Aging in Community

Age-Friendly Advisory Ad Hoc Committee

On February 24 , 2020, the Village Board of Trustees approved a Resolution establishing an Age-Friendly Advisory Ad Hoc Committee and appointed members at its May 26, 2020 meeting. Information about the Committee's work will be posted to this page as it becomes available. The Committee is tasked with:

  • Conducting a baseline assessment of age-friendliness of the Village
  • Evaluating and preparing an Age-Friendly Plan to be submitted to the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) for review and endorsement

Click here for more information and links to AARP documents on this process. 

Click here for the Dropbox folder with additional reading materials and resources. 

Visit www.DementiaFriendlyRiverForest.org for information about Dementia Friendly initiatives in the Village. Click here for more resources about Age & Dementia Friendly information from the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. 

Senior Services and Programs

The Village of River Forest provides a variety of services aimed at its senior residents. See below for important programs, services and informational links designed with seniors in mind. 

Senior Handyperson Program - The North West Housing Partnership (NWHP) Oak Park River Forest Senior Home Repair Program is available to all River Forest residents over the age of 60. This handyperson program covers minor repairs in the home, but is not intended for emergency repairs. Call NWHP directly at (847) 969-0561 for questions or to schedule this service. Click here for more information, including examples of eligible work projects and hourly rates that are offered based on yearly income. 

Vehicle Stickers - All vehicles registered in the State of Illinois with a River Forest address must also be registered with the Village through the purchase of a vehicle license sticker. Senior Citizens (65 years of age or older) may purchase one vehicle sticker per household at the reduced cost of $25. Get vehicle stickers online.

Senior Basement Protection Program - The Village has a grant program for senior citizens who are unable to afford the cost of a basement protection system for their residential sewer lines. The Senior Basement Protection Grant will work with the existing "Protect Your Basement" Program. Senior citizens who qualify will be eligible to have remaining cost paid for by this grant. In order to qualify, senior citizens must be age 65 or older, be the owner of the property and use the property as principal place of residents, qualify under the current regulations for the Village’s "Protect Your Basement" Program, and have a total household income of $55,000 or less for the previous tax year and provide proof of income or other significant financial hardship. For more information view the Senior Basement Protection Program 

Senior Citizen and Persons with Disabilities Snow Removal Program - The Village is offering a Snow Removal Program to eligible seniors 65 years of age and older and residents with disabilities. Seniors who qualify for a senior freeze property tax exemption or other financial or unique hardship are eligible for this program. This program will assist eligible residents with snow removal from the public sidewalks and front pathways to their homes. For more details and to apply, see the application form. Please submit your completed form to Village Hall. 

Online Payments - Many Village bills can be paid online including utility bills and vehicle stickers. Please use the online payment center

Police Services - The Village of River Forest Police Department provides a variety of services free of charge to its residents.  For more information about the services provided by the River Forest Police Department please contact the police non-emergency phone number at (708) 366-7125.

  • Home Security Survey: The Police Department has officers trained in home security who can come to your house to give you suggestions on how to better secure your home. The survey includes an exterior and interior walk-thru, checking doors, windows, garage doors, alarms and lighting. Suggestions on better locks, lighting and general safety tips are also included in this free survey.
  • Vacation Watch List: When you go on vacation or an extended trip, you can contact the records division and be added to the watch list. If a problem is discovered at your home, the list provides the officers with key holder information and contact information.
  • ID Bracelets: The Police Department provides free, personalized bracelets to residents with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special needs. The bracelets are intended to give officers a means of quickly locating necessary information to help these residents in emergencies, while maintaining sensitivity and confidentiality of personal data. Click here for more information and the form. 

Stay social!

  • Great Neighbors Partnership is residents, non-profits and government entities working together to help older adults stay socially connected and part of community life. Click here for a slideshow with more information. 

Frequently Accessed Links

Additional Resources