Thursday, July 11, 2024
In June, AgeGuide hosted three Advocacy Collaborative events around the theme, The Great Reconnection. These events, cosponsored by AARP, focused on informing legislators about issues facing older adults, caregivers, and their families in our region. Over 250 aging network professionals, elected officials, older adults, and other advocates came together to engage, empower, and advocate. The events were well-attended, and the speakers shared engaging stories that gave a window into aging services and sparked great conversations.
AgeGuide Chief Executive Officer, Marla Fronczak, talked about AgeGuide’s 50th Anniversary and how our network exists to make aging better through services and resources. Across the region and the nation, we’re seeing a movement toward “The Great Reconnection.” This emphasis on connection is our response to evolving needs, focusing on expanding services and support to help older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities reconnect with their communities and thrive as they age. Making authentic connections is what The Great Reconnection is all about, and that is why this Advocacy Collaborative is focused on programs and services that connect people to each other and to supportive programs.
Courtney Hedderman, Associate State Director for Advocacy and Outreach at AARP Illinois inspired us to engage in advocacy with an insightful keynote speech. Courtney stressed the importance of connecting caregivers with resources that are easily accessible and the importance of advocacy and funding.
At the end of the event, elected officials shared specific legislative proposals that affect older adults and caregivers. The message was overall one of action. AgeGuide is committed to supporting public policies and legislation that strengthen caregiver services, reform long-term care, and support essential community-based services.
In addition, local aging service providers and program participants shared how social connections and resources empower older adults in our region to stay connected. Social isolation was recently recognized as a health crisis. Speakers touched on the social connection services that help address this crisis from technology and health promotion to nutrition services.
AgeGuide’s 2024 Policy Priorities
Support Essential Services & Caregiver Support
State Ask:
- Continue Supporting Essential Services:
- Social Connection
- Home Delivered Meals
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
- Avoiding Financial Exploitation & Scams
- Support for Illinois Family Caregivers (Increase by $1M)
- Tailored Interventions
- Support Services & Respite Care
- Hands-on Caregiver Training & Stress Relief
- Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (Kinship Care)
Reauthorize the Older Americans Act
Federal Ask:
- Support Home and Community-Based Services- $820M
- National Family Caregiver Support Program (Title III E)- $410M
Take Action!
Now that we’ve talked about connecting services on behalf of older adults, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and take action to promote a reconnection at the state and federal levels. Join AgeGuide in advocating for caregivers and older adults in Illinois. You can make a difference by clicking here and sending a letter to your Illinois and federal legislators through 3 different action alerts!
