Wheeling Township Highlights Services for Senior Citizens

National Senior Citizens Day is Friday, August 21, and Wheeling Township wants to ensure older adults living in the Township are aware of the many programs, resources and services available to help them be independent, connected and supported.

“We want to make sure our older adults and their family members know that support is available right here in their own community, and our team is here to help improve their overall quality of life,” said Lynndah Easterwood Lahey, Director of Senior & Disability Services at Wheeling Township.

Third Party Notification and Other Property Tax Assistance: Senior homeowners, along with all eligible Cook County homeowners, can now take advantage of the new Third Party Notification service through the Cook County Treasurer’s Office. This free service enables Cook County homeowners 65 years of age and older to designate a trusted person or organization to receive a notification if their property taxes become delinquent. This important safety net is for homeowners who might miss, or misunderstand a tax notice due to travel, illness or other circumstances, and is especially important because delinquent property taxes can be sold to a tax buyer and result in the loss of property. For more information, call the Wheeling Township Assessor’s Office at 847-259-1515. Additional services offered through the Assessor’s Office include guidance on Senior Freeze tax exemptions for homeowners 65 and older.

Transportation: Residents 60 and older and individuals 18 and older with permanent disabilities can get where they need to go with rides for just $2 each way within Township borders. The Township provides more than 20,000 rides annually, with transportation available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All Township vehicles are lift-equipped for added accessibility and convenience.

Illinois Benefit Access Program: Eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities can get help with applications for the Illinois Benefit Access Program. This program offers free public transportation through the Ride Free benefit and significantly reduced vehicle registration fees. Residents aged 65 and older can also apply for Reduced Rate Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA - previously known as the RTA) passes, for half-price fares on Metra, Pace and CTA. Eligible low-income residents can also qualify for reduced-rate license plate stickers.

Home Delivered Meals: Nutritious meals can be delivered for a nominal fee to eligible Township residents age 60 and older and permanently disabled residents who have difficulty preparing meals independently. To qualify, residents must be more or less homebound, no longer driving, and without a full-time caregiver. Meals are delivered every weekday, including holidays, helping ensure eligible residents have reliable access to nutritious food.

Medicare Assistance: Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15, but now is the time to start planning ahead. The Township’s Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselors are scheduling appointments now to help seniors review Part D prescription drug coverage and Part C Medicare Advantage plans. Appointments fill quickly, so call 847-259-7730 to reserve your spot.

Educational Programs: Free educational programs are offered throughout the year, both virtually and in person, and cover topics like Medicare, scams, fall prevention, hearing aid devices, and senior fitness – along with AARP Safe Driving courses which take place four times each year. For more information, please email llahey@wheelingtownship.com

Residents and families are encouraged to learn more about Wheeling Township’s Senior Services and eligibility requirements by calling 847-259-7730 or visiting wheelingtownship.com/Senior-Disability-Services. For a list of upcoming events at the Township – including senior programs, visit https://wheelingtownship.com/Calendar-of-Events-Meetings.

Want to stay connected? The Wheeling Township eNewsletter, sent once per month, includes information about senior services and programs, in addition to resources available to all Township residents. If you’re interested in receiving this communication emailed directly to you, please visit wheelingtownship.com and click on “Sign up for our eNewsletter.”