Davis Bill to Strengthen Dementia Training for Home Care Workers Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Lisa Davis, D-Chicago, passed legislation unanimously out of the House to improve care for individuals living with dementia by strengthening training requirements for home care workers.

“Caring for someone with dementia requires consistency, patience, and specialized knowledge,” Davis said. “This legislation ensures that caregivers are better prepared to meet the unique needs of these individuals and provide the structured support that is critical to their well-being.”

House Bill 4584 requires Home Services Program rehabilitation counselors and homemaker agency employees who provide direct care to participants to complete at least two hours of dementia training upon hire and annually thereafter. The training will cover key topics such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia-related safety risks, effective communication strategies, and approaches for responding to behavioral challenges.

“Families across Illinois rely on well-trained caregivers to support their loved ones,” Davis said. “By strengthening training standards, we are investing in a more capable workforce and better outcomes for those living with dementia. I’m encouraged by the unanimous support and eager to see this bill continue moving forward.”

House Bill 4584 now advances to the Senate for further consideration.