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Senior & Disability Services
Oak Park and River Forest Townships Senior & Disability Services offers a broad continuum of supportive services in order to promote independence of older adults in the communities of Oak Park and River Forest. If you don’t find what you need below, please contact us seniors@oakparktownship.org.
Socialization and Activity Calendar
Oak Park and River Forest Townships offer a wide variety of events for Older Adults ages 60+.
Access the latest Senior & Disability Services Events Calendar for details during the current month and to print from home.
We look forward to seeing you at an event!
Every Senior Needs An Advocate
If you are an older adult or person age 18+ with a disability, family member or a caregiver, we advocate for you and connect you to private resources or local, state and federal assistance programs.
The Oak Park Township Senior & Disability Services Overview Booklet has more details.
Start With Us!
Oak Park Township provides vital services to ensure that our older adult citizens get the assistance they need to remain independent and continue to be thriving members of our community.
The Oak Park Township River Forest Township Start With Us! flyer has all of the details in English and Spanish!
Senior & Disability Services Community Impact
3,585 Unduplicated Older Adults received locally-governed supportive services provided by our team in Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
The 2024 Oak Park Township Senior & Disability Services Information Flyer has more details.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Providing information to help older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities make decisions about their care - available to adults age 60+ and 18-59 with a disability, caregivers, and their family members. Call (708) 383-8060 or email seniors@oakparktownship.org for information and resources available to you – Office hours 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Appointments available outside regular business hours upon request.
Information and Assistance
Contact us for more information! (708) 383-8060 or seniors@oakparktownship.org. As an Aging & Disability Resource Center, our professional staff is available in-person, via email, or over the phone to connect individuals and families to valuable community resources and make referrals to other vital services.
Each program has slightly different guidelines and policies. All services are voluntary and confidential.
Benefits Assistance
Older adult benefit specialists are available Monday through Friday to answer questions, complete benefits eligibility checkup, and assist with completing applications for many programs including Medicare, Medicaid, Ride Free Transit, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and more.
Options Counseling
Options Counselors are available to help you navigate changes through life events, provide connections to valuable resources in the community, and help you develop a personalized long-term care plan based on your specific situation.
Senior Housing Assistance
Housing specialists are available to provide information and referral to services to preserve housing for older adults, prevent homelessness, and provide assistance to relocate or obtain more suitable and affordable housing
Emergency Assistance
Help with living expenses due to sudden financial hardship. The General Assistance Emergency Assistance Flyer has more details.
Energy Assistance
Help with gas, electric, and other utility bills through CEDA and Nicor Gas. See the Oak Park Township Energy Service Benefits flyer to learn how we support seniors in Oak Park and River Forest Townships.
General Assistance
Financial assistance to persons who are not eligible for any other state or federal assistance programs and who do not have income or resources to provide for their own basic needs. Visit the General Assistance Qualifications section for more information.
Chicago Furniture Bank
Partnership provides gently used and donated furniture to residents in need. Visit the General Assistance Chicago Furniture Bank section for more information.
Home Repair Program
Provides Oak Park and River Forest residents (age 60+ or 18-59 with a disability) in with an affordable way to complete home projects.
- Only minor home repairs
- All income levels
- Fees are either $20, $30, or $40 per hour, depending on income. Repairs are done by insured and reliable professionals (no emergency repairs).
- The North West Housing Partnership Home Maintenance Flyer provides details about specific maintenance options
- Contact Northwest West Housing Partnership at 847-969-0561 to request services
- Sponsored by the Northwest West Housing Partnership with support from Oak Park Township, River Forest Township, Village of Oak Park, and Village of River Forest
Property Tax Assessor’s Office
- Persons with Disabilities Exemption - visit the Assessor Services Persons with Disabilities Exemption section to learn more.
- Senior Freeze - visit the Assessor Services Section Senior Freeze Section to learn more.
- Senior Exemption - visit the Assessor Services Section Senior Exemption to learn more.
