Orland Township, in conjunction with EMB Suppliers, sponsors a diabetic shoe entitlement program to benefit individuals with diabetes. The program, certified by Medicare and in partnership with the American Diabetes Association, provides protective and therapeutic footwear, at no cost, for individuals living with diabetes.

Diabetics, who are covered by Medicare, are entitled to one pair of shoes per year, plus three pairs of insoles. The individually fitted shoes feature extra depth, molded insoles and protected toes and they are designed exclusively for comfort and support.

In order to qualify for the program, one must be under a comprehensive plan of care for diabetes with a physician and have him/her sign a certification statement.  For more information, please contact the Orland Township office at (708) 403-4222.

Free Amplified Phone Program

The Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC) has expanded its mandated program to include free amplified telephones to those who qualify. Requirements include, one must be a resident of Illinois, one must have a standard phone service in their home and a physician must certify that an individual is unable to use one. There are no age or income requirements. If in need of this service, please stop by the Orland Township Office to pick up an application. 

Cell Phone for Seniors

Orland Township, in partnership with Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart’s Office, sponsors the Cell Phone for Seniors program. The phones are programmed to the 911 Call Center and are to be used in emergencies. Seniors need only to fill out a simple application to receive the cellular telephone and will not be under any type of service plan. Applications are available at the Orland Township office.

How can a senior citizen find a dependable handyman (someone who typically deals with projects that are too small for large contractors and too tricky or time consuming for the average homeowner) to do some work around the house? It can be a challenge to find someone to return calls, show up on time and complete the job properly. Seniors want someone reliable who will do the job correctly and complete the project in a timely manner.

Luckily, Orland Township has expanded its handyman program to include qualified and professional “handymen” to handle minor home repair needs. For more information, please contact the Orland Township office at (708) 403-4222.

There are many things in life that are out of one’s control. Five Wishes gives seniors control of an important issue, how a person is treated in the event of a serious illness. Complete a simple form that clearly states one’s intentions. Once the form is completed and signed, it is legally valid in Illinois.

Five Wishes is the first living will that states one’s personal, emotional and spiritual needs, as well as one’s medical wishes. It allows a person to choose who will make health care decisions on their behalf, if unable to make them on their own. It’s a simple process that requires a participant check a box, circle an option or write a few sentences.

Five Wishes was written with the help of the American Bar Association’s Commission on the Legal Problems of the Elderly and the nation’s leading experts in end-of-life care. For more information, contact the Orland Township office at (708) 403-4222.

Orland Township provides monthly day and overnight trips to various locations.  Ticket prices include meals, entrance fees (when appropriate) and motor coach transportation. For information regarding the bus pick-up and drop off locations, please contact the Orland Township office at (708) 403-4222.

Multiple times a year, Orland Township hosts luncheons for participating seniors. The luncheons consist of a hot catered meal and an afternoon of entertainment by fantastic performers: singers, musicians and comedians.

Lunch generally consists of an entree, vegetable, potato, salad, rolls, dessert and a beverage served promptly at noon.

Tickets for each event go on sale at 8:00 a.m. on the specified dates and are sold on a first come, first serve basis. Tickets are limited to two per person and are non-transferable. In the event of a cancellation, a full refund will be given prior to the refund deadline on the ticket. After the deadline, refunds will be given only if the ticket can be resold to an individual on the waiting list.

Orland Township encourages seniors to participate in these cost-effective and enjoyable luncheons!