We hear so much about how Naperville is a great place to have a baby, raise a family, buy a home, get health care and learn at our schools and libraries. But, our city doesn’t get the attention it should about how it helps senior citizens.
The Naperville City Council established a Senior Task Force in 2014 that researches available services for seniors, their families and caregivers. Take a look at the city’s website, www.naperville.il.us. Click on “Residents,” then “Services” and then “Senior Services and Resources.” You’ll be impressed with the useful information available. You can also sign up for a quarterly newsletter.
This Senior Task Force, in conjunction with the Naperville Fire Department and the American Heart Association (AHA), again will offer “Silver CPR” to seniors at no charge. New guidelines issued by the AHA and the Red Cross teach “compressions only” CPR so mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is not needed. Seniors will also learn how to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) as well as how to help someone who is choking. Classes start in May, taught by certified paramedics, at Safety Town on Aurora Ave. Sign up at seniortaskforce@naperville.il.us.
Senior Housing Options Expo ’23 is April 27-28
Senior Housing Options Expo ’23, presented by Naperville & Lisle Townships Triad, will be held from 5PM to 7PM Thurs., April 27, and 9AM to noon on Fri., April 28, at Grace Point Church, 1320 Chicago Ave. More than 50 agencies will be there to help everyone get the most out of their living experiences including downsizing, home sharing, adult day services, senior property tax programs, transportation choices, etc.
I bet you’re wondering what behooved this garden columnist to write about services for seniors. At a recent Naperville Garden Club board meeting, the report of our Sunshine Chairman, Marilyn Youngdahl, prompted a discussion about how to help our aging members.
Little did we know that seated among us was Senior Task Force member Gwenn Lloyd! Gwenn is chairman for our annual fundraiser, the Cup of Cheer™ House Walk, Holiday Market and Tea, and still finds time to participate on this task force. Gwenn is so proud of the work of this task force and shared several ways that seniors (or the people who love and care for them) can find the help they need. We weren’t aware and you might not be either, so please check out the websites and you will be better prepared to help an aging friend, neighbor, family member or yourself.
Editor’s Note / Senior Task Force columns, volunteer requests and special services also have had a voice on PN’s printed pages as well as on this website since the all-volunteer organization was established in 2014. Simply search “Senior Task Force” or click here.
