Family Caregiver Resources for Illinois

En español | Caregiving may be one of the most important, and challenging, roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier.

AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey.

To order a print copy of this online guide, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.

City of Chicago Services Online (3-1-1 | 312-744-5000)
Assistance with non-emergency city services and for information on events, programs and agencies within the city of Chicago.

Illinois Department on Aging (800-252-8966)
Serves and advocates for older Illinoisans and their caregivers with programs that promote independence, dignity and quality of life, including Adult Protective Services, the Community Care Program, Legal Assistance and the Senior Helpline.

Benefit Access Programs (800-252-8966)
Provides benefits for seniors and persons with disabilities, such as a fee discount on license plates and free rides on fixed-route transit. Eligibility is determined by age, disability, residency and income.

Illinois Secure Choice: Retirement Savings Program (855-650-6914)
State-facilitated program makes it easy to save for retirement.

Illinois Legal AID Online
Offers 24/7 and multilingual access to free legal aid service in civil matters.

Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services (312-986-4200)
Provides legal services to low-income residents.

Prairie State Legal Services (815-965-2134; Older Adults Project: 888-965-7757)
Offers free legal services for low- income people and those age 60 and over.

Medicare Nursing Home Compare
Offers detailed information about every Medicare- and Medicaid- certified nursing home in the country.

Senior Health Assistance Program
Provides counseling to older Illinoisans so they can better understand Medicare, Medicaid, pharmaceutical assistance and supplemental health insurance and find suitable programs.

Senior Health Insurance Program (800-252-8966) Free health benefits counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their families helps recipients obtain benefits, file claims and understand their health care options.

Community Care Program (800-252-8966)
Helps older adults remain in their own homes by providing in-home and community-based services.

Home- and Community-Based Services — Provider Locator
Site helps older Illinoisans and family caregivers locate information on providers and services.

Illinois Area Agencies on Aging
The 13 Area Agencies on Aging contract with local agencies that provide services to older residents including congregate and home-delivered meals, evidence-based health promotion, nutrition education, in-home assistance, outreach, legal services, transportation and long-term care ombudsman support.

Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman (800-252-8966 or 711: TRS)
Provides consumer protection advocacy services to residents of long-term care facilities consisting of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, specialty care facilities and boarding homes. Anyone can use an ombudsman to report a concern and get help resolving problems including residents, residents’ family and friends or long-term care facility employees.

Adult Protective Services (866-800-1409)
Provides information and investigates allegations of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. Nursing Facilities Resident Complaint hotline: 800-252-4343 Supportive Living Facilities Resident Complaint hotline: 800-226-0768

City of Chicago — Senior Services (312-744-4016)
Connect with the full list of services and programs for senior residents and their family caregivers.

Illinois Department on Aging Senior HelpLine (800-252-8966)
Provides information on programs, services and resources to residents 60 years and older and their family caregivers.

Illinois Department of Labor (217-782-6206)
Information on labor laws including workplace rights and safety, minimum wage and additional FAQs.

Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (800-437-9824)
Helps veterans and their families navigate federal, state and local resources and benefits. Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1.

Illinois Secretary of State— Senior Services (800-252-8980 option 2)
Offers one-click resources for information on your driving needs, from rules of the road to benefit services and the latest information on license renewals.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (833-711-0374)
Helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months).

Resources for Seniors and Their Loved Ones
Resources page connects seniors and caregivers with resources ranging from grandparents and children to employment, housing, prescription drug assistance and much more.

Senior Centers
Statewide senior centers offer a range of programs and activities for older adults, with services that may include congregate meals, transportation, education, counseling, legal assistance and health screening.

Illinois Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (855-870-0342)
Provides information about hospice and palliative care resources, including a Find a Hospice/Palliative Care tool.