Top Right: Sahara Managers with John Eckert, IDoA Policy Analyst
Sahara staff attended the annual Aging Conference sponsored by the Illinois Department on Aging. The three-day event was held from September 17-19 in Peoria, Illinois.
IDoA is celebrating 40 years of the Community Care Program in Illinois. The program started with a caseload of 3,600 recipients in 1980 and has now increased massively-serving 100,000 seniors in fiscal year 2018.
“These numbers, coupled with the fact that by 2030, it is estimated that the 60 years of age and older population will increase to 3.6 million, representing almost a quarter of Illinois’ population, show that our population is living longer and fuller lives,” said Paula Basta, Director of IDoA in a statement. “Our Aging Network needs to be prepared for the future of aging, and to ensure that our older adults have what they need to live more comfortably and independently.
The event featured workshops and educational presentations related to various topics such as Defeating Social Isolation, IDoA Policy and Program updates, Person-Centered Practices, Risk Mitigation Strategies, and initiatives to build Stronger Staff & Stronger Agencies.
