Home care workers for seniors could be cut

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois seniors who need assistance with home chores could see less of their state-paid helpers because of a tight state budget.

The Illinois Department on Aging wanted nearly $160 million more for its program that pays home care workers to help seniors stay in their homes by cleaning, running errands and bathing them.

But Gov. Pat Quinn is wrestling with an $11.6 billion deficit. He increased funding by more than $70 million.

The program helps 51,000 seniors. Officials at Aging expect 3,000 more next year. Instead of refusing them service, they plan to use available money and spread the workers out.

Service Employees International Union -- which represents 13,000 home care workers -- says cutting back hours could force seniors into nursing homes.