IL HB5505

Requires the Department on Aging to mandate annual enhanced training for all homemaker and home care aides in the Community Care Program covering ethical boundaries, fiduciary duties under the Power of Attorney Act, and recognizing financial exploitation and self-neglect.

Restricts covered aides from serving as power of attorney agents for program participants unless the aide is a family member (child, sibling, grandchild, spouse, niece, or nephew) who discloses the dual role in writing to both the provider agency and Department.

Mandates a cognitive capacity assessment by a physician or clinical psychologist before a family caregiver can serve in a dual caregiver/agent role, with exceptions only if the power of attorney was executed before the participant lost capacity.

Imposes an enhanced duty to report financial exploitation on covered aides serving as agents, with failure to report resulting in immediate revocation of the dual role and potential referral to law enforcement elder abuse units.

Directs the Department to establish a pilot program connecting participants without family support to professional fiduciaries or volunteer agents, and prioritize grants to legal aid organizations for pro bono Power of Attorney assistance.