Homebound Seniors Can Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine at Home

Seniors who live at home are still a highly at-risk group for COVID-19. And while the COVID-19 vaccine rollout has accelerated greatly in recent months, with vaccine centers opening in sports arenas, empty department stores, and even in the occasional local tavern; seniors who are homebound have been left behind. However, the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has partnered with local organizations to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine to seniors who live at home.

Which Seniors Qualify for the COVID-19 Vaccine at Home Program?

Seniors in at-home care qualify for the program if they are

• 65 or older, OR
• Have a disability, OR
• Use adaptive equipment like a walker, wheelchair or ventilator, AND
• Unable to leave the home because it is too difficult, AND
• Live in Cook County (except Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park or Stickney. For those areas, see below)

Seniors can sign up to receive the vaccine from the CCDPH homebound vaccine program by calling them at (833) 308-1988, or they can sign up for the vaccine online. A partner organization will contact you once you’ve signed up. They will schedule a visit to administer the vaccine to you. As with all COVID-19 vaccines, this program is at no cost to seniors.

Seniors at Home in Chicago, Evanston, and Skokie can Also Get the Vaccine at Home

Because these municipalities have their own Health Departments, residents of these areas are not eligible for the CCDPH program. However, many have their own programs that are vaccinating seniors who are homebound. Skokie residents can call the Department of Health at (847) 779-7726 to set up an appointment for themselves or an elderly loved one.

In Evanston, homebound seniors can fill out this form to be contacted by the city for an appointment. And Chicago seniors who cannot leave home can contact the Protect Chicago Homebound program to receive the vaccine in their home.

Illinois Seniors Outside Cook County Who Live at Home

The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends that seniors looking for the COVID-19 vaccine and who are unable to leave home living outside of Cook County should contact their local public health department to find out if a mobile vaccination program exists. Many counties and municipalities say they are working through a large number of requests for at-home vaccinations, and seniors should expect to have something of a wait before they can get vaccinated.

Having At-Home Care can Help You Get Vaccinated

The process of getting the COVID-19 vaccine may be intimidating for seniors who live at home.  An in-home caregiver can make the process easier. By assisting with technology or organization, and they can help with filling out forms that may be required.

Home Care Powered by AUAF Delivers Quality Home Care

Home Care Powered by AUAF has served as a Chicagoland elderly in-home care agency for over 25 years. We are structured to provide specific levels of senior home care services for your loved one. Our elderly in-home care assistance is an alternative to an assisted living facility or nursing home. This allows your loved one to enjoy independence and the comfort of home.

Depending on your specific needs, a personal plan of at-home care is created so you or your loved one can receive help a few hours a day. Our in-home caregivers are trained to provide customized, one-on-one elderly care. Because we want our clients to continue to do the things they enjoy, while maintaining peace of mind, our home care aides hours are flexible and varied. Home care providers are available for elderly in-home care services seven days a week, between 6am-10pm.

Whether your trying to schedule a vaccine appointment, need assistance with personal care, or require assistance with errands, an at-home caregiver from Home Care Powered by AUAF can make things just a little bit easier for homebound seniors. Contact us or call us at 773-274-9262 to find out more about what our dedicated caregivers can do for you.