Illinois Family Caregiver Coalition

Kudos to Gov. Pritzker & the IL Department on Aging- this is a smart step for the state of Illinois. Excited to learn more...

www.linkedin.com

As the Illinois spring legislative session wraps up the budget tonight, a little nudge from the Trib letters to support unpaid family caregivers. This is an issue that touched literally EVERYONE we know at some point in our lives. Let's do better by increasing supports & programs so loved ones can stay home when facing healthcare challenges.

The sandwich generation is real. Glad more focus and support is being provided to family caregivers- it's so important.

The hidden costs of unpaid caregiving in America An estimated 53 million Americans are unpaid caregivers, many as part of the "sandwich generation" — simultaneously raising children and caring for aging parents.

Happy Thanksgiving!! So timely- "Unconditional" - a documentary about caregiving by Richard Lui and produced by Maria Shriver is airing tonight on MSNBC(7PM CT/ 8PM ET). I'm so thankful for the extra time spent with my mother 7 years ago, but we need to do more so caregivers can experience the joy of that special time, not stressing about where to find support and resources. Thank & support a caregiver in your life today- and check out this amazing film tonight after Thanksgiving dinner.
If you or someone you know is an unpaid caregiver and needs support, contact the Illinois Area Agencies on Aging & the Illinois Department on Aging- ❤️
https://ilaging.illinois.gov/forprofessionals/aaa-map.html

'Unconditional' documentary highlights mental health awareness for caregivers MSNBC Anchor and award-winning filmmaker Richard Lui joins Symone D. Sanders Townsend to discuss his new documentary, “Unconditional” and the topic of mental health awareness for caregivers.

As we mourn the loss of our great founder, Rosalynn Carter, please consider honoring her memory by recognizing the dedication of a caregiver in your life. Let them know they aren’t alone. https://bit.ly/rcigives

Currently in Illinois, there are an estimated 1.5 million family caregivers providing an estimated 1.4 billion hours of care to family members during any given year. IDoA is hosting a series of regional roundtable discussions to hear directly from caregivers about the challenges they face and to explore strategies to strengthen support services, including counseling, respite, and care training for family members.

Find a roundtable in your area: https://ilaging.illinois.gov/aboutus/calendar.html
To RSVP, please contact the host site.

November is Family Caregiver Month when we give extra attention and appreciation to the backbone of the health care system – YOU, the family caregiver! Unpaid family caregivers are often the invisible, irreplaceable and invaluable glue that makes the biggest difference in keeping loved ones safe and healthy. To learn more about the work we are doing here in Illinois to give voice to unpaid family caregivers, please visit the Illinois Family Caregiver Coalition website – www.illinoisfamilycaregiver.org and if you need help caring for your loved one in Illinois, please click on the map on this link to find the Area Agency on Aging closest to you to find out what resources are available to you and your loved one: https://ilaging.illinois.gov/forprofessionals/aaa-map.html

Employers looking for ways to attract and retain top notch employees - you might consider offering this benefit at your place of business. Think of the time it will save your employees & it shows you care about your employees as they care for loved ones in their family.

Employers turn to eldercare to help workers during COVID Learn how companies are providing eldercare benefits to support employees during the pandemic, addressing the unique challenges faced by caregivers.

Great to spend a few days in DC, advocating for unpaid family caregivers. One in 5 Americans across the U.S.- and an estimated 1.5 million serve as unpaid family caregivers in Illinois. We see you & we're fighting for you. Honored for our Illinois Family Caregiver Coalition -selected as one of 10 states to attend and advocate at the 1st ever Caregiver Nation Summit. More to come!

November is "Family Caregiver Month". President Biden gave a shout out to family caregivers everywhere in his proclamation honoring family caregivers... "This week, we recognize the love and sacrifice of millions of American caregivers. They are the backbone of our country, caring for young children, aging parents, disabled veterans, injured service members, and others who need support and medical assistance. Let us celebrate and honor our caregivers and renew our efforts to protect their dignity, health, and security. Because when we care for our caregivers, we honor our American ideals and move closer to a future where no one in this Nation is left behind."

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/10/31/a-proclamation-on-national-family-caregivers-month-2023/ #:~:text=NOW%2C%20THEREFORE%2C%20I%2C%20JOSEPH,as%20National%20Family%20Caregivers%20Month.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rcicaregiving_caregivers-caregiving-internationalwomensday-activity-7039324282706960384-bvP0?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android

Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers on LinkedIn: #caregivers #caregiving #internationalwomensday Did You Know: 61 percent of are women. The stress of tends to weigh more heavily on women than their male counterparts…

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=7416357875050845&id=155869377766434&mibextid=Nif5oz

8 strategies for caring for someone with dementia The symptoms of dementia, or cognitive impairment that affects a person’s ability to function, can cause fear and anxiety, both for the person experiencing them and for their caregiver.