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Home Care Powered By AUAF
Home Care Powered By AUAF episodes
- Is Private Home Care the Right Choice for Your Loved One?
Elena and Brooks ask whether private home care is the right choice for your loved one: what it includes, how it compares with assisted living and home health, who pays, and how to choose an agency.
- Private home care is non-medical help at home: personal care, meals, light housekeeping, errands and companionship. Caregivers give medication reminders, not medication.
- A personalized care plan sets the tasks, days and hours, and is reviewed as needs change.
- Home health care is different: part-time or intermittent skilled nursing or therapy ordered by a doctor.
- Medicare.gov (checked November 2026): Medicare does not pay for 24-hour care at home, home meal delivery, or personal care when that is the only care you need.
- Questions to ask an agency, starting with its Illinois Department of Public Health home services license.
This episode is general information, not personal medical or legal advice. Talk with the right professional about your own situation.
Home Care Powered by AUAF | homecare-aid.com
Blog Link: https://homecare-aid.com/is-private-home-care-the-right-choice-for-your-loved-one/
This episode uses AI-generated host voices.
Thank you for listening to the Home Care Powered by AUAF Podcast
Your trusted source for in-home senior care guidance across Chicagoland.Stay connected with us:
📍 Visit our website: www.homecare-aid.com
📍 Main Office Location: 4343 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712Phone Number: (773)-912-0587
Want to become a paid caregiver?
Learn how to care for a family member and earn income through the Illinois Community Care Program.We offer multilingual support — including Spanish, Polish, Farsi, Arabic, and Russian.
Our team is here to ensure every family can get the care they deserve, in the language they prefer.Follow us for updates and resources:
Let us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙
8 min - Why Elderly Care Can Be So Important
Elena and Brooks explain why elderly care can be so important: daily help at home, fall prevention, personalized care plans, emotional well-being and support for family caregivers.
- Caregivers help with bathing, meals, medication reminders, rides, light housekeeping and companionship; they give non-medical help only.
- CDC older adult falls data (2023 report): over 14 million adults 65 and older, about 1 in 4, report falling every year, and falls can be prevented.
- The American Geriatrics Society's Geriatrics 5Ms: Mind, Mobility, Medications, Multicomplexity and What Matters Most.
- MedlinePlus Magazine links loneliness and social isolation to heart disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression and cognitive decline.
- AARP's 2024 survey: 75% of adults 50 and older want to remain in their current homes as they age.
This episode is general information, not personal medical advice. Talk with the right professional about your own situation.
Home Care Powered by AUAF | homecare-aid.com
Blog Link: https://homecare-aid.com/why-caring-for-elderly-can-be-so-important/
This episode uses AI-generated host voices.
Thank you for listening to the Home Care Powered by AUAF Podcast
Your trusted source for in-home senior care guidance across Chicagoland.Stay connected with us:
📍 Visit our website: www.homecare-aid.com
📍 Main Office Location: 4343 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712Phone Number: (773)-912-0587
Want to become a paid caregiver?
Learn how to care for a family member and earn income through the Illinois Community Care Program.We offer multilingual support — including Spanish, Polish, Farsi, Arabic, and Russian.
Our team is here to ensure every family can get the care they deserve, in the language they prefer.Follow us for updates and resources:
Let us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙
8 min - What Do Caregivers Do for the Elderly? Key Duties Explained
Elena and Brooks explain what caregivers do for the elderly: personal care, meals, medication reminders, errands, home safety and companionship, plus the difference between home health and in-home care.
- Personal care covers bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting and moving safely around the home.
- Non-medical caregivers give medication reminders, but they do not give medication or change doses.
- CDC fall prevention tips: clear trip hazards, add grab bars and stair railings, and brighten the lighting.
- Home health is medical care ordered by a provider; Medicare.gov (checked November 2026) says Medicare does not pay for personal care when it is the only care needed.
- Signs a senior may need help include skipped meals, missed medication, trouble bathing, a recent fall and spending most days alone.
This episode is general information, not personal medical advice. Talk with the right professional about your own situation.
