Humans Services Committee Meeting

May 5, 2014

City of Evanston

Expanded Senior Services

Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department

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Senior Services There are a wide range of services that improvethe quality of life of seniors in the community.

A few examples ……..

Support services

•Snow shoveling

•Information and referral

•Long-Term Care Ombudsman program

Recreation Activities

•Fitness and Athletics

•Art, Dance and Music programs

•Open gym and senior basketball teams

Educational Programs

•Computer and Language classes

•Health and wellness seminars

•Financial seminars

•Brain exercise and memory programs

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What is the definition ofa senior in Evanston?

Individuals 55 and better

(*Many supportive services for

seniors that are underwritten

by government funds

are available to

adults age 60 and older*)

Senior Services

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Senior demographics in Evanston

DemographicsSeniors in Evanston

 Year  2000 2010

Total Evanston population 74,239 74,486 

55 to 59 years 4,559 4,567

60 to 64 years 3,565 3,777

65 to 74 years 4,023 4,537

75 to 84 years 2,795 2,809

85 years and over 1,903 1,739

Total Evanston senior population 16,845 17,429

Percentage of Evanston 22.10% 23.4%

SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 and 2010 Census of Population

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DemographicsEvanston Senior Housing

 Year2010 

# of Residents Livingin Long Term Care Facilities

# of thoseover age 55

Total Evanston population 74,486    

Total Evanston seniors 

17,429

Independent Living (Mather, Three Crowns, Pres. Homes, NSRH)    773  773

Assisted Living/Shelter Care 421 421

 Intermediate Care 723 342

Intermediate Care Facility/Developmentally Disabled (ICF/DD) 12 5

Skilled Care 577 566 

Senior Housing (HACC and HUD facilities)

JACOB BLAKE MANOR 1615 Emerson

PERLMAN APARTMENTS 1900 Sherman Ave.

PRIMM TOWER 1001 Emerson

WALCHIRK APARTMENTS 2300 Noyes Court 383 317

TOTALS: 2,889 2,424

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These long-term care facilities are licensed and regulated in Evanston.

Assisted Living and Nursing Facilities licensed by the state

1. Alden Estates of Evanston

2. The Highlands & McGaw - Presbyterian Homes

3. The King Home - Presbyterian Homes

4. The Mather

5. Three Crowns Park

6. Dobson Plaza Nursing Home

7. Evanston Nursing and Rehabilitation

8. The Grove

Facilities for persons with mental illness and developmental disabilities

1. Albany Care

2. Greenwood Care

3. Shore Homes East

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Commission on Aging

provide advocacy and ombudsman services in long-term care facilities;

Levy Center Advisory Board

provide recommendations to City staff and the Parks and Recreation Board regarding the activities at the Levy Center

“Age Friendly Evanston!” Taskforce

provide recommendations to Mayor Tisdahl and the City Council on the creation and implementation of an action plan supporting the Age Friendly Initiative

** Levy Senior Center Foundation

separate nonprofit raising fund to supplement Levy Center operating budget

City of Evanston Senior ServicesBoards, Commissions and Committees

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Senior Services Public Partnerships

Age Options

AARP

Arthritis Foundation

CEDA Neighbors at Work

Housing Authority of the County of Cook

State of Illinois Department on Aging

State of Illinois Department of Insurance

Secretary of State

CTA/RTA/Pace

Senior Services Private Partnerships

North Shore Senior Center – Evanston Social Service office

Mather LifeWays

North Shore Retirement Hotel – “MERION”

SASI

Presbyterian Homes

File of L.I.F.E

• The File of L.I.F.E., a plastic pouch with a bright red sticker, contains an information sheet for residents to indicate their medical history, prescriptions, allergies and emergency contacts.

• This pouch is placed inside the individual’s freezer where emergency response personnel have been trained to look when responding to medical emergencies.

• The File of L.I.F.E. (Lifesaving Information for Emergencies) is a nationally-recognized program.