- Senior Property Tax Deferral – the Assessor Services Senior Citizens Seeking Property Tax Relief press release has more information.
- Veteran’s - visit the Assessor Services Veterans with Disabilities Exemption Section to learn more.
Benefit Access Program
The Benefit Access Program offers the following for income-eligible older adults and persons with disabilities:
- Seniors Ride Free Transit Benefit
- Persons with Disabilities Ride Free Transit Benefit
- Secretary of State License Plate Discount
Individuals who would like to submit a Benefit Access Program Application online can go to the Illinois Department on Aging website which provides more information and access to applications.
Paper applications are not available.
Senior Health Insurance Program
Our unbiased, trained, and certified SHIP counselors are available to provide one-on-one help for Medicare beneficiaries, their caregivers, or representatives. Please call 708-383-8060 or email seniors@oakparktownship.org to connect with a SHIP counselor today!
- Medicare
- Medicare Supplement Insurance
- Medicare Advantage Plans (HMOs, PPOs, PFFS)
- Prescription Drug Coverage through Medicare and other sources
Here are some resources to learn more about SHIP:
The SHIP TA Center on VIMEO has more videos about the program.
The Illinois Department on Aging Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) webpage contains more information about this free counseling service.
Care Coordination
Older adults may need different supportive services to maintain their health, safety, and independence at home and throughout the community. Senior Services aids individuals through a variety of programs and resources.
Our state-certified care coordinators:
- Assess individual or household needs
- Determine eligibility for various programs
- Prioritize your goals and decisions in your plan of care
- Coordinate in-home & community-based services
Assessments can take place in the home to ensure independence or in a hospital setting to help transition back to home. Depending on your circumstances, we will develop an individualized plan with the goal of maintaining your independence while providing additional support when needed.
We can also help with plans to transition you to rehabilitation or to a long-term care community.
Case Management
Oak Park Township offers comprehensive Case Management services for Oak Park and River Forest residents age 60 and over. Depending on the individual need, residents can receive benefits such as:
- Individualized service plan including assessment of need, planning of care, and coordination of services.
- Comprehensive care assessment examining the client's environmental, physical, cognitive, psychological and social well-being, as well as identifying existing support systems and coordinating with other professionals within the community, when needed.
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.
State certified Case Managers conduct a holistic comprehensive care assessment, which examines the client's environmental, physical, cognitive, psychological and social well-being. It also includes the identification of existing support systems and the need to coordinate with other professionals within the community.
Adult protective service trained staff is also available to answer questions and/or investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation affecting seniors age 60+ and persons with disabilities aged 18-59.
Thriving in Aging Program
The Thriving in Aging Program (TAP), formerly known as the Older Adult Behavioral Health Care Program, provides free, one-on-one mental and behavioral health support and care coordination for Oak Park residents age 60+ who may be experiencing:
- Stress, anxiety, or depression
- Grief or life transitions
- Social isolation
- Cognitive or memory concerns
- Substance use-related challenges
Caregiver Support
Whether you are a caregiver for an older adult, a family member in need of support, or a grandparent who may be caring for a grandchild, we offer supportive services to help you.
If you would like to email for more information, email seniors@oakparktownship.org or call – 708-383-8060 to speak with our Caregiver Resource Specialist. Office hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Appointments are available outside regular business hours upon request.
Caregiver Resource Center
As a Caregiver Resource Center, Oak Park Township staff provide services to assist caregivers with their roles and provide tools for them to navigate potential caregiving stressors successfully. Our trained specialist provides:
- Counseling
- Training and Education
- Support groups
- Workshops
- Referrals to other supports and services
The Caregiver Resource Center Overview Flyer has more information about our services.
NEW: GUIDE Comprehensive Dementia Care
Expert support for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
Oak Park Township now offers the Medicare GUIDE Model in partnership with Eli Health.
