Living Well in Your Community
AgeOptions is committed to creating support systems and resources that allow older adults to stay in the community of their choice. Our priority is to reinforce strong, reliable communities that enhance the experience of aging for people.
Gathering Places
Often known as senior centers, gathering places are an effective way for older adults to stay connected in their local communities. Each place is unique – offering a variety of social activities, health and nutrition education, and more.
AgeOptions works with older adults to identify the senior centers and gathering places in their communities. Select centers offer cultural support such as citizenship and immigration assistance, ESL courses and ethnic meals.
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Community Living
When older adults choose to transition from living on their own into supported environments, the possibilities are difficult to identify and evaluate.
AgeOptions, along with our network, promotes a wide range of living choices. Based on personal needs and resources, we help older adults narrow their options and make the best selection for their lifestyle.
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Community Dining
For social, dietary and nutritional purposes, older adults may choose to participate in community dining.
AgeOptions provides community dining options, such as senior cafés, at a variety of locations throughout suburban Cook County. Community dining includes freshly served meals, nutritional education, social engagement and activities. Select dining programs offer ethnic menu options.
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Transportation
Transportation can determine an older adult’s mobility, and subsequently, his or her activity level and community involvement.
AgeOptions links older adults with the best transportation based on availability and their needs. Specific arrangements can be made for people with physical disabilities.
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Adult Day Services
It is important for older adults to have social interaction outside their homes in safe environments with professional care.
AgeOptions connects older people who are unable to stay alone with adult day service centers, which provide leisure and health-related services, during daytime hours. These centers give older adults alternatives to in-home care or nursing home placement, while simultaneously allowing caregivers to maintain their own daily routines.
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Employment
Whether out of need or desire, employment can provide a productive, fulfilling context for older adults.
AgeOptions offers the Senior Community Service Employment Program as a way to train and assist lower income older adults with workforce skills. Those who participate have daily on-site guidance to improve their qualifications and increase their opportunities.
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Volunteering
The success of programs, centers and services for older adults depends heavily on the contributions of dedicated volunteers. Volunteers who team with AgeOptions and our network can identify their niche and focus their work in areas like senior centers, nutritional services, educational programs, housekeeping and more at various agencies, schools and hospitals.
AgeOptions uses volunteers to support its Red Tape Cutters, Long Term Care Ombudsman and SMP programs. We also depend on volunteers in leadership positions on our Board and Advisory Council.
For more information on volunteer opportunities, click here
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