Where can seniors and persons with disabilities turn when living at home becomes:

2. Where can seniors and persons with disabilities turn when living at home becomes: • difficult? • isolating? • dangerous? They can turn to Supportive Living!

3. Supportive Living is here for seniors and persons with disabilities when: • They require help at a price they can afford • Skilled nursing provides “too” much care and support • Traditional assisted living becomes too much of a financial drain

4. What is Supportive Living? • A sensible solution to the growing need for affordable housing with services • Available to seniors or younger persons with disabilities • Combines independent living with personal care, support services and opportunities for socialization • Administered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services

5. Supportive Living Offers • Private apartment homes • studio/one bedroom/two bedroom options • Ability to furnish and decorate as residents wish • An optional financial assistance program • Lower rates than most traditional assisted living • Access to services include: • Three meals a day, plus snacks and beverages at all times • Housekeeping • Social, educational and wellness activities • Assistance with bathing and dressing • Medication management • Help with transportation • Access to various on-site amenities

6. Supportive Living Residents Benefit from: • The opportunity to live independently and self-sufficiently for as long as possible • A community of peers and supportive staff • Daily opportunities for socialization • Peace of mind that comes with knowing a helping hand is available if needed • A pro-active wellness program featuring activities, education, exercise and regular monitoring of residents’ health status

7. “Supportive Living is the answer to a prayer for me! I was told I could no longer live alone. I have my own apartment, but, if I need help, it’s available. I am still independent, but support is here, if needed. Things I am no longer able to do are done for me. I’m happy to be here. The staff is wonderful. They, and the residents, are my extended family.” M. Cast,River to River Community of Marion

8. Supportive Living Resident Profile • Typically 65 years or older/or younger individuals with disabilities aged 22-64 • Must be able to participate in their own care • Health needs do not require 24-hour care • Need for support services vary: • May require help with meals and housekeeping • May need medication assistance or help with daily activities • May benefit from the social and wellness aspects • Any combination of the above

9. “When our father’s health began failing, he decided to give Supportive Living a try. After just 7 months, he is comfortable in his residence, is familiar with the kind, helpful staff, and has no problems with transportation to appointments, shopping, etc. The staff takes care of his medical, financial, and housekeeping needs and we are so content to know he is in a safe, clean environment with people who care.” D. Horine Family, Grand Prairie

10. Supportive Living vs. Assisted Living • Both offer similar services • Assisted living tends to be more costly • Assisted living does not accept payment from Medicaid • Assisted living residents generally must leave if they cannot pay privately • Supportive Living residents do not have to leave after they use up private assets • Supportive Living offers qualified residents the opportunity to combine their own income with Medicaid to pay for services

11. Supportive Living vs. Nursing Homes • Supportive Living residents do not require 24-hour nursing care • Supportive Living offers apartments, not private or semi-private rooms • Supportive Living typically provides a more residential and independent lifestyle than a nursing home • Supportive Living provides residents with a more active and self-sufficient lifestyle that strongly promotes personal control and dignity

12. Who Qualifies for Supportive Living? • The Supportive Living Illinois program is open to residents of various financial resources who: • Undergo pre-admission screening • Are without a diagnosis of developmental disability or serious and persistent mental illness • Have had a negative TB test • Are not participating in another federal home and community-based waiver program

13. Who Qualifies for Supportive Living? • Additional criteria may apply for those seeking support through the Supportive Living financial assistance program Ask a Supportive Living residency counselor for more details

14. “My Supportive Living Facility allows me to still go about my business independently, yet provides me with the comforts of home. I enjoy the support of my neighbors & friends.” W.Woehlke, Manor at Mason Woods

15. Becoming a Supportive Living Resident • Contact a Supportive Living Residence near you • Visit with the staff • Tour the community and the apartment homes • Review services • Discuss individual needs with a residency counselor

16. “I enjoy being able to maintain my freedom, independence and making my own choices. Yet I have wonderful neighbors and staff nearby to support me when I need them.” P. Black, Heritage Woods of Chicago

17. Supportive Living – AGreat Solution Illinois’ Supportive Living program is one of the largest and most successful affordable assisted living models in the country. For more information and a list of facilities, visit: Affordable Assisted Living Coalition at: www.aalconline.org Supportive Living Illinois at: www.slfillinois.com

18. Brought to you by the Affordable Assisted Living Coalition Contact AALC for more information: (217) 525-0700 x 124 www.aalconline.org