Illinois is finally paying attention to caregivers' needs

Amy Yee's recent story about the challenges of family caregiving in Illinois sheds important light on a critical issue: the struggle and dedication of family caregivers in our rapidly aging society. By focusing on the real-life stories of two of the 1.5 million caregivers in Illinois, Ms. Yee gives voice to an estimated 48 million caregivers navigating their way through similar experiences nationwide. Unpaid caregivers are often family members, close friends or "chosen family." According to the Illinois Department on Aging, "Caregivers...come from every age, gender, socioeconomic, and racial/ethnic group. Nearly 24 percent are millennials; 40 percent are men and approximately 40 percent represent multicultural communities."

For far too long, the enormous efforts of family caregivers have been underappreciated and insufficiently addressed outside of the field of aging, as have the myriad of workforce complexities and financial hardships they face. Fortunately, this is starting to change — especially here in Illinois.

In addition to the new Illinois law highlighted in Ms. Yee's piece (which bars employers from discriminating against caregivers), an important Illinois policy advance in 2024 was the executive order signed by Gov. JB Pritzker to establish a Multi-Sector Plan for Aging. This cross-cutting effort will outline a comprehensive framework for addressing the needs of older adults, disabled people of all ages and their caregivers over the next decade.

As our society ages, caregiving is becoming a universal experience. It should be treated as a communal challenge and shared opportunity, to be met with appropriate policies, practical programs and accessible resources. As the late Rosalynn Carter so eloquently said: "There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers."

Mary O'Donnell, president and CEO, RRF Foundation for Aging, Chicago

Our country would be better off if more Americans emulated Carter

Thank you for publishing William S. Bike's positive perspective on Jimmy Carter's presidency. Let me add one more thought: Had we Americans listened to Carter on conservation and energy policy in the late 1970s, climate change would be much less severe and more manageable today, and the United States would still have credibility as a world leader on environmental issues.

Recent history may suggest that thuggishness, systematic lying, and the stoking of fear and hatred are the keys to political success. But President Carter's life in and out of office tells a different story. His example reminds us that the way to accomplish real things, good and meaningful things, is to call on the best in ourselves and others and to do our work with intelligence, diplomacy, and a full measure of compassion and integrity. If we ever learn this, we can set our country back on course to becoming the kind of society most of us want for ourselves and our descendants.

Richard A. Stewart, West Ridge

Taking the wheel instead of the bus and train

Why in the world would I want to take CTA trains and buses when it is so practicable to drive my car?

No waiting at bus or train stops during inclement weather, and once I am in my car, I can adjust my climate and infotainment controls to my satisfaction.

I do not have to worry about crime, panhandlers, disrespectful riders or catching some virus from some person who should have stayed at home.

Even if it is more expensive to own a car, maintain it, and pay for insurance, I will gladly keep driving since it is simply more enjoyable and convenient.

Larry Vigon, Jefferson Park

No escape from Trump

I woke up this morning to talk of Donald Trump invading Panama and Greenland. This is quite troubling, since I had planned on moving to Greenland to escape MAGA 2025.

Richard Keslinke, Algonquin