Helping an aging parent in Des Plaines? Most of the city sits in Maine Township, which runs senior programs and a shuttle bus. The GENCenter on Northwest Highway is the local senior center. Here are the numbers to save.
Senior help for Des Plaines families: start with the township.
For most Des Plaines families, senior help comes from Maine Township. The town hall is at 1700 Ballard Road in Park Ridge, a short drive away. The main number is 847-297-2510, and the shuttle bus line is 847-297-2510 ext. 251.
What it covers:
- Senior programs and a shuttle bus for township residents.
- Information and referral for services not listed here.
If you're caring for a parent from a distance, the main number is the one to save. Tell the staff what's happening, and they'll point you to the right program.
Parts of Des Plaines are in Elk Grove Township, not Maine Township. Check your parent's property tax bill to see which township they're in before you count on a service. That matters most for the shuttle bus, where pickup is limited to the township's service area. Elk Grove Township Bus Service: (224) 265-6115.
Two of our guides pair well with this page: Choosing home care for when rides and programs are no longer enough, and Aging in place for home changes that keep a parent safe.
Editorial Review. Last verified: October 30, 2026 · Next review: April 30, 2027
Township Senior Services
Maine Township
Address: 1700 Ballard Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068
Main phone: 847-297-2510
Shuttle bus: 847-297-2510 ext. 251 (Maine Township residents)
Official site: mainetown.com
Note: Parts of Des Plaines are in Elk Grove Township; check your parent's tax bill to see which township they're in. Elk Grove Township Bus Service: (224) 265-6115.
Call ahead to confirm hours and current programs.
Senior Center
GENCenter
Address: 52 E. Northwest Highway, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 768-5944
Hours: Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Social, recreational and educational programs for older adults, plus resources for family members, including Medicare help and health screenings.
Call ahead to confirm hours and current programs.
Getting Around
Maine Township Shuttle Bus & Elk Grove Township Bus
Maine Township shuttle: 847-297-2510 ext. 251 (township residents)
Elk Grove Township Bus Service: (224) 265-6115
Call ahead to confirm hours and current programs.
Pace Suburban Bus serves Des Plaines; see our Pace and transit options guide for details.
Medicare & Benefits Help
Cook County homeowners 65+ can cut their property tax bill. See how the Senior Exemption and Senior Freeze work. Behind on heating bills? Here's how LIHEAP works in the NW suburbs.
Medicare Counseling & Area Agency on Aging
Illinois SHIP (free Medicare counseling): 1-800-252-8966
AgeOptions (Area Agency on Aging, suburban Cook County): 708-383-0258, ageoptions.org
Timely: Medicare Open Enrollment runs Oct 15 to Dec 7. See our Medicare Open Enrollment guide.
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
What senior transportation does Des Plaines have?
Maine Township runs a shuttle bus for township residents (847-297-2510 ext. 251); Elk Grove Township runs a bus for its residents ((224) 265-6115). Pace also serves Des Plaines.
Where is the senior center in Des Plaines?
The GENCenter at 52 E. Northwest Highway, (847) 768-5944.
Where can Des Plaines residents get free Medicare counseling?
Call Illinois SHIP at 1-800-252-8966, or ask the GENCenter or Maine Township about local counseling sessions.