Oak Park Township and River Forest Township Logo

Senior Services

“Oak Park and River Forest Townships Senior 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.”

Senior Services Roof Repairs | Beginning November 29, 2022

From November 29th, 2023 the Senior Services building will be undergoing roofing repairs. We will have meal distribution for our lunch program and for homebound residents on Tuesday and Friday ONLY. We will resume in-person dining and regularly scheduled activities on Monday, December 5th.

If you have any questions, please call our Nutrition and Activity Hotline at (708) 725-9129.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you for in-person dining and activities in December.

During our roofing repairs, to access our take out driving lane, please enter through the alley on Oak Park Avenue. We will have staff ready to assist you with navigating the pickup.

Senior Services Update

Senior Services and Older Adult Benefits

Please call 708-383-8060 to talk with an Older Adult Benefits specialist.  We are available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m to 3:30 p.m.  Application assistance with many programs including Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP. Click on this flyer for further details.

Oak Park and River Forest residents seeking more information on CEDA Energy Assistance programs including LIHEAP may call our 105 S. Oak Park Avenue office at 708-383-8005.

Senior Services Transportation Expanded

Please call 708-383-4806 to reserve a curb-to-curb ride throughout Oak Park and River Forest. Reservations for local trips for shopping and other errands may be made up to 1 week in advance. Limited seats are available and social distancing as well as COVID-19 protocols, including wearing face coverings, will be required. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. Suggested donation is $1.00 per ride.

Oak Park and River Forest Townships Dine Out Program

The Dine Out Program offers seniors the opportunity to enjoy an affordable, well-balanced meal at selected area restaurants. Dine Out participants can pick up coupons from Senior Services (Monday-Friday from 9am-2pm) for a suggested donation of $4 each. Please call (708) 725-9129 to order coupons.

Each coupon is nonrefundable; nontransferable, and valid for three months from the date of issue.

Dine Out coupons are currently redeemable at the following restaurants:

Please note coupons are valid ONLY from a select Menu reviewed by a Registered Dietitian through our partner, Age Options. Kindly show your coupon prior to ordering.

· Cozy Corner - 708-383-1750; ($3.50 delivery charge)
Click here for the menu
138 Marion Street

· Robinson's Ribs - 708-383-8452; ($4.00 delivery charge)
Click here for the menu
848 W. Madison Street

Currently, Dine Out restaurants are only providing “to go” meals only to participants until further notice.

Meal Programs

Oak Park Township offers several meal programs to residents of Oak Park and River Forest age 60 and over. Qualifying residents can choose from:

  • Senior Lunch Program, which provides complete well-balanced meals, opportunity for social interaction, and educational programming is also provided. Lunch is distributed via "pick-up" on Tuesday or Fridays from 11am-12pm from our back parking lot. Currently we have resumed our in-person dining on Monday, Wednesday or Thursday at 130 S. Oak Park Avenue. We are offering 2 seatings: 1st seating: 11:00am-11:45am and 2nd seating: 12:15pm-1:00pm. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Please call Senior Services Nutrition and Activity Hotline at (708) 725-9129.
  • Home Delivered Meal Program, offering nutritionally balanced meals to qualified homebound residents. Please call a Senior Services Intake Coordinator at 708-383-8060 to enroll in the program.
  • Dine Out Program, giving seniors the opportunity to enjoy an affordable, well-balanced meal at specified local restaurants. For more information about the Dine Out Program please call Senior Services at (708) 725-9129. Coupons may be picked up from Senior Services (Monday-Friday from 9am-2pm) for a suggested donation of $4.00 each.

Senior Services Lunch Program

MARCH-2023-SLP-MENU
Print | Download Senior Services Lunch Program Menu (PDF)

Senior Services Event Calendar

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Print | Download Senior Services Event Calendar (PDF)

Support Programs

Oak Park Township strives to promote the well being of all its older residents. We offer a wide variety of affordable, and often free, services geared toward enhancing and improving the quality of life of our senior residents including:

Through our contracted agency, clients receive assistance with basic household chores and/or personal care due to illness, infirmity or disability. Senior Services administers the Chore Program by determining client eligibility and working with the contracted agency to ensure compliance with Title III of the Older Americans Act.

Seniors age 60 and over and persons with disabilities age 18-59 who are residents of Oak Park or River Forest who may be a victim of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation may report the abuse 7 days per week, 24 hours per day. Contact Township Senior Services (Monday-Friday from 9am - 5pm) at (708) 383-8060 or, 24/7, contact the Illinois Department on Aging 1-866-800-1409. The brochure for Adult Protective Services may be downloaded here.

The Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL) helps qualified seniors age 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. In order to obtain a virtual appointment, please call (312) 376-1880  Please visit https://www.cdelaw.org/.   Additional help for income-qualified residents may be found at Legal Aid Chicago.  [Note:  This was updated in May 2021].

 Low-cost will services; please call Township Senior Services at 708-383-8060.

Free ride and license plate discount for income-eligible older adults and persons with disabilities.  Individuals must submit a Benefit Access Application online.  Visit https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/Pages/default.aspx and click on the "Benefit Access" tab near the top.  Paper applications are not available.  Individuals who don't have access to a computer may contact their local Area Agency on Aging.  For assistance, please call the Illinois Department on Aging Senior Helpline at 1-800-252-8966 (hearing impaired call 1-888-206-1327).

Annual grants and energy assistance available on a seasonable basis.  Visit www.cedaorg.net for eligibility requirements for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and program dates.  Please click here for information on ComEd bill assistance programs and here for Nicor Gas programs. If you have additional questions, please call Oak Park Township at 708-383-8005.

