Wednesday, December 18, 2024
As the population of older adults in Illinois grows, AgeGuide, an Area Agency on Aging, has set its 2025 legislative priorities to address critical challenges faced by this demographic. These priorities focus on increasing funding for vital services, supporting caregivers, and safeguarding older adults from financial exploitation. Here’s a closer look at AgeGuide’s state and federal priorities for 2025:
State Priorities
- Support Unpaid Family Caregivers
AgeGuide seeks to increase funding for the Illinois Family Caregiver Act from $5 million to $6 million. Caregiver Resource Centers provide essential support for the 1.3 million unpaid family caregivers in Illinois, who collectively contribute 1.21 billion hours of unpaid care annually. Enhancing this funding will delay nursing home placements and save Medicaid resources.
- Enhance Social Connections
Social isolation can significantly impact older adults’ mental and physical health. AgeGuide advocates for increased funding for community-based programs like senior centers, transportation services, digital accessibility initiatives, and volunteer programs to foster engagement and connections.
- Increase Awareness of Financial Exploitation
The financial exploitation of older adults has surged, with reported scams costing those aged 60+ $1.54 billion in 2022—a staggering 66% increase from 2021. AgeGuide emphasizes the need for resources to educate and protect older adults from such exploitation.
- Expand Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Services
With funding for Alzheimer’s services proposed to double from $1 million to $2 million, AgeGuide aims to address service gaps and enhance caregiver training. This investment is expected to reduce premature placement in long-term care facilities.
Federal Priorities
- Protect and Enhance the Older Americans Act (OAA)
AgeGuide is committed to safeguarding the OAA from budget cuts and reauthorizing its provisions. Specific goals include:
- Expanding flexibility within OAA programs.
- Increasing nutrition program adaptability.
- Establishing a national resource center to address social isolation and loneliness.
- Enhancing health and wellness programs to reach more older adults.
- Invest in Supportive Services Older Americans Act Supportive Services funding is essential for transportation, health promotion, disease prevention, and in-home services that allow older adults to maintain independence in their communities.
- Expand the National Family Caregiver Program We encourage Congress to significantly increase appropriations for the National Family Caregiver Support Program, which is the only national program supporting the family caregivers of older adults – who provide the majority of long-term care in this country. This title acknowledges the critical role that family and informal caregivers play in supporting the needs of older adults, allowing them to remain in their homes and communities as long as possible.for their vital roles.
Why These Priorities Matter
Illinois faces a growing demand for aging services as its population ages. The disinvestment in these programs threatens the well-being of older adults and their caregivers. AgeGuide’s 2025 priorities reflect a commitment to building a supportive infrastructure that enhances independence, social connection, and safety for older adults while recognizing the indispensable contributions of family caregivers.
By advocating for these policy changes, AgeGuide underscores the importance of ensuring Illinois’ aging population has the resources they need to thrive. Learn more about their efforts and how you can support them at www.ageguide.org.
