Regional Service Organization Feeds Hundreds of Older Adults Each Week
Pathlights’ Home Delivered Meals Also Relieve Caregivers
708.361.0219
Early-Stage Memory Loss Support Group (8 Weeks)
Starting April 16, 2026
In partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and Orland Park Library, Pathlights is hosting an eight-week support group for those living with early-stage dementia or MCI (mild cognitive impairment) and their care partners. “Early-stage” refers to people, irrespective of age, who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders and are in the beginning stages of the disease. This group will offer dementia-related education and emotional support and connections with resources.
Pre-Screening and Registration Required
Contact or Lily at 708.361.0219 or by email lbecker@pathlights.org. Sessions will take place at the Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park.
What Caregivers Need to Know About Alzheimer’s Disease
April 18 at 11 AM
Caring for a loved one experiencing cognitive decline can be challenging and isolating. Join Pathlights in welcoming Christina A. Rogers, M.D. Candidate at Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, to empower yourself as a caregiver and advocate. Christina will teach you to differentiate between dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), discuss risk factors for AD and ways to delay onset, the critical role of caregiver self-care, and ways to ease the journey using and interpreting reputable research.
Registration Required.
Contact the Richton Park Public Library at 708-481-5333 or click here to register. This event will be held at the Richton Park Public Library, 22310 Latonia Ln., Richton Park.
Memory Café – Matteson
April 21 at 2 PM
Join Pathlights as they host a monthly Memory Café for those who are experiencing early-stage dementia, mild memory loss or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and for families, friends, or care partners. A Memory Café is a place to have fun, share experiences, and stay socially connected.
Registration Required.
Visit Matteson Area Public Library District to register. This presentation will be held at the Matteson Area Public Library District, 801 School Ave., Matteson.
Sons and Daughters Caregiver Support Group
April 22 at 3 PM
This support group is designed for adult children caring for their aging parents. Whether you’re helping with daily tasks, coordinating medical care, making difficult decisions, or balancing caregiving with work and family life, you’re not alone.
This group offers a safe, welcoming space to connect with others who understand the emotional, physical, and practical challenges of caregiving. Our goal is to build a compassionate community where caregivers feel heard, supported, and empowered.
Registration Required.
Visit Chicago Ridge Public Library to register. This presentation will be held at the Chicago Ridge Public Library, 10400 Oxford Ave., Chicago Ridge.
Grandparent Raising Children Support Group
April 27 at 11 AM
Join grandparents and other relatives raising children for inspiration, encouragement, and education about local resources that are available to support you. Virtual via Zoom.
Registration Required Call Carletta at 708.361.0219 or e-mail cgatling@pathlights.org
The Caregiver’s Heart: Healing the Hidden Losses of Eldercare
April 30 at 10:30 AM
Caring for an aging loved one brings a unique and often silent form of grief that starts long before the final goodbye. This essential seminar offers a compassionate space to address the complex emotional losses that erode health, including mourning changes in your loved one’s memory or health while they are still here, and coping with the heavy burden of resentment and guilt that can build up over time. You will gain practical tools for setting boundaries, managing burnout, and helping you find healing and a new sense of purpose.
Registration Required.
Contact the Pathlights at 708.361.0219 or click here to register. This free event will be held at the Palos Heights Recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th St., Palos Heights. Refreshments provided.
Senior Citizen Law Enforcement Academy
Starting May 1 at 10 AM
Join the Cook County Sheriff’s Office for this six-week program is designed to give seniors an overview of the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies in Cook County. The curriculum offers participants an in depth look at law enforcement agency operations, as well as specific crime prevention methods, including personal safety, gang and drug awareness, home protection and avoiding scams and con games.
Class dates are May 1, 8, 15, 29, June 5, 12, from 10 AM to Noon.
Registration Required.
Contact the Cook County at 708.865.7341 to register. This six-week program will be held at the Evergreen Park Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St., Evergreen Park.
Memory Café – Orland Park
May 6 at 10:30 AM
This event takes place at the Orland Park Public Library and is for people living with dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment and their care partners.
Registration Required.
Visit Orland Park Library to register. This presentation will be held at the Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park.
Senior Citizen Safety Awareness & Crime Prevention Presentation
May 6 at 11 AM
Join the Cook County Sheriff’s Office for an informative presentation focused on senior safety and crime prevention. Learn practical tips to protect yourself at home and while out and about, including strategies to avoid carjacking and auto theft. The session will also cover helpful safety practices for travel and vacation planning, empowering you to stay aware, prepared, and confident wherever you go.
Registration Required.
Contact the Palos Park Public Library at 708.448.1530 to register. This event will be held at the Palos Park Public Library, 12330 Forest Glen Blvd., Palos Park
Shifting the Cultural Beliefs on Aging
May 6 at 12:30 PM
Join Pathlights for this educational program, “Shifting Cultural Beliefs on Aging: Dispelling the Myths of Ageism,” examines the concept of ageism and strategies to identify and address it. Attendees will analyze cultural narratives and myths that influence perceptions of aging and learn evidence-informed approaches to fostering more positive, age-inclusive attitudes. The session is led by gerontologist and certified care manager Colleen Ceh Becvar, who is dedicated to advancing more respectful and inclusive views of older adults.
Registration Required.
Contact Debra or MaryAnn at 708.374.7899 to register. This six-week program will be held at the James W. Ford Resource Center, 19001 S. Cicero Ave., Country Club Hills.
