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En español | It will soon be easier for Illinois family caregivers to find the help they need to care for a loved one, thanks to AARP-supported legislation signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last week.
AARP Illinois volunteers came out in force this spring to push for the legislation, which will create the Illinois Caregiver Portal. The portal will be a “one-stop shop for caregivers, offering access to all the information they will need at a time of crisis,” said Philippe Largent, AARP Illinois state director.
The law, signed by Pritzker June 5, was inspired by a 2024 AARP Illinois study that underscored how confusing and stressful it is for families to navigate their caregiving journey.
As part of the research, AARP produced a series of YouTube videos in which caregivers spoke about their struggle to find services and resources.
Caregivers interviewed for the study described spending countless hours online trying to piece together the best plan of action.
In Illinois, family caregivers provide a combined $21 billion in unpaid care each year.
“On behalf of the 1.3 million family caregivers in Illinois and all older adults, we are thrilled that the portal is approved and will soon bring guidance and relief,” Largent said.
The online directory will be managed by the state Department on Aging and aims to connect residents with state, federal, nonprofit and paid caregiving resources. It will include information about long-term care options, at-home services, veterans’ resources and more.
Under the law, essential elements of the portal must be up and running by next year and it must be fully available by July 1, 2027.
The portal is AARP’s latest win on behalf of family caregivers. In recent years, our advocacy has helped spark laws and policies to make caregiving easier, and we continue to push for changes in Congress and in state legislatures.
Read more about AARP Illinois’ advocacy work on the bill, and learn how AARP is fighting for caregivers across the country. For more family caregiving coverage, visit AARP’s Caregiver Resource Center.
Natalie Missakian covers federal and state policy and writes AARP’s Fighting for You Every Day blog. She previously worked as a reporter for the New Haven Register and daily newspapers in Ohio. She has also written for the AARP Bulletin, the Hartford Business Journal and other publications.
Also of Interest:
Chasing Satisfaction, Not Happiness, May be a Healthier Goal for Caregivers
Anniversary of Executive Order Marks ‘Pivotal Moment’ for Caregivers
Report: Caregivers Struggle to Balance Work, Life
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