HR0643 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0643 LRB102 26029 MST 35460 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, February 18, 2022 marks National Caregivers Day, created in 2015 to recognize in-home caregivers who provide personal care and support to enable millions of Americans who are aging or who have a disability to remain safe and healthy in their own homes; and

WHEREAS, Home care has emerged as a valuable solution to fill gaps created by traditional care models, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health; and

WHEREAS, Professional caregivers work for licensed Illinois home care agencies and receive training to enable them to assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation; and

WHEREAS, Professional caregivers provide vital companionship and mental stimulation by engaging their clients in conversation and other activities; and

WHEREAS, Professional caregivers help home bound individuals lead more independent lives, preventing falls and other common injuries, promoting medication adherence, and reducing social isolation; and

WHEREAS, Professional caregivers, who number nearly 4.6 million in the United States, and family caregivers, who are estimated at 44 million, are lifelines to millions of Americans, keeping them safe, healthy, and engaged; and

WHEREAS, The home care industry is among the fastest growing healthcare industries in the U.S. and Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The Home Care Association Illinois Chapter continuously advocates on behalf of providers and professional caregivers who have been essential in the fight against COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, Caregivers have faced the challenge of COVID-19, not only caring for their clients but also risking their own personal health and safety while doing so; and

WHEREAS, Home care workers enable families to stay together at home safely and with dignity as they age; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare February 18, 2022 as "Illinois Caregiver Day"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we express our gratitude to caregivers for their unwavering commitment to the care of their clients and families, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Governor and the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.