Senior Services Department

The Senior Services Department has expanded, we now offer services at three (3) locations. Thornton Township Hall, 333 East 162nd Street in South Holland; our Senior Center at 1420 Huntington Drive in Calumet City; and at 14323 Halsted in Riverdale.

We offer a wide range of services and special events for senior citizens of Thornton Township. These programs and services are designed to assist seniors in enjoying their “Golden Years.”

For additional information regarding any of our programs or services, or to make an appointment, please call the Township Hall at 708-596-6040, Ext. 3170, the Calumet Senior Center at Ext. 3190 or the Riverdale Senior Center at Ext. 2000.

Blood pressure screenings are offered to residents of all ages. Screenings are conducted on a daily basis at Thornton Township Hall, Senior Center in Calumet City and the Senior Center in Riverdale from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

● Cholesterol & Glucose Screenings

Cholesterol & glucose screenings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. by appointment. No fasting is required and results are given within three minutes. There is a nominal fee to help cover the cost of materials.

● Circuit Breaker Program

A program providing a yearly grant for relief from property or mobile home taxes, and rent or nursing home charges for qualifying seniors and persons with disabilities. Assistance in preparing your claim is available beginning annually in mid-February. Call for information on requirements and qualifications. Now serving you in three (3) locations.

● Exercise Class

This class provides light to moderate aerobic workouts to aid seniors in maintaining health and fitness. A certified instructor currently conducts this class every Monday and Friday at the Senior Center in Calumet City from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. On Wednesday the class is held at Thornton Township Hall in the lower level from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. On Tuesday and Thursday, class is scheduled at the Senior Center in Riverdale from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

● 55/Alive Mature Driving Course

This is an eight hour class room instruction course that refines existing safe, defensive driving techniques. 55/Alive teaches preventive measures to use when driving that saves lives. Upon completion, a certificate is provided that will entitle participants to receive a car insurance premium discount. This course is currently offered every month except December at the Senior Center in Calumet City.

● Flu Shots

Thornton Township, in cooperation with the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, administers flu shots once a year to senior citizens age 65 and older and also those individuals who are chronically ill. Call for date and form.

● Foot Care

A foot doctor is available on the 1st and 2nd Wednesday each month at the Senior Center in Calumet City. The 3rd and 4th Wednesday each month the doctor travels to the Senior Center in Riverdale. Basic foot care, i.e., trimming toe nails, corns and calluses, is provided for a minimal fee. Appointments are necessary. Doctor is in from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

● Senior Health and Informational Fair

Senior Healh and Informational Fair is held at Thornton Township Senior Center for all residents. Some of the services offered at minimal or no charge, include cholesterol screenings, glucose screenings, blood pressure readings, glaucoma/cataract screenings, foot screenings, pulmonary function testing, and much more.

● Income Tax Service

Thornton Township, in conjunction with A.A.R.P., assists persons 65 years of age and older with federal and state income tax preparation. This service is provided every Friday beginning on the first Friday of February through the end of the tax season in April.

● Information and Referral Program

Senior citizens can obtain forms and receive current information regarding employment opportunities, Medicare, Social Security, legal services, housing, Illinois Living Will Act forms, and Illinois Statutory Short forms such as durable power of attorney for health care and property. Other information affecting local seniors will also be disseminated as the information becomes available. Now serving you at three (3) locations.

● Regional Transportation Authority Passes

Senior citizens age 65 years and older can apply for R.T.A. passes under the Senior Citizen Reduced Fare Card Program. Seniors can register for a reduced fare card one month before their 65th birthday. You must bring in one of the following photo ID’s: Drivers license (any state) must have picture and birth date, state identification card, United States Immigration Alienation Card front and back and Official Government I.D. with photo and date of birth. There is a nominal fee for the photo. Applicants receive the actual card by mail, direct from the R.T.A., within six (6) weeks. Applications are now available at three (3) locations. Call for further information regarding rates at 596-6040, Ext 3170.

● Rules of the Road Review Course

Thornton Township, in conjunction with the Secretary of State’s Office, offers this course to senior citizens and persons with disabilities to give them the knowledge and confidence needed to pass their drivers license renewal exam. Classes are currently offered every other month at the Senior Center. Please call for dates and times.

● Senior Committee on Aging

This committee meets monthly to advise the township of the needs and concerns of their senior community. They also serve as volunteer coordinators for luncheons and special township events. A list of members is available at either the Township Hall or Senior Center.

● Senior Health Insurance Program (S.H.I.P.)

This free program is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Insurance and provides counseling to seniors. This public service is designed to help answer questions, and organize and assist in the filing of insurance papers to Medicare and supplemental insurance companies. The service also provides comparisons of supplemental and long term care insurance policies. Now serving you at three (3) locations.

● Senior Lawn Care Program

The ZAP (Zuccarelli Assistance Program) Senior Lawn Care provides low-cost basic lawn maintenance for senior residents residing in single family homes who need assistance in performing routine lawn tasks. ZAP Senior Lawn Care runs from May through October annually.

Thornton Township senior residents age 65 years or older who meet Circuit Breaker income levels with no able-bodied person under the age of 65 residing in their home are eligible for the service.

Lawns will be mowed and trimmed weekly (weather permitting). Thornton Township hires students from Thornton Township High School Districts 205 and 215 to provide this lawn service. All students must be recommended by the school counselor and/or principal based upon their academic and attendance merits. Supervision will be provided by Thornton Township Staff.

The cost for this monthly service will be determined based upon the lawn size. A cost estimate will be provided prior to confirmation of the service schedule.

To apply senior residents must complete a lawn care program application available in the Senior Services Department. Income Guidelines do apply. Please call 708-596-6040 x3170 or 3164 with any questions, and we will be happy to help.

● Senior Luncheon Program

Thornton Township senior citizens, 60 years of age and older, are entitled to attend one luncheon per week at your designated town luncheon site. There are currently thirteen luncheon facility sites located throughout the township. There is a nominal fee charged per meal. The luncheon program is designed to provide a place to meet new friends in a social setting, eat a nourishing meal and to keep you informed of current information affecting seniors.

Proof of residency and age are required when you sign up. Luncheon sites are located in:

• Burnham • Homewood • Calumet City • Lansing • Dolton

• Riverdale • Harvey • South Holland • Hazel Crest

● Senior Trips

A variety of one day trips are sponsored each month from February through November to theaters, dinner shows, professional sporting events, touring and gambling boats. Extended overnight trips to exciting locations are also sponsored to give seniors an opportunity to do some touring at a reasonable cost. Due to the popularity of these trips, seniors are requested to reserve tickets in advance.

● State of Illinois Identification Card