Wonderful local resource to assist caregivers in keeping their loved ones living independently in the home longer.
Bacoa is like the live Google on Aging. Anyone with a question about older adult services should call Bacoa first.
Their lending closet is so useful. Medical equipment can be expensive, and it's way easier to loan a cane or walker from Bacoa.
I couldn't believe how friendly the volunteer drivers were here. They really go above and beyond to make sure everyone that needs a ride gets a ride.
Bacoa's Meals with Wheels Program is so important to low-income seniors in the community. When you're homebound and can't go to the grocery store, Bacoa brings the meals right to your door.
Bacoa provides a variety of programs both social and educational that serve people like me. At 88, my life is still active thanks to them.
Wonderful and caring staff. The Active Aging and Social Services are vital to keep our older adults engaged and thriving.
Bacoa's memory programs do so much for our community. Their recent Teepa Snow event was really educational. It was so great to see so many people from the dementia-friendly community coming together.
Bacoa has helped me navigate aging issues with several family members. I don't know what I would do without them.
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Transportation, Meals on Wheels, bingo, and a Cuisine Club! Located in the Garlands, this is the place for Seniors to get assistance in Barrington.
Bacoa's staff is so warm and welcoming. They listen well and work to match with their clients to help them find solutions that work for them. I would highly recommend!
Bacoa provides so many wonderful services for older adults in the Barrington area. Their Meals with Wheels and free transportation are lifesavers for older people with mobility issues.
BACOA:
Where do I start. This non profit organization has been a tremendous asset for me to use.
Especially during covid The virtual programs were fabulous . I am certain Many people Feel the same Yes I do.
I 1st got acquainted with this organization. A Barrington police officer , Told me that they had a volunteer handyman. I called them and they sent him to me to help me with many little things that I needed. I still continue to use him. I called the BACOA about their programs
My 1st experience Was a quizzing club luncheon.. I met so many interesting people.
I try to support them with donations I feel they are very worthy organizationHope that you feel the same way
After reading my review
The offerings they haveAre wonderful. I feel that they are very helpful to many people. Their programs cater to the age group they are serving.
Thank you. BACOA
You truly care about your clients, They have been so helpful as I go through the grieving process.
I've been a BACOA regular for over 5 years now. My real participation increased during our Covid shutdown. The creative ways that they created via Zoom to keep us engaged was truly a lifesaver. I hope to never have to go through this again, but I'm confident that these wonderful people will get us through any of life's challenges. Sincerely, Michaline
We all know how difficult physically is getting old. However, organization like Bacoa helps immensely to make the transition so much easier. I had been help by Sue McNamara in all the areas that getting old involves. I only have words of gratitude to organizations like Bacoa and people like Sue. Please keep your contributions and efforts to have Bacoa runing, it makes all of us to get older with dignity.
Rami Madana
Whenever I visit BACOA, a pleasant smile welcomes the receptionist and makes me sit comfortably and inform the concerned official with whom I have an appointment.
During my 1st visit I met Sue McNamara the present Social Services Director, who listened to me carefully and enquired about the Social Security benefits I am getting.
She suggested that I am entitled SNAP, LIHEAP, Ride free transit card and License plate discount. She advised me to get the proof of my extra income and forwarded my applications to the concerned from BACOA and helped to get the benefits I am entitled to. The organization is very helpful and friendly to the senior people for giving right advice and helping in every set to get the benefits.”
BACOA is very supportive of it's senior residents with equipment loaning and great programs they present!!
Their Virtual Progams have been a great help and we have played Virtual Bingo every week since they began in 2019, it has been a real life savor during they Covid-19 pandemic!!
We really love and support BACOA!! Larry and Betty Lincoln
The staff at Bacoa is small but mighty! I have seen them go above and beyond for their clients, from giving them rides to social events to making that extra call when they get a question that they are not sure of the answer to. They strive to be experts in their fields by touring other local memory programs so that they are knowledgeable referral sources.
I am proud to volunteer with Bacoa. I feel that my time spent on their fundraiser directly impacts my neighbors.
