Wheeling Township Senior Programs Provide Resources to Those In-Need
Wheeling Township seniors have a host of services available to them, which include transportation, support groups and health services, including assistance with Medicare and tax preparation, and food delivered to their homes through the Meals on Wheels program. Seniors who would like to give back or get more involved in the community can volunteer and participate in many of the Township's programs.
Transportation:
The Wheeling Township's Senior and Disability Services Transportation Department has ten buses and provides more than 24,000 rides annually. Township seniors who are 60 years of age and up, and permanently disabled residents over the age of 18 are eligible to use this service for $2 each way. In order to utilize the service, an application must be filled out, and proof of age and residency must be shown. Requests must be made at least 10 days in advance for medical rides, and two business days in advance for all other needs.
"We provide a link for so many residents who may be in wheelchairs or are homebound and would otherwise be unable to easily and safely get to various locations," said Wheeling Township Supervisor Kathy Penner. "Our drivers are compassionate and caring, which is the heart of this program's success. We are very proud of our transportation services."
Tax Preparation Assistance:
Through a partnership with AARP volunteers, seniors can get their taxes prepared for free and most tax situations are applicable. The program is offered Friday mornings through April 13, 2018. Appointments can be made by calling the Wheeling Township office at 847-259-7730.
Medicare Assistance:
Wheeling Township has four Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselors to assist seniors with various components of Medicare, and how to choose the plans right for them. This assistance is also provided during Part D Open Enrollment, which occurs every fall.
Meals On Wheels:
As the senior population ages, nutrition is an important aspect for them to stay healthy. Hot, fresh meals are delivered Monday through Friday by Wheeling Township volunteers and are available for a nominal fee to seniors and adults with permanent disabilities who qualify. In 2017, hundreds of volunteers delivered more than 13,000 meals to Township residents.
Community Nurse:
Residents are able to meet with the Wheeling Township nurse to receive blood pressure checks, blood glucose tests, cholesterol readings and more. Most services have a small associated fee.
Low Vision and Alzheimer's Support Groups:
For seniors with low or no vision, the Visually Impaired Support Group (VIP) meets on the first Thursday of the month. Since 2000, the 40-plus group members share ideas, listen to guest speakers and try out new visual aids.
For caregivers taking care of someone with Alzheimer's disease, Wheeling Township has a support group focused on providing ideas, comfort and friendship. Formed in 2014, the group meets on the third Tuesday each month and its leaders have received support group training from the Alzheimer's Association.
Senior Educational Programs:
On the second Tuesday of every month, the Wheeling Township's Senior Advisory Board presents guest speakers that educate on topics of interest for the general senior population.
For more information on any of the programs mentioned, or if you are interested in volunteering, please call the Township office at 847-259-7730, or email Director of Senior Services Lynndah Lahey, at LLahey@wheelingtownship.com.