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.
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.
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.
Emphasis on Role: “Caregiver” and “carer” emphasize the act of giving care, with a focus on the practical and emotional work involved. “Caretaker” suggests a more functional or managerial role, often with a broader focus on property or task management.
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.
What Am I Not Allowed To Do As Caregiver? One of the most critical limitations for caregivers is completing medical tasks that can only be performed by a licensed professional, such as: Giving out medications, including injections or IV treatments, without certification or direction from a healthcare professional.