Senior Citizens
The City of Wheaton and other local agencies offer a number of services especially for Wheaton senior citizens, including:
Ride DuPage Transportation Program
Seniors age 65 and older and residents with disabilities can receive curb-to-curb paratransit service through Ride DuPage, a subsidized transportation service. Fares are a flat fee of $1 per ride plus $1 for each mile traveled, and there are no coupons or ID cards associated with the program. Participants must register for the program before using it.
To register, complete a Ride DuPage Registration Form and Waiver (pdf) and send them to the City of Wheaton, Attn: Ride DuPage, 303 W. Wesley St., Wheaton, IL 60187. You can download a Ride DuPage Information Packet, Registration Form and Waiver (pdf) online, pick them up at City Hall or call 630-260-2019.
Senior Housing Assistance Program
This program provides financial aid to senior residents who need assistance in order to continue living in Wheaton because of increasing rental, mortgage or real estate tax payments. This program is offered through the City’s Housing Commission. More information about this program and an application form (pdf) are available in the Housing Commission section. Questions can be directed to Sara Bemer at 630-260-2019.
Senior Meals Program
The DuPage Senior Citizen Council coordinates home-delivered meals when a resident needs a hot nutritious meal but is unable to shop, prepare meals or attend a senior dining center. A donation toward the cost of the meals is requested. The City of Wheaton reimburses the county for service to Wheaton residents. For more information, call DuPage County Human Services, Senior Citizen Services, at 630-682-7000.
Leisure Center
Located at 208 W. Union Ave. in Memorial Park, the Wheaton Park District’s Leisure Center offers activities and other senior services for Wheaton residents. Find out more about the Leisure Center’s offerings on the Wheaton Park District’s website or by calling 630-665-1415.
Free Rides For Seniors
Seniors age 65 and older can ride free on CTA buses, Pace buses and Metra trains. To receive free fares, seniors must sign up for RTA's reduced fare program, if they do not already have a reduced fare identification card. To sign up, seniors must bring a valid state identification card or driver's license and a passport size photo to City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St., or Milton Township, 1492 N. Main St. Reduced fare identification cards will be sent by mail to seniors. For more information, visit the Regional Transit Authority website. This program is not associated with the Ride DuPage paratransit service.
DuPage County Programs and Services
DuPage County offers additional services for seniors. Visit the DuPage County website or call 630-407-6500 for more information on home visits, elder abuse, caregiver support, nursing home prescreening and more.
Guardian Program
The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office offers a computerized telephone calling service for seniors. The calling system helps ensure the well-being of participants. For more information, visit the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office website.