Resource Directory /

Chicago Home Care Resources

  • DSCC’s Health Care Transition Tip Sheet

    Health care transition means moving from pediatric (child) to adult health care. A good transition takes planning. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) can help you and your family plan for transition. It includes information on who should help with health care transition planning, where to find resources and steps you can take to get the services you need so you can lead the kind of life you want to have.

    Health Care Transition tip sheet in English

    Health Care Transition tip sheet in Spanish

  • Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities

    The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) helps lead change in Illinois so all people with developmental disabilities exercise their right to equal opportunity and freedom.

    ICDD provides information, investments and initiatives to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families have a part in the design of and access to culturally competent services, supports and other assistance and opportunities that promote independence, productivity and integration and inclusion into the community.

  • HealthWell Foundation

    The HealthWell Foundation aims to reduce financial barriers to care for underinsured patients with chronic or life-altering diseases. It provides financial assistance to eligible individuals to cover copays, health care premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.

  • Illinois Respite Coalition

    The Illinois Respite Coalition (IRC) is a not-for-profit organization of caregivers and respite providers dedicated to supporting families and ensuring access to quality respite services for the residents of Illinois. The IRC assists caregivers by connecting them to resources in their area, providing training on respite topics and having funding available for emergency respite. The IRC helps caregivers of individuals across the lifespan with any disability.

    The Emergency Respite Care Program offers funding and resources to support caregivers who are not receiving any respite services and have an urgent need for respite care in the absence of any other funding source.  Emergency respite care may be for an unplanned or planned event for reasons including:

    • Caregiver illness (physical, mental or emotional)
    • Caregiver hospitalization
    • Work-related situation
    • Reduction of stress level

    The website gives examples of qualifying circumstances and information on how to apply. See the emergency care flyer for more details. (The flyer is also available in Spanish.)

    For more information contact:

    • The Illinois Respite Coalition at (866) ILL-RESP (455-7377)
    • Statewide Coordinator Tammy Foster at tfoster@illinoisrespitecoalition.org or (866) 455-7377, ext. 104
    • Spanish-speaking callers may call (866) 455-7377, ext. 103

  • DSCC’s Solving Problems and Making Your Own Decisions Tip Sheet

    The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare and their families/caregivers build important problem-solving and decision-making skills. This tip sheet includes suggestions, steps and resources for developing the skills you need to be more independent and responsible as an adult.

    Solving Problems and Making Your Own Decisions tip sheet in English

    Solving Problems and Making Your Own Decisions tip sheet in Spanish

  • Medical Grants Through United Healthcare Children’s Foundation

    United Healthcare Children’s Foundation’s (UHCCF) mission is to help fill the gap between what medical services/items/equipment a child needs and what their commercial health benefit plan will pay for.

    UHCCF grants provide financial help/assistance for families with children that have medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health insurance plan.

    To be eligible for grants, children must be 16 years of age or younger at the time of application and have a Social Security number. Eligible families must also meet UHCCF’s economic guidelines.

    Families could receive up to $5,000 annually and $10,000 a lifetime per child for eligible medical services, treatment therapies, items and equipment.

  • 211

    United Way supports 211, a free and confidential service that helps people across North America find the local resources they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    A toll-free call to 211 connects you to a community resource specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations that provide critical services that can improve and lives. You can find information about supplemental food and nutrition programs, shelter and housing options, utility assistance, disaster relief, employment and education opportunities, and more.