November is National Family Caregivers Month, and the Illinois Department on Aging is recognizing almost 600,000 Illinois family caregivers who provide over 670 million hours of unpaid care during any given year but especially now because of COVID-19. There are over 53 million Americans throughout the US who care for loved ones with illnesses, disabilities and other physical, cognitive, and mental health conditions.

These hard working caregivers provide a critical resource for older Illinoisans facing the toll of social isolation that is caused by the pandemic. IDOA has 13 agencies on aging and they are ready to help and provide the caregiver support services that your family needs. 

The IDOA encourages you to reach out to someone who is providing care for someone else, reach out to them and say thank you, provide a meal, give them an evening off, and offer support or even an encouraging note or gift to brighten their day. For more information, please visit www.illinois.gov/aging.