✔ Comprehensive dementia care
✔ Caregiver support
✔ Up to $2,563 annually in respite care
✔ No cost for eligible Medicare beneficiaries
Link to TCARE Screener can help you identify the stressors of being an individual caregiver and find personalized tools and resources to support your caregiving journey. This assessment will also determine your eligibility for one-on-one counseling, caregiver respite, and/or emergency financial assistance.
If you have any issues accessing the screener via the provided link, click here to download a PDF version of the screener that can be completed and emailed to seniors@oakparktownship.org
The Oak Park Township Caregiver Support Group supports local caregivers of individuals aged 60 or older or with disabilities. The Group meets twice monthly from 10 am to 12 pm. To register, please email seniors@oakparktownship.org or call 708-383-8060.
The Trualta website is designed for family caregivers. It helps families and informal caregivers managing care at home with a library of lessons on various topics, solving day-to-day needs. The lessons give simple, practical advice. Even better, lessons are short (about 5 minutes), making it easy to fit them into a busy schedule. Sign up for free at ageoptions-caregivers.com.
Caregivers are onboarded to an interactive eLearning environment, delivering engaging and personalized training. Lessons are created by experts in aging to provide professional-level training adapted for informal caregivers. The platform is easy to use for all ages, completely private, and accessible 24/7. No app is required, view on any browser, computer, laptop, phone or tablet. Print material is available to supplement the digital platform.
The Age Options website provides on-demand answers for caregiving challenges precisely when you need them most. Explore their online lessons and events to get help today and every day.
Oak Park Township has partnered with AGE-u-cate Training Institute, a nationally recognized organization that provides compassionate, evidence-informed education focused on aging, dementia, and caregiver support. The short training videos linked below are designed to help family caregivers and community members build empathy, strengthen communication, and better support the well-being of older adults. Please visit the Caregiver Training Video Library to access this important resource!
We are pleased to share Caregiver Stories, a booklet produced by the Illinois Family Caregiver Coalition that highlights the experiences of family caregivers across Illinois. It sheds light on the challenges faced by unpaid caregivers and illustrates the meaningful impact that critical federal and state funding has had on their lives.
Support Group for Relatives Raising Children
The Relatives Raising Children program is for grandparents, uncles, aunts, or cousins (nonparent relatives) who are raising a child who is either 18 years or younger or 19 - 59 with a disability.
Services available include the following:
- Emotional Support
- Parenting Education
- Respite
- Financial Counseling
- Financial Assistance
The Support Group for Relatives Raising Children Flyer has all of the details.
Memory Cafe
As part of the Dementia Friendly Oak Park and River Forest support network, we understand the unique challenges of adults
living with memory loss.
Our monthly Memory Café offers older adults and caregivers opportunities for socialization, training, and education that helps reduce isolation within a safe, friendly environment.
Join a supportive, caring network of individuals and caregivers facing similar life experiences and learn practical tools and resources to reduce stress and manage daily activities.
The Memory Cafe is held every third Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Please call 708-383-8060 for registration information or to volunteer.
Financial Assistance
As older adults transition to a fixed income, they and their caregivers may need additional financial assistance. We have access to resources and referrals to enable independence and safety.
Our trained staff can help you apply for financial and health insurance programs including Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps, utility bill plans, prescription drug coverage, and more.
Advanced Directives Clinic
The Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL) helps qualified seniors aged 60 and over and persons with disabilities prepare Power of Attorney and Living Will documents for free.
Qualifications include residency within Cook County and a household income at or below 150% of the Federal Government Poverty Threshold.
To obtain a virtual appointment, please call (312) 376-1880 or visit the Center for Disability & Elder Law website.
The Legal Aid Chicago website provides details about additional help for income-qualified residents.
[Note: This was updated in May 2021].
Affordable Wills
For Low-cost will services, please call Oak Park Township Senior & Disability Services at 708-383-8060.
Money Management
Seniors who have difficulty managing their financial affairs, balancing a checkbook, sorting mail, or needing assistance may request the Money Management Program.
