Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
How do I update my address, telephone number or other information? Contact the secretary at any of our offices or email Janelle at jdavis@ilcenter.org.
Where is the Joplin Office located? 1001 E. 32nd Street, Joplin, MO 64804 on the corner of 32nd and Indiana Streets
Where is the Monett Office located? 775-B Chapel Drive, Monett, MO 65708 just northeast of Wal-Mart
Where is the In-Home Care Office located? 1005 E 32nd Street, Suite 3, Joplin in the Corporate Center.
CDS and In-Home Program-Related Questions
What is the difference between the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) program and the In-Home care program? Both programs allow for an attendant to provide care for an individual with a disability in the home. The CDS program is consumer-directed, meaning that the individual receiving the services must be able to fully direct their own care. They can hire an attendant of their choosing (with the exception of a spouse or significant other). With the In-Home Care program, TILC provides an attendant and manages the individual's care. For complete information, visit the CDS program page or the In-Home Care program page.
Once I request services, how long will it be before I am approved for the services? Once you have applied to TILC for CDS or In-Home Services, you will be referred to the Department of Health and Senior Services for an evaluation. Typically there is about 4 weeks from the time you request services from TILC to the day you can begin receiving attendant care. TILC makes every effort to facilitate the process as quickly as possible.
What if I have a guardian, am I still eligible for services? You may be eligible for the In-Home Care Program, but you would not be eligible for the CDS program.
I live in a nursing home and I want to go back to my home. Can you help me? We are able to assist individuals who qualify to move back in to the community from a nursing facility through our institution transition program. Contact Judy at jneal@ilcenter.org or 417-659-8086.
Attendant-Related Questions
How is my attendant paid? Attendants are paid by submitting timesheets to The Independent Living Center. The attendant has the choice of receiving a check or direct deposit to his or her bank account.
What do I do if I need more timesheets? Ask your coordinator or call Janelle in the Joplin office at 417-659-8086 or Gloria in the Monett office at 417-354-8656.
How can I check on an attendant background check? Attendants are not typically allowed to work until the result of their background check is known. You can call our office and ask the secretary or your coordinator about the results of the check. The coordinator will have a background check in your file. These are updated each year and can be checked at any time.
Should I give my attendant access to my bank account or other private account? No. You should never give your bank account or other account information to your attendant.
When will my attendant get their tax papers (W2)? Attendant's W2's are mailed to the attendants by The Independent Living Center no later than January 31st of each year. If an attendant moves, it is important that they contact the payroll office at The Independent Living Center with a change of address.
Emergency-Related Questions
What should I do if I have to go in to the hospital while using the attendant program? Your attendant is not allowed to work while you are in the hospital. If you have any questions about your attendant working before hospital admission or upon dismissal you can contact your coordinator or Susan in payroll. Please indicate any days that you are in the hospital on your timesheet by simply writing hospital on the day(s) you were there.
How can I access emergency food or toiletries from the center? Contact your coordinator to see if emergency items are available. You can also contact the secretary at either TILC office.
Home-Modification and Adaptive Equipment Questions
How soon can I expect my ramp to be built? TILC prioritizes the home modification projects based on need and availability of funds and equipment. Typically, there is a 2-3 month waiting list on ramp requests.
My TAP telephone stopped working. What should I do? Contact TELTEX, the company that provides all service for the TAP telephones. Their number is 888-515-8120.
What should I do with equipment that is no longer needed? We are happy to accept equipment that you no longer need, as long as it is in good condition.
Will Medicaid pay for my wheelchair or other medical equipment needs? You should contact Medicaid Recipient Services (800-392-2161) or your local Medicaid office to determine what items they will be able to provide. However, you will need a prescription from your doctor.
Is there a copay for modifications or equipment? Typically, there is not a co-pay unless your household income is higher than our eligibility guidelines.
Special Programs and Services
Where can I find the current Angel Food Ministries (AFM) Order? A Current AFM menu is available on the Angel Food Ministries Website. Click on the menu button on the home page.
How do I place an Angel Food Ministries Order? An AFM order may be placed by filling out a TILC order form at the Joplin office. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check (accepted up to 7 days prior to order deadline), money order, and Missouri food stamps (EBT cardholder must be present at time of order). Orders paid by check or money order can be accepted by mail to 1001 E. 32nd Street, Joplin, MO 64804, Attn: AFM.
Where can I pick up my AFM order? AFM orders can be picked up between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on the distribution day unless otherwise specified. Please check your AFM receipt for the distribution date (generally the 2nd Saturday of the month). Orders not picked up during distribution hours will be donated to families in need.
How can I submit something to the newsletter? Information for the newsletter can be sent to sbrady@ilcenter.org or mailed to 1001 E. 32nd Street, Joplin, MO 64804, Attn: Stephanie Brady. The newsletter is published six times per year.
How can I sign up to receive the newsletter? Contact Stephanie Brady at sbrady@ilcenter.org or 417-659-8086 to be placed on the mailing list for the newsletter, to request the newsletter sent in alternative format or to request the email version. The newsletter free of charge to consumers of TILC. A minimal fee may apply for mailing to individuals who are not consumers. The newsletter is also available online.
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