzanne Bassi (R-Palatine) on to the Illinois Senate.

Under Bassis plan, low-income seniors still could ride public buses and trains for free, but more-affluent seniors would pay half-fare.

Anyone making under $27,610 a year or a couple making $36,635 would continue to be able to ride for free.

Bassi said the move would save the cash-strapped Regional Transportation Authority $37 million a year. The transit agency is running a roughly $90 million annual deficit.

Its going to take the whole system down if we dont correct it now, Bassi said.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the CTA board formally met today with the leader of the CTAs bus drivers union for the first time since staffing and service cuts were imposed more than two weeks ago, but they didnt agree on much, and no further meetings are planned, a spokeswoman for the transit agency said.

Darrell Jefferson, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 241, told CTA chairman Terry Peterson that the union wont agree to any salary cuts or other concessions sought by the agency to bring back workers and restore service cuts, CTA spokeswoman Noelle Gaffney said.

The union, unfortunately, made it clear they wont make concessions necessary to bring back employees and restore service, Gaffney said.

Jefferson has said he might call a strike vote Monday. The head of the L workers union, though, has said he wont seek a strike vote in the wake of the Feb. 7 service cuts and 1,057 layoffs.

The bus drivers, meanwhile, said it plans to file a series of major lawsuits against the CTA, accusing the agency of contract violations.

One thing the two sides did agree on today: to work together to lobby Springfield and Washington, D.C., for more transit money.

House votes to limit free rides for seniors | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Last month, Governor Pat Quinn made the call to action to get individuals and families engaged in efforts to benefit their communities and thus improve the state.  The focus for January is Intergenerational Programs:  How Generations Support Generations.

People should look for examples on how older adults are engaged in their community or neighborhood.  Gathering stories will help all generations save their family stories, create stronger connections among generations and foster communication skills – interviewing, listening, writing, and reading.

For ideas, log onto law.siu.edu/GenServeGen.

IDoA Director Charles D. Johnson is leading the statewide initiative that started when Illinois was selected to participate in the National Governors Association (NGA) Policy Academy on Civic Engagement of Older Adults.

The project is designed to improve the health and lives of older Americans and increase their involvement in service, learning and work.

“Our goal is engage citizens, especially those ages 50 and older, and tap their talents to benefit others,” said Director Johnson.

“We are encouraging individuals, their families, organizations and networks to find ways to do good in their communities.  Whether baking cookies for our troops overseas, sharing family stories to document family history, we want people to find ways to get involved and make a difference to benefit their communities.”

A team of dedicated professionals in Illinois have been working to map out the best strategies to get older adults involved in community and to encourage more interaction between the generations.

Members of the NGA Illinois Leadership Team include the Illinois Department on Aging, Intergenerational Initiative-SIU School of Law, AARP, Retirement Research Foundation, Corporation for National and Community Service, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Senate Higher Education Committee, Illinois Community College Council of Presidents, Chinese American Service League, Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and McCormick Foundation.

Activities will be planned across the state to engage older adults in service, learning and work.

The purpose is to:

• highlight the tradition of service by reporting the stories of older generations
• increase participation in service across generations
• publicize and communicate to local communities the ways generations support one another
• emphasize the importance of each citizen’s contribution
• demonstrate how Illinoisans 50+ strengthen the economy

For more information about program services to assist older adults in Illinois and their caregivers, call the IDoA Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or for TTY (hearing impaired use only) call 1-888-206-1327.

Deptartment on Aging Urges Civic Involvement and Commitment; Planning Underway for Monthly Events | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

A new law takes effect Jan. 1 that beefs up the state’s system to help locate elderly people who go missing in Illinois

The Endangered Missing Person Advisory Program will have police agencies send out alerts when senior citizens or high-risk adults with disabilities go missing.

The Endangered Missing Person Advisory will provide a regional system that will allow for the rapid dissemination of information regarding a missing person who is believed to be a high-risk missing person.

These new efforts are similar to an Amber Alert which is used when children are believed to have been abducted and in danger.

