Check out these resources for caregiving assistance

Planning for aging services can feel overwhelming, but many organizations offer trusted resources. We’ve organized this guide by service category, highlighting organizations we know and recommend. For more listings in the Chicago area, visit Seniors Blue Book or Elderwerks Educational Services.

When selecting a provider, look for quality indicators such as membership in professional groups like the Illinois Continuity of Care Association or check star ratings through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Key agencies that connect older adults and caregivers to local services include AgeOptions for suburban Cook County, AgeGuide for the collar counties, the City of Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS) for city residents, and the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA).

Adult Day Care

• CJE Senior Life: (773) 508-1000
• IDoA Adult Day Services

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Information

• Alzheimer’s Association: (800) 272-3900
• ALZNavigator: alznavigator@alz.org

Dental Care

• Cook County Health Dental Care: (312) 864-0200
• University of Illinois Chicago Dental Services: (312) 996-7555

Elder Abuse

• IDoA Adult Protective Services: (866) 800-1409
• S. Department of Justice

End-of-life Resources

• Aging with Dignity
• Illinois Department of Public Health Advance Directives
• Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment

Financial Information

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: (855) 411-2372
• Social Security Administration: (800) 772-1213

General Information

• DFSS Senior Services: (312) 744-4016, aging@cityofchicago.org
• IDoA: (800) 252-8966, ilsenior@illinois.gov

Hearing Aid Assistance

• Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission: (217) 524-2396
• Chicago Hearing Society Audiology Services: (773) 248-9121

Home-Delivered Meals

• DFSS Home Delivered Meals
• Meals on Wheels: (312) 744-4016

Legal Assistance

• IDoA Legal Assistance: (800) 252-8966, ilsenior@illinois.gov
• DFSS Legal Assistance: (312) 744-4016, aging@cityofchicago.org

LGBTQ+ Housing

• SAGE: (877) 360-LGBT (5428)
• One Roof Chicago: (708) 580-8844

Medicare & Medicaid

• Medicare: (800) 633-4227, TTY (877) 486-2048
• Medicaid: (877) 267-2323, TTY (800) 877-8339

Prescription Assistance

• IDoA Prescription Drug Assistance: (800) 252-8966 (711 TRS)
• DFSS Pharmacy

Veterans Resources

• Department of Veterans Affairs: (800) 698-2411
• Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center: (312) 569-8387, mental health care (312) 569-7225

Originally published in the Summer/Fall 2025 print issue.