Resources

Bringing together community resources to help guide older adults, their families, and caregivers.

Young Man Walking With Older Man in Wheel Chair on Bridge on Nature Walk

AgeOptions, the Area Agency on Aging of Suburban Cook County

Illinois Department on Aging

AgeGuide (Formerly the Agency on Aging Northeastern Illinois)

BenefitsCheckUp is a free, easy-to-use service which identifies federal and state assistance programs for older Americans.

Medicare information is available at the government’s Medicare site.

How do I get Medicare? Medicare Interactive explains the enrollment process.

The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is a free statewide health insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers, sponsored by the Illinois Division of Insurance. Includes a Medicare Supplement Premium Comparison Guide and other resources.

Social Security information is available at the government’s Social Security site.

The Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access Program provides assistance to senior citizens and persons with disabilities. These include free public transit and license plate discounts.

Healthcare.gov, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is aimed at helping people understand health insurance options as well as the provisions in the 2010 Affordable Care Act.

Illinois Health Matters provides up-to-date information on health care reform and its impact.

Illinois Housing Development Authority Users can search for seniors housing resources by county.

New Lifestyles Online is an online source for senior living and care options.

Alternatives for Seniors provides information on senior housing and services in the Chicago area and in five other states.

Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Senior Advocate Program services include transportation, financial counseling, health promotion and information referral.

Alexian Brothers Medical Center’s Senior & Community Resource Center includes information on senior services.

Northwest Community Hospital Senior Health Overview

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance to low-income families for household utility costs.

PACE Dial-a-Ride provides service from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cost is $2 each way. PACE provides service anywhere in Barrington and Cuba Townships and selected destinations in Lake Zurich. See “Barrington” entry under “Cook County.”

R.U.O.K The Lake County Sheriff’s Department’s computer-based program that places daily well-being-check calls to seniors or homebound persons who live alone. This service is free to seniors or homebound persons who live in Lake County.

The Community Meal is a free meal served once a month at Barrington-area churches. Its goal is to build community and friendships.

Barrington Area Library. Find information on upcoming events on the library’s Barrington Area Community Calendar.

Barrington Park District

South Barrington Park District

Prairie State Legal Services offers free legal services for low- income persons and those over 60.

Legal Aid Chicago provides free legal aid to low-income persons in Cook County.

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys provides information on finding and choosing an elder law attorney.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office of Financial Protection for Older Americans provides seniors and caregivers resources to help them manage money and protect their finances.

The Illinois Assistive Technology Program is a statewide, not-for-profit agency that focuses on using assistive technology to help people with disabilities live independently.

The National Council on Aging offers tools and resources for older adults and caregivers.

Senior Service Coalition of Lake County is an advocacy organization that provides assistance to seniors, promotes senior health programs and supports financial well-being through outreach activities to communities and legislators.

AARP and AARP/Illinois

How to Join Virtual Programming

All events, programs, and group meetings require pre-registration. Clients need to sign up at least the day before the event or program to get the Zoom link and to maintain the Covid policy at in-person events.

Because of COVID-19 safety concerns, Bacoa is offering online programs that can be accessed from home using the video conferencing platform Zoom.

You can join these free virtual programs three ways:

  • Computer (video and sound)
  • Smartphone (video and sound)
  • Regular phone (sound only)

RSVP to get the meeting ID and password by calling Bacoa at (847) 381-5030.

Haven’t used Zoom before?

Older Woman Making Video Call on Laptop in Kitchen, Waving at the Screen

Volunteer Opportunities

Our hard-working volunteers make it possible for us to improve client outcomes and expand assistance to people in nearby suburbs. Their work is invaluable to those we serve. By becoming a Bacoa volunteer, you will help us make a positive difference in the lives of older adults within our community.

Young Woman Bending Down to Older Adult Woman in Wheelchair, Spring Budding Trees in the Background
Woman Standing and Older Woman Sitting in Front of Laptop

Bacoa is a federally qualified, public charitable corporation, or a 501(c)(3). Thanks to the generosity of friends, community partners, and supporters, no one is ever refused services because of an inability to pay.

We’re here for you.

Bacoa is your connection to helpful resources. Our team is ready to assist with any aging-related needs. We look forward to connecting with you.

847-381-5030

info@bacoa.org