The Endangered Missing Person Advisory Program, commonly referred to as a “Silver Alert”, aims to assist in locating older adults (with Alzheimer’s, some other form of dementia and illness) by giving these endangered missing seniors high priority in reporting, investigation and public notification.

“A delayed search can result in the loss of precious time to locate a missing person,” said Charles D. Johnson, IDoA Director.

“But starting in January, we will work to implement a system to help locate missing endangered seniors and make recommendations to help families and caregivers know what to do when an older adult with dementia or other illness goes missing.”

The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA), in coordination with the Illinois State Police, will develop and implement a community outreach program to promote awareness among the State’s healthcare facilities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other senior centers.

The guidelines and procedures shall ensure that specific health information about the missing person is not made public through the alert or otherwise.

Unfortunately, cases of seniors wandering from home, getting disoriented or losing their way while driving are all too common.  This new law will improve coordination to help locate missing seniors before they meet harm.

State Police will determine whether the missing person is endangered or considered “high risk.”

High-risk means a missing person whose whereabouts are not currently known and whose circumstances indicate that the person may be at risk of injury or death.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of missing loved ones,” said Illinois State Police Director Jonathan Monken.

“The State Police will continue to work diligently with our communities, law enforcement, and legislative partners to bring missing persons home and protect them from harm.”

This law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2010.

For more information about program services to assist older adults in Illinois and their caregivers, call the IDoA Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or for TTY (hearing impaired use only) call 1-888-206-1327.

Department on Aging to Assist with New Law to Locate Missing and Endangered Seniors | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

On this first day of winter, Illinois Department on Aging Director Charles D. Johnson is encouraging older people and their families to recognize that winter poses a special threat to seniors.

“Seniors should get their furnace checked each year to make sure it’s working properly,” said Director Johnson.

“The state has a number of resources available that seniors can use so they aren’t left to make difficult decisions like, whether to pay their heating bills or take their prescription medications this winter.

I hope that older persons, their families and those who care for them will take these practical, simple steps to prepare for the colder temps ahead.”

Seniors should make sure they set their thermostats above 65 degrees.  Older persons are at a higher risk to falling ill during the cold winter months.

People who lower the thermostat to reduce heating bills risk developing hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition in which the body temperature drops dangerously low.

At increased risk are older people who take certain medications, drink alcohol, lack proper nutrition and who have conditions such as arthritis, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

In addition to winterizing the home, people ages 50 and older are urged to get an annual flu shot, since they are considered at risk for seasonal flu.  And H1N1 vaccinations are now available to seniors who want them.

In dealing with cold weather, seniors are encouraged to:

• Dress in layers, both indoors and outdoors.
• Keep active.  Make a list of exercises and activities to do indoors when you can’t get out.
• Eat well & drink 10 glasses of water daily; Stock up on extra non-perishable food supplies, just in case.
• Keep extra medications in the house.  If this is not possible, make arrangements now to have your medications delivered.
• Have your house winterized.  Be sure that walls and attics are insulated.  Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.  Insulate pipes near outer walls, in crawl spaces and attics that are susceptible to freezing.
• Make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water supply in case pipes burst.
• Prepare your vehicle by checking wipers, tires, lights and fluid levels regularly.  Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.  Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.  Plan long trips carefully and travel by daylight with at least one other person.
• Protect against fire.  If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, buy one.  Make sure space heaters are at least three feet from anything flammable.  Do not overload extension cords.
• Do not shovel snow or walk in deep snow.  Plan now for someone else to shovel the snow.  The strain from the cold and hard labor could cause a heart attack; sweating can lead to a chill and even hypothermia.

For more information about program services to assist older adults in Illinois and their caregivers, call the Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or for TTY (hearing impaired use only) call 1-888-206-1327.

Department on Aging Provides Tips to Keep Seniors Safe and Warm This Winter | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) today hosted an awards ceremony to celebrate the efforts of individuals and organizations providing the best services to assist older adults.

The special awards ceremony is held each year during the Governor’s Conference on Aging where advocates and experts from across the state gather to focus on issues that affect the aging population.  This year’s conference was December 9 – 11 at the Chicago Marriott Downtown.