• This program is sponsored by the Evanston Police & Fire Foundation

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An example of a terrific partnership:

GRANDPARENTS AS CAREGIVERS IN EVANSTON

Senior Services

There are 1,040 grandparents living in

an Evanston household with one or

more of their own grandchildren under

the age of 18,of which 356

grandparents are solely responsible for

their grandchildren.SOURCE:

U.S. Bureau of the Census, Census 2009

The Levy Center houses the North Shore Senior Center

Evanston

Social Services Office

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program

There are 27 families that participate in this monthly

support group.

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The staff is assisted by over 100 volunteers who contribute over 10,000 hours of their time annually.

Volunteers for classes or programs:

Woodcarving instructor

Computer Lab

Special Events

Congregate meal program

Robert Pantoga, Attorney

Jack Lerman, Art Instructor *

Volunteers for services:

Ombudsman

SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program)

AARP Tax Income Preparers

Levy Center Gift Shop and Levy Center Garden

Senior ServicesVolunteers

* An example is the Community Service

Program of the Noyes Cultural Arts Center,

which provides a weekly art class

instructor at the Levy Senior Center.

This allows members to take art classes

at no cost!

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SHAP (Senior Health Assistance Program)

provide information on medical and health care plans and programs

Ombudsman

provide advocacy for long-term care facility residents

The state is expanding all ombudsman services to participants who reside in their own home. This is a reimbursement program based on projected eligible participants in the managed care and medical assistance waiver services: 2,241 eligible participants in Evanston

Money Follows the Person

assists Medicaid-eligible residents who live in inpatient facilities to move into their own homes and communities with support

Ombudsman Bed Tax

assists with supporting the ombudsman services in facilities and expand the home and community- ‐based services

Senior ServicesGrants

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In its 4th year, Senior Services receives a grant for Congregate Meal Nutrition Services of Title III-C funds under the Older Americans Act.

This grant offsets the cost of each meal and no eligible senior shall be denied participation because of inability to contribute.

This provides well-balanced meals designed to meet the nutritional needs and expectations of seniors 60 and over.

Levy Center Garden Café

Mon-Fri 11:30am – 1pm

Fleetwood Wisdom Café

Wed 11:30 – 1pm

*suggested donation $4.50 per meal

Senior ServicesNutrition for community seniorsCongregate Meal programs at Levy Center and Fleetwood Jourdain Community Center

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The Levy Center is home to the Silver Sneakers Fitness® program

 More than 65 major plans across the United States offer the Healthways

SilverSneakers Fitness Program as a part of their Medicare Advantage or Medicare

Supplement and group retiree plans.

SilverSneakers is delivered through a nationwide network of participating locations such as YMCAs, Curves®, gyms, wellness

centers and other facilities.

The Levy Center began offering the Healthways Silver Sneakers fitness program a year ago.

This medicare health insurance plan offers gym memberships and a Silver Sneakers class.

Healthways has

•provided equipment (free weights, elastic tubing and resistance balls)

•reimburses the City for each SilverSneakers class their members participate in at Levy Center

This program helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events.

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Levy Center BusThis free shuttle bus takes members to and from the Levy Senior Center. It also brings seniors to the main Evanston Public Library and to local grocery stores weekly.

Evanston Subsidized Taxicab Program

This program is available to qualifying seniors and mobility-impaired residents.

Public Transportation - “Seniors Ride Free”The Levy Center is a designated RTA registration site to apply for the Reduced Fare Card.

Evanston Wheel Tax Discounts (formerly Vehicle Sticker) This program provides a 50% discount on one registered vehicle per household to Evanston seniors over the age of 65

Senior ServicesSenior ServicesTransportation for community seniors

The Levy Senior Center buswas generously donated by the

Levy Family Foundation!

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Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center

The Foster Club is a group of seniors who meet each Wednesdayat the FJCC for programs and activities.

This group also enjoys weekly lunches together, drama club, exercise sessions and day trips throughout the year

The annual Fashion Show is the Foster Senior Club’s only fundraiser.All proceeds support events and outings held throughout the year.

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Levy Center focuses on individuals 55 and better during weekdays.

