Welcome to the 38th Ward Senior Scene where you will find information on the following:

• Emergency Identification Bracelet
• Chicago Senior Services and Senior Centers
• Portage Park Satellite Senior Center
• Prescription Drug Assistance Programs
• MatherLife Ways
• ITNChicago
• Housing and Mortgage Tips
  

Emergency Identification Bracelet

The Emergency Identification Bracelet is a spandex bracelet that opens to reveal the Chicago Police Department's 24 hour telephone number of the citizien's district of residence and a 4-digit personal identification number.
This I.D. number reveals important information abou the registered senior (60+) or disabled citizen and can only be accessed by the Chicago Police Department.  These bracelets have saved lives and valuable time in emergency situations, especially when the wearer cannot communicate effectively or becomes disoriented.
Bracelet Application includes:
Name
Address
Phone Number
Emergency Contact Person
Medical Information/Allergies
Medication Prescribed
Physician Information
For more information, please contact the Senior Services Section at 312-745-5141.

Chicago Department of Family & Support Services, Senior Services

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, Senior Services has many programs and services such as Meals on Wheels, Benefits Eligibility Checklist Program, Information and Assistance, Case Management, Chicago Fitness Plus, Golden Diners Club and Regional Senior Centers throughout the city.

Information and Assistance          Northwest Senior Center               
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle #100       3150 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, Il 60602                          Chicago, IL  60618
312-744-4016                               312-744-6682

VISIT THE PORTAGE PARK SATELLITE SENIOR CENTER
The Portage Park Satellite Senior Center, 4100 N. Long Ave., includes Department of Aging programs, such as fitness, wellness and computer training with Internet access.  Hot lunches are now available at 11:30 am.  The facility has a snack bar, a library with computers, a fitness room with treadmills and weights, and a multipurpose room with a television.  Hours of operation are 8:30am to 4:30 pm Monday thru Friday. 312-744-9022

Prescription Drug Assistance Programs

Illinois Cares RX has been terminated as of July 1, 2012. Click here for the State of Illinois website.
Questions about Medicare Part D?  The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) provides counselors to assist you with your health insurance questions.
Call 1-800-548-9034
For more information on Illinois Drug Programs and how to apply, call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-252-8966.

MatherLife Ways

Mather Info Plus - The Source of Information for Seniors
1-800-600-2560
Mather's More than A Cafe
Portage/Cragin
3235 N. Central Ave.
Chicago, IL  60634
773-205-3300
For more information, click here
NEW FOR 2012:
Mather's-More Than a Cafe and The Northwest Side Housing Center ("NSHC") are have developed a partnership to launch a pilot transportation program open to all area residents over 55.  The service volunteers, called LET's Ride! (Local Elder Transport Service) will pick up/drop off older adults for grocery shopping, errands, doctor appointsments, etc. on Thursdays between 8:30am and 4:00pm anywhere within its service boundaries.  There is an annual $25 membership fee to participate in the program.
Please call the NHSC at 773-283-3888 for more information and start date.

Free Home Repairs for Eligible Seniors

Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors enables low/moderate income seniors to age in place by assisting them to make their homes more accessible at no cost.

Eligibility: applicants must be 60 or older.  Eligibility is determined by calculating the applicant's income from all household members for the twelve months prior to the application date. Income from Social Security, pension, or annuity may not exceed the limits listed below.

Household Size      Yearly Income Limit
1                             42,500
2                             48,550
3                             54,600
4                             60,650

Repairs and Modifications that can be done:

-Installing smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers
-Installing grab bars in bathrooms, transfer benches installed
-Raised toilet seats installed.
-Doors adjusted with locks and peepholes installed.
If you qualify for the SARFS program, eligible applicant pays no costs.

The RCC makes all the of arrangements with the contractor including estimates for the repairs, supervising the work and paying the contractor for the work when it has been completed.
Call Charles Daas at 773-975-2088
1802 W. Berteau Ave. Suite 102
Email [email protected]

ITN Chicago

ITNChicago is a non-profit organization that provides dignified transportation options for senior citizens. Their mission is "To provide a community-based, community-supported, economically viable and consumer-oriented, quality transportation service for seniors and adults with visual impairment."
For more details

Housing and Mortgage Tips

This mortgage loan guide will help seniors of all ages to understand some of the options open to them and precautions that they should take when it comes to owning a home, downsizing, paying a mortgage, taking out a reverse mortgage, and selling property.

Mortgage and Housing information