“This annual conference provides a wonderful opportunity to remind ourselves that by working together we can improve the quality of life for the older adults we serve,” said IDoA Director Charles D. Johnson.

“I’m pleased to honor these individuals and organizations that go that extra mile to address the needs of seniors.”

During the special awards luncheon, several awards were presented by professional associations to individuals and organizations in the Aging Network whose contributions and accomplishments merit recognition.

A list of the 2009 presenters and awardees follows:

Jane Angelis, Ph.D., Director, Intergenerational Initiative, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale is the winner of this year’s Governor’s Award for Excellence.

Dr. Angelis works diligently tap the skills of older adults and retirees for interesting and creative projects, including working with the Illinois Policy Academy on the Civic Engagement of Older Adults.  Her work promotes the mindset that we are best when older and younger generations address problems together.

IDoA Director Charles D. Johnson presented the Senior Hall of Fame Award to Jo Ann Dinello, of Darien, as the winner in the Community Service Category.

She set up the Medical Lending Closet, at the Darien Police Station, for people to get free donated medical equipment.  She also founded the We Care Program, in 2003; to date more than 1,000 packages have been sent to soldiers serving in the Middle East.

The Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly (CLESE) presented the Pillar of Service Award to Santosh Kumar, Founder and Executive Director of Metropolitan Asian Family Services, a non-profit agency working for the well-being of the Indian community, in Chicago.

Kumar is recognized for versatility and efforts to wipe out social injustice.  She defines her dedication to services to the elderly as her passion, not just a profession.

The Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging presented the Sid Granet Aging Network Achievement Award for Individual Excellence to Janet B. Ellis, Retired Executive Director, of Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging, in Rockford.  Ellis began her tenure at the Agency in 1972, and has been a persistent and effective advocate for older adults and family caregivers.  She was awarded for her lifetime achievement.

The Illinois Adult Day Service Association presented the following awards:

• The Everything Under the Sun Award to Family Alliance, Inc., in Woodstock.  Family Alliance has served as the only adult day health and recovery service in McHenry County for the last 27 years.  Programs include door-to-door transportation, recovery services, in-house counseling, caregiver support groups, case management and community education.
• The Sunlight Award to Cathy Davit, Executive Director, ESSE Adult Day Centers, in Wheaton.  Davit has been Executive Director of the three ESSE adult day centers for the last 14 years. She provides trainings for her staff and fosters interaction with caseworkers and other referral sources by inviting them to promote optimal services. Davit also works as a nurse in an assisted living facility.

The Association of Illinois Senior Centers presented the following awards to:

• The Director of the Year to Paula Eaton.  Eaton has been Director of the Wayne Township Senior Center, in West Chicago, for eight years.  Eaton tailors a quality program with a staff of only two people.  Her nominator describes her as a “tireless force.”
• Award for Brochures to Hanover Township.
• Award for Marketing and Website Design to Wayne Township Senior Center.
• Award for Newsletter to Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council for “The Happenings.”
• Award for Program of the Year to the Glenview Senior Center, in Northfield.

Illinois Association of Nutrition Providers presented the Joyce Still Memorial Award to Bob Smith, of the Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation.

Smith began working at the Corporation in 1976 and later became project director of its nutrition and transportation program.

He was very active with House Bill 527, which addresses rural home delivered meals. Smith is very dedicated to the older adults he serves.

AARP presented the following awards to:

• The AARP Andrus Award to J Fazel for working to provide sustenance and support to the homeless, seniors and the unemployed in and around Elgin.  On average, he logs over 1,000 miles a month picking up food from local businesses each week and distributing it to churches and local agencies that provide hot meals for populations in need.  Fazel also works at Public Action to Deliver Shelter running a kitchen to serve the needy.
• The AARP Inspire Award to Aida L. Maisonet Giachello, Ph.D, for her expertise, research and success in reducing health disparities.  Giachello is an Associate Professor and Director of the UIC Midwest Latino Health Research, Training and Policy Center, where she has been conducts research on health disparities, trains new Latino/minority investigators and engages in policy work emerging from research findings.
• The AARP Legislator of the Year Award to the Honorable Greg Harris, State Representative of the 13th Illinois Legislative District.  Since his election to the General Assembly in 2006, Representative Harris has been a tireless advocate for programs that serve seniors.  He has taken on fights that many legislators are hesitant to stand up against, including oversight of nursing homes and sponsoring House Bill 3923, which makes the insurance industry more accessible and apparent to the public.