The Money Management Program Flyer has more detailed information if you are interested.
Please contact Vivian Holt, Program Coordinator, at (708) 383-8060 or VHolt@oakparktownship.org with questions.
Tax-Aide
Oak Park Township Senior Services is not hosting AARP Income Tax Preparation.
The 2025 Chicagoland Income Tax Preparation Services blog post lists Oak Park Area services.
The 2025 Income Tax Preparation Site Information Near Oak Park and River Forest Flyer provides more information about where you can get help preparing your tax returns.
The Get Free Help Filing Your Taxes webpage on the AARP website provides more information about IRS-certified Tax Aide Volunteers.
Weatherization Program
Homeowners can apply for assistance to improve safety and weather efficiency in their home.
Food and Nutrition
Nutritious meals are offered in our dining room at the Senior Services Center and distributed to home-bound residents in Oak Park and River Forest. Home Delivered Meal eligibility requires an in-home assessment.
Local restaurants have partnered with us for affordable, healthy meals at their location. Coupon booklets may be ordered at our Senior Services Center or by calling our nutrition & activity hotline at (708) 725-9129.
Dine-In Lunch Program
We provide daily, well-balanced meals, which have been approved by a Registered Dietitian, through our partner, Age Options, as well as an opportunity for social interaction, and informative, educational, and entertaining programming.
- Monday through Friday-11:00am-1:00pm
- NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. First come, first served seating.
- Suggested donation: $1.50 (age 60+)
- Guest Fee: $8.50 (under 60 years of age)
Menu items are subject to change. All meals are served with 2% or Skim Milk.
Vegetarian Menu and Nutritional Analysis are available upon request.
For information, contact Senior Services at (708) 383-8060.
Senior Services Nutrition & Program Hotline: (708) 725-9129.
The Senior Lunch Program Menu has all of the details for the current month.
Home Delivered Meal Program
It’s more than a nutritious meal - it’s a friendly check-in from our trusted staff or volunteer who delivers your meal.
Meals are distributed to homebound residents age 60 and older (regardless of income) living in Oak Park and River Forest who have trouble getting around or preparing their own food.
Our nutritious meals include protein, vegetables, 1% milk or 100% juice, whole grain bread, and fruit. Special diets, including vegetarian, pescatarian, lactose-free, mechanical soft, and pureed meals, are accommodated.
For an assessment, call our intake team at (708) 383-8060 or email hdmreferrals@oakparktownship.org.
Ongoing Nutrition Workshops
Throughout the year, we host informational workshops on nutrition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Farmer’s Market Coupons
The Oak Park Farmers Market brings farm fresh ingredients to our community. Limited applications are available on a first-come, first-served basis from July to October for income-eligible older adults. Coupons can be redeemed at markets throughout Illinois.
Senior and Disability News
Filing Season for Property Tax Exemption Opens
The 2025 annual filing season for money-saving property tax exemptions is now open. Learn more about who qualifies and the deadline to apply.
2025 Chicagoland Income Tax Preparation Services
Oak Park Township 2025 Income Tax Preparation Resources – Income Tax Preparation Site information near Oak Park and River Forest
Senior Citizens Seeking Property Tax Relief Can Defer Up To $7,500 In Taxes
ASSR- 25 Senior Citizens Seeking Property Tax Relief Can Defer Up To $7,500 In Taxes
Safety and Protective Services
Keeping you safe in your home while you thrive in the community is one of our highest priorities.
Adult Protective Services
Adult Protective Services is an advocacy program with the primary focus of the program to ensure the health, safety and welfare of older adults (age 60+) and adults (age 18-59) with disabilities who live in Oak Park and River Forest. Caseworkers are trained and certified by the State of Illinois to conduct investigations regarding allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation and to provide information and referrals to minimize further risk of harm in the future and eliminate the abuse. Caseworkers also provide education in the community and work closely with a wide variety of allied professionals such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, firefighters, and law enforcement officers.
