Helping seniors remain independent this Fourth of July

Jul 4

Written By

Happy Independence Day!

Today as we are celebrating freedom, we also take a moment to reflect on independence and community.

Independence has a special meaning to H.O.M.E. Everything that we do at H.O.M.E. is designed to help seniors in Chicago maintain their independence—that’s our purpose and our cause. By providing affordable housing and housing support services, seniors are able to stay safe and remain engaged in their own communities.

This Fourth of July, here are four ways H.O.M.E. helps seniors remain independent:

1. Helping senior homeowners stay in their own homes

For senior homeowners living on a fixed income, emergency home repairs can be devastating to their finances. Our Upkeep & Repair program provides affordable repairs to low-income seniors to ensure that their homes are safe and healthy. Our trustworthy and reliable home repair specialists are a "godsend" to many of our clients.

2. Increasing access to healthy food

Many of the buildings served by the Shopping Bus Program are located in food deserts where access to fresh, healthy food is nearly impossible without access to transportation. Our shopping bus picks riders up at their home and takes them to the grocery store of their choice. Without our program, our riders would have to rely on the charity and availability of family or neighbors. One rider told us, "I feel more independent because I don't have to call my daughter all the time."

3. Offering an alternative to nursing homes

Howard Gleckman recently wrote in Forbes, "When it comes to older adults aging at home, here it is: If seniors are going to avoid a nursing home, they need a safe, affordable alternative."

Good Life Senior Residences is a great option for seniors who need a little more assistance but do not need 24-hour nursing care. In our intergenerational buildings, Good Life residents can receive assistance with meals, housekeeping, and managing healthcare needs but also have privacy when they want it.

4. Providing affordable housing in community settings

Affordable housing and housing support services that enable seniors to age in community safely and independently are becoming ever more important. For seniors looking for an affordable housing option, H.O.M.E. has been providing Intergenerational Housing for over 30 years.

Intergenenerational living is an innovative concept based on the idea that the blending of families, students, and seniors in social living activities builds a community that enhances our understanding of one another. Our residents live vibrant lives and form supportive relationships with people aged 1 to 92.

H.O.M.E’s programs for low-income seniors in the City of Chicago increase independence and health for those that we serve, as well as help maintain safe, vibrant communities where our clients live. Read more about all of our programs.