Caregiving for stepfather in IL; how to start appropriate system for financing caregiving?

bethbