The Aging Report
Attend the AgeGuide Caregiver Seminar
In honor of National Family Caregiver Month, AgeGuide is partnering with AARP to provide an inspirational and educational seminar on Caregiving resources, tools and advocacy efforts in Illinois. Join us to hear Motivational Speaker and renowned author and trainer Loretta Woodward Veney share her caregiving story along with tips and tools on how to thrive with confidence as a caregiver.

Engage in a panel discussion with AgeGuide, AARP and the Alzheimer’s Association to learn how to find resources and tools on your caregiving journey. Listen to personal accounts of caregiving and enjoy a special performance by the Good Memories Choir.

As a special thank you for joining us you will receive an autographed copy of Loretta’s inspirational Book “Refreshment for the Caregiver’s Spirit” 

AgeGuide Presents Learning Center
for the Community & Professionals
The new AgeGuide Learning Center is a FREE educational resource for Aging Service providers, the business community, first responders, health care professionals, faith communities, older adults and caregivers.

The Learning Center offers free online courses and webinars to educate older adults, caregivers and businesses on practical tools, resources, and information to guide people on their aging journey.
The courses are designed to better equip older adults and their loved ones to remain healthy and well in their community.

Available in time for Open Enrollment is the AgeGuide Medicare How-To Series. The video topics include:
  • Introduction to Medicare
  • How to Use the Medicare Plan Finder
  • How to Get Started with Medicare
  • How to Find Care Providers
  • How to Get a New Plan Now & the Extra Help Program

The How-To Guide to Medicare can be found at courses.ageguide.org/Medicare

If you would like assistance reviewing your options on the Plan Finder, Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors are available to guide you. The Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides local, in-depth and objective insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families and caregivers. Call AgeGuide today at (800) 528-2000 for more information or to speak to a SHIP Counselor today.
National Family Caregiver Month
During National Family Caregivers month, we celebrate the millions of Americans who step into the role of family caregiver. A family caregiver is defined as an individual who cares for a loved one with a short-term or long-term disability or illness. Also known as an informal or unpaid caregiver, they provide invaluable care to those who need some degree of ongoing assistance with everyday tasks on a regular basis.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25% of U.S. adults 18 years of age and older provide unpaid care or assistance to a loved one. In addition, most of those caregivers are looking after care recipients who are 50 or older. On average, they provide about 37.4 hours of care per week, making it equivalent to a full-time job. As the number of aging Americans increases, more and more people will step into the role of being a family caregiver.

Caring for Our Nation's Veterans
The Veterans Independence Program (VIP) is a Veteran directed program available to Veterans of any age who are at risk of nursing home placement to receive the assistance they need to remain at home. This program provides more flexible options than traditional in-home services. While working with a trained options counselor, you will determine the kind of help you need in order to maintain independence.
Using an approved amount of VA funds, the program can allow Veterans to

  • Hire a family member or friend to help them with personal care and/or assistance around the house
  • Utilize some of the funds to make their home more accessible
  • Pay for meal delivery or transportation services

This program has changed the lives of many Veterans! Call AgeGuide at (800) 528-2000 or visit our website for more information on this Veteran's program.
AgeGuide Advocacy Corner
Despite the weather and the ongoing pandemic, there is a lot to be thankful for in the world of aging services. At the top of the list is the passage of the federal infrastructure bill which will impact access and equity for older adults right here in our region. 
At the same time, we have an historic opportunity to impact long-term policies and funding to bolster home and community based services and other supportive services for older adults by advocating for passage of several bills. In celebration of Thanksgiving this year, AgeGuide invites you to join us in advocating for aging services by sending a quick and easy email to your legislators.  

Interesting Additional Resources
One way you can restore your own sense of belonging is to get connected with GetSetUp, an online interactive community for older adults. GetSetUp allows older adults the opportunity to take virtual classes of different interests, skills and social activities and grow their array of social connections. Register today!
Looking for a volunteer opportunity? Senior Medicare Patrol is always looking for volunteers to prevent, detect and report health care fraud. Learn more on AgeGuide's volunteer page!

FREE interactive online events and classes presented by AARP designed for learning, self-improvement and fun.

Illinois Department on Aging’s Aging Healthfully Newsletter (Need another language? Click here and scroll to the bottom)
"Like" Our Page
Join The Conversation
Stay Connected
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!
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 725,000 adults age 60 and over live in the agency's eight-county service area:

DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties

AgeGuide | (630) 293-5990 | [email protected] | www.ageguide.org
1910 S. Highland Ave, Suite 100
Lombard, IL 60148

Copyright © 2021. All Rights Reserved.