Help for Seniors
Catholic Charities - Services to Seniors
Senior citizens (age 60 or older) have a significant source of help right in West Peoria's "own backyard" at the Catholic Charities located at 2900 W. Heading Avenue. Seniors living in their own homes or apartments can avail themselves of either of two Catholic Charities' programs designed to help them maintain their independence, to improve their quality of life, and to delay or prevent nursing home care. The Senior Counseling Program-a professional counseling service-helps seniors cope with issues such as isolation, depression, chronic illness, housing, and financial matters. The Caring Companions Program--a volunteer program--is designed to improve the quality of life for seniors who live alone. These volunteers provide socialization, transportation, training on safety issues, and assistance with activities of daily living. Referrals to receive these free services are accepted from the seniors themselves or from their families or from community service providers on their behalf. These services are offered to seniors from Peoria, Woodford, Tazewell, Fulton, Marshall, or Stark counties.
To make a referral or to seek more information, contact Ruth Urbanc, Senior Services Program Coodinator, at 309-636-807l or email her at atrurbanc@ccdop.org.
SeniorStrength Elder Abuse Program
West Peorians have a reputation for looking out for the welfare of their neighbors. Often some older residents--who are not able to protect themselves from harm-may need the help of neighbors who may have to do no more than to report the possibility of elder abuse. A phone call to SeniorStrength (309-637-3905) may save a victim of elder abuse that can be emotional, physical, or sexual abuse; confinement; passive neglect; willful deprivation; or financial exploitation. SeniorStrength caseworkers are authorized and mandated by the Illinois Department on Aging to investigate all such reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the elderly (age 60 or older) who reside either in their own homes or in their caregivers' homes.
SeniorStrength adheres to the following provisions of the Illinois Elder Abuse and Neglect Act of 1998:
- People who in good faith report suspected abuse shall be immune from criminal or civil liability. This act further provides that the identity of the reporter shall not be disclosed except with the written permission of the reporter or by order of the court.
- An older person has the right to self-determination; no decisions are made with a competent adult without his or her involvement and consent.