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Reflecting on 2020 with
Hope for 2021
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The end of the year is a time to reflect, take stock of the year past, and plan for the year ahead. 2020 was a year filled with the unimaginable challenge of a pandemic but also the triumphs of resilience and innovation. The aging network’s rapid and innovative responses to the increasing demand for services to address COVID-related challenges such as food insecurity, social isolation and caregiver stress will have a profound impact on how it delivers services in the future. AgeGuide’s commitment to improving the quality of life for older adults and their loved ones was truly tested. |
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But in the midst of uncertainty, our communities came together to support older adults. School buses delivered meals to support our volunteer network, neighbors grocery shopped or taught their older relatives how to shop online and everyone sheltering in place soon understood what social isolation looks like for older adults.
As we approach the end of 2020 there is HOPE that the COVID-19 vaccine will bring us back to some sort of normalcy. But while it will be several months until the vaccine is readily available to everyone, we need to stay vigilant to the 3 Ws: Wash your hands, Wear a mask and Watch your distance. AgeGuide doesn’t know what 2021 will bring, but we do know that we are better prepared to take on any new challenges that come our way. 2020 has showed us that we are all in this together and as a community we need to keep each other safe and connected.
Wishing you health and wellness in the coming year.
Marla Fronczak
CEO of AgeGuide
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Launched every year during the holiday season, Home for the Holidays is intended to help families and friends discuss difficult topics with their loved ones. A new consumer brochure is the focus of this year’s campaign, Staying Connected and Healthy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers, which highlights the importance of social connection, its impact on our physical and mental health—and ways the Aging Network can help older adults connect to their communities during this time of limited in-person social interactions. AgeGuide can inform and connect consumers to programs that provide a variety of ways to stay connected to others in their communities, including friendly visiting, online classes and activities and more! This is all part of our mission to help older adults maintain existing and develop new social connections to reduce social isolation and loneliness.
AgeGuide offers two programs in its counties to help reduce social isolation and loneliness in older adults.
Friendly Visiting
Friendly visiting provides regular visits by volunteers that are focused on developing a friendship and engaging in enjoyable and purposeful activities together. Due to COVID-19 and physical distancing restriction, providers are currently offering Friendly phone calls in place of in-person visits.
Telephone Reassurance
Telephone Reassurance offers phone calls that provide a friendly chat, a security check and informal support.
For more information about other local resources available for older adults and their caregivers, contact AgeGuide at (800) 528-2000.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Information |
Information will be rolling out in the coming weeks about the newly approved COVID-19 vaccine. There will be a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines before the end of 2020, but don't worry, supply will increase in the weeks and months to come. The good news is that according to the CDC, long term care residents and older adults are among one of the first groups who will be eligible to receive the vaccine. Follow AgeGuide's COVID-19 Resource page for the latest information on the vaccine availability in your county.
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Financial Help Available for Those with Alzheimer's or Dementia |
This program provides money that can be used to purchase goods and services that can assist an older adult or their family caregiver remain in their community. These funds can help with:
- Training or diagnostic testing
- Chore, housekeeping or grocery services
- Assistance with rent, mortgage and/or utilities
- Dentures, hearing aids and glasses
- Home improvements for accessibility and safety
- Technology such as smart phones or tracker devices
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There are no financial or income restrictions for this program! For more information, contact Colette Jordan at (630) 293-5990 or cjordan@ageguide.org
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Wishing You the Best this Holiday Season |
AgeGuide would like to wish you a safe and happy holiday season and peaceful and healthy new year! AgeGuide will be closed from December 25th through January 1st. We will re-open Monday, January 4th at 8:30a.
If you are in need of assistance while our offices are closed, call the Illinois Department on Aging Helpline at (800) 252-8966 or visit our website at www.ageguide.org
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At AgeGuide, we use our role as advocates for older adults to promote and elevate policies and programs that support older adults and their caregivers and effectively address the needs of an aging America.
As we wrap up 2020, we would love to bring you some holiday cheer, but there’s not much to celebrate in Springfield or Washington this year. Read more on our blog.
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At AgeGuide, we love getting social! Stay up to date with the latest news, updates and learn more about AgeGuide and our work advocating for older adults and the services they need on our social media pages! |
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AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois was established in 1974. Services funded or coordinated by AgeGuide meet the diverse needs of the most rapidly growing population in Illinois. Over 700,000 seniors age 60 and over live in the agency's eight-county service area:
DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties
1910 S. Highland Ave, Suite 100
Lombard, IL 60148
Copyright © 2020. All Rights Reserved.
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