Do you have ideas on how to better support older adults and their caregivers? We want to hear from you! Meet with staff from the Illinois Department on Aging and share your thoughts on the needs and challenges facing our aging community. Your insights can help shape the support we provide. Together, let’s enhance the aging journey!

Please RSVP by October 24th by filling out the form below or calling 630-293-5990

The Medicare open enrollment period for 2025, which runs from October 15 to December 7, has begun and it’s crucial to understand the new changes that could impact your health coverage. This year brings several significant updates, especially for those who rely on Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans.

Let’s examine the key changes and how they might affect your decisions during this open enrollment.

Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care’s mission is to transform the experience of dementia - worldwide. This session offers practical strategies to assist those with dementia by focusing on their retained abilities, enhancing interactions, and improving care.

Participants will learn safe approaches, verbal techniques to reduce distress, and ways to boost social engagement. The interactive format will provide valuable knowledge and skills for effective dementia care.

Follow AgeGuide on Instagram to stay informed and empowered! We're here to share valuable resources, tips, and support for our community's older adults, caregivers, and families. Discover the latest updates on programs, services, and events designed to enhance the well-being and independence of older adults. Join our community to connect, learn, and make a positive impact! 

October is recognized as Residents' Rights Month, a time dedicated to honoring and raising awareness about the dignity, respect, and rights of individuals living in long-term care facilities. Established by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, this observance highlights the importance of ensuring that residents are treated with respect, have the autonomy to make decisions about their care, and are included in shaping policies that affect their daily lives.

Congress is back in session, and it’s time to advocate! Two action alerts need your attention. Please click each link to send a message to your representatives. 

1. Federal Budget for Older Americans Act Programs

On Sept. 26^th the President signed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to extend FY25 funding for all 12 annual spending bills, including the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill until Dec. 20^th. The House passed 5 of 12 spending bills on party-line votes, while the Senate advanced 11 of 12 spending bills out of committee with bipartisan support. The House and Senate will recess and are expected to return to Capitol Hill on Nov. 12^th.

2.     Older Americans Act (OAA) Reauthorization

Advocacy is still needed to get Congress to reauthorize the Older Americans Act for another 5 years. Our elected officials need to hear the importance of this legislation is on the lives of older adults and caregivers. 

Send a letter today to support funding for older adults and caregivers.

Listen to our first episode in our new Series entitled: "Aging Unfiltered". Through this podcast series, we are spreading the word about ageism, and we’re kicking it off intentionally on Ageism Awareness Day, October 9th. In this episode, we dive into the pervasive issue of ageism—how it shapes our perceptions of aging and how it influences our lives.

Join us as we talk to Dr. Tracey Gendron, and explore the ways ageism influences everyone, from children to older adults. We’ll unpack the stereotypes that hold us back and highlight inspiring movements that are redefining what it means to grow older in today’s world. Tune in to discover how we can challenge these biases and embrace a more inclusive view of aging, reminding ourselves that we age every day. 

• In the final episode of our podcast series, “The Great Reconnection,” we have a conversation with Minnie at Senior Services Associates of Elgin to discuss senior centers' role in supporting older adults and connecting them with essential services. Listen now to learn about the exciting initiatives from AgeGuide's senior center partners and how they cultivate meaningful community connections.

• The Community Dining Program is expanding! On September 27th, AgeGuide along with its partners celebrated the new dining location in Lake County, Honeybella Pancakes & Cafe. The program serves Sunday through Saturday, 6 AM-3 PM. Call Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago at (847) 882-4170 for reservations.

• Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, chemical spills, wildfires and other man-made and natural disasters can have long-lasting and sometimes permanent effects on communities and the older adults who live in them. Follow this link for a sheet about helping older adults weather the storm before, during and after disasters

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!