Downers Grove Township Dial-A-Ride Services Expanded

Dial-A-Ride is a curb-to-curb shared ride service for Township residents who are 65 or older and for qualified persons with disabilities of any age. In order to use the service, riders must have a valid RTA or ADA card. If you have either of these cards all you need to do is call the Township at (630) 719-6685 and Joan Nichols can register you over the phone. Don’t have either of those cards? That’s okay. We can help you with that and get you registered for Dial-A-Ride at the same time.

Qualified Township residents who need an RTA card may come into the Township office at 4340 Prince Street, Downers Grove and complete the appropriate application and get your picture taken (this costs $3.00). Once this is done, we can register you for our Dial-A-Ride service.

The Dial-A-Ride service is provided to and from any point within the Township of Downers Grove area. This includes to Good Samaritan Hospital. Service is provided from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays. The fare is $5.00 for each one-way ride.

Persons with disabilities who are younger than 65 must submit one of the following:

• Social Security Validation. You must provide a current printout that states the words, “disabled individual”, or the letters DI after your social security number.

• Medicare Validation. You must submit two forms: (1) A copy of your Medicare card (not Medicaid), AND (2) A current Social Security Benefit Statement.

• Veterans Validation. (Please call our office at 630-719-6685 for information).

• Doctor’s Validation. You must submit two forms: (1) An application completed by your doctor (available at the Township office), AND (2) A doctor’s statement describing the nature of your disability on professional letterhead or prescription form

All applicants must have a 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ picture. We take pictures for $3.00.

You must also bring one of the following: Drivers license, State issued ID card, US Immigration Alien Registration card (copy of both sides) or a passport with a photo.

Once a rider is registered, reservations for general-purpose rides can be made one or two business days in advance. Rides for medical appointments can be made up to a week in advance. An escort may accompany a passenger. The escort does not have to be registered but does have to pay a separate $5.00 fare.

Division of Human Services
Phone: (630) 719-6670
Fax: (630) 719-6608

Providing Care to Elderly Parents by their Children is discussed on the Vintage Times, a local cable television program for senior citizens.

When parents experience a health crisis, their adult children are usually ready and willing to provide help. However, it is not always easy. Today’s families are often separated by distance, time and obligation. Viewers will learn about family dynamics, the difficulties some siblings experience, and how they can navigate such a group effort successfully. “At an emotional time, when a parent needs help, even the most stable families struggle with decision making. It is important that the family acts as a unit through education, assessment and resources,” says Mardy Chizek, a professional care manager and a registered nurse, with Charism Elder Living Services in Westmont.

The Vintage Times is a local cable television program shown on channels 6 and 19. This program will be shown on channel 6 during September 2010 on Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 am, and on Comcast channel 19 during October 2010 on Thursdays at 6 pm. The Vintage Times is also shown in Darien on channel 6 daily at 4 pm.

DVD copies will be available for loan at public libraries in Downers Grove, Darien and Westmont, as well as at the Township office.

The Vintage Times is produced by the Township of Downers Grove in cooperation with the Village of Downers Grove. For additional information, please contact Hanna Benioff at the Township of Downers Grove, Division of Human Services.

Hanna Benioff
Senior Services Coordinator
Division of Human Services
Downers Grove Township
Phone: (630) 719-6682
Fax: (630) 719-6608
Email: hanna.benioff@dgtownship.com

The Vintage Times is produced by the Township of Downers Grove in cooperation with the Village of Downers Grove. Programs will be shown on Channel 6 in Downers during the entire month, on Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 am. The following month the program is shown on Comcast Channel 19 on Thursdays at 6 pm. The program will also be shown on Channel 6 in Darien, please check your newspapers for dates and times. Videotaped copies are available for loan at public libraries in Westmont, Downers Grove, the Indian Prairie Library, and at the Township office. For additional information, please contact Hanna Benioff at the Township of Downers Grove, Division of Human Services at (630) 719-6670.

The following programs are scheduled to air on Vintage Times:

• July – Hospital Stays & Medicare: Who Pays?