Home Care Powered by AUAF | homecare-aid.com
Blog Link: https://homecare-aid.com/what-do-caregivers-do-for-the-elderly/
This episode uses AI-generated host voices.
Thank you for listening to the Home Care Powered by AUAF Podcast
Your trusted source for in-home senior care guidance across Chicagoland.Stay connected with us:
📍 Visit our website: www.homecare-aid.com
📍 Main Office Location: 4343 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712Phone Number: (773)-912-0587
Want to become a paid caregiver?
Learn how to care for a family member and earn income through the Illinois Community Care Program.We offer multilingual support — including Spanish, Polish, Farsi, Arabic, and Russian.
Our team is here to ensure every family can get the care they deserve, in the language they prefer.Follow us for updates and resources:
Let us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙
6 min - Illinois Medicaid & Paid Caregiver Programs
Elena and Brooks explain Illinois Medicaid paid caregiver programs: how the Community Care Program (CCP) works, who qualifies, who can be the paid caregiver, and how hours and pay are set.
- CCP serves Illinois residents 60 and older with $17,500 or less in non-exempt assets (Illinois Department on Aging).
- Eligibility, services and hours are decided by your Care Coordination Unit, not by the agency.
- A relative, friend, neighbor or legal guardian can be hired as a Home Care Aide of Choice; a spouse only when the CCU documents extraordinary care (IDoA policy, October 9, 2025).
- Since October 1, 2026, a federal law (H.R. 1) changed which non-citizens qualify for CCP and Medicaid.
- Home Care Powered by AUAF currently pays caregivers $21 an hour, as of November 2026; hours follow the plan of care.
This episode is general information, not personal legal or benefits advice. Talk with your care coordinator about your own situation.
Home Care Powered by AUAF | homecare-aid.com
Blog Link: https://homecare-aid.com/illinois-medicaid-paid-caregiver-programs/
This episode uses AI-generated host voices.
Thank you for listening to the Home Care Powered by AUAF Podcast
Your trusted source for in-home senior care guidance across Chicagoland.Stay connected with us:
📍 Visit our website: www.homecare-aid.com
📍 Main Office Location: 4343 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712Phone Number: (773)-912-0587
Want to become a paid caregiver?
Learn how to care for a family member and earn income through the Illinois Community Care Program.We offer multilingual support — including Spanish, Polish, Farsi, Arabic, and Russian.
Our team is here to ensure every family can get the care they deserve, in the language they prefer.Follow us for updates and resources:
Let us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙
7 min - How Much Do Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving in Illinois?
Elena and Brooks explain how much family members get paid for caregiving in Illinois, who sets the hours, who can be hired, and when paid care begins.
- Family members hired by Home Care Powered by AUAF as home care aides currently earn $21 an hour (as of October 2026).
- Total pay depends on the hours in the plan of care, which the Care Coordination Unit sets.
- A spouse, power of attorney, or representative payee needs CCU-documented extraordinary care (IDoA policy 2.2.101).
- Paid care starts after the CCU paperwork and hiring; there is no back pay.
- Eligibility, services and hours are decided by your Care Coordination Unit (CCU).
General information, not personal tax, legal or financial advice.
Blog Link: https://homecare-aid.com/how-much-do-family-members-get-paid-for-caregiving-in-illinois/
This episode uses AI-generated host voices.
Thank you for listening to the Home Care Powered by AUAF Podcast
Your trusted source for in-home senior care guidance across Chicagoland.Stay connected with us:
📍 Visit our website: www.homecare-aid.com
📍 Main Office Location: 4343 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712Phone Number: (773)-912-0587
Want to become a paid caregiver?
Learn how to care for a family member and earn income through the Illinois Community Care Program.We offer multilingual support — including Spanish, Polish, Farsi, Arabic, and Russian.
Our team is here to ensure every family can get the care they deserve, in the language they prefer.Follow us for updates and resources:
Let us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙
7 min - Bringing Your Own Clients to a Company: What Illinois Home Care Rules Say
Elena and Brooks explain why caregivers cannot bring or transfer clients to a home care agency in Illinois, and what to do if you already care for a loved one.
