Wheeling Township Recognizes Older Americans Month

Wheeling Township is recognizing Older Americans Month by highlighting the many programs and services available through its Senior Services Department. All are designed to help residents ages 60 and older remain independent for as long as possible.

“Our goal is to ensure older adults in our community have access to the resources they need to live safely, independently and with dignity,” said Lynndah Easterwood Lahey, Director of Senior & Disability Services at Wheeling Township. “From transportation and home delivered meals, to Medicare counseling and support groups, we are able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults and their family members.”

Programs and services offered through the Senior Services Department include:

Transportation Department: One of the most utilized services is the Township Transportation Department, which provides rides every weekday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and all seven vehicles are lift-equipped. Rides are provided for residents ages 60 and older and individuals with disabilities over the age of 18, anywhere within Township borders. Throughout FY2025-26, 21,561 rides were provided. Through a partnership with PACE, the TRIP Program provided nearly 1,000 rides outside the Township boundaries for medical appointments.

Residents aged 65 and older can apply for Reduced Rate Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) passes, which provide half-price fares on Metra, PACE and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Eligible lower-income residents can qualify for the Ride Free Program on public transportation and reduced-rate license plate stickers.

Home Delivered Meals: The Home Delivered Meal Program supports seniors and permanently disabled residents over 18 years of age who have difficulty preparing nutritious meals on their own. In FY2025-26, 11,470 meals were delivered by a team of more than 300 volunteers.

Medicare Assistance: Medicare information and assistance is provided by Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselors who help residents navigate Medicare enrollment, appeals, Open Enrollment questions, and other related concerns. More than 762 residents received Medicare assistance in FY2025-26.

Educational Programs: Educational opportunities are offered year-round through free monthly programs offered virtually and in person on topics such as Medicare, scams, hearing aids, Medicaid and fitness for seniors. AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) Safe Driving courses are also held four times annually.

Support Groups: Two support groups are held monthly, including the VIP Low Vision Support Group, held virtually on the first Thursday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m., and the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group which also meets virtually on the third Tuesday of each month from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Referrals and Additional Assistance: The Township staff regularly provides referrals and information related to home care services, senior programs and additional community resources available to older adults.

Additional Township services available to all residents include the Food Pantry, where approximately 44-percent of clients are seniors, and financial assistance for those experiencing economic hardships, through the Social Services Department.

For more information about Senior Services programs and eligibility requirements, contact the friendly Wheeling Township staff at (847) 259-7730. Learn more at https://www.wheelingtownship.com/Senior-Disability-Services.