Illinois Aging Network Alert June 07, 2019

Illinois Aging Network Alert June 7, 2019
A report of the impact Area Agencies on Aging have on Illinois seniors.

Thank You for Passing the FY 2020 Budget!

The Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging wishes to the thank members of the Illinois General Assembly for passing a state budget and Governor Pritzker for signing into law. By putting Illinoisans first, the legislators were able to cross party lines and champion bi-partisan issues including initiatives to help serve older adults in Illinois. This effort demonstrates that legislators made fiscal responsibility a priority while maintaining a level of quality for government-supported programs.

Illinois Seniors Will Receive Needed Support:

• Additional funding for the Home Delivered Meals program will help maintain current numbers of people being served, the quality of the meals, and to help address current waiting lists of recipients wanting Home Delivered Meals.
• Additional funding will expand assistance to caregivers helping persons dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia. Most individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementia live at home with a caregiver. This funding will help address issues that may otherwise force these people into an institutional living situation.
• Funding was added to help start a new initiative to address social isolation in older adults which can lead to many health problems. This will start saving Illinois money with fewer health-related costs and keeping older adults independent and healthy longer.
• More funding for the Senior Health Assistance Program (SHAP) to assist older adults with Benefit Access Applications. This program helps older adults with transportation needs and license plate discounts. Access to transportation and the related costs can be a barrier for older adults to get basic needs such as food and access to medical help.

Thank you for recognizing the needs of the growing senior population in Illinois and working together to approve a budget for the people of Illinois.

For more information, contact Susan C. Real, Legislative Chair (309-829-2065 ext. 218) or Joy Paeth, I4A President (618-222-2561).