In the evening and on weekends, the facility is open to others in the community.

Facility Hours

Monday – Friday 7am – 9pm

Saturday & Sunday 9am – 3pm

Great spaces!

• Garden

• Computer Lab

• Library

• Gift Shop

• Walking “track”

• Fitness room

• Garden Café

• Game room

Senior Services

Levy Center programsand classes include:

computer training

fitness classes(Tai Chi to Belly Dance)

classes in the arts(ceramics and jewelry making to musical groups)

card games(bid whist to bridge)

discussion groups

(book club and current events to African American Genealogy)

… just to name a few!

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The Levy Senior Center earned national accreditation

from theNational Institute

of Senior Centers,a constituent unit of the

National Council on Aging.

There are 11,000senior centers nationwide.Of the 400 senior centers

in this state, the Levy Centeris only the 6th to

receive national accreditation!

The Levy Center’s

accountability and quality of services was proven as the nine

standards of senior center operations were met.

The Levy Centerstaff and volunteers are

preparing to reapply in

2015!

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One appointment! One application! One Card! Six programs!

In one step, residents qualify for certain benefits in the community, such as

Subsidized Taxicab Program

Wheel Tax Discounts (formerly Vehicle Sticker)

Recreation Program Fee Assistance

Yard Waste Stickers & Cart Discount

Handyman Program *

Merchant Discounts

*Regardless of income, residents age 80 or older qualify for benefits above except Handyman which is based upon age and income.*

Senior ServicesEvanston Benefit Card

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A few examples …..

• AARP driving course • AARP income tax preparation • Medicare counseling • RTA registration site • Secretary of State Mobile ID Unit• Benefit Access Program (formerly Circuit Breaker program)

Senior ServicesCommunity Services

Frequently asked question….Q What does the Benefit Access Program

cover?

A • Seniors Free Transit Ride

•The Persons with Disabilities Free Transit Ride

• Secretary of State License Plate Discount

Prescription Discount Card sponsored by the National League of Cities

The Prescription Discount Card is available to Evanston residents through a program sponsored by the National League of Cities (NLC).

This program reduces the costs of prescription drugs for residents who are without medication coverage or have prescriptions that are not covered by insurance or other programs.

The card is FREE to all Evanston residents, regardless of age, income or existing health insurance. By using this card, residents may save an average of 20% off the regular retail price of prescription drugs.

Evanston residents do not need to complete an enrollment form or pay a fee to obtain a discount on medications.

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Aging Well Conference & Film Festival

The Aging Well Conference and Film Festival for older adults, their families, professionals and other caregivers will include a wide range of topics.

Admission to both events is free. All costs are underwritten by the collaborating organizations and sponsors, including the City of Evanston

City staff participate on the planning committee, assist in the promotion and logistics of both events and provide transportation to the Conference through the Levy Center.

Aging Well Film Festival Wednesday, May 7, 2014 7:00 p.m. at the Evanston Public Library

Aging Well Conference Friday, May 9, 2014 8:30 a.m. at the Three Crowns Park

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“Age Friendly Evanston!"

•The City of Evanston is joining the World Health Organization (WHO)’s “Age Friendly Cities” project to provide a system to educate, encourage, promote, and recognize improvements that will make Evanston more user-friendly not only for senior residents but for residents of all ages.

• Mayoral appointed task force

• Assessment of age friendliness

• Development of three year action plan through focus groups, roundtable discussions and working groups

Public meeting to unveil senior service feedback results on

Friday, May 23, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the McGaw YMCA

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“Age Friendly Evanston!"

• Chairperson, Susan Cherco• Transportation, Helen Gagel• Social Participation, Jo-Ann

Cromer• Respect & Social Inclusion,

Dorothy Strong• Housing, Wayne Heimbach • Outdoor Spaces & Buildings,

Susan Canter• Communication &

Information, Martha Holmes• Community & Health

Services, John Barfield• Civic Participation &

Employment, Isidro Lucas

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Comments,questions

and suggestions

Senior Services