I have been working with BACOA for a few years now, providing nature themed programming for their group. The staff is welcoming, professional, and very inclusive with their guests that attend the meetings. Every program has been an enjoyable experience whether we were there in person or online due to the pandemic.
We hope that this group will continue for years to come. They are a great resource for the community here.
In addition to all of the services that it regularly provides, Barrington Area Council on Aging has been an excellent resource during the pandemic. The staff is very informed, creative, resilient, attentive, and makes everyone involved in its services and programs feel very welcome. Members of the staff are very kind and are committed to enhancing the quality of life for the many seniors in our community. They are prompt in responding to requests for information and are pro-active as a source of support and positive reinforcement
My wife, who suffers with dementia, and I as her caregiver, are extremely grateful for the caring, dedicated staff and volunteers at BACOA. For five and a half years, the benefits of their wonderful Caregiver Support programs and services (which covers everything from A to Z), have significantly improved and enriched our lives. They are the best!
Thank you BACOA,
BACOA's adult day program entitled "A Day Out" is outstanding! My husband has attended it for 3 years and looks forward to it every week. Pam, the director, and the faithful volunteers are extremely kind, caring and supportive. A variety of enriching activities are planned for each session. The socialization is vital and friendships have developed within the group. It has been very beneficial to both the participants and the caregivers. Thank you for a wonderful program!!
BACOA is an incredible organization with a team that shows how much they care about providing excellent services through the incredible work and advocacy that they do. I am the Director of Greater Chicago Music Therapy Inc., and we provide group music therapy wellness services to the Day Out Program. Every time I am with the Day Out program, I am struck by the atmosphere of joy and comfort created by Pam, the Memory Programs Director, and her team of devoted volunteers. Together, this team goes above and beyond to bring high quality and variety to the group. I have seen Pam and her volunteers take special projects home with them, spend hours preparing a new activity, and seek out work-laden grant opportunities all for the sake of bettering an already outstanding program. It is clear that the group members feel comfortable being themselves and sharing their thoughts and feelings, even the tough ones, because of the supportive atmosphere and special feeling of camaraderie fostered by Pam and the volunteers. Everyone is primed to dive in to opportunities to express themselves, be creative, and connect with each other....and this is because of the way the program is structured and facilitated. I am so fortunate to get to be part of this special group!
-Becky Freiman, MA, MT-BC
Board Certified Music Therapist
Director, Greater Chicago Music Therapy Inc.
My relationship with BACOA began when I took a caregivers class about 15 years ago. I quickly found the organization to be resourceful in so many areas; like: Medicare enrollment, shopping for Medicare supplement, low vision support, memory care, senior housing education, end-of-life concerns and much more that I haven't yet tapped into.
Even with all of that, I found BACOA to be even more helpful since the beginning of the pandemic. Virtual programs created by its staff made for easy access to interesting educational programs specific to senior concerns. BACOA's programs allowed me to get educated, remain emotionally steady, and even make new friends during COVID.
And, I mustn't forget to mention that with my introduction to BACOA, I became a volunteer.
In any capacity, always time well spent.
My other has been a participant in BACOA programming the past few years and it has been wonderful for her! The program provides great experiences, and opportunities for socialization, as well as providing enriching activities for her. It is well organized, has a thoughtful approach and is super responsive to any questions. The positive impact it has made my mothers life is huge.
Thanks BACOA!
I have been working with this group for a few years. It is absolutely fantastic and fills a desperate need for seniors at all levels. Pam and her dementia day out program is a game changer for the participants and care givers. I recommended many to this group and have personally seen the positive impact it has had on all involved, especially our friends struggling with early dementia.
I cannot say enough about this program. Pam and her extraordinary team of volunteer heroes make every week a highlight of my Dad's schedule. Both he and my mom have found their dementia community and I couldn't be more grateful. As one of the activity providers, I've also gotten to experience the program from inside. To see the impact it makes on the participants IN THE MOMENT. Their joy and presence and gratitude for each other and this program is palpable. Thank you BOCOA!!