- Under the Community Care Program, the participant chooses the provider, and the Care Coordination Unit handles any change.
- A family member, friend, neighbor, or legal guardian can be hired as an HCA of Choice if they qualify.
- A spouse, power of attorney, or representative payee needs CCU-documented extraordinary care.
- Paid care starts after the CCU paperwork and hiring; there is no back pay.
- Eligibility, services and hours are decided by your Care Coordination Unit (CCU).
General information, not personal legal or financial advice.
Blog Link: https://homecare-aid.com/home-care-bringing-your-own-clients-to-a-company/
This episode uses AI-generated host voices.
Thank you for listening to the Home Care Powered by AUAF Podcast
Your trusted source for in-home senior care guidance across Chicagoland.Stay connected with us:
📍 Visit our website: www.homecare-aid.com
📍 Main Office Location: 4343 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712Phone Number: (773)-912-0587
Want to become a paid caregiver?
Learn how to care for a family member and earn income through the Illinois Community Care Program.We offer multilingual support — including Spanish, Polish, Farsi, Arabic, and Russian.
Our team is here to ensure every family can get the care they deserve, in the language they prefer.Follow us for updates and resources:
Let us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙
7 min - What Is the Income Limit for Medicaid Home Care in Illinois?
Elena and Brooks walk through the Illinois Medicaid income limit for 2026 and what it means for families planning home care for a parent through the Community Care Program.
- AABD Medical, which covers seniors 65 and older, is $1,330 a month for one person and $1,803 for a couple in 2026.
- Countable assets must stay at $17,500 or less; the home, one car and personal belongings are usually exempt.
- Spenddown works like a deductible, so medical bills can still open Medicaid coverage when income is over the limit.
- The Community Care Program does not list an income cutoff, but the senior must apply for Medicaid.
- Appeals must be filed within 60 days of a denial letter, and there is no penalty for applying.
Full article: homecare-aid.com
This episode is general information, not personal legal or benefits advice. Talk with an IDHS caseworker or a benefits counselor about your own situation.
This episode uses AI-generated host voices.
Thank you for listening to the Home Care Powered by AUAF Podcast
Your trusted source for in-home senior care guidance across Chicagoland.Stay connected with us:
📍 Visit our website: www.homecare-aid.com
📍 Main Office Location: 4343 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712Phone Number: (773)-912-0587
Want to become a paid caregiver?
Learn how to care for a family member and earn income through the Illinois Community Care Program.We offer multilingual support — including Spanish, Polish, Farsi, Arabic, and Russian.
Our team is here to ensure every family can get the care they deserve, in the language they prefer.Follow us for updates and resources:
Let us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙
7 min - Recreational Sports for Seniors: Fun Ways to Stay Active
Elena and Brooks walk through recreational sports for seniors: why sports help older adults, how to pick safe options, the best low-impact sports, senior games, sports gear, and how to start slowly.
- The CDC advises adults 65 and older to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, plus strength and balance work (checked October 2026).
- Pickleball, golf, bowling, tai chi and water aerobics are low-impact sports many seniors enjoy.
- Mayo Clinic says tai chi may improve balance and lower the risk of falls.
- The National Senior Games Association lists 28 sports for athletes 50 and older; the next National Senior Games are in Tulsa in 2027.
- Start with 10 to 15 minutes, warm up, drink water, and stop if pain feels sharp or unusual.
This episode is general information, not personal medical advice. Talk with your doctor before starting a new sport.
Home Care Powered by AUAF | homecare-aid.com
Blog Link: https://homecare-aid.com/recreational-sports-as-fitness-for-seniors/
This episode uses AI-generated host voices.
Thank you for listening to the Home Care Powered by AUAF Podcast
Your trusted source for in-home senior care guidance across Chicagoland.Stay connected with us:
📍 Visit our website: www.homecare-aid.com
📍 Main Office Location: 4343 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712Phone Number: (773)-912-0587
Want to become a paid caregiver?
Learn how to care for a family member and earn income through the Illinois Community Care Program.We offer multilingual support — including Spanish, Polish, Farsi, Arabic, and Russian.
