Helpful Links for Seniors and Families
- Agencies on Aging
- Benefits and insurance
- Housing
- Local Services
- Legal
- Local Government
- Nursing Homes and Long-term Care
- Other Services
- Organizations
- BACOA Resource Directory (pdf)
Agencies on Aging
- AgeOptions, the Area Agency on Aging of Suburban Cook County
- Illinois Department on Aging
- Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging
Benefits and insurance
- BenefitsCheckUp is a free, easy-to-use service which identifies federal and state assistance programs for older Americans.
- Medicare information is available at the government's Medicare site.
- How do I get Medicare? Medicare Interactive explains the enrollment process.
- Medicare Made Clear explains Medicare plans and enrollment in clear, easy-to-understand terms.
- The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is a free statewide health insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers, sponsored by the Illinois Division of Insurance. Includes a Medicare Supplement Premium Comparison Guide and other resources.
- Social Security information is available at the government's Social Security site.
- The Illinois Department on Aging's Circuit Breaker program provides grants to senior citizens and persons with disabilities. These include property tax grants, license plate discounts and prescription drug assistance.
- Healthcare.gov, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is aimed at helping people understand health insurance options as well as the provisions in the 2010 Affordable Care Act.
- Illinois Health Matters provides up-to-date information on health care reform and its impact.
Housing
- Illinois Housing Development Authority Users can search for seniors housing resources by county.
- New Lifestyles Online is an online source for senior living and care options.
- Seniorhousing.net is a comprehensive guide to retirement communities, assisted living residences, Alzheimer's facilities, and nursing homes nationwide.
- Alternatives for Seniors provides information on senior housing and services in the Chicago area and in five other states.
Local Services
- Good Shepherd Hospital Senior Advocate Program services include transportation, financial counseling, health promotion and information referral.
- Alexian Brothers Medical Center Just for Seniors page includes information on senior services and Alexian's Older Adult Assessment Program
- Northwest Community Hospital Senior Services Overview
- Low Income Energy Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance to low-income families for household utility costs.
- PACE Dial-a-Ride provides service from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cost is $1 each way. PACE provides service anywhere in Barrington and Cuba Townships and selected destinations in Lake Zurich. See "Barrington" entry under "Cook County."
- R.U.O.K The Lake County Sheriff's Department's computer-based program that places daily well-being-check calls to seniors or homebound persons who live alone. This service is free to seniors or homebound persons who live in Lake County.
- The Community Meal is a free meal served once a month at Barrington-area churches. It aims to build community and friendships.
- Barrington Area Library. Find information on upcoming events on the library's Barrington Area Community Calendar.
- Barrington Park District
- South Barrington Park District
- Village of Barrington Hills Community News
Legal
- Prairie State Legal Services offers free legal services for low- income persons and those over 60.
- Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago provides free legal aid to low-income persons.
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys provides information on finding and choosing an elder law attorney.
Local Government
- Village of Barrington
- Village of Barrington Hills
- Village of Deer Park
- Village of Lake Barrington
- Village of North Barrington
- Village of South Barrington
- Village of Tower Lakes
- Barrington Township
- Cuba Township
- Ela Township
Nursing Homes and Long-term Care
- Illinois Department of Public Health Includes information on selecting long-term care facilities
- Illinois Citizens for Better Care A nursing home residents' advocacy and service organization.
- Medicare Offers detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the country.
- The National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information Provides information and resources to help individuals and families plan for long-term care needs.
Other Services
- The Illinois Assistive Technology Program is a statewide, not-for-profit agency that focuses on using assistive techology to help people with disabilities live independently.
- The National Council on Aging offers tools and resources for older adults and caregivers.
Organizations
- The Lake County Council for Seniors is an advocacy organization that provides assistance to seniors, promotes senior health programs and supports financial well-being through outreach activities to communities and legislators.
- AARP and AARP/Illinois
- SeniorNet is a nonprofit organization of computer-using adults, age 50 and older. SeniorNet's mission is to provide older adults education about and access to computer technology to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom.