Report suspected abuse seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
- Contact Township Senior Services (Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at (708) 383-8060
- Illinois Department on Aging at 1-866-800-1409 is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
The Adult Protective Services brochure has more details.
The Adult Protective Services postcard highlights data on investigations in Oak Park and River Forest.
Resources for In-Home Care
We offer services that assist with daily tasks to help older adults at home. Eligibility requirements apply. Information for private-pay programs is
available upon request.
Chore Program
Our contracted agency assists clients with basic household chores and/or personal care due to illness, infirmity, or disability.
- Light cleaning
- Meal preparation
- Laundry
Senior & Disability Services administers the Chore Program by determining participant eligibility.
Community Care Program
In-home services include:
- Cleaning & laundry
- Meal preparation
- Personal care including grooming,
dressing, bathing, etc. - Emergency home response systems
- Automated medication dispensers
- Adult day services
Transportation
We offer transportation throughout Oak Park and River Forest for older adults and people age 18+ with disabilities, as well as travel to select hospitals and medical facilities.
Our vehicles have wheelchair lifts and comfortable seating.
Call our Transportation Department at (708) 383-4806 to schedule curbside service.
Reservations are requested at least 24 hours to one week prior to appointment and are on a first come, first served basis.
Suggested donation is $1/person per ride.
Bus rides to and from the Oak Park Farmers’ Market are offered curbside as well throughout the season.
Taxicab Coupons
Available for older adults age 60+ and people age 18+ with disabilities
Oak Park Township offers taxicab coupons for discounts on taxi service provided by Blue Cab or 303 Taxi. Coupon books cost $6 and have a value of $10 towards taxi service.
Coupon books can be mailed upon request by calling (708) 383-8005.
RTA Transit Permits
Available for older adults age 65+, Veterans, and people age 18+ with disabilities
Oak Park Township offers RTA reduced fare cards for eligible individuals to ride public transportation systems at a 50% discount.
Temporary Disability Parking Placard
Available for older adults age 65+, Veterans, and people age 18+ with disabilities
Oak Park Township residents with a shortterm or temporary disability may apply for a disability parking placard valid for 90 days. Application for the placard is available at the main Township office. If you have a permanent disability, you must apply through the Illinois Secretary of State, but you can pick up an application at the Township’s main office.
Other Community Programs and Information
We also have a comprehensive and extensive partner network of agencies and organizations as referral options for additional programs for older adults and people age 18+ with disabilities.
Oak Park
Age Options
As the Area Agency on Aging of suburban Cook County, Illinois, we advocate, plan, coordinate and fund services for older adults. Together with a network of community-based senior service organizations, we connect residents with vital services such as information and assistance, community dining programs and home-delivered meals, housekeeping help, employment services, access to benefits and support for family caregivers.
Age Options
Address: 1048 Lake St., Oak Park, IL 60301
Phone: 800-699-9043
Age Options Provider Referral Web Page
Older Adult Services Providers in Suburban Cook County
Information and Assistance Agencies
Arbor West Neighbors
The Arbor West Neighbors empower adults to thrive as they age in community. Their vision is to build a multi-ethnic, multicultural community where all older adults are valued, age with dignity, and enjoy opportunities for growth and engagement.
Visit the Arbor West Neighbors website to learn more about their programs, events, and resources.
Celebrating Seniors Coalition
Since our inception in 2008, the Celebrating Seniors Coalition has been passionate about dispelling outdated and inaccurate myths about what it is to be a senior in our society. These friends and neighbors are not ‘past their prime.’ What the coalition sees—and what we provide a forum for all to see—are active, engaged and accomplished men and women who continue to play key roles in the life of our community.
Visit the Celebrating Seniors Coalition website to learn more.
Community Mental Health Board
The Community Mental Health Board for Oak Park Township assists in planning, developing, coordinating, evaluating, and funding mental health services in Oak Park.