Our team is here to ensure every family can get the care they deserve, in the language they prefer.Follow us for updates and resources:
Let us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙
7 min - What Are Home Care Services? Types of Home Care Explained
Elena and Brooks explain what home care services are, the main types of non-medical home care, how home care differs from home health care, and how Illinois families pay for care.
- Home care is non-medical help that lets an older adult keep living at home: personal care, homemaker services, companionship and respite.
- Home health care is a separate medical service, such as nursing or therapy, that a doctor orders.
- Medicare does not pay for 24-hour care at home or for personal care when that is the only care you need (Medicare.gov, checked October 2026).
- Illinois' Community Care Program serves residents 60 and older with $17,500 or less in non-exempt assets (as of October 2026).
- When you choose an agency, ask about caregiver training, background checks, schedules and payment options.
This episode is general information, not personal medical or legal advice. Talk with the right professional about your own situation.
Home Care Powered by AUAF | homecare-aid.com
Blog Link: https://homecare-aid.com/what-is-home-cares-meaning-what-are-the-different-types-of-home-care/
This episode uses AI-generated host voices.
Thank you for listening to the Home Care Powered by AUAF Podcast
Your trusted source for in-home senior care guidance across Chicagoland.Stay connected with us:
📍 Visit our website: www.homecare-aid.com
📍 Main Office Location: 4343 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712Phone Number: (773)-912-0587
Want to become a paid caregiver?
Learn how to care for a family member and earn income through the Illinois Community Care Program.We offer multilingual support — including Spanish, Polish, Farsi, Arabic, and Russian.
Our team is here to ensure every family can get the care they deserve, in the language they prefer.Follow us for updates and resources:
Let us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙
7 min - Caregiver Support Groups in Chicago area
Elena and Brooks walk through caregiver support groups in the Chicago area: in-person, virtual and condition-specific groups, free help lines, and how to choose the right group.
- The Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter offers groups by webinar, phone or in person, and a 24-hour Helpline at 800.272.3900.
- NAMI Chicago runs virtual family support groups, and says all of its support groups are free.
- Chicago Commons hosts a caregiver group on Zoom on the first Thursday of each month, led by a RUSH clinical social worker.
- Chicago's Senior Services Hotline (312-744-4016) and the Illinois Senior HelpLine (1-800-252-8966) connect caregivers with programs.
- Before you join, ask about the group's focus, format, leader and cost, and confirm the next meeting date.
This episode is general information, not personal medical or legal advice. Talk with the right professional about your own situation.
Home Care Powered by AUAF | homecare-aid.com
Blog Link: https://homecare-aid.com/caregiver-support-groups-in-chicago-area/
This episode uses AI-generated host voices.
Thank you for listening to the Home Care Powered by AUAF Podcast
Your trusted source for in-home senior care guidance across Chicagoland.Stay connected with us:
📍 Visit our website: www.homecare-aid.com
📍 Main Office Location: 4343 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712Phone Number: (773)-912-0587
Want to become a paid caregiver?
Learn how to care for a family member and earn income through the Illinois Community Care Program.We offer multilingual support — including Spanish, Polish, Farsi, Arabic, and Russian.
Our team is here to ensure every family can get the care they deserve, in the language they prefer.Follow us for updates and resources:
Let us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙
6 min
About Home Care Powered By AUAF
From the publisher's feed
Welcome to the Home Care Powered By AUAF podcast — your go-to resource for expert insights and practical guidance on senior care and in-home support services across Illinois. Whether…
you're caring for a loved one or exploring care options for yourself, this podcast is here to inform, inspire, and support you every step of the way.
Each episode covers essential topics like how to become a paid family caregiver, understanding Medicaid-based home care, tips for seniors aging at home, caregiver wellness, and more. Hosted by our compassionate care experts, we bring real conversations and trusted advice to help families make confident care decisions.
This podcast is presented by Home Care Powered By AUAF — a licensed Illinois home care agency with over 30 years of service. Learn more about our programs and services by visiting www.homecare-aid.com.
Because when it comes to caring for your loved ones, we’re with you every step of the way.