Press Release - Thursday, August 31, 2023
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Department on Aging Seeks Input from Family Caregivers
MOLINE, Ill. - To gain insight into the needs and challenges of family caregivers in western Illinois, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA), in partnership with the Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging, is hosting a caregiver roundtable on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.
"Illinois' family caregivers are as diverse as the state as a whole, with different backgrounds, family dynamics, strengths, and access to resources," said IDoA Director Paula Basta. "We want to ensure IDoA is meeting their unique needs, helping caregivers manage their stress and balance other life responsibilities. I'm excited to kick off this series of caregiver roundtables to hear from residents in every part of Illinois about how IDoA can more effectively support their caregiving journey."
"Family caregivers play an essential role in providing long-term care for their loved ones," said Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging Executive Director Lacey Matkovic. "We are looking forward to hearing from caregivers to better understand their needs and how we can serve them in a meaningful and efficient way."
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.
Area residents are invited to participate in the discussion on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. at the Moline Township Activity Center, located at 620 18th Street in Moline.
Attendance is open to adults of all ages who provide some level of unpaid care to an aging parent, spouse, or other family member. Attendees' insights will help shape future policies and initiatives that address the specific concerns of family caregivers across Illinois.
To RSVP for the Sept. 12 caregiver roundtable, please contact Vicki Coutant at 309-793-6800 or vcoutant@wiaaa.org. RSVPs are requested by Wednesday, Sept. 6 to ensure adequate arrangements for seating and materials.
IDoA serves and advocates for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence, dignity, and quality of life. For information about the Department's programs and services for older adults and persons with disabilities, visit https://ilaging.illinois.gov/programs.html or contact the Senior HelpLine toll-free at 1-800-252-8966, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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