AARP Illinois announces support for Caregiver Portal bill [Video]

SPRINGFIELD (25News Now) – A bill before the Illinois House that would create an online portal to help family caregivers has the support of AARP Illinois.

AARP members joined state lawmakers in Springfield on Wednesday to say they are championing the creation of the Illinois Caregiver Portal.

The group says 1.3 million family caregivers in the state are frustrated in their search for reliable information online. They say those caregivers spend hours searching the web while trying to figure out the next steps for their loved ones.

AARP members and state lawmakers say caregivers report feeling lonely, confused and helpless.

“The portal would include planning tools and resources aimed at streamlining caregiving processes with the goal of improving care quality for recipients and alleviating the workload for caregivers,” said Rep. Anna Moeller.

AARP Illinois says family caregivers’ unpaid work is the backbone of the long-term care economy and they hope …