AgeGuide seeks community input on the needs of older adults and their caregivers
AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois, the Area Agency on Aging based in Lombard, is conducting a comprehensive community needs assessment across DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties. This effort will identify the challenges facing adults age 60 or older, as well as their unpaid caregivers who play a critical role in care.
More than 750,000 older adults call this region home. The last few years have brought profound change, from the increasing need for social connection, to the growing demands of caregivers.
This makes it more urgent than ever to ensure services reflect both current realities and future needs. Gathering community input is the first step in developing data-driven solutions that respond to those evolving needs.
The assessment involves three phases: a survey of community stakeholders has already been completed, a survey of older adults and caregivers, and community listening sessions to capture perspectives across the eight-county region.
Topics range from access to services and transportation to health care needs and opportunities for social connection. Responses will remain confidential, but insights will directly inform the programs and services that shape the future of aging in this region.
“We understand that most older adults define ‘aging well’ as remaining in their own home or community,” shares Marla Fronczak, CEO of AgeGuide. “Our goal is to build systems of care that are responsive, inclusive, and grounded in the lived experiences of older adults.”
The insights gathered from the Community Needs Assessment will guide AgeGuide’s planning, funding, and advocacy priorities for the next three years. Results will be available on AgeGuide’s website once analysis is complete.
You can participate in the survey or register for a listening session at bit.ly/2025-needs-assessment-survey.
Listening sessions are ongoing. These sessions are open conversations where older adults, caregivers, and community members can share their experiences, challenges, and ideas. Your voice will help guide future programs and services that support aging in the region. Below are the dates and locations where you can participate. To RSVP, call Delaney Patrick at AgeGuide, (630) 293-5990. Learn more at ageguide.org/2025-community-needs-assessment-surveys/.
• Thursday, Nov. 6, from noon to 1 p.m. at Senior Services Associates-McHenry County, 4704 Three Oaks Road, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
• Friday, Nov. 7, from 11 a.m. to noon at Hanul Family Alliance-Lake County, 300 Knightsbridge Pkwy., Unit 125, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
• Thursday, Nov. 13, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Metropolitan Family Services-DuPage County, 222 E. Willow Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187
• Friday, Nov. 14, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Community Nutrition Network-Grundy County, 1700 Newton Drive, Morris, IL 60450
• Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Metropolitan Asian Family Services-DuPage County, 1032 E. Ogden Ave., Naperville, IL 60563
• Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Pembroke Dining Site-Kankakee County, 4019 S. Wheeler Road, Pembroke Township, IL 60958
• Friday, Nov. 21, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Ovation Center-Will County Senior Services, 349 S. Weber Road, Romeoville, IL 60446.