Care for caregivers: Illinois families need of support as numbers grow, AARP says

GALESBURG, Ill. (KWQC) - Rick Planos had to retire to care for his mother with Alzheimer’s, a role he says was emotionally, physically and mentally exhausting.

As November marks National Family Caregivers Month, advocates say stories like Planos’ are common and largely unseen.

“Caregivers’ voices need to be heard, they need to be recognized, and they need to have some financial relief,” said Lori Hendren, AARP Illinois’ senior associate state director for advocacy and outreach.

AARP Illinois estimates 23% of Illinois adults — about 2.2 million people — are family caregivers, often taking on an unpaid second job to support loved ones.

And the senior population grows by millions each year.

The emotional and physical toll of caregiving

Hendren says caregivers are considered “unsung