May is Older Americans Month, and at Aging Care Connections (ACC), we’re celebrating by “Flipping the Script” on aging stereotypes. Our four-part blog series showcases how our programs empower older adults and caregivers in 38 communities across five Chicagoland townships to live vibrantly. We begin with our Information & Assistance (I&A) program, a cornerstone of independence that helps seniors (60+) and families navigate resources with confidence, proving aging is a time of agency and opportunity.

For over 50 years, ACC has served over 13,000 individuals annually across Lyons, Proviso, Riverside, Leyden, and Norwood Park townships, delivering 20,896 hours of I&A support in 2024 alone. Our mission, to enrich the quality of life by providing guidance that enhances aging well, shines through I&A’s personalized approach. Certified Care Coordinators offer in-home assessments, benefits screenings (e.g., Medicaid, SNAP), and connections to housing, healthcare, and legal aid, ensuring no senior faces complex systems alone.

Imagine an older adult struggling with rising costs post-retirement. Through I&A’s Helpline, they access a utility assistance program, maintaining their home and dignity. Or a caregiver, overwhelmed by their parent’s medical needs, who finds affordable in-home care options via I&A’s counseling, as well as an empathetic ear in a support group for caregivers. These examples show how I&A flips the script, empowering seniors to lead with control rather than dependency.

I&A addresses social determinants of health, like financial insecurity and access barriers, by partnering with township officials and community organizations. In 2024, thousands benefited from I&A’s outreach, from Medicare enrollment workshops to benefits fairs, fostering independence across diverse communities. As one senior shared, “ACC’s guidance gave me the tools to stay in charge of my life.”

This OAM, join us as we explore ACC’s Basic Needs, Caregiver Support/Aging Gracefully, and Enrichment programs in our upcoming blogs. Contact us at 708-354-1323, email info@agingcareconnections.org, or visit AgingCareConnections.org to learn about I&A. Share your stories of aging well with #OlderAmericansMonth and #AgingCareConnections. Let’s redefine aging together! Download our brochure and learn more about all the ways Aging Care Connections can help.