Certified caregiver training in the state of Illinois was mandated by state law in 2008. Then shortly after this, an additional mandate for Alzheimer's disease caregiver training was added. Illinois caregivers are required to annually renew training for both basic caregiving skills and dementia caregiving skills.
How do you become a professional caregiver in Illinois? 8-Hour Caregiver Certification course with the basic skills for caregiving, including Elder Abuse Identification and Reporting and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) topics.
Illinois enacted a law prohibiting discrimination against employees who must care for family members at home. The law will not require employers to make accommodations or modifications to reasonable workplace rules and policies to allow employees to fulfill their caregiving responsibilities.
Illinois Caregiver Training Requirements In-home Service Workers: Required to complete 8 hours of topic specific initial training and a minimum of 8 hours CE annually. Homecare Aides: Required to complete 2 hours of agency specific orientation, 22 hours of topic specific training, and 12 hours CE annually.
Home Health Aides (HHAs) need 120 hours of certification training and 12 hours annually thereafter. CareAcademy offers annual training for HHAs. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNAs) need 120 hours of certification training and are not required to take annual training.
What are common caregiver qualifications? Having relevant work experience and skills. Completing any required training. Passing a background check and general health check. Earning basic health certifications. Meeting age requirements. Possessing a valid driver's license, insurance and a good driving record.
In conclusion, there are 4 types of caregivers: family caregivers, professional caregivers, volunteer caregivers, and informal caregivers. Each caregiver faces unique challenges, including physical and emotional exhaustion, financial strain, and balancing personal and caregiving responsibilities.
CHICAGO - Workers in Illinois who provide personal care to family members are protected from employment discrimination based on family responsibilities as of January 1, 2025. Illinois is now one of fewer than 10 states to provide employment protections for family caregivers.