Senior Resources
Located in Palos Heights, Pathlights is a premier leader in South Suburban Cook County in human services that focuses on helping individuals who are navigating the aging process have equal access to food, shelter, care, and safety. Their mission is to empower individuals navigating the aging life cycle with a focus on those 60 years of age and older. They’ve offered services to over 16,000 individuals in 20 municipalities within Palos, Lemont, Orland, and Worth Townships.
Services offered include: home-delivered meals and safety checks, in-home services, support groups, education, and respite for caregivers, protection from abuse, access to benefits for health insurance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), energy, transportation, and property tax savings, assistance needed for safe transition from hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, shared housing, and general information about resources.
The Illinois Department on Aging helps older adults live independently in their own homes and communities. As the population ages, services and programs for older adults must evolve as well because longevity means more when quality of life is enhanced. To best serve older adults, the department also aims to serve their families and teach younger people about the realities of aging. Working with Area Agencies on Aging, community-based service providers and older adults themselves, the Illinois Department on Aging strives to improve quality of life for current and future generations of older Illinoisans.
Cook County Sheriff’s Senior Services Department
The Cook County Sheriff’s Senior Services Department coordinates with law enforcement and other professionals in the community who specialize in meeting the needs of seniors through planning, education, communication, cooperative strategies, and supportive services. Their commitment is to reduce victimization and enhance law enforcement services provided to our senior population. Check out their website to learn more about services such as Cell Phones for Seniors, Senior Citizen Outreach, and the Senior Law Enforcement Academy.
Social Security Administration
Social Security has provided financial protection for our nation’s people for over 80 years. Chances are, you either receive Social Security benefits or know someone who does. With retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, Social Security is one of the most successful anti-poverty programs in our nation’s history.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to address the needs and interests of middle-aged and elderly people in the United States. Their website contains information and articles regarding many facets of aging. It also offers a membership option, which is open to all persons age 50 or older, whether working or retired.
AARP offers a broad range of services and benefits to its members. Among these are a group health insurance program; special discounts on automobile rental, airline, and hotel rates; automotive insurance; a credit union; and pharmacy and travel services. It sponsors community-service programs in such areas as crime prevention, defensive driving, adult education, consumer affairs, and the counseling of widowed persons.