Home Care Powered By AUAF

Sam

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.

  1. 5d ago

    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 60712 Phone 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: FacebookInstagramLinkedInLet us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙

  2. 5d ago

    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 60712 Phone 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: FacebookInstagramLinkedInLet us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙

  3. Oct 27

    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 60712 Phone 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: FacebookInstagramLinkedInLet us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙

    What Is the Income Limit for Medicaid Home Care in Illinois?
  4. Oct 25

    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 60712 Phone 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: FacebookInstagramLinkedInLet us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙

  5. Oct 25

    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 60712 Phone 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: FacebookInstagramLinkedInLet us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙

  6. Oct 23

    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 60712 Phone 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: FacebookInstagramLinkedInLet us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙

  7. Oct 21

    Dementia and Wandering: Supporting Home Safety for Seniors and Their Families

    Wandering can create serious safety concerns for families caring for a senior with dementia at home. This episode explains how familiar routines, family involvement, scheduled home care, and changing supervision needs can all factor into a safer care plan. What dementia-related wandering can look likeHow familiar routines can support daily lifeWays scheduled home care can provide companionship and supportWhy home care cannot guarantee wandering preventionHow family caregivers can work with the healthcare teamWhen changing needs may require additional supervisionThe difference between scheduled home care and around-the-clock careUnderstanding the limits of each care option can help families have informed conversations about home safety, supervision, and the level of support their loved one may need. Blog Link: Supporting Home Safety for Seniors With Dementia and Wandering Concerns 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 60712 Phone 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: FacebookInstagramLinkedInLet us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙

  8. Oct 18

    Home Care Support for Seniors Living With Diabetes: Daily Help for Aging at Home

    Living with diabetes can make everyday routines more challenging for some older adults. This episode explains how non-medical home care can support seniors with daily activities while diabetes treatment and medical decisions remain with qualified healthcare professionals. How caregivers support everyday routinesThe role of medication remindersHow caregivers assist with meal preparationPersonal care and mobility support for seniorsHow companionship can support daily lifeThe difference between home care and home health careWhen families may consider additional home care supportWith the right daily support, seniors living with diabetes can receive practical assistance at home while their healthcare team continues to manage their medical care. Blog Link: Home Care Support for Seniors Living With Diabetes 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 60712 Phone 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: FacebookInstagramLinkedInLet us support your caregiving journey—every step of the way. 💙

About

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.