IL HJR0055

Approximately 210,000 Illinoisans have Alzheimer's or a related dementia disorder, with nearly 50% of individuals age 85 and older affected by the disease.

Roughly 55,000 Illinois veterans age 65 and older have Alzheimer's, with 40% over age 85.

Only 80 licensed assisted living facilities in Illinois have dedicated Alzheimer's units, and most are unaffordable for moderate and low-income families.

Illinois has 147 nursing homes with dedicated Alzheimer's units, but most individuals with Alzheimer's do not require 24-hour skilled nursing care.

The State is authorized to establish an affordable Alzheimer's housing-with-services program using existing programs, including converting nursing home facilities to Alzheimer's housing units and structuring the program to access federal matching funds.