LeadingAge Illinois

06/18/2026

LeadingAge Illinois Executive Director Jason Speaks told McKnight’s Senior Living that his organization does not have any concerns with efforts to enhance consumer protections for older adults.

“Our members are always committed to helping residents and their families make informed decisions about care,” he said. “Ensuring that referred providers meet state licensing requirements promotes accountability, oversight and quality standards that help safeguard residents’ health, safety and well-being. Our members have always been firm on resident safety and transparency.”

Assisted living residents in Illinois who ask their communities for referrals for home care services now will receive recommendations only for state-licensed providers following passage of a new consumer protection bill.

06/17/2026

Day 3, the finale of our Midwest CEO Summit. What a great trio of days we had with some of the most talented leaders in the country.

06/16/2026

The 2026 LeadingAge Illinois Annual Conference is coming up fast, and two things need your attention right now.

🏨 Hotel block closes June 21. Hotel reservations at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel are filling quickly. The discounted group rate of $189/night is available through June 21 or until the room block sells out, whichever comes first. Reserve your room soon to secure the conference rate. Do not miss it.

🏆 Honoring Excellence Awards Dinner seats are filling up. This is the most anticipated evening of the conference, recognizing the leaders and organizations making a real difference in aging services across Illinois.

Plus, keynote speakers, expert workshops, an expo hall, and 9-hole mini golf on the floor.
Lock in your plans before both are gone.

🔗 Register now: https://annualconference.leadingageil.org/2026/registration.cfm

06/15/2026

Beyond awareness. Beyond silence. Beyond inaction.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2026 calls on all of us to go further. The theme this year is "Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work," and it challenges communities, providers, and advocates to build real systems that prevent abuse, identify it early, and respond with dignity and care.

At LeadingAge Illinois, we support aging services providers across Illinois with the tools, training, and community to make a difference. Because every older adult deserves safety, respect, and the right to live with dignity.

Explore resources and connect with peers at https://leadingageil.org/learn-network/

06/11/2026

Celebrating CNA Week | June 11–17

This week, we honor the compassionate, hardworking Certified Nursing Assistants who are the heart of care in our communities. From early mornings to late nights, CNAs show up with dedication, empathy, and strength, making a real difference in the lives of older adults every single day.

LeadingAge Illinois is proud to support CNAs and aging services providers across Illinois with the education, resources, and community you need to thrive.

Because when you grow, the older adults you serve thrive too.

Happy CNA Week! Explore opportunities built for you at https://leadingageil.org/learn-network/

06/10/2026

Jason Speaks, Kellie Van Ree, and the rest of our team are here for you. We look forward to continuing to serve you.

06/10/2026

🛑Stop scrolling if you work in social services in long-term care.

◾Can you defend every line of your last social assessment if a surveyor asked right now?
◾Do your care plans reflect what residents actually said, or what the team assumed?
◾Does your documentation show trauma-informed thinking, or just task completion?

If you hesitated on any of those, you are not alone.

LeadingAge Illinois Social Services Bootcamp: Professional Certificate Program is coming this August, and it was designed for YOU.

Here is what you need to know:

📅 Dates: August 12, 13 and 26, 2026
💻 Format: 3 virtual sessions via Zoom
🎓 CE Hours: Earn up to 6 CEs
👩‍🏫 Faculty: Cat Selman, Educator. Motivator. Communicator. Consultant. Author.
💵 Members: $139 | Non-Members: $239

Register here: https://leadingageil.org/events/social-services-bootcamp-professional-certificate-program/

06/09/2026

⏰ Last Chance for Early Bird Pricing!

Tomorrow is your final opportunity to save on registration for the 2026 LeadingAge Illinois Annual Conference. Rates increase on June 12.

Join fellow Change Makers in aging services for two days of education, inspiration, and connection designed to help you lead what's next.

✨ What's waiting for you:
🎤 Keynote speakers Courtney Clark and Britt Frank
🎉 Honoring Excellence Awards Black & White Party
🤝 Networking Breaks and Opening Reception
📚 100+ educational sessions covering leadership, workforce, AI, operations, public policy, marketing, and more
🏛️ Governance Track designed specifically for provider board members

July 14-15, 2026 | Schaumburg, IL

Don't miss your chance to save and secure your spot alongside leaders from across the aging services continuum.

Register today before early bird pricing ends June 11: https://annualconference.leadingageil.org/2026/registration.cfm