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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING NOVEMBER 2026 AS FAMILY CAREGIVERS’ MONTH IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, this November 2026, Cook County recognizes that family caregivers across the county are helping their older parents, spouses, and other loved ones live independently in their homes and in their communities;
WHEREAS, based on 2025 state and county population data and research done by AAPR, an estimated one million unpaid family caregivers reside in Cook County;
WHEREAS, according to AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, around one quarter of adults (23%) are family caregivers in Illinois, providing care to a family member or friend, representing around 2.2 million caregivers throughout the state;
WHEREAS, Cook County family caregivers are among millions of Americans recognized this November during National Family Caregivers Month. Nationwide, family caregivers are the backbone of America’s long-term care system-providing 49.5 billion hours of care during the year, worth $1.01 trillion annually. This extraordinary contribution not only sustains families but also exceeded the total amount of federal, state, and local Medicaid spending in 2024;
WHEREAS, caregivers are also faced with stressors that come with needing to balance the physical, emotional, financial and often time-consuming demands required to care for their older loved ones. They do it all, help their older loved ones with essential tasks, including medications and medical care, meals, bathing and dressing, chores, finances, grocery shopping, transportation and more;
WHEREAS, most pay for expensive care out of their own pockets - all while facing soaring prices for everyday essentials like groceries, housing, utilities and health care. Too often, family caregivers stop saving, take on more debt, use up personal short-term savings, leave bills unpaid or pay them late, and borrow money from family and friends to deal with the financial challenges. And for the family caregivers who are also juggling jobs, many must reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely due to caregiving responsibilities.
WHEREAS, family caregivers deserve our gratitude, but they also need commonsense solutions that save them money, time, and provide support.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, November 2026 is recognized as National Family Caregivers Month in Cook County.
BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, Cook County will continue to support family caregivers and thank them for the incredibly important work they do. While a county resident may not find themselves currently in a caregiving position, chances are that at some point in their life they will either be a caregiver or will someday need a family caregiver to help live independently at home. Cook County recognizes the social, economic, physical, and emotional contributions of caregivers. end