• August – Explaining Health Care Reform and other Legislative Issues

• September – Caring for Elderly Parents & Sibling Relationships

• October – Help for Elderly Homeowners to Remain in their Homes – Nutrition Program and Home Maintenance program provided by the DuPage Senior Citizens Council

• November – Validation: A Communication Method for Older Person with Dementia – Jim Guzdziol, Brightstar & Jo Letwaitis, The Senior Site

• December – Help for Persons who have Cancer, and for their Families – Meredith Eng, American Cancer Society, DuPage

Hanna Benioff
Senior Services Coordinator
Division of Human Services
Phone: (630) 719-6670
Fax: (630) 719-6608
Email: hanna.benioff@dgtownship.com

Health Care Reform Law and other legislative issues of interest to Illinois residents, are discussed on the Vintage Times, a local cable television program for senior citizens.

Viewers will learn about benefits provided by the new Health Care Reform Law. Courtney Hedderman, Associate State Director with AARP Illinois, explains benefits which include reduced prescription drug costs for persons who have Medicare Part D, improvements in long-term care services, elimination of discriminatory insurance practices, and much more. “The new health care law has many new benefits,” said Ms. Hedderman, “it is important that Medicare beneficiaries have the information they need to make the best health care decisions for themselves and their families.” Ms. Hedderman also discusses other legislation of interest to Illinois residents.

The Vintage Times is a local cable television program shown on channels 6 and 19. This program will be shown on channel 6 during August 2010 on Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 am, and on Comcast channel 19 during September 2010 on Thursdays at 6 pm. The Vintage Times is also shown in Darien on channel 6 daily at 4 pm.

DVD copies will be available for loan at public libraries in Downers Grove, Darien and Westmont, as well as at the Township office.

The Vintage Times is produced by the Township of Downers Grove in cooperation with the Village of Downers Grove.  For additional information, please contact Hanna Benioff at the Township of Downers Grove, Division of Human Services.

See the article on Triblocal.com.

Hanna Benioff
Senior Services Coordinator
Division of Human Services
Phone: (630) 719-6682
Fax: (630) 719-6608
Email: hanna.benioff@dgtownship.com

“Caring for Elderly Parents & Sibling Relationships,” with Mardy Chizek, Geriatric Care Manager at Charism Elder Living Services in Westmont, Illinois. The program will be shown during September 2010 on channel 6 in Downers Grove each Monday and Friday at 10:30 am. In September the program will be shown on Comcast channel 19 on Thursdays at 6 pm. The program also shows in Darien on Channel 6 daily at 4 pm.

Hanna Benioff
Senior Services Coordinator
Division of Human Services
Phone: (630) 719-6682
Fax: (630) 719-6608
Email: hanna.benioff@dgtownship.com

“Hospital Stays & Medicare: Who Pays?” is the topic of discussion on the Vintage Times cable television program for senior citizens.

Viewers will learn that admission to a hospital has two separate categories, “inpatient care” and “observation”. Shirley Breedlove, Utilization Management Nurse at the Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, explains that the admission status can impact patients’ post-hospital care as well as their financial responsibilities. “If your admission status is “observation” Medicare will not cover room and board charges associated with rehabilitation services in a nursing home. Also, your financial responsibility may be greater,” says Ms. Breedlove.

The Vintage Times is a local cable television program shown on channels 6 and 19. This program will be shown on channel 6 during July 2010 on Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m., and on Comcast channel 19 during August 2010 on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. The Vintage Times is also shown in Darien on channel 6 daily at 4 p.m.

DVD copies will be available for loan at public libraries in Downers Grove, Darien and Westmont, as well as at the Township office.

The Vintage Times is produced by the Township of Downers Grove in cooperation with the Village of Downers Grove. For additional information please contact, Hanna Benioff at the Township of Downers Grove.

View the article on Triblocal.com.