Visit the Community Mental Health Board webpage to learn more about their programs, events, and resources.
Cooling and Warming Centers
Please follow these suggested tips in extreme heat temperatures from the Cook County Emergency Management Service:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Try to stay in the shade or indoors as much as possible
- If working outside, take frequent breaks, preferably in an air-conditioned space
- Check on elderly neighbors and those with functional needs
- Take pets indoors and make sure they have plenty of water
- Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.
The Village of Oak Park Emergency Preparedness webpage has a complete list of local cooling and warming locations.
Oak Park Township Newsletter
The Oak Park Newsletters can be viewed on the Oak Park Township News page or by visiting the My Community Online to view and subscribe.
Oak Park Public Library
As a public library in a Book Sanctuary Community, Oak Park Public Library's mission is to share the information, services, and opportunities that fulfill Oak Park’s aspirations. Their vision to empower every voice in their community.
Visit the Oak Park Public Library website to learn more about its resources, programs, and events.
Park District of Oak Park
The Park District of Oak Park enriches lives by providing meaningful experiences through programs, parks, and facilities. Since 1912, their programs, parks, and facilities have dependably met residents’ diverse leisure, wellness, and childcare needs to enhance their quality of life.
Visit the Park District of Oak Park website to learn more about its parks, programs, and events.
RUSH Oak Park Hospital
RUSH Oak Park Hospital combines the convenience and personal touch of a community hospital with the technology and expertise of one of the nation's top academic health centers.
Visit the RUSH Oak Park Hospital website to learn more about their events, doctors and services.
The Senior Citizens Center of Oak Park & River Forest Lifelong Learning Center
The Senior Citizens Center of Oak Park & River Forest Lifelong Learning Center supports the educational, social and cultural activities for people over the age of 50.
Through these activities, older adults can be inspired to continue their quest for lifelong learning, as we support their independence, broaden their horizons, and encourage their involvement with the community.
Visit the Lifelong Learning Center website to learn more about their programs, events, and resources.
Village of Oak Park
The Village of Oak Park provides a wide range of services, from public safety programs like fire and police protection to support for housing, historic preservation, and neighborhood relations.
Visit the Village of Oak Park website to learn more about their programs, events, and resources.
West Subarban Medical Center
West Subarban Medical Center provide access to quality, individualized, compassionate care to everyone in the diverse and evolving communities they serve.
Visit the West Subarban Medical Center website to learn more about their events, doctors and services.
River Forest
River Forest Park District
The River Forest Park District is committed to enriching the community through acquisition, development, management, and preservation of parks and open space, while providing fun, meaningful, and safe recreation opportunities for the residents of River Forest.
Visit the River Forest Park District website to learn more about its resources, programs, and events.
River Forest Public Library
The River Forest Public Library is committed to providing value and excellent service to the Village of River Forest. RFPL is regarded as an important information, entertainment, and community resource for people of all ages.
Visit the River Forest Public Library website to learn more about its resources, programs, and events.
River Forest Township
River Forest Township enhances the health and well-being of residents through the funding and delivery of human and assessor services, which provide a sense of caring, connection, and community.
Visit the River Forest Township website to learn more about their programs, events, and resources.
Village of River Forest
The Village of River Forest provides essential local services like managing streets, water and sewer systems, refuse and recycling collection, public safety through a police department, community tree care (including planting, trimming, and removal), and overseeing construction and engineering projects within the village boundaries.
Visit the Village of River Forest Park website to learn more about its services and events.
Other Communities
Older adults or caregivers outside of Oak Park or River Forest may find additional resources through the Illinois Department on Aging website or Eldercare Service Locator website.
Oak Park and River Forest Townships Senior & Disability Services is a member of the Coordinated Care Alliance
Senior Services of Oak Park and River Forest Townships Committee
All Senior Committee Meeting Agendas are in the Senior & Disability Services archives.
Approved Minutes
All Senior Committee Meeting Approved Mintues are in the Senior & Disability Services archives.