Wednesday, November 05, 2025
Lombard, IL – AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois, the Area Agency on Aging 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 aged 60 and older, as well as the unpaid caregivers who play a critical role in their 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 3 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 8-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 our region.
Important Information:
- An older adult is anyone over 60
- A caregiver is someone who provides unpaid care to an older adult age 60+
- A listening session is a group discussion in a safe and inclusive space for people to express their thoughts, concerns, and ideas on a specific topic
“We understand that most older adults define ‘aging well’ as remaining in their own home or community,” shares Marla Fronczak, CEO, 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.
###
About AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois
AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois, an Area Agency on Aging, is a nonprofit organization responsible for developing and coordinating a network of services for older adults throughout an eight-county area in northeastern Illinois. AgeGuide informs and advises public and private agencies and the general public of the needs of older people living in its region, and acts as an advocate on their behalf. The Agency serves DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. Other information about AgeGuide, visit www.AgeGuide.org