The Illinois Council of Case Coordination Units presented the Case Manager of the Year to Amanda Groaning, of Shawnee Alliance for Seniors.

She was chosen to be a team leader for CCC Quality Improvement and Best Practice skills has embraced the concepts of comprehensive care coordination for clients.  Groaning is compassionate and patient, and utilizes all programs and resources to meet the needs of her clients.

The Illinois Association of Community Care Program Homecare Providers presented the Supervisor of the Year to both Alice Stenander and Conni L. Williams.

Alice Stenander, of Western Illinois Managed Home Services in Monmouth, has been responsible for the daily oversight of staff for 15 years. She does this with concern and compassion for staff and the clients they serve. Currently she’s responsible for 285 clients and 71 employees working in various programs.

Conni L. Williams is a good leader for her home care aides.  She is approachable and does not ask staff to do anything she would not do herself.  She works with staff to resolve difficult situations with their clients.

She supervises 45 home care aids with 135 clients and has been a supervisor for three years.

The winner of the D. Jeanne Tippett Scholarship is Jessica M. Petty, of the Henry County Health Department, in Kewanee.  A home care aide for two years, Petty is pursuing a degree in nursing from Black Hawk College East in Kewanee.  She plans to work in a hospital, upon graduating.

State Recognizes Advocates for Outstanding Service to Older Adults | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Gov. Pat Quinn today detailed plans for a year-long campaign that will encourage older adults to engage in community activities.

2010: The Year of the Engaged Older Adult is a call to action for individuals, families, and communities to boost learning, strengthen the workforce, and enrich community life by encouraging older adults, ages 50 and older, to lend their expertise to these areas.

The announcement was made during the opening session of the annual Governor’s Conference on Aging.

“This program will expand our efforts to strengthen communities across Illinois,” said Gov. Quinn.

“The initiative will help increase the number of seniors who participate in volunteer activities in Illinois, allowing them to contribute their talents and expertise to benefit their communities.”

Illinois Department on Aging Director Charles D. Johnson is leading the statewide initiative with the support of an advisory team.

The team is working to plan activities in each of Illinois’ 102 counties starting in January 2010.

“Our goal is to work with individuals, organizations and networks to promote civic engagement,” said Director Johnson.

“We appreciate Governor Quinn’s challenge to our citizens ages 50 years and older to engage in activities that boost education, strengthen the workforce and enrich community life.”

Governor Quinn is challenging each citizen to support the initiative by joining activities and events that will be held across the state.

The state recognized one such citizen who works tirelessly to promote inter-generational plans.

Jane Angelis is the Director of the Intergenerational Initiative at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and serves as Project Director for the 2010: The Year of the Engaged Older Adult.

“Jane is one of those truly dedicated souls who believe it is a privilege to serve,” said Gov. Quinn.

“I applaud Jane and the other members of the team who work to support older adults, finding new and better ways to increase the number of engaged seniors.”

Gov. Quinn was joined at today’s event by members of the NGA Illinois Leadership Team representing Illinois Department on Aging, Intergenerational Initiative-SIU School of Law, AARP, Retirement Research Foundation, Corporation for National and Community Service, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Senate Higher Education Committee, Illinois Community College Council of Presidents, Chinese American Service League, Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and the McCormick Foundation.

Gov. Quinn Launches Statewide Campaign to Increase Older Adults’ Community Participation | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

AARP, advocates call on State to adopt urgent short-term measures or deal with the costly consequences of sending seniors to nursing homes

Today, an alliance of advocate organizations sounded the alarm on the consequences that Illinois’ social service agencies face due to the State of Illinois’ failure to pay its bills.

