DuPage County offers a number of programs directed at protecting the lives of DuPage County senior citizens and ensuring they receive the services for which they qualify.

Senior Citizen Services assists DuPage County residents, aged 60 and older, as they are faced by the challenges of aging.  Senior Citizen Services is funded through the Illinois Department on Aging and the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging to serve as the designated Case Coordination Unit for DuPage County.  The Unit publishes the Senior Citizens Resource Directory, the Long Term Care Facilities Directory and the Senior Housing Directory.  All programs are funded through the Illinois Department on Aging, Northeastern Illinios Area Agency on Aging and DuPage County.

Upcoming Events and Information:

DU PAGE COUNTY SENIORS' & CAREGIVERS FAIR ....... FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2008 8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

The annual DuPage County Seniors' and Caregivers' Fair will be held on Friday, October 17. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE HEALTH SCREENINGS, GIVEAWAYS AND REFRESHMENTS!!!

Flu Shots will be available to DuPage County Residents, call to schedule an appointment at (630) 407-6500, fees may apply, bring your Medicare card.

Other free health screenings include: blood pressure, vision, hearing, diabetes (2 hour fast required), bone density, oral cancer, fall risk, body fat analysis, and podiatry.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) applications will be taken, call (630) 407-6500 for details of what to bring to apply.

The Citizens Utility Board will be providing free analysis of telephone service costs and provide a free fluorescent light bulb, bring your recent phone bill.

The 2009 Edition of the DuPage County Human Services Senior Citizens Resource Directory   will be available at the FAIR. The 2008 Directory is available on this web site, just click on "Senior Citizens Resource Directory" on the left side of this page to view the Directory in it's entirety or a by specific section. You are able to print any information you would like from the Directory.  We are able to provide a copy of the Directory free to senior citizens who we see at our office on home visits or we are able to mail it for $2.00 to interested seniors. We are unable to provide copies to agencies free of charge due to funding limitations, but they can be purchased by agencies for $4.00 a copy.

Important Notice regarding Illinois Cares RX (Circuit Breaker)   It is very important that all people  currently enrolled in Illinois Cares Rx reapply for next year as soon as possible.  If they do not reapply before the end of this year they will lose their benefit for 2009.  To apply on-line, go to www.cbrx.il.gov , or if you need additional assistance call 1-800-624-2459 or 1-800-252-8966.

Medicare Part D, Prescription Drug Coverage started January 1, 2006.  It is a prescription drug benefit for all Medicare beneficiaries.  Medicare prescription drug plans may vary, but like other insurance programs, enrollees will pay a monthly premium and a share of the prescription drug costs.  Open enrollment for the Medicare prescription drug benefit begins November 15 and lasts through December 31, this is the opportunity to change plans if you are not satisfied with the plan you are on currently. To learn about the prescription drug plan that best fits your needs go to the Medicare Website at www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Extra help is available to those eligible people who cannot afford the new Medicare drug benefit.  The extra help, called the Low Income Subsidy, could help pay for deductibles, co-payments and premiums.   If you would like to know if you quality for the Low-Income Subsidy or would like to request an application, contact DuPage County Senior Citizen Services at 1-630-407-6500. You can also complete the application on-line at www.socialsecurity.gov , if you need assistance call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

LIHEAP, Assistance is currently available to assist low-income senior citizens and households with their home energy costs through direct financial assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). To be eligible you must have a total household income of 150% of poverty or less; be the customer of record with the utility company and submit complete documentation of income and proof of Social Security Number. For a household of one you must have a monthly income of no more than $1,282,  for a household of two the income limit is $1,726. For further information, or to request an appointment to apply, call LIHEAP at (630) 407-6500 or 1-800-942-9412. Home visits to complete the application are available to homebound persons.

2000 Census Data for Seniors in DuPage County:  Number of persons 60 years of age and older: 119,273; 125% of poverty 60+: 5,816; Minority 60+: 11,087; 75+: 43,236; Living alone 60+: 26,111.

Other Resources:

The National Council on the Aging created Benefits Checkup to help older adults to quickly identify programs that may improve the quality of their lives. Family and friends can also obtain facts about benefits that their loved ones may qualify for.

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