Seniors Throughout Illinois Showcase Their Skills

March 21, 2013 - PRLog -- Each April, the Affordable Assisted Living Coalition (AALC) works with Supportive Living Facilities (SLF) throughout the state to help raise awareness about the amazing things Supportive Living residents are capable of doing.  This year’s theme, “Happiness is Spelled SLF,” highlights the community spirit that lives within each Supportive Living Facility in Illinois.  During the month, Supportive Living Facilities will host a variety of activities for their senior and disabled residents as well as urging them to participate in AALC’s annual statewide Wii Bowling competition, a Legislative Day visit to the Capitol and this year’s competition highlight --a Spelling Bee.

“In a time when so many seniors are left alone or forgotten altogether this is an opportunity to reinforce their talents and ability to contribute to their communities,” said Wayne Smallwood, Executive Director of AALC. “It’s exciting to see Supportive Living Facilities embrace the activities we’ve planned. Even during a period of financial turmoil, they put the needs of their residents first. It’s inspiring.”

Supportive Living Week started out as a simple idea and has since grown into a popular and much anticipated annual event among Supportive Living Facilities.  Now in its sixth year, Supportive Living Week activities take place throughout the month, giving seniors a chance to get involved and compete in a number of ways. Additionally, many Supportive Living Facilities hold Open Houses to help celebrate and promote the benefits of the Supportive Living Program.  The general public as well as elected officials are invited to attend these events to gain firsthand knowledge of the contributions Supportive Living Facilities, and their residents provide to their communities.

“Each year our residents look forward to participating in friendly competitions. We have teams of Wii bowlers competing against themselves and other facilities across the state,” said Melinda Huett, manager of Supportive Living of Washington. “And last year, we uncovered the hidden talents of our seniors during the talent competition. Between the Wii Bowling, the visit to Springfield to meet with the Governor, and this year’s Spelling Bee, our residents feel like viable contributors to the community.”

Administered through the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Illinois’ Supportive Living program is one of the most affordable senior living programs in the nation.  Since 1999, the Supportive Living model has provided senior citizens and disabled individuals throughout Illinois with a sensible, cost-effective solution for affordable, residential living and support services.

Supportive living not only helps our seniors and the disabled, it also plays a big role in reducing the State’s Medicaid costs. Supportive Living Facilities are paid at 54% of nursing home rates for financially-qualified people who would otherwise be in nursing homes. In fact, Supportive Living saves Illinois millions of dollars annually over the cost of institutionalization. In addition, Supportive Living residents who qualify are offered a Medicaid-funded financial assistance program, previously only available in nursing home settings—that makes the cost of these assisted living-type services more affordable to those with modest means.

Supportive Living allows residents to play an active role in their own care and day-to-day decision-making. In addition, Supportive Living residents benefit from a sense of community and feeling of camaraderie that living among peers and having the opportunities to socialize on a regular basis through many activities.

For more information on Supportive Living please visit www.aalconline.org.