Stuart Spends a Day with Illinois Community Care Program Participant and Homecare Aide

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, spent the day with Mary Barge and her homecare aide Juandalyn Reese, gaining hands-on experience with Illinois’ Community Care Program through the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Throughout the day, Stuart learned what the typical day looks like for homecare aides such as Reese.

“Spending the day with Ms. Barge and her homecare aide Ms. Reese and experiencing first-hand the typical day of a homecare aide has provided me with a greater understanding of what it is like to be a homecare aide through the state’s Community Care Program,” said Stuart. “It’s important for legislators like me to gain hands-on experience on the typical day of the average Illinoisan. That kind of firsthand perspective means I can better address the issues and needs of our communities, uplifting Illinoisans in the present and the future.”

Illinois’ Community Care Program provides home care to older adults who might otherwise need nursing home care. This program aims to help older adults continue to live independently in their homes by providing them with in-home and community-based services and enhancing safety in older adults’ homes. Last year, the Community Care Program provided care to over 65,000 older adults monthly, servicing older adults and providing jobs in communities across the state.