AARP and a statewide alliance of care providers called on the State to take urgent measures to prevent dozens of agencies from having to shut down, lay off hundreds of workers, and force thousands of older Illinoisans into costly and often unsafe institutional care – something that will burden the state finances even more.

The State owes $200 million to 175 social service agencies, providing critical home and community based programs and services to 60,000 older Illinoisans.

While calling for urgent measures – including short-term borrowing – to deal with the immediate crisis, the group also urged Governor Quinn and the General Assembly to work together on fiscally responsible measures that address the crisis that has depleted the state finances and created a budget deficit currently estimated at $11 billion.

“Short-term borrowing is in reality a savings program – without it not only agencies will shut down, but institutional care for older individuals will cost the state a lot more money, with much worse outcomes,” said AARP Senior Director of Advocacy, Nancy Nelson.

“However, borrowing money to pay these bills is not a permanent solution. The State needs to immediately start working on a plan that addresses the state’s long term fiscal problems.”

“Many providers have reached the brink of collapse, so we need to bring more urgency to this issue and communicate to lawmakers the dire circumstances that exist in their communities because of the State’s failure to pay providers,” said Bob Thieman, Executive Director for the Illinois Association of Community Care Program Home Care Providers (IACCPHCP).

“The bottom line is that seniors will not receive the care they need, and providers will not be able to deliver that care, leaving thousands of Illinois residents at risk.”

Advocates underscored that the State needs to understand the chain reaction that would result from its failure to meet its obligations.

When care providers are not paid, they cannot pay their rent, cover business expenses, or make payroll – which makes up nearly 90% of revenue for these service-intensive providers.

If they cannot tap into credit, which is often the case, they are left with no alternative but to lay off employees, cut back services, refuse new clients and shut their doors, forcing thousands of older adults into costly and often unsafe institutional care.

State $200 Million Behind in Payments to Agencies Providing Care to Thousands of Older Illinoisans | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Illinois Department on Aging Director Charles D. Johnson is reminding Illinois seniors to sign up now for Illinois Cares Rx to avoid a break in coverage and to ensure coverage begins on Jan. 1.

Seniors and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply online because it is the fastest way to get approved.

Illinois Cares Rx is the state’s prescription drug assistance program that provides wrap-around prescription drug coverage to fill in the gaps created by Medicare Part D.

Processing for the online application takes about four weeks and those who apply now would avoid a break in coverage and ensure coverage begins on January 1.

“If you haven’t applied for the Illinois Cares Rx drug coverage program this year because your income was over the limit, or you didn’t think you were eligible, I encourage you to apply,” said Director Johnson.

“Seniors who have access to the Internet may file for Illinois Cares Rx online so that you can get your benefits faster.  And if you don’t own a computer, I recommend either reaching out to family members who do own computers, visit your local Area Agency on Aging or senior centers, or contact a SHIP volunteer in your community.

And remember, if you have any questions, you can always call the Illinois Department on Aging’s Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966.”

To assist those who may need extra help to apply, the Illinois Department of Insurance’s Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is offering free, one-on-one counseling services and in communities across the state to assist Medicare-eligible individuals during the open enrollment period.

For a list of SHIP volunteers, visit the SHIP Web site or call SHIP toll-free at 1-800-548-9034.

“The cost of prescription drugs has escalated to the point of being unaffordable for many of the people who rely on them most, especially seniors and people with disabilities,” said Healthcare and Family Services Director Barry S. Maram.

“No one should have to go without the medications that keep them healthy, which is why I strongly encourage seniors and people with disabilities to see whether they qualify for prescription drug assistance though Illinois Cares Rx.”

In addition to reminding seniors and people with disabilities to reapply now to avoid a break in coverage, the state is also noting changes that will benefit more enrollees.

A new law will make it easier for some to get into the program.  Last month, Governor Pat Quinn signed House Bill 366 into law to expand the Circuit Breaker program, which includes the Illinois Cares Rx program, property tax relief grant and a license plate discount.

The new law raises the income eligibility.  By allowing higher incomes, more seniors and persons with disabilities will be eligible to receive the state’s prescription drug assistance.

