Illinois Department on Aging

06/17/2026

If you have ever cared for a parent, a spouse, or a loved one, you already know how much it takes. That is exactly why EngAging Illinois, Illinois's multisector plan on aging, has a work group dedicated to it!

We are proud to introduce the co-chairs of the Investing in Caregivers work group: Amy Brennan, Executive Director of the Illinois Family Caregiver Coalition, Susan Real, Executive Director of East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging, and Diane Slezak, CEO of AgeOptions. Together, these leaders represent decades of experience supporting family caregivers across Illinois. Whether you are currently caring for a loved one, have been a caregiver in the past, or know you may need care someday, their work is relevant to you.

We are grateful for their leadership and dedication to the over 1.3 million family caregivers in Illinois.

Learn more about EngAging Illinois at https://ilaging.illinois.gov/forprofessionals/multi-sector-plan-for-aging/engaging-illinois.html

06/15/2026

We’re joining government agencies and organizations across the country to raise awareness about imposter scams. Learn the signs of an imposter scam so you can avoid them. ejcc.acl.gov/imposters

06/15/2026

IDoA staff in Springfield and Chicago are wearing purple today for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Working together across our networks, we can generate awareness and foster action to end elder abuse. Let’s work to keep everyone safe as we age.

06/10/2026

Have you shared your thoughts on housing in Illinois yet? There is still time!

The 2027 Illinois Housing Blueprint is a statewide initiative led by the Illinois Housing Development Authority to better understand housing needs, affordability, and availability across Illinois. The plan is built on input from real people across the state, and that includes you and your neighbors!

Because housing plays such a big role in how all of us age, it is a key focus of EngAging Illinois. We are happy to support the Illinois Housing Development Authority in promoting their community listening sessions that are coming to your region this month and next. Come share what housing looks like in your community and what you need to live and age well!

Central Region — June 16
North Central Region — June 17
Southeast Region — June 18
East Central Region — June 25

Register for a session and/or take the survey at ilhousingblueprint.org. Don't wait, the survey closes July 31!
https://ilhousingblueprint.org/

06/09/2026

Did you lose your SNAP benefits because of the new federal SNAP work requirements? The federal government made changes to SNAP and some customers lost benefits if they weren’t meeting or exempt from new work requirements.

📝See if you can file an exemption: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

💻 Customers can regain eligibility and meet the new work requirements by working, volunteering, or participating in a training or education program. Visit: SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov

06/09/2026

Episode 29 of the Mendoza Podcast is now LIVE! 🎙️

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and in this episode, we explore the growing issue of financial elder abuse—what it looks like, how it happens, and steps individuals and families can take to help prevent it.

Watch it on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts! 🎧

YouTube: https://youtu.be/1FPmjwAIfSU
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5IiYxB58mIdsOHjp9vtzIS?si=qn2uIzyrSrGDhfNACbUiCQ
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mendoza-podcast-financial-talk-that-makes-cents/id1822306239?i=1000771703121

06/05/2026

The Rush Center for Excellence in Aging, LeadingAge, and the Illinois Department on Aging are developing a specialized training program for direct care workers focused on mental health, dementia, and peer mentoring.

Study staff is seeking focus group participants to share their ideas on training for direct care workers. Selected participants will receive a $75 Visa gift card for participating in the focus group.

If interested in participating in a focus group, please call 202-508-9410.

06/05/2026

Happy 6/5! Most people become eligible for Medicare at 65 so we celebrate Medicare Fraud Prevention Week the week of 6/5 to help remember the steps to prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud!

06/04/2026

Medicare fraud is a serious problem. Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion each year to fraud, errors, and abuse. Every day, these issues affect people across the country and can lead to identity theft and cost you money. The good news? Some simple tips can help you protect yourself.

06/04/2026