“The Township has seen a significant increase in our community’s senior population and their needs,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “We are working to meet these growing needs with expanded and impactful services.”
The variety of services available to seniors include:
The ‘client choice’ Food Pantry allows seniors to shop for the items they prefer. Before using the pantry, seniors meet with a social service caseworker who ensures they are aware of other available senior services. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 224-265-6111. Food Pantry hours are Tuesdays from 930 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., as well as Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Seniors can access the Medical Lending Closet and borrow gently used medical equipment – including walkers, wheelchairs, canes, bath seats, bedside rails and more –at no cost for three months, with extensions available. Call 224-265-6111 to learn more about this program, to check equipment availability, and to schedule a curbside pickup.
If a ride is needed to go to the doctor, dialysis, the grocery store, hair appointments and other locations in the Township, seniors can take advantage of Transportation Services. Bus services are available Monday through Friday and provide curb-to-curb pickup and drop off for seniors 55+ and disabled residents ages 18 and up. For more information or to schedule a trip, call 847-437-0300.
A trained and accredited Veteran Services Officer (VSO) can provide free assistance and access to a range of resources available to seniors who are veterans, along with their dependents and survivors. To schedule an appointment, or for more information, please call the VSO office at 224-265-6113. If needed, the Township buses will provide transportation to the Township for appointments.
The Township Assessor’s office provides seniors with assistance in filing Property Tax Appeals and/or Exemptions. Exemptions that seniors may be eligible for include Homeowners, Senior, Senior Freeze, Disability, Disabled Veterans, Veterans and Returning Veterans. Call 224-265-6110 for more information.
Emergency Assistance is available once every 24 months to help seniors with financial challenges, such as a pending eviction or utility disconnection. During the application process, eligible seniors are also referred to additional resources that are available through State, Federal and private agencies. These government and private agencies can help with other essential living expenses such as medical and dental services, housing and energy. Call 224-265-6111 for more information.
The State and Federal Government offer an oftentimes confusing array of Senior Benefits. These benefits include LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and LIHWAP (Low Income Household Water Assistance Program). Also, SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) provides seniors with assistance in identifying their most beneficial Medicare insurance program. The Township can assist seniors in understanding and applying for the benefits for which they are eligible. Seniors will work with the Township’s new Older Adult Programming and Benefits Specialist who is focused on the needs of the senior population. For more information, call 224-265-6111 to determine benefit eligibility and to set up an appointment.
For seniors experiencing mental health challenges, Counseling is available via telehealth, in person at the Township, or through a hybrid offering. Additionally, if seniors need medication for mental health issues, psychiatric services are now offered through a partnership with the Josselyn Center. This is another relatively new offering that dramatically cuts down wait times to see a psychiatrist. The Township’s counseling and psychiatric services are free of cost. For more information, call 847-981-0373.
Temporary Handicap Placards can be issued to seniors for up to six months, based on an application that must be filled out by a doctor. Residents can pick up a blank form at the Township offices to have their doctor fill out to receive a temporary placard. For any questions, call 847-437-0300.
There is a wealth of resources available through Elk Grove Township for its senior residents. Seniors are encouraged to learn more about these services by calling the listed phone numbers or by logging on to ElkGroveTownship.com.