The new limits effective on Jan. 1, 2010 will be:

• $27,610 (currently $22,218) – for a household size of one
• $36,635 (currently $29,480) – for a household size of two
• $45,657 (currently $36,740) – for a household size of three or more

More good news is that the medications available to Illinois Cares Rx enrollees also have been expanded.

In *2008 235,236 applied online, compared to *2007 when 158,888 applied online and 75,288 in *2006, the first year the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) had made the Illinois Cares Rx application available online. *Each year listed accounts for the previous claim year.

Before logging on to the Internet, individuals should have the following information available: Social Security number(s), amount of property taxes paid in 2008, amount of rent paid in 2008, and a copy of 2008 federal tax returns.

Seniors with questions about Illinois Cares Rx may log on to cbrx.il.gov or call the Illinois Department on Aging’s Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966.

Illinois Seniors Reminded To Apply Now Online for Illinois Cares Rx To Avoid a Break in Coverage | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Today’s full day Alzheimer Awareness Family Caregiver Conference is geared towards care partners, friends and family of individuals with memory loss disorder. Tuesday’s conference Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Disorders is for Alzheimer’s professionals to focus on “Synchronizing Science and Support.”

“With the numbers rising of people suffering from Alzheimer’s, there is a greater demand for caregivers, said Illinois Department on Aging Director Charles D. Johnson.  “To address this and other related issues, the state presents the conferences each year to look at the challenges and ways to better help.”

The conferences, at the Crown Plaza in Springfield, are sponsored by the department in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter, the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and Center for Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders.

Alzheimer’s is an incurable neurological disorder that destroys the brain’s memory cells.  It is the most common form of dementia.  It also causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior and can be severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life.

Alzheimer’s gets worse over time, and is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States. There are more than 35 million people in the world with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  And the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease is predicted to nearly double every 20 years.

Here in Illinois there are estimated to be more than 210,000 with the disease.

There are many organizations, like the Alzheimer’s Association, that help seniors and family members cope with and combat the disease.  The Alzheimer’s Association provides supportive programs and services to people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

In addition, they offer special programs such as assistance to individuals with Alzheimer’s who live alone, people living with early-onset Alzheimer’s, rural and/or multicultural outreach, care coordination services, and training programs for families and professionals.

Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-800-272-3900 or by contacting their local chapter at alz.org.

In addition to observing November as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, it is National Family Caregivers Month.  In recognition, Illinois Department on Aging Director Charles D. Johnson thanks caregivers for making an extra effort to help family members.

“Caregiving is fundamental to families because the assistance of caregivers can define the quality of life for families.  This month is Family Caregivers Month which is a good time to educate family caregivers about available resources,” said Director Johnson.”

The Illinois Department on Aging has set up more than 100 Caregiver Resource Centers across the state.

Through partnering with the 13 Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers, family caregivers receive information, assistance, training, counseling and respite care through the Family Caregiver Support Program.

Family caregivers serve as a critical component in providing the long term care for older adults. Caregivers may need to help their loved ones with a broad range of activities, such as bathing, dressing, cooking and eating.

In addition, caregivers may have to assist with legal and financial matters, such as making medical decisions, paying bills, handling investments and budgeting accounts.

Director Johnson also notes this is the beginning of the holiday season. As the holidays provide more time for families to spend time together, the Department encourages taking the time to look for signs that could indicate that older relatives might need assistance.

Some of these signs include:

• Decreased mobility, forgetfulness
• Neglected personal hygiene
• Change in appetite
• Unfilled and/or unopened medical prescriptions
• Lack of home maintenance
• Unusual display of unopened mail

They may also notice that their loved one seems to be mishandling their finances, for example not paying their bills or losing money.

For more information about program services to assist older adults in Illinois and their caregivers, call the Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or for TTY (hearing impaired use only) call 1-888-206-1327.

State Promotes Awareness About Alzheimer’s Disease, Thanks Caregivers and Offers Resources for Support | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

A new poll of Illinois AARP members released today finds strong support across party and ideological lines for elements of health care reform included in the Affordable Health Care for America Act, which recently passed the House of Representatives.

