Illinois publishes an updated Alzheimer’s state plan every three years pursuant to the Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Act (410 ILCS 405). The Act charged the Illinois Department of Public Health to create an Advisory Committee of Alzheimer’s disease researchers, professional caregivers, members of advocacy organizations, people living with Alzheimer’s and their families. In 2012, the Act was amended to drive the next iteration of the state plan toward dementia-capability. The state Alzheimer’s plan was updated in September 2020 and most recently in January 2023. In the newest state plan, recommendations are detailed for new policies to address the statewide response to Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

Improve Quality of Care in the Home Services Program 

A cornerstone of providing quality care is ensuring the workforce is equipped with dementia-specific knowledge. While Illinois has successfully implemented training requirements for many state employees, caseworkers and providers in the Home Services Program — which serves residents under age 60 — do not currently have ongoing dementia training requirements. As the number of people living with the disease increases, it is critical that all state-funded care providers are prepared to provide effective support. The Alzheimer’s Association is urging state lawmakers to ensure dementia training standards for caseworkers and providers within the Home Services Program.