I have volunteered with the Bacoa respite program, A Day Out, for the past 7 years. It is impossible to fully describe the difference this program makes to both clients and caregivers as they navigate the daily challenges of living with dementia, particularly Alzheimer's. Caregivers are given regular opportunities to take a break and attend to personal needs. Clients are given opportunities to "be themselves", be creative, and socialize as they care and share with fellow participants. We volunteers often comment that the day just flies by; and that we go home with new energy that comes straight from the hearts of the people we serve.
Hi i am so happy that Bacoa offers a great Low Vision monthly meeting and offers a ride so i can attend. Otherwise i would not be able to attend these informative meetings.
Bacoa is also helping me make insurance decisions. I am so very glad I found them.
Diane D..
I am feeling very grateful, thankful and blessed to have BACOA in my life. I’ve been participating in some of their programs for the past five years. During our pandemic lockdown period BACOA really saved my sanity. The creativity and variety of programs gave me something to look forward to each day. It’s hard to imagine making friends via Zoom, but I did! I got to know people better and I would miss them when they were not there. I attend as many programs as I can, and have learned many new skills. I appreciate not only the staff but the many volunteers I’ve met along the way!
Thank YOU, BACOA for being a part of my life! Sincerely, Michaline S.
I would like to express my thankfulness to Bacoa for helping us seniors in so many ways. They are always there for our help, on the phone or in person. Even during Virus time they found a way to be helpful. Each time we play Bingo I’m wondering what else I would be doing during that time when we have fun socializing with each other. Once more we appreciate all the help and variety of different things we get to do from Bacoa.
Lydia Hoffmeyer
BACOA helped me tremendously when I turned 65. They helped me making decisions about Social Security, Medicare - both parts B and D. Walked me through the process. And all for free.
I've also participated in their luncheons and Meals on Wheels. A great organization! Especially during the pandemic. Providing on-line programs. I can't say enough about them!!!
Amazing organization to assist older adults, caregiver and families navigate the path of aging successfully. The activities, services, volunteers and staff are top notch.
BACOA is an extraordinary organization which provides services to seniors and caregivers across the community regardless of financial need. Meals with Wheels, Caregiver Support groups, Income Tax and Medicare Part D assistance are all available. In addition their Social Services staff support families and seniors to ensure an enhanced aging experience.
Beyond this, the organization is well-run financially. They are always aware of their responsibility to the community. In the most recent economic downturn they pulled in their belts, created a more financially streamlined operation and had an outstanding year financially, demonstrating that their fiscal responsibility is well-recognized across the community.
As the primary caregiver for my elderly Mother for the last 6 years of her life I often felt isolated even though I had a great support system. BACOA offered a caregiver class that was most informative - but the support of others in the same situation was the most helpful. Sharing our stories was very relieving and cathartic. We continue to meet even as many of us have lost our loved ones.
My 78 year old father in-law, living out of state, fell in his home and laid there for over 48hrs before help arrived. As a result of his injuries and dehydration, his already poor health declined very rapidly and thus we found ourselves in the position we always knew would arrive, but yet somehow felted shocked, overwhelmed, and highly stressed when it did. Dad now needed our help in managing all of his financial and medical affairs, and immediate intervention was necessary.
A friend referred me to BACOA and I called not even knowing what questions to ask. My goal was to just tell our story and to get a general direction in which to start this journey. I was connected with a the Executive Director and wow...what a wealth of information.
She was a great listener, and she gave us sound advice on where to locate the information we needed in order to evaluate potential living arrangements. She also helped us compile a list of questions that we should a be asking. She also gave us specific advice on how to communicate with dad, the upcoming major changes that he was about to experience. Communicating these changes was perhaps the most difficult part of the process, and her advice was comforting and spot on.
This was a very stressful time, and having a direct and concise source for local information was invaluable. It gave us the confidence that we would make the right choices, and could do so in the short amount of time that's really available to get things done.
We thank BACOA and greatly appreciate their caring concern.
I represent the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce serving over 840 business owners in the Barrington region. BACOA has supported the Chamber since their inseption, building relationships with the business community as THE champion for our senior citizens. BACOA is to be commended for their exceptional reputation with their programming and services, always advocating for a better quality of life for the population they serve.