Why Music Works: Enhancing Care, Connection, and Cognition through Music Therapy
May 7 at 12 PM
The intentional use of music is one of the healthiest habits to adopt as we age. Singing, listening, and playing instruments are activities that activate both sides of the brain simultaneously, and the use of familiar or preferred music can access our brain’s reward centers to provide a natural boost of the neurotransmitters responsible for helping us to feel good. You don’t have to have any musical background to experience the benefits of music therapy! The simple act of engaging in musical activity encourages our bodies to move, evokes memories, provides an outlet for creativity and self-expression, elicits relaxation and encourages social connection. Come and learn how you can use music to relieve stress and isolation by enhancing your own health and wellbeing!
Registration Required.
Contact the Homewood Public Library at 708.798.0121 or click here to register. This event will be held at the Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Hwy., Homewood.
Love and Care Caregiver Support Group
May 12 at 2 PM
Staying connected and involved is more important than ever. Our monthly support group gives you a chance to talk with others in similar situations, share experiences, advice, and words of encouragement.
Registration Required.
Visit Matteson Area Public Library District to register. This presentation will be held at the Matteson Area Public Library District, 801 School Ave., Matteson.
Documents You Don’t Think You Need – Until You Do
May 16 at 10 AM
Estate planning is necessary for all of us, regardless of income and assets. What basic legal documents do you need? What types of government programs might help and how do I qualify? Attend this program offered by elder law attorney to get the answers.
Registration Required.
Contact the Oak Lawn Public Library at 708.422.4990 or click here to register. This event will be held at the Oak Lawn Public Library, 9427 Raymond Ave., Oak Lawn.
Memory Café – Matteson
May 19 at 2 PM
Join Pathlights as they host a monthly Memory Café for those who are experiencing early-stage dementia, mild memory loss or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and for families, friends, or care partners. A Memory Café is a place to have fun, share experiences, and stay socially connected.
Registration Required.
Visit Matteson Area Public Library District to register. This presentation will be held at the Matteson Area Public Library District, 801 School Ave., Matteson.
Caregivers Connecting
May 20 at 10 AM
Staying connected and involved is more important than ever. Our monthly support group gives you a chance to talk with others in similar situations, share experiences, advice, and words of encouragement. Virtual via Zoom
Registration Required Call Jenna at 708.361.0219 or e-mail jstock@pathlights.org
Grandparent Raising Children Support Group
May 25 at 11 AM
Join grandparents and other relatives raising children for inspiration, encouragement, and education about local resources that are available to support you. Virtual via Zoom.
Registration Required Call Carletta at 708.361.0219 or e-mail cgatling@pathlights.org
TechWise: Technology for Older Adults (6 Weeks)
Starting Soon
Join Pathlights for TechWise, a dynamic six-class series designed for adults 60 and older. This free series will equip you with essential digital skills to navigate today’s technology with confidence.
Registration Required
Contact Jason at 708.361.0219 or by email at jwhite@pathlights.org to learn more about TechWise in your area.
Challenges of Being An Older Caregiver Can Take A Serious Toll
Pathlights helps fill gaps for older caregivers
Falls Can Make A Life-Changing Impact on Physical, Psychological Health
Fall prevention resources are available at Pathlights
Social Isolation in Older Adults Causes Significant Mental and Physical Health Issues
Pathlights offers tips to help older adults make connections at the holidays.
Unpaid and Overwhelmed Family Caregivers Find Support, Respite and Resources.
Pathlights Celebrates National Family Caregivers Month in November.
Pathlights’ SHIP Counseling Helps Older Adults Make Sense of Medicare Part D Plans
Choosing the correct plan can save older adults thousands each year.
Pathlights Kicks Off Annual Appeal With a New Goal And A New Twist
Pathlights’ annual appeal aims to support fast-growing needs for older adults in Chicago’s southwest and south suburbs.
September 25th AgeWell Symposium Will Dismantle Stereotypes and Illustrate Benefits of Growing Older
Pathlights hosts free half-day event to educate community about aging.
Pathlights’ In-home Services Help Merrionette Park Woman Stay In Home for 66 Years.
Older adults can age in place with financial, nutritional and support services provided by Pathlights.
Elder Abuse Is A Growing Concern As Rates Increase
Sunday June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Celebrating Older Americans Month Especially Important This Year
Proposed restructure of aging departments could impact millions of Americans over 65
50th Anniversary Gala Is Opportunity to Celebrate Pathlights
Half century of serving older adults in the southwest and south suburbs to get extraordinary party.
Asking For Help Can Make Older Adults More Independent
Pathlights’ events, classes and support groups educate and guide adults as they navigate the aging journey.
Pathlights’ Shared Housing Program Gives Older Adults A Taste of College Life
Pathlights’ Shared Housing Program Gives Older Adults A Taste of College LifeHaving roommates can benefit seniors financially, socially and in safety Palos Heights, IL – With the assessment fees climbing on her two-bed, two bath condominium in the southwest suburbs, 70-year-old widow Marge Smith (not her real name) realized she and her dog Pooch could …
Pathlights’ Shared Housing Program Gives Older Adults A Taste of College Life Read More »
Respite is ‘sanity saver’ for family caregiver
Daisy of Oak Lawn was strong for her mom Esther and says her mom was strong for her. As a family caregiver, she cared for her mom in their two-flat building where they enjoyed joint living space since 2012. This proved itself to be an ideal living arrangement after her mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s …
Family Values: Volunteering Across Generations
The other day, Rod Wojcik of Orland Park walked past “Immediate Care Bags” for the homeless in his garage, put together by his youngest grandson Decker, and he couldn’t help but smile. Giving back is a way of life for Wojcik, his wife Lynne, their three adult children and respective spouses, and six grandchildren: Mia, …
Grandfamilies: Raising Children For A Second Time
Raising children is tough. Even the most seasoned experts get stumped at times. When people find themselves in need of a sounding board, someone in a similar situation who can listen to their concerns, empathize with their experience and offer words of encouragement or wisdom can make a big difference. Once a month, Lillie Robinson, …
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