Social Services
Our part-time staff member, Margie Fischer, M.A., offers a variety of helpful information for older adults and their families. Get information and referral on topics including in-home services, community resources, help with applying for benefits, Medicare information, caregiver support and more. Please call 847-940-4010 for assistance. Services are friendly, free and confidential. Similar assistance is also available from the West Deerfield Township by calling 847-945-0614.
Join our wonderful group of family caregivers! Studies show that caregivers reduce their stress, enjoy improved health and provide better care when receiving support. ACES is a group of super people who are caring for a loved one, usually a spouse or parent. The group gathers twice a month for valuable information on relevant topics, to share leads on resources and to share concerns and tips with other caregivers. You do not have to live with your care recipient to be considered a caregiver. Whether seeking information on resources or services or feeling stress or sadness from caring for a loved one, ACES can help. Come meet others in our community who, are caring for an older adult. Meetings take place from 1 – 2:30 pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month in the PTC library. Please call Margie Fischer at PTC for details.
The Patty Turner Center and Promedica/Heartland Hospice are joining together to offer a grief support group for those who have experienced a loss, no matter when the loss took place. Facilitated by a professional bereavement coordinator, the meetings will help you navigate difficult emotions and process life after loss. Contact Laura Wilson at 224-361-9848 for more information.
Be prepared! This handy all-in-one blue packet contains information ready to grab in case of a medical emergency. It includes forms regarding health information, emergency contacts, advanced directives and more. The packet is placed in or on the fridge, where our local emergency personnel knows to look for it. This is a collaborative effort between PTC and the Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Department and is available free of charge to local residents.
Did you know there is a small fund available to assist lower-income older adult residents that helps pay a portion of their membership and program fees at the Patty Turner Center? The GrandFriends Fund was originated and is supported by the fundraising efforts of the students at Caruso Middle School. What a great bunch of kids! Margie can provide eligibility and program information. Participation is strictly confidential.
The Deerfield area is one of the richest around when it comes to providing transportation services for older adults. Options include the Village Taxi Program; the West Deerfield Township handicapped-accessible “Going Places” van; a variety of specialty volunteer programs and the Lake County Transportation Grant. Programs vary in scope, eligibility and availability. Which ones are right for you? More information is available from the West Deerfield Township by calling 847-945-0614.
West Deerfield Township has a grant program for residents with various disabilities aimed at improving their access to the community. Grants of up to $1000 per household/per year may be awarded to residents to help with solutions to increase accessibility at home and in the community. Expenses that may qualify for this program include home remodeling/adaptation, mobility equipment, communication devices, etc. Older adults are encouraged to apply. The program is intended to assist WDT residents with the greatest financial need, but there is no stated income limit. Interested older adults may call Margie to ask questions about the program. Applications are made to WDT and kept strictly confidential. Forms are available at the Township office, the Patty Turner Center or online at westdeerfieldtownship.org. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. For more information, call West Deerfield Township or Social Services at the PTC.
If you have questions on the ABC and D’s of Medicare, ask SHIP! This Illinois Department on Aging program answers your questions about enrollment, drug plans, supplemental plans, advantage plans, subsidies and claims. Trained Senior Health Insurance Program volunteers provide FREE one-to-one information/counseling sessions by appointment at PTC. Smart beneficiaries use SHIP because “The Best Choice is an Educated Choice!” Please call 847-940-4010 to schedule an appointment.
During tax season, IRS-Certified Volunteers from AARP return to the PTC to provide help completing simple tax returns. This FREE service will be available on Friday afternoons. Appointments are required. Please call 847-940-4010 to make an appointment.