Medicare Open Enrollment Again?

Does this affect me?

Wednesday, October 8, 3:00--4:00 pm

Free via Zoom

Register here.

Yes, this may affect you. Or your friends. Or your family members. Don't fall in love with your plan. Learn how to determine if 2026 current coverage will continue to work for you or those you care for or care about.

Medicare's "open enrollment" period runs every year from October 15th until December 7th. This is the time Medicare beneficiaries look at their plans, ensure it meets their needs, and make changes. Most years there are changes that occur in most plans.

Join us to learn about changes coming to Medicare in 2026. We will give you tools to help you make the best choices for the year ahead. Bring your questions.

This program is sponsored by Chicago Villages Collaborative, of which LiveAgeWell is a member.

Death Doula Discussion 

Wednesday, October 15, 4:00--5:00pm 

Free via Zoom

RSVP  here.

Death can be a challenging topic to discuss. Many wonder why and how to prepare for it. You will hear about what a Death Doula is, why people benefit from the services provided, what a home funeral is, how to explore your legacy and the importance of preserving it. Death Doulas have facilitated life-to-death transitions for both the dying and those left behind in all cultures since ancient times. The role of a Death Doula is to support and honor the wishes of a dying individual.

Pat Bardenett, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, certified grief and loss specialist and certified Death Doula. She is coauthor of the workbook "Peace and Grace at the End, Making Peace with Your Life" and principal at Peace and Grace.

This program is sponsored by Chicago Villages Collaborative.

Immunization Recommendations for 2025-2026 Respiratory Virus Season

Confused about the conflicting recommendations coming out of Washington, D.C.?  The Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee reaffirms support for existing, science-based vaccine schedules as the federal vaccine panel’s credibility falters. See what they are in the Recommendations tab of this website.

End-of-Life Care

"Going Your Way" is a PBS documentary that explores the personal, medical, and spiritual aspects of end-of-life care. It highlights various options available and emphasizes proactive steps individuals can take to ensure their wishes are honored. The film features insights from experts and real-life stories, encouraging open conversations about death and dying to facilitate comprehensive end-of-life planning. ​

Click here to watch.

"See Me"

Are you interested in helping attract student nurses to gerontology, where they are critically needed? You can do so by joining a program entitled “See Me”—starting again in September 2025—run by the Loyola School of Nursing. It involves meeting for eight hours—spread over the semester--with two such students. These conversations have proven effective in making students feel comfortable with and interested in seniors. Go to the Recommendations section of our website for more information.

Memory Issues?

Edgewater Village is sponsoring a Memory Cafe on the last Friday of every month at the Edgewater Library. The Cafe caters to individuals with memory issues and their caretakers. For more information, click here. 

Renewing an Illinois Driver's License

If you need to renew your driver’s license, find out what to expect, what you’ll need to show, and where to go if you’re a senior by navigating to the Resources tab and then scrolling down to "Renewing an Illinois Driver’s License." 

Seniors Only

When you have business at the Department of Motor Vehicles, such as taking a driver's test or renewing a driver's license, there's a special facility that makes things a lot easier for seniors. To find out, go to the Recommendations tab and scroll down to "Seniors-Only DMV!" 

End-of-Life Issues

Go to Resources and scroll down to the "Needs You May Have" section, in which you will find "Where do I go to find information about end-of-life issues?" and websites that can help resolve them. Also, go to Recommendations, where you will find two relevant articles: "Leaving Assets to Family, Causes, and Others" and "Not too Soon to Think about Burial/Cremation Choices." In the Good Neighbor Initiative section, you will find the useful form "Medical Emergency Information."

Medical Devices

If you are looking for free, used medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, etc., go to Resources and scroll down to the "Needs You May Have" section and find "Where do I go to find assistive devices."

Documenting Your Life

Are you thinking of writing a memoir or family history? Already started? Check out some great, reasonably-priced options for publishing them. Go to the Recommendations page of this website and read the article entitled "Saving Memories."