NW Cook, East / Central Dupage County (Change Location)

Our Social Purpose

Our social purpose starts in LaGrange, IL but it carries on across the world.

The Home Instead network works to create a world where people own their aging journeys. We want all generations to age on their own terms, authentic to who they are as unique individuals, and connected to things that provide them with purpose.

This vision drives us to expand the world’s capacity to care.

Senior man laughs while sitting at table in home

Giving Back

Home Instead helps older adults age with greater hope and success whether they're our clients or not. Because we believe everyone deserves to age with grace and dignity, we strive to make that vision a reality by creating a world that's ready to care for each other.

From our involvement with the Walk to End Alzheimer's or our holiday give-back program, Be a Santa to a Senior, Home Instead is out to make a difference.

Letter from Yim in Riverside. The letter reads, "Dear Home Instead Staff and Jim and Sam, We want to thank you all for the wonderful Christmas Basket that people care gave us this past holiday season. People Care mentioned the Home Instead are the people to thank for this amazing gesture. There was a greeting card and a gift card inside the basket from Jill and Sam. We also want to thank Jill and Sam for their kindness and generosity. If possible, please forward this note of appreciation to them. Jill and Sam created a beautiful and bountiful Christmas Basket for us. There were so many gifts in the basket besides the gift card - a box of chocolate, blanket & socks, bath lotion set, bath accessories set, cookie tin, jigsaw puzzle, word search book, etc, etc. The holiday bag was meticulously put together with a square basket-weave design plastic container inside and the holiday bag was adorned with ornaments. We are overwhelmed and appreciate all your kindness. Thank you all again. Best wished for the New Year. Sincerely,
Photo of BASTAS tree with information sign on the left and donation bin on the right
Photo of BASTAS tree in front of an Amazon pick up station with information sign to the left
Photo of BASTAS tree in front of coat rack with trophies on top and framed BASTAS information sheet to the front right

One in five of our senior neighbors either live alone, are homebound, or are on a fixed income.  The “Be a Santa to a Senior” campaign brings the holiday spirit to seniors and connects them with the community.  Home Instead LaGrange has participated in this gift-giving program since 2003, providing an estimated 600 wrapped gifts just this year alone, 200 of which were donated by Home Instead LaGrange.

During the holiday season, trees are set up in businesses and other organizations.  Each tree is decorated with ornaments featuring seniors’ first names and gift suggestions.  Community members choose an ornament, buy the gift, and return it to the store with the ornament attached.  Home Instead then coordinates wrapping and gift delivery.  The gifts include items such as blankets, gloves, socks, treats and gift cards, as well as some smaller items “Santa’s helpers” like to sneak in.

These personalized gifts do seem to provide some Christmas joy.  We receive calls and thank-you cards from many recipients expressing just how deeply touched they were to know that someone was thinking of them.  (If you’d like to participate in next year’s “Be a Santa to a Senior,” follow us on Facebook or Instagram.  Tree locations will be announced in November of each year. 

The above thank you is from Yim in Riverside.

Photo of woman creating BASTAS Gift Baskets
Photo of large meeting room with folding tables that are covered with baskets, blankets and other Christmas gifts
Photo of completed baskets under folding tables
Photo of large conference room with folding table covered in Christmas gift donations and a team member building BASTAS baskets
Photo of completed BASTAS gift baskets on top of a table
Photo of completed BASTAS baskets under a folding table