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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Chicago, IL

Home Care Chicago, IL

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Tribune Tower in Chicago, IL gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Chicago, IL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Chicago, IL

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Ali Asmi provided us with clear expectations and went above and beyond them to ensure my Dad's comfort. He cares about his clients and the safety of his employees.”

dorene R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They were an absolute lifesaver! I needed ongoing care for my dad at the last minute as he was released from rehab. They were extremely knowledgeable, and quick to respond to our needs. Ali spoke to my dad and took a genuine interest in what he wanted and made him feel at ease throughout the process. Very satisfied and highly recommend. The balance tracking system was a real fun activity for my dad.”

Nilton P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We are very pleased with our care; our overall experience has been fantastic”

Wendy B.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Chicago, IL?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Chicago, IL

Types of Elderly Care in Chicago, IL

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Chicago, IL
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Chicago, IL
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Grant Park in Chicago, IL with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Chicago, IL
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Alinea or visit CharnleyPersky House Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Chicago, IL

Benefits of Home Care in Chicago, IL

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Chicago, IL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Chicago, IL

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your IL's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Chicago, IL

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Chicago, IL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Chicago, IL

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Chicago, IL

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Brookdale Lake Shore Drive
  • Montclare Supportive Living Community
  • Belmont Village Senior Living Lincoln Park
  • Grand Regency of South Shore formerly Coles SLF Supportive Living Senior Housing
  • Eden Supportive Living Chicago North
  • Grand Regency of Jackson Park Supportive Living
Home Care Chicago, IL

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Chicago, IL

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Chicago, IL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Chicago, IL

Latest News in Chicago, IL

Parts of Chicago area could see multiple inches of snow Sunday into Monday

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Parts of the Chicago area could see multiple inches of snow accumulate on Sunday evening into Monday morning.A lake-effect snow band is expected to set up in or around northwest Indiana on Sunday and will continue into the evening hours and Monday morning.A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Cook and Will counties from midnight to 6 p.m. Monday, the National Weather Service said.A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Indiana's Lake and Porter counties from midnight to no...

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Parts of the Chicago area could see multiple inches of snow accumulate on Sunday evening into Monday morning.

A lake-effect snow band is expected to set up in or around northwest Indiana on Sunday and will continue into the evening hours and Monday morning.

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Cook and Will counties from midnight to 6 p.m. Monday, the National Weather Service said.

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Indiana's Lake and Porter counties from midnight to noon Monday, the NWS said.

It is possible that the snow band could impact only parts of northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan, but it could also drift back toward Chicago and northeast Illinois.

ABC7 meteorologists have issued an AccuWeather Alert for Monday, as the possible snowfall could create dangerous travel conditions during the morning commute.

Sunday night into Monday morning, snow could fall at a rate of 2 inches per hour in some areas. Some models show 1-3 inches of snow accumulating, while others show up to 6 inches of snow possible.

Light, on-and-off snow showers could linger through the afternoon hours Monday, said AccuWeather Meteorologist Jaisol Martinez.

But before the lake-effect snow band sets up, scattered snow and rain shows are expected on Saturday night.

Temperatures will take a dip into the 30s on Sunday, with gusty winds up to 35 mph making it feel like it is in the 20s.

No accumulation is expected during the daytime hours on Sunday. Although, there could be some slush on some grassy surfaces, but only if we see some heavier snow showers, said AccuWeather Meteorologist Larry Mowry.

Temperatures will drop into the 20s on Sunday night area wide.

Piano Music Teachers - Currently Available @ AMI

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Ages & Levels - American Music Institute // Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, St Charles, Geneva, IL // Schedule Trial Lesson TodayAmerican Music Institute - located in Chicago and western suburbs, currently has these music teachers available: Olivia Tsai, Jordan Brown, Lisa Buhelos, Georgia Jacobson, Emma Iacovella. Our faculty members are available for lessons on campus, virtual and in-home. AMI Campuses are loc...

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Ages & Levels - American Music Institute // Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, St Charles, Geneva, IL // Schedule Trial Lesson Today

American Music Institute - located in Chicago and western suburbs, currently has these music teachers available: Olivia Tsai, Jordan Brown, Lisa Buhelos, Georgia Jacobson, Emma Iacovella. Our faculty members are available for lessons on campus, virtual and in-home. AMI Campuses are located in Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Geneva, and St. Charles, IL. Schedule a trial lesson today with an AMI Faculty Member… [email protected] - 630-850-850 - www.amimusic.org.