Hanna Benioff
Senior Services Coordinator
Division of Human Services
Phone: (630) 719-6682
Fax: (630) 719-6608
Email: hanna.benioff@dgtownship.com

Cable TV Program

The Vintage Times is produced by the Township of Downers Grove in cooperation with the Village of Downers Grove. Programs will be shown on Channel 6 in Downers during the entire month, on Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. The following month the program is shown on Comcast Channel 19 on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. The program will also be shown on Channel 6 in Darien, please check your newspapers for dates and times. Videotaped copies are available for loan at public libraries in Westmont, Downers Grove, the Indian Prairie Library, and at the Township office. For additional information, please contact Hanna Benioff at the Township of Downers Grove, Division of Human Services at (630) 719-6670.

The following programs are scheduled to air on Vintage Times:

June – Medicare 2010
July – Hospital Stays & Medicare: Who Pays?
August – Explaining Health Care Reform and other Legislative Issues

Hanna Benioff
Senior Services Coordinator
Division of Human Services
Phone: (630) 719-6670
Fax: (630) 719-6608
Email: hanna.benioff@dgtownship.com

The DuPage Senior Citizens Council (DSCC) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), volunteer driven organization, devoted to enriching senior life. Since 1975, DSCC has been providing a variety of programs and services to help seniors live safely in their homes and provide them the opportunity to maintain their well being.

Repair & Referral – Skilled staff provide a wide range of home repairs to help seniors preserve the safety and value of their homes. Safety installations for grab bars, bath benches and more are also provided. Find out more about Minor Home Repair.

Volunteer – Volunteers are needed each Spring and Fall to assist local seniors with raking leaves, planting flowers and general yard clean-up. They also need volunteers to pack, deliver and serve fresh meals to local seniors. Find out more about Chore Days and Meals on Wheels.

For more information you can visit the DuPage Senior Citizens Council website.

On Saturday, May 22, 2010, residents from the Fairview, a VibrantLiving community in Downers Grove, put on their poodle skirts and dancing shoes for a “50’s Street Party” that had everyone smiling and reminiscing about their glory days. Downers Grove Township collaborated with Fairview Baptist and Girl Scout Troop 654 to put on this inter-generational event, bringing together local youth leaders to plan and host this fantastic event for residents from the Fairview VibrantLiving community.

The day dawned overcast but as the party got into full swing, the sun was shining and the music was rocking. “Nowstalgia”, two local entertainers brought residents back to the 50’s with a variety of music that was a mark of that decade. Ranging from the smooth styling of Patty Page to the full out hip gyrating music of Elvis Presley, residents and volunteers alike got into the act as they sang with the performers or got up and showed their stuff with a jitterbug or swing. Downers Grove South student Lexi Osborn choreographed some routines and was on hand to engage residents in the fun, dancing through the crowd and bringing a lot of huge smiles. If residents weren’t watching the entertainment, there were other things planned for them to bring back the nostalgia of the 50’s.
Continue reading ‘Residents “Rock N’ Roll” at a 50’s Street Party’ »

Medicare 2010 is discussed on the Vintage Times cable television program for senior citizens.

Viewers will learn about Medicare benefits in 2010, recent changes in Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, the Medicare prescription drug program part “D”, and much more. Dan Cantu of BlueCross/BlueShield of Illinois explains Medicare benefits and encourages beneficiaries to be well informed. “All Medicare beneficiaries received the “MEDICARE & YOU 2010” handbook which has important information including Medicare coverage, costs, prescription drug plans, your Medicare Rights and more. It is important to read the handbook and learn about the benefits available to you. Information is also available on Medicare’s website,” says Cantu.

The Vintage Times is a local cable television program shown on channels 6 and 19. This program will be shown on channel 6 during June 2010 on Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m., and on Comcast channel 19 during July 2010 on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. The Vintage Times is also shown in Darien on channel 6 daily at 4 p.m.

DVD copies will be available for loan at public libraries in Downers Grove, Darien and Westmont, as well as at the Township office.

The Vintage Times is produced by the Township of Downers Grove in cooperation with the Village of Downers Grove. For additional information please contact Hanna Benioff.

See the article on Triblocal.com.

Hanna Benioff
Senior Services Coordinator
Division of Human Services
Phone: (630) 719-6670
Fax: (630) 719-6608
Email: hanna.benioff@dgtownship.com