Buffalo Grove sits in two counties, and that changes which services your parent uses. The Cook County side is Wheeling Township; the Lake County side is Vernon (and Ela) Township. Confirm your township by address — it decides your transportation, SHIP counseling and Area Agency on Aging.
Buffalo Grove sits in two counties, so two townships apply.
Buffalo Grove is split between Cook and Lake counties, so the office that helps your parent depends on the side of the line their house is on. Getting this wrong is the most common reason families in Buffalo Grove spend a week on hold with the wrong agency.
The Cook County part is served by Wheeling Township. It offers free nurse consultations on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 847-259-7730, and Meals on Wheels and medical transportation at 847-259-7743.
The Lake County part is served by Vernon Township, whose Community Service Building is at 2900 North Main Street in Buffalo Grove. Vernon Township runs a Prime Timers group on Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., a 50/50 Taxi Program, and free Medicare counseling through SHIP.
A few more resources are worth knowing:
- North West Housing Partnership (847-969-0561): runs the CAPABLE program and a Senior Handyman program for home repairs and safety changes.
- Taxi discount: American Taxi and 303 Cab Company give a $2.50 discount on meter fares for seniors.
- SAFER Buffalo Grove Triad: a community safety program for older adults.
Our Home safety upgrades article pairs well with the Senior Handyman program if a parent needs grab bars, lighting, or railings.
Editorial Review — Last verified: September 27, 2026 · Next review: March 26, 2027
Senior Center / Programs
Buffalo Grove Senior Center / Programs
(call ahead to confirm current details)
Call ahead to confirm hours and current programs.
Community Center / Park District
Buffalo Grove Park District
Official page: bgparks.org
(call ahead to confirm current details)
Call ahead to confirm hours and current programs.
Township Senior Services (county split — read carefully)
Cook side: Wheeling Township Senior & Disability Services
Phone: 847-259-7730 · Dial-A-Bus 847-259-7743
Official page: wheelingtownship.com/Senior-Disability-Services
Call ahead to confirm hours and current programs.
Lake side: Vernon Township Senior Services (offers SHIP Medicare counseling)
Address: 3050 N. Main St, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Phone: 847-634-4600
Official page: vernontownship.com/190/Senior-Services
A small part of Buffalo Grove is in Ela Township.
Call ahead to confirm hours and current programs.
Note: AgeOptions is the Area Agency on Aging for suburban Cook County only. Lake County residents are served by a different Area Agency on Aging — don't send Lake-side families to AgeOptions.
Public Library
Buffalo Grove residents are served by Indian Trails Public Library District or Vernon Area Public Library District, by address.
Indian Trails Public Library District
Official page: indiantrailslibrary.org
Call ahead to confirm hours and current programs.
Vernon Area Public Library District — Memory Café – Buffalo Grove
Vernon Area PLD runs a "Memory Café – Buffalo Grove" for people caring for someone with dementia.
Official page: vapld.info
(call ahead to confirm current details)
Call ahead to confirm hours and current programs.
Getting Around
Local Senior Transportation
Cook side: Wheeling Township Dial-A-Bus (847-259-7743).
Lake side: Vernon Township ride program (call ahead to confirm current details).
Pace Suburban Bus serves the area.
Call ahead to confirm hours and current programs.
See our Pace transit options for seniors guide for details.
Medicare & Benefits Help
SHIP Medicare Counseling
Cook side: Wheeling Township SHIP (847-259-7730).
Lake side: Vernon Township SHIP.
State SHIP line: 1-800-252-8966
Timely: Medicare Open Enrollment runs Oct 15 – Dec 7. See our Medicare Open Enrollment guide.
Call ahead to confirm hours and current programs.
Meals, Caregiver Support & Emergency
Meals, Support & Emergency Contacts
Caregiver support: Vernon Area Library Memory Café (Buffalo Grove) — (call ahead to confirm current details).
Buffalo Grove Police — Non-Emergency: 847-459-2560
(call ahead to confirm current details)
AgeOptions (Cook side only): 708-383-0258 — ageoptions.org
Call ahead to confirm hours and current programs.
Rules for benefits and legal documents vary by situation and change over time. This is general information — consider talking with an elder law attorney or your local Area Agency on Aging for guidance specific to your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo Grove in Cook or Lake County — and why does it matter for senior services?
Buffalo Grove sits in both. The Cook County side is served by Wheeling Township (847-259-7730, Dial-A-Bus 847-259-7743); the Lake County side by Vernon Township. Which one applies changes your parent's transportation, SHIP counseling, and Area Agency on Aging, so confirm by address.
Where can Buffalo Grove residents get free Medicare counseling?
Cook County (Wheeling Township) side: call 847-259-7730. Lake County (Vernon Township) side: contact Vernon Township directly, or call the statewide SHIP line at 1-800-252-8966. Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7.