Memory Cafes offer a Coffee House atmosphere and engaging programs for individuals living with memory changes and their care partners.  A care partner may be a spouse, friend, family member, or a professional assistant.  The Memory Cafe is held every third Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is sponsored by Senior Services of Oak Park and River Forest, with support from the River Forest Library, Oak Park Library and AgeOptions.

Please call 708-383-8060 for registration information or to volunteer.  

Seniors who have difficulty managing their financial affairs, balancing a checkbook, sorting mail and need assistance may request the Money Management Program. Click here for a flyer. Please contact Vivian Holt, Program Coordinator, at (708) 383-8060 or VHolt@oakparktownship.org.

Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is a free counseling service provided by the Illinois Department on Aging.  SHIP does not sell or solicit insurance.  SHIP is not an insurance plan.  SHIP trains volunteer counselors throughout the State of Illinois to provide one-on-one help with your insurance.

SHIP counselors can answer questions about:
- Medicare
- Medicare Supplement Insurance
- Medicare Advantage Plans (HMOs, PPOs, PFFS)
- Prescription Drug Coverage through Medicare and other sources

Please call 708-383-8060 for extra help from Social Security for prescription drug costs and other assistance.

Oak Park Township Senior Services is not hosting AARP Income Tax Preparation.

Click here for a listing of 2023 Chicagoland Tax Preparation Services.

Click here for information about 2023 Free Tax Assistance for Seniors.

Additional information on the AARP tax aide sites is available at https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/.

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, and referral to other supports and services.

Please complete a caregiver assessment tool to identify the stressors of individual caregivers 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.

Click here to visit the TCARE website and start your assessment!

Caregivers of an individual age 60 or older or an individual with disabilities are welcome to attend the Caregiver Support Group.  The Group meets twice monthly from 10am to 12pm.  To register, please email seniors@oakparktownship.org or call 708-383-8060.

The Older Adult Home Repair Program provides residents in Oak Park and River Forest an affordable way to complete home projects.  Please click here for the flyer.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • 60+ years of age
  • 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).
Examples:  sinks, toilets, windows, gutter cleaning, door locks, drains

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)

UPDATE:  During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have suspended operating as a warming and cooling center until the dining room provision of congregate meal service is reinstated.  Please refer to this webpage for future updates. 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.

Thank you for your patience during this time.  For information from the Village of Oak Park on Emergency Preparedness as well as a complete list of local cooling and warming locations, please click here.

For more information, and to sign up for any Senior Services programs, please call (708) 383-8060.

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.

Behavioral Health Care:  The Older Adult Behavioral Health Care Program provides community-based case management, supportive services, and coordination of care for older adults in Oak Park and River Forest who are experiencing mental health and/or substance abuse disorders. Case managers conduct an assessment of clients’ needs, offer options for care, and seek to enhance coping skills to manage their illness.  Our highly trained Behavioral Health Care Coordinators can provide the following services:

  • Conduct in-home comprehensive assessments that identify the needs of the older adult client.
  • Develop care plans with the client to ensure that treatment needs are being addressed and coordinated with all providers of support services
  • Identify and develop current and potential support systems that promote independent living and community integration
  • Teach and reinforce life skills and adaptive strategies to help the client maximize the level of functioning
  • Assist the client in identifying risk factors that negatively impact symptoms and develop a crisis management plan to follow in the event of an emergency.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with other treatment providers to ensure that the comprehensive needs of the client are being met.

(Funded in part by the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township)

If you need assistance determining what services are appropriate, or you are interested in more information about case management services please call (708) 383-8060 and request the intake unit.

Transportation

Oak Park Township values the mobility needs of residents of all ages, therefore we offer transportation services to our residents 60 years and older and to persons aged 18 and older with disabilities. Service is provided curb-to-curb within Oak Park and River Forest, and all buses are equipped with lifts for full accessibility. Safe, reliable service can be arranged for any purpose, including:

  • Medical appointments
  • Social activities
  • Errands

Our Transportation route has been expanded to help bring seniors to places near Oak Park and River Forest. Rides to Loyola Hospital in Maywood, Hines VA, and Gottlieb Hospital in Melrose Park may be requested by calling (708) 383-4806 and making a reservation.

Phone Hours:  Monday through Friday 8:30am - 1:30pm

Appointments:  24 hours to 1 week in advance

Ride Hours:  Monday through Friday 7:45am – 4:00pm

Rate:  Suggested donation of $1.00 per ride

We provide curb-to-curb service within the communities of Oak Park and River Forest.  Special group trips outside of the service area are available throughout the year.  Advance registration is recommended.

The Park District of Oak Park and the Township Transportation entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement to provide an additional van for senior citizens and people with disabilities.  For the official press release, please click here.

To arrange transportation, please call:
Transportation Office
(708) 383-4806

Transportation to & from Village of Oak Park Farmers' Market

Oak Park and River Forest residents can reserve a curb-to-curb ride by calling (708) 383-4806.  Suggested donation $1.00 per ride per passenger.  We travel throughout Oak Park and River Forest and are available Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Seats are limited and we are following COVID-19 protocols.

RTA Transit Permits

Residents seeking reduced transit cards through the RTA may process their applications at the Township Office located at 105 S. Oak Park Avenue. For more information including required documents, please click here or call (708) 383-8005.

Senior Committee Approved Minutes

2023

2022

2021

2020

 

Community Partners

Oak Park Township

Oak Park

Oak Park Library – Calendar 

Park District of Oak Park 

Village of Oak Park 

Community Mental Health Board 

Lifelong Learning Center 

Arbor West Neighbors 

Rush Oak Park Hospital 

West Suburban Hospital 

Oak Park Township

River Forest

River Forest Library – Calendar 

Park District of River Forest 

River Forest Township 

Village of River Forest 

Oak Park Township

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 Services is a member of the Coordinated Care Alliance