The bill, which strictly limits how much more insurance companies can charge based on age and closes the Medicare prescription drug doughnut hole, was endorsed by AARP.

Among AARP members, strong majorities reported that many of the bill’s key provisions were convincing reasons to support the legislation.

These include 80 percent of Illinois AARP members who believe the bill should be supported because it improves coverage for critical preventive services like cancer screenings; 77 percent who believe it should be supported because it prevents insurers from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions; 74 percent who believe it should be supported because it protects Medicare benefits for seniors; and 68 percent who believe it should be supported because it closes the Medicare part D coverage gap known as the “doughnut hole.”

“This survey demonstrates what we’ve been hearing from our members for a long time,” said AARP Illinois State President Merri Dee.

“Despite an inflammatory debate on a very personal and important issue, our members — across party and ideological lines — support health care reform that protects Medicare, lowers the price of prescription drugs, increases their access to coverage and protects their choice of doctors.”

While a partisan divide was evident when respondents were asked about the current plan in Congress, Illinois AARP members supported the legislation by more than a 2-1 margin (67 percent who “strongly” or “somewhat” support it, versus 27 percent “strongly” or “somewhat” oppose it).

Other reform elements with high levels of support among AARP members included 79 percent who support it because it would allow Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices with pharmaceutical companies; 77 percent because it would allow individuals to keep their current health insurance coverage if they are happy with it; and 67 percent because it would aggressively crack down on waste, abuse and fraud in Medicare.

“The bill recently passed by the House incorporates the reforms that our members care most about. We’ll continue the fight for these critical elements as the Senate takes up its own legislation in the coming weeks. Our members, and all older Americans, are counting on lawmakers to reform the health care system this year,” Ms. Dee added.

Starting on Tuesday, November 17, AARP will launch a new national television ad on a mix of news, lifestyle, cable and sports channels.

The ad, entitled “HELP,” demonstrates that people from all walks of life are feeling stranded by the current health care system. It calls attention to the need for the kind of health care reform AARP has been fighting for: reform that will put patients first, protect Medicare, bring down drug costs and ensure that no one can be denied affordable health care because of their age or health history.

AARP surveyed its members from October 30 to November 8, 2009 about the current health care reform plan in the House of Representatives.

This survey included 420 individuals from Illinois and is representative of AARP members with a margin of error of +/- 4.8%.

The AARP survey can be accessed online at: aarp.org/research/surveys/care/health/hcreform/articles/hrhcr.html.

Survey Finds Nearly 70 Percent of Illinois AARP Members Support Health Care Reform Legislation | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Governor Pat Quinn today urged seniors and people with disabilities to take advantage of tomorrow’s early application date for winter heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

“Seniors and individuals with disabilities are especially vulnerable to the cold weather,” said Governor Quinn.  “I encourage people to apply for assistance through LIHEAP so that they can stay safe, warm and healthy this winter.”

LIHEAP is a state and federally funded energy assistance program for low income families, in which heating bill payments are made on behalf of households.  This spring, Governor Quinn signed an executive order authorizing the LIHEAP program move from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Governor Quinn also signed legislation this spring to increase the LIHEAP eligibility level to households earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level.  A single-person household can qualify with a monthly income of up to $1,354; a two-person household up to $1,821; and a family of four can earn up to $2,756.  Benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of eligible households.  The exception is households whose heating costs are included in their rent.

LIHEAP energy grant applications are processed through a network of 35 community action agencies around the state.  These agencies will begin accepting applications on a first-come, first served basis from the elderly, people with disabilities, and other priority households on September 1. LIHEAP is expected to make energy assistance payments on behalf of more than 300,000 households this winter with an anticipated $150 million in federal and non-federal funding.

For a complete listing of LIHEAP’s local administering agencies and additional information about the program, go to LiheapIllinois.com, or call the toll-free hotline at 1 877 411-WARM.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Ashley Cross,  312-814-3158
Marcelyn Love, DCEO, 217-558-1542

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn Announces Availability of Home Heating Assistance Grants | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.