There are many government agencies and non profits that offer programs meant to help seniors and individuals with disabilities. Meals on Wheels Chicago is happy to compile this list in the hope that it connects those looking for help with the services they need. This list is ever growing, so please be sure to check back regularly. Follow us on social media to see when additional resources are added.
If you are a service provider and would like to be listed here or you know of a resource that you think should be included on this page, please contact Ellen Bouleanu at [email protected].
Chicago Department of Family & Support Services
The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services works to provide assistance to Chicago’s residents, particularly those most in need, beginning at birth through the senior years. The Senior Services division oversees home meal delivery services and the Congregate Dining Program at 50 community sites throughout the City of Chicago.
Phone: 312.743.0300
Office: 1615 W. Chicago Ave, 5th Floor
Chicago, IL 60622-5127
Chicago Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) works to make Chicago the most accessible city in the nation on behalf of residents and visitors with disabilities. Services include Accessibility Compliance, Accessible Housing, Amplified Phone, TTY and CapTel Program, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Disability Resources, Employment Services for People with Disabilities, Training Services, Transportation and Parking, and Youth Employment Services.
Phone: 312.744.7050
Office: 121 N. LaSalle Street, Room 104, Chicago, IL 60602
Access Living
Access Living offers services and support for people with disabilities in Chicago. They are a delegate agency of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD). As such, they support the independence of people with disabilities by connecting them with community-based services. Their staff coordinators work with consumers to identify what tools or supports they need to live on their own. Access Living provides a variety of services, including: A database of registered, certified Personal Assistants (PAs) consumers can use to hire a PA; Nursing home transition assistance; Information and referrals pertaining to the disability community; Classes and workshops to develop independent living skills, such as money management.
Website: www.accessliving.org
Phone: (800) 613-8549
Office: 115 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60654
Caring.com
Caring.com is a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses and other loved ones. They have been featured by AARP, The Administration for Community Living, The National Legal Resource Center, and Forbes, as well as referenced by many governmental agencies and organizations across the Internet.
Website: www.caring.com
Phone: (800) 973-1540
Elderwerks
Elderwerks is a complimentary service helping to find assisted living or any type of senior housing or elder care solutions for your parent or loved ones. They help seniors through the transition from one home to another or finding the services they need in their home. Their “Community Resource Consultant” will discuss all aspects of moving with you and help you achieve you long term lifestyle goals.
Website: www.elderwerks.org
Phone: 855-462-0100
Office: 251 E. Northwest Hwy, Palatine, IL 60067
Housing Opportunities & Maintenance For The Elderly
H.O.M.E. helps Chicago’s low-income older adults to live independent and socially engaged lives by providing intergenerational housing, home repair services, a shopping bus, moving assistance, and caring volunteers. H.O.M.E.’s vision is of a Chicago in which people of all ages live together in a way that supports older adults’ connection to the larger community.
Website: www.homeseniors.org
Phone: (773) 921-3200
Office: 1419 W Carroll Ave, Floor 2 Chicago, IL 60607
How To Get On
A self-advocacy guide for anyone who is homebound or bedbound in the US. Covers issues such as affordable housing, home care, financial survival, transportation, applying for home aides, living on disability, and much more.
Website: howtogeton.wordpress.com
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, Chicago Chapter
Since 1959, Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, Chicago Chapter’s mission, philosophy, programs and activities remain focused on alleviating loneliness and isolation among elders. Social interaction is critical to the human spirit, and they believe that nurturing the soul is as important as feeding the body. Friendship relieves loneliness. Through reliable connection and engaging programs, Little Brothers brings vital friendship into the lives of 1,200 Chicago elders aging alone.
Website: www.littlebrotherschicago.org
Phone: 312-455-1000
Office: 355 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60607
MD Virtual Care
With MD Virtual Care, a doctor consultation has never been more convenient. Now you can have a live, on-demand visit by phone or online with no consultation fee. Enroll in the family plan for $18.99 a month and have unlimited access to doctors in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics. Right now, MD Virtual Care is offering a free COVID-19 self-assessment tool. Visit their website for more information.
Website: mdvirtualcare.com
Phone: (888) 397-1537
Metropolitan Family Services
Metropolitan Family Services empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857 Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers Chicago-area families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. For seniors, they offer counseling, caregiver and protective services, support for grandparents raising grandchildren, and much more. All services are designed to help families meet the challenges and opportunities of later years.
Website: www.metrofamily.org
Phone: 312-986-4000
Email: [email protected]
National Council on Aging
The National Council on Aging is a respected national leader and trusted partner to help people aged 60+ meet the challenges of aging. We partner with nonprofit organizations, government, and business to provide innovative community programs and services, online help, and advocacy.
Website: www.ncoa.org
Quartet Health
Quartet is improving access to and delivery of mental health care through technology and services. Physical and mental health are intrinsically linked, yet treatment continues to be siloed and mental healthcare remains inaccessible, unaffordable, and stigmatized. That’s where Quartet comes in — through technology and services they effectively integrate mental healthcare to improve patient health, quality of life, and cost of care.
Website: getcare.quartethealth.com/IL
Phone: (877) 258-4010
RetireGuide
Whether you are in the early stages of retirement planning or looking for ways to grow your retirement savings, RetireGuide is there to help make those decisions easier. They’ve published an easy-to-understand guide on the ins and outs of medicare. This free resource highlights coverage, costs, eligibility and enrollment information, along with answers to some frequently asked questions. RetireGuide also has a very useful senior benefits and discounts guide!
Website: www.retireguide.com
Senior Caregiver Alliance
The Senior Caregiver Alliance community is made up of family members and friends who believe that there is a certain beauty in each stage of life. We want to help individuals throughout the world as they navigate the unique requirements and challenges of caring for a senior by offering resources, inspiration and hope to those in need.
Website: seniorcaregiveralliance.org
COVID-19 Resources and Helpful Articles
Below are some helpful articles specific to the COVID-19 pandemic that are intended to help seniors during the ongoing health crisis.
- COVID-19 Resources for Older Adults [Published by NCOA]
- Debt Management for Older Adults [Published by AnnuityFreedom.net]
- Impacts of COVID on Older Workers [Published by AARP]
- Staying Connected and Avoiding Social Isolation [Published by Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness]
- Retirement Insecurity in the time of COVID [Published by Kaiser Family Foundation]