A-A-R-P IS URGING LAWMAKERS TO PASS TWO BILLS AIMED AT IMPROVING THE CARE OF OLDER ILLINOISANS.

THE FIRST LEGISLATION REQUIRES THE STATE TO SET UP A DATABASE WHERE PEOPLE CAN SEE NURSING HOME REPORTS AND VIOLATIONS, SETS UP RULES FOR ADMINISTERING PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATION AND ADDRESSES MINIMUM STAFFING LEVELS SAYS SENATOR JACQUELINE COLLINS OF CHICAGO.

THE OTHER BILL CREATES AN UP TO 15-HUNDRED DOLLAR TAX CREDIT FOR ELIGIBLE FAMILY CAREGIVERS. MARCUS EVANS SAYS THIS WOULD HELP WITH COSTS LIKE HOME MODIFICATIONS, TRANSPORTATION AND EQUIPMENT.

IT ALSO REQUIRES THE STATE TO HAVE A PUBLIC DATABASE OF NURSING HOME REPORTS AND VIOLATIONS.