May We Be of Assistance?
For help with recent challenges or the latest information on resources, please call Margie Fischer, MA, of PTC Social Services at: (847) 940-4010. Margie is generally in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 9 am-4 pm. Service is free of charge and confidential.
Caruso Grand Friends Fund
Students at Caruso Junior High have chosen to give back to their community by supporting a scholarship fund to provide PTC membership and/or program registrations for Deerfield's older adults. Please schedule a confidential meeting with our social service staff for more information or to see if you meet income and residency qualifications.
SHIP: Help with your Medicare Options
Dealing with insurance can be mind-boggling! PTC is a SHIP site (Senior Health Insurance Program). Have questions about which supplement is right for you? Need info on the new Medicare Preventive Services? Want help choosing a drug plan? Our volunteers have completed 40 hours of state-mandated training and a comprehensive exam and are ready to (1) help interpret and resolve problems with medical bills, Medicare, Medicare supplemental insurance, and with appeals if needed; (2) explain the Medicare supplements available for people just becoming eligible or who are interested in changing plans; (3) review and explain long-term care policies; and (4) complete Medicare Prescription Drug Plan analysis and enrollment. They are available on a drop-in basis on the first Monday of each month from 10 am--noon and by appointment on other days. Call for info.
Blue Bag Program
The Blue Bag Program is a collaborative effort between the PTC and the Deerfield- Bannockburn Fire Department’s paramedics to ensure that an individual’s wishes will be honored at a time of medical emergency. The bag--with copies of a list of your current medications, advance directives, emergency contacts, identification and insurance info and more-- is placed in or near your home refrigerator where medical and emergency personnel know where to find it. This information will be sent with you to the hospital via the ambulance staff. Blue Bag kits are available at the PTC.
ACES: Adult Caregiver Education & Support
Feeling stressed? Juggling many obligations? Seeking resources to help your loved one? Do you feel sad or mad, or both? Whether the person you are concerned about is living with you or not, we can help. Studies show that caregivers reduce their stress, enjoy improved health, and provide better care when receiving caregiver support. ACES is a group of spouses and adult children of older adults who gather for valuable information on relevant topics, leads on resources, and to share concerns and tips with other caregivers. Facilitated by Margie Fischer of PTC and Julie Learner LCSW of Family Service, the topics are tailored to meet the needs of the group. Meetings are on the 2nd & 4th Wed. of each month from 1 -2:15 pm. C’mon and join us! There is no fee.
Do your care obligations keep you from attending ACES? We have a solution! Through our treasured partnership with Faith In Action, we’re pleased to offer a trained respite volunteer to stay with your loved one, if needed, while you attend the meetings and there will never be a charge. For information please call Margie Fischer, PTC Social Services, at: (847) 940-4010.
Circuit Breaker Program
“Reduced & Renamed!” Illinois Form IL-1363, popularly known as the Circuit Breaker Program, is no more. Two of its valuable benefits, Illinois Cares Rx and the Circuit Breaker Property Tax Relief Grant, were eliminated due to lack of funding. What remains is the Seniors Free Transit Ride and the Secretary of State License Plate discount. The new name for these bundled benefits is the Benefit Access Application. To be eligible, one must be 65 or older -- or 16 years of age or older and totally disabled; AND have an annual income under $27,610 for singles or $36,635 for couples. The benefit is now good for two years once you've been approved. Paper applications are not available. ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE. You can do it yourself by going to www.state.il.us/aging then click on Benefit Access Application tab on the right side of the screen. Or, you can contact Margie in Social Services at the PTC for cheerful assistance. No rush... the deadline to apply is December 31, 2013.
Amplified Phones
ITAC offers free amplified phones to qualified residents with certified hearing loss. For more information, please contact Margie Fischer at: (847) 572-2658.
Going Places Transportation
Going Places is West Deerfield Township’s transportation program for the mobility challenged. It is appointment-based and includes the service area of Highland Park Hospital, Glenbrook Hospital and the VA Hospital. Registration is quick and easy. Call the Township secretary at (847) 945-0614 for a registration form to be mailed to you. Once approved, you’ll be able to schedule a medical destination ride up to 30 days in advance; non-medical rides three days in advance. Requests will be granted based on availability. Cost is $5 round-trip and $2 round-trip for all Veterans.
Community Support Grants
West Deerfield Township has limited grants of up to $1000 per household per year that may be awarded to residents to improve accessibility at home and in the community. Expenses which may qualify for this program include home remodeling/adaptation, mobility equipment, communication devices, etc. Older adults with special needs are encouraged to apply. The program is intended to assist West Deerfield Township residents with the greatest financial need, but there is no stated income limit. Applications are available at the Township office, the Patty Turner Center, or online at westdeerfieldtownship.org.
Life After Loss
PTC’s Life After Loss bereavement group ended in 2012. For those in need, a Life After Loss group is beginning at nearby Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center, 100 E Old Mill Rd in Lake Forest. Anyone who has lost a loved one in the past 2 years is welcome to join for discussion and support. The group will meet for 6 sessions on 2nd and 4th Mondays from 2-3:30pm. The series starts on May 20, with meetings continuing 6/10, 6/24, 7/8, 7/22, & 8/12. For details, please call Janet Fryer at LF/LB Senior Center 847-810-4678 to indicate your interest. FREE.