Senator Fine plan would give social services agents the tools to care for dementia patients

SPRINGFIELD – To help social services employees better identify, understand and protect patients with dementia, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is partnering with the Illinois chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association on legislation to improve training for employees of the Illinois Department on Aging’s Adult Protective Services division.

“For employees working to prevent abuse and neglect of older adults, it’s critical to be familiar with the symptoms of dementia and the types of abuse that most commonly affect patients living with it,” Senator Fine said. “A well-educated workforce means better protection for aging Illinoisans.”

The legislation would implement an annual two-hour training course for Adult Protective Services employees on the identification of people with dementia, risks such as wandering and elder abuse, and best practices for interacting with people with dementia.

The training would cover areas including symptoms of dementia; communicating with people with dementia; tips for lessening risk factors; how to connect people with dementia to local care resources and dementia care professionals; and common red flags that may indicate people with dementia are suffering abuse, neglect or exploitation.

“If you have had a family member or loved one suffer from dementia, you know they need specialized support and care,” Senator Fine said. “Through education, we can ensure better communication and understanding between older adults and social services agents.”

Senate Bill 331 awaits assignment to a committee.

To report suspected abuse, exploitation or neglect of an older adult, call the statewide, 24-hour Adult Protective Services Hotline at 1-866-800-1409.

Senator Fine: State budget must support teachers and students through the challenges of the pandemic and beyond

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the governor’s annual budget address Wednesday, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) released the following statement:

“Given the challenges Illinois has faced over the last year, the governor’s proposal for a balanced, functional budget is both a relief and a promise that we are on the road to recovery.

“As a strong advocate for mental health care, I’m glad to see the proposed budget includes funding for suicide prevention and awareness programs, which are even more critical as individuals and families grapple with the losses and stresses resulting from the pandemic.

“However, I’m concerned that the governor’s proposed budget does not adequately consider the new needs of our schools, which have taken on a particularly heavy burden in the transition to remote and hybrid learning during the COVID-19 crisis. We have to protect our children’s academic futures, especially as we look toward a post-pandemic world.

“I look forward to continuing negotiations with my fellow lawmakers in the General Assembly to build a budget that supports all Illinoisans, including our teachers and students, through the challenges of the pandemic and beyond.”

Senator Fine to chair newly formed Behavioral and Mental Health Committee

SPRINGFIELD – Strengthening existing mental health resources in Illinois and fostering the formation of new support systems are top priorities for State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) in her role as chair of the newly formed Senate Committee on Behavioral and Mental Health.

“As a lawmaker, ensuring every Illinoisan has access to quality mental health care has always been one of my main legislative goals,” Senator Fine said. “The creation of a dedicated committee shows the Illinois Senate is ready to commit the necessary time and focus to understand and eliminate barriers to care. I’m honored to serve as chair to help start those conversations.”

The committee is expected to evaluate bills regarding insurance coverage of mental health care, existing support programs and new resources for those experiencing mental health and substance abuse disorders.

Senator Fine, a longtime mental health advocate, has sponsored several pieces of legislation during her time in the Illinois General Assembly to give Illinoisans faster, easier access to care. Last spring, Senator Fine renewed her push to require insurance companies to cover mental health services delivered via telehealth, which has become a particularly important option for patients seeking safe care during the pandemic.

When the COVID-19 crisis put the legislative session on hold, Senator Fine worked closely with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to release a series of video Q&As on managing stress brought on by the pandemic.

“It’s not just systemic barriers we need to address—it’s also the social stigma around mental health and getting help,” said Senator Fine. “I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues in the Senate to find practical, meaningful solutions for the people of Illinois.”

Committee schedules and livestreamed proceedings are available at www.ilga.gov.

Senator Fine urges older residents, front-line workers in Cook County to sign up for COVID-19 vaccine updates

GLENVIEW – To keep suburban Cook County residents abreast of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution process, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is urging residents to sign up to receive updates, scheduling information and other important notifications on the new Cook County COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program website.

“We’re entering Phase 1B of the state’s vaccination plan, which means more Illinoisans are eligible to be vaccinated and more vaccination sites are opening up,” Senator Fine said. “I encourage older residents and front-line essential workers to register for updates to make sure they know when it’s their turn to get vaccinated.”

Phase 1A of the state’s vaccination plan prioritized health care workers. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Phase 1B comprises residents over age 65 and front-line essential workers who carry a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure because they are unable to work from home or their work does not allow for safe social distancing. This includes:

• First responders
• Teachers, principals, classroom aides and other school staff
• Food and agriculture workers
• Manufacturing workers
• Corrections officers and inmates
• Postal workers
• Public transit workers
• Grocery store workers
• Shelters and day care staff

Residents of suburban Cook County who think they are eligible to be vaccinated in Phase 1A or 1B are encouraged to visit https://vaccine.cookcountyil.gov/ and enter their information to be connected with a vaccine provider. Those without access to the internet can reach the Call Center 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1-833-308-1988.

Cook County Health will offer appointment slots based on the amount of vaccine on hand and will add appointments as new vaccine shipments arrive. The first community vaccination site in Cook County opened Jan. 26 at the Tinley Park Convention Center. Vaccination sites at pharmacies and other locations are being added daily.

“We are expecting more shipments from the federal government soon, but supplies of the vaccine are limited at this time, so I urge everyone to be patient during the rollout,” Senator Fine said.