Dr. Olivia is an associate professor of VanderCook College of Music and Steinway Teacher through the prestigious STEP Program. She has performed as a soloist with the QingDao Concert Hall Orchestra, Southern Illinois Symphony, and Highland Park Strings, and served as staff pianist and faculty at major international festivals in the U.S., Brazil, and Portugal. Author of Schubert’s Piano Trios (Scholar’s Press, 2014), she co-founded the Yang and Olivia Foundation to promote cultural exchange and diversity through classical music. Read more..

- Voice / Piano - Available Saturdays - Clarendon Hills

Ivona Kesic holds her Master’s degree in Piano Pedagogy from Northeastern Illinois University. Originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, she has attended masterclasses with esteemed European pianists and has won the Elyse J. Mach Concerto Competition. With over a decade of teaching experience, Ivona has taught students of all ages, from beginners to advanced pianists and is known for her creative, student-centered approach, always finding innovative ways to tackle technical and musical challenges. Read more..

Jordan Brown - Voice / Piano - Available Mon - Clarendon Hills / Virtual / In-Home

Jordan Brown holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Northwestern–St. Paul, and has built a dynamic career as a performer and teacher. In 2022, Jordan helped establish Rochester, Minnesota’s first opera company, The Hometown Opera Company. Jordan is committed to expanding access to high-quality vocal education in his community and creating meaningful musical opportunities for singers of all backgrounds. Read more..

Lisa Buhelos - Voice / Piano - Available Mon / Tues / Thur - Clarendon Hills / Virtual / In-Home

Lisa Buhelos is a recent graduate of the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana where she received her master’s in vocal performance, piano and literature. As a crossover performer in both opera and musical theatre, Buhelos has performed in both operas and musicals and hopes to teach students to become proficient in multiple styles. She believes in creating a lesson plan that will allow for students to sing the genres they are interested in while also providing a strong foundation. Read more..

Georgia Jacobson - Voice / Piano - Available Sat - Clarendon Hills / Virtual / In-Home

Georgia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Voice Performance from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and a Master of Music and Artist Diploma in Opera Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), where she was a scholarship recipient and awarded the Sam Adams Award. Committed to fostering music education, Georgia has taught private voice and piano lessons to students of diverse ages and abilities, emphasizing technical development and artistic expression in a supportive environment. Read more..

Emma Iacovella - Voice / Piano / Trumpet - Available Tues, Thur & Sat - Clarendon Hills / Downers Grove / In-Home

Emma Iacovella (Voice/Brass/Piano) received her Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance at Kansas State University. Despite focusing her degree on Voice, she continued to play the Trumpet and French Horn in various bands. Emma is dedicated to nurturing the holistic development of her students. She focuses on instilling a growth mindset, promoting resilience, perseverance, and a belief in their full potential. Read more..

About American Music Institute (AMI)

American Music Institute is a leading music education institution dedicated to fostering a love for music and providing high-quality instruction to students of all instruments, ages, genres and levels. AMI Campuses are located in Chicago, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Geneva, and St. Charles, IL. For more information about enrolling in lessons or any of AMI’s programs, please visit amimusic.org or contact AMI at (630) 850-8505 / [email protected]

Snow, Rain Possible As Coldest Air Of The Season Hits Chicago Area

The coldest air of the season is on the way to the Chicago area, and we could even see the first snowflakes fall, according to the National Weather Service.The end of the week will feature dry and breezy days with highs in the 60s, but temperatures will turn colder this weekend. Rain chances return Thursday night into Friday, the weather service said."Another bout of rain is likely late Saturday through Sunday where a few snowflakes may mix in, especially Saturday and Sunday nights," the weather service said.Th...

The coldest air of the season is on the way to the Chicago area, and we could even see the first snowflakes fall, according to the National Weather Service.

The end of the week will feature dry and breezy days with highs in the 60s, but temperatures will turn colder this weekend. Rain chances return Thursday night into Friday, the weather service said.

"Another bout of rain is likely late Saturday through Sunday where a few snowflakes may mix in, especially Saturday and Sunday nights," the weather service said.

Then, the "coldest air of the season so far" will arrive on Sunday. According to the current forecast, the high for Sunday is only 40 degrees. Lows on Sunday night could dip into the teens.

The cold air will persist into the early part of next week, the weather service said.

The Chicago area's "normal first date" for a trace or more of snow is Oct. 31, so this year is later than normal. The "normal first date" for measurable snow (.1 inches or more) is Nov. 18, according to weather service data.

Here's a more detailed look at the weather the next few days, per the weather service:

WEDNESDAY: Sunny, with a temperature falling to around 54 by 5 p.m. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light west after midnight.

THURSDAY: Increasing clouds, with a high near 56. Light and variable wind becoming south 10 to 15 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

THURSDAY NIGHT: A slight chance of showers before midnight, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between midnight and 3 a.m., then showers after 3 a.m. Low around 48. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

FRIDAY: A 30 percent chance of showers before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.

SATURDAY: A 50 percent chance of rain after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 50.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Rain likely, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.

SUNDAY: Partly sunny, with a high near 37.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.

??5 Key Medicare Advantage Questions, Explained

This post is sponsored and contributed by Humana, a Patch Brand Partner.During the annual enrollment period, review your options and choose a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan for 2026.Having health insurance that meets our unique needs and supports our lifestyles becomes even more important as we age. Right now is an important time to make decisions – especially for those who have Medicare or are helping loved ones who are eligible. During the annual enrollment period through Dec. 7, eligible individuals can...

This post is sponsored and contributed by Humana, a Patch Brand Partner.

During the annual enrollment period, review your options and choose a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan for 2026.

Having health insurance that meets our unique needs and supports our lifestyles becomes even more important as we age. Right now is an important time to make decisions – especially for those who have Medicare or are helping loved ones who are eligible. During the annual enrollment period through Dec. 7, eligible individuals can choose a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan for 2026. With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so Jeremy Gaskill, Illinois Medicare President, from Humana, offers guidance on researching and choosing a plan.

What is Medicare and what should people know about selecting a plan for 2026?Medicare is health insurance for individuals 65 and older or those who are younger and eligible because of a qualifying disability. There are two main types: Original Medicare, which is offered by the government and covers medical bills and doctors’ visits; and Medicare Advantage plans that are provided by private insurers, like Humana. Medicare Advantage plans include all that Original Medicare does and may also offer additional benefits, such as dental, vision, or hearing coverage.

What other benefits come with a Medicare Advantage plan?With Medicare Advantage, we ensure your covered medical costs, including doctor visits and necessary emergency care, will never go above a maximum out-of-pocket amount, which you know beforehand. Medicare Advantage plans also offer access to large networks of doctors, hospitals and pharmacies, and some even include programs where you can receive rewards for taking certain healthy actions, such as completing preventive screenings. Medicare Advantage plans offer predictable costs and consistent benefits for members, helping them plan for their healthcare needs with confidence. There’s truly a lot to take advantage of with a Medicare Advantage plan.

How do primary care and preventive care fit into a Medicare Advantage plan?Primary care is the foundation of good health – it’s where you get regular checkups, manage ongoing health issues, and build a relationship with a provider who understands you and your health history. Despite its importance, a recent survey revealed that more than half of those aged 65 and over are not regularly seeing a primary care provider. Regular checkups and preventive screenings are critical to helping maintain long-term wellness and staying independent for as long as possible. With regular checkups you can get key preventive and diagnostic screenings, such as breast, colorectal, and bone density.

What are Dual Eligible Special Needs plans, and who qualifies for them?Dual eligible means you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. That’s where D-SNPs, or Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans, come in. These are Medicare Advantage plans designed specifically for people with both types of coverage. D-SNPs help coordinate benefits under one plan, making it easier to manage care. These plans often include extra support with things like prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing, and help paying for covered over-the-counter items like vitamins, pain relievers and first aid supplies. *Some D-SNP plans also offer support with groceries, utilities, rent and more if you have an eligible chronic condition that meets certain criteria.

Chicago has a large population of veterans. Do their VA benefits work with Medicare?You can keep your VA benefits and still enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. In fact, the VA encourages eligible veterans to enroll in Medicare even when they receive VA healthcare benefits. Having a Medicare Advantage plan provides access to a wider network of doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals, offering the flexibility to receive care outside the VA when it’s more convenient. You can see providers closer to home, avoid long wait times, or get care when traveling. Medicare Advantage plans can also help fill in the gaps when VA care isn’t available or practical. Even if you’re at a VA-authorized facility, Medicare Advantage plans may cover services the VA does not.

Between now and Dec. 7, it is essential that you carefully review your options and consider what makes the most sense for you, your lifestyle, and your healthcare needs, so you can enter 2026 with confidence and focus on living life to the fullest.

For more information, visit Humana.com/MedicareBasics.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization. Humana is also a Dual Eligible Special Needs HMO SNP, PPO SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

*This spending allowance is a special program for members with specific health conditions. Qualifying conditions include diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, chronic and disabling mental health conditions, chronic lung disorders, or chronic heart failure, among others. Some plans require at least two conditions and other requirements apply. See the plan's Evidence of Coverage for details. If you use this program for rent or utilities, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires it to be reported as income if you seek assistance. Contact your local HUD office if you have questions.

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