SENIOR SERVICES > SERVICES
Information and Assistance
Comprehensive service and activity information is available for older persons by phone or
in person. Information and referral assistance helps you determine what type of program
suits your needs and provides guidance on obtaining appropriate services in our
community.
Transportation
Transportation service is available to residents of Oak Park
and River Forest age 60 years and over and to persons with disabilities
of any age. Rides can be arranged for any purpose including transportation
to and from medical appointments, social activities, shopping, and
other errands. Service is provided curb-to-curb within Oak Park and
River Forest, and all buses are equipped with lifts for full accessibility.
Bus service is available throughout the day, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am
until 4:00 p.m. (last pick-up is at 3:00 p.m.). Reservations for any
trip should be made at least 24 hours in advance by contacting the
Transportation Office at 708-383-4806. Reservations are accepted:
- Monday: 8:30 am - 1:00 p.m.
- Tuesday - Friday: 8:30 am - 2:00 p.m.
Case Management
Professional case managers assist older persons in gaining
access to and receiving needed services. An individualized service
plan including assessment of need, planning of care, and coordination
of services is developed and monitored for Oak Park and River Forest
residents age 60 and over.
Case Managers help clients obtain services through the Community
Care Program. Supported by the Illinois Department on Aging, this
program is designed to help older persons live independently by remaining
at home with community support. Services include homemakers, adult
day care, and senior companions. Applicants must meet state eligibility
guidelines, and the cost of care depends on household income. For
more information on the Community Care Program please visit the Illinois
Department on Aging's website.
Elder abuse intervention is handled by trained staff to help seniors
who may be abused, exploited, or neglected. Case Managers work to
end abuse by offering seniors and suspected abusers alternatives to
abusive situations.
Lunch Programs
The Senior Lunch Program provides complete well-balanced meals,
opportunity for social interaction, and educational programming for
individuals 60 and over.
Meals are served daily at 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, at our
fifth floor senior lunch program located at 418 S. Oak Park Avenue,
Oak Park. The lunch program is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and
is fully handicapped accessible. No reservations or membership fees
are required. A small suggested contribution of $1.50 is requested
for each meal, however no one is denied service based on ability to
pay. All residents 60 and over are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Transportation to and from the lunch program is available through
Senior Services Transportation at (708) 383-4806.
A calendar of menus and events are published in our quarterly newsletter.
Please call us at 708-383-8060 to be added to our mailing list or
email us.
The Home Delivered Meal Program offers nutritionally balanced
meals to homebound Oak Park and River Forest residents at lunch time
each weekday. Individuals must be 60 and over and assessed by a case
manager to determine eligibility. Diabetic diets are available. A
small suggested contribution is requested for each meal, however no
one is denied service based on ability to pay. Please call a Senior
Services Intake Coordinator at 708-383-8060 to enroll in the program.
Dine Out Program
The Dine Out Program offers seniors the opportunity to enjoy
an affordable, well-balanced lunch or dinner at specified local restaurants.
The program is open to all older adults age 60 and over and is designed
to meet their social and nutritional needs. Coupons for this program
can be obtained at the Township Senior Lunch Program on Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 9:00a.m. to 11:00a.m. for a suggested donation of $3.00.
For more information about the Dine Out Program please call
Senior Services at 708-383-8060.
Chore Services
The Chore Program provides a worker on a limited basis to
perform basic household chores, errands, laundry, light meal preparation,
and other tasks that are essential to independent living. Participants
of this program must be at least 60 years of age and assessed by a
case manager to determine eligibility. A statement will be sent to
each recipient with a suggested contribution for services rendered,
but no one is denied service based on ability to pay.
Special Services
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Affordable Wills: Simple wills written at low cost for
seniors age 60 and over
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Are You OK?: Free daily call by the Oak Park Police Department
to check on the well being of Oak Park and River Forest seniors
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Circuit Breaker: Applications, information, and assistance
on annual property tax/rent rebate and pharmacy benefit for handicapped
persons and seniors age 65 and over
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Energy Assistance: Annual grants and energy assistance
for low income households
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Red Tape Cutters: A Benefits Advocacy program helping
older persons understand and access benefits and services.
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Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP): Counselors trained
by the Illinois Department of Insurance help seniors organize
and submit Medicare health insurance paper work, assist with appeals,
and evaluate supplemental insurance policies
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Tax-Aide: Free preparation of state and federal income
tax returns by IRS trained volunteer counselors
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Carrier Watch Program: Mail carriers alert police authorities if no mail pick up
has been made after two days
Caregiver Support Program
Assistance is available for family caregivers who have a recipient age sixty or older
residing in Oak Park or River Forest. Services may include respite in-home, out of home,
or in an adult daycare setting. Educational programs are also offered as well as links to
other related resources when appropriate.
