Quinn salutes the Illinois General Assembly for passing the Comprehensive Care in Residential Settings Demonstration Project, a successful program for rural senior citizens that provides both affordable housing and supportive services

HERRIN -- Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn saluted the Illinois General Assembly for passing the Comprehensive Care in Residential Settings Demonstration Project (House Bill 4837), a successful program for rural senior citizens that provides both affordable housing and supportive services. 

 

The Comprehensive Care in Residential Settings Demonstration Project (CCRSDP) preserves a popular program scheduled to sunset in 2004 and authorizes the Department on Aging to establish and fund a demonstration project that allows senior citizens to live with privacy and within their own communities while receiving the specialized care they need. 

 

"This housing bill gives senior citizens the option of residing in a facility that offers supportive services such as three meals per day, housekeeping, laundry, 24-hour-a-day security, an emergency response system, transportation, personal care, activities medication management and a social service coordinator," Quinn said. 

 

Joining Quinn was Mayor of the City of Herrin Vic Ritter, State Representative John Bradley (D-17), State Senator Gary Forby (D-59) and Williamson County Commissioner Robert Barnett.  Other attendees include representatives from various state and local agencies, including the Department on Aging and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

 

"Unlike traditional nursing homes, the Comprehensive Care in Residential Settings Demonstration Project provides a balance between independence and supportive care," Quinn said.  "The next step in this legislation is to expand this project by making it permanent and not just a demonstration program." 

 

In September 2003, Governor Rod Blagojevich signed an Executive Order to establish a comprehensive housing initiative to facilitate the creation of affordable housing.  Quinn was appointed to the housing task force to help oversee the development of housing initiatives.  Quinn is chairman of the Governor's Rural Affair's Council, which is designed to strengthen the rural economy, improve education, increase access to health and dental care, and expand human service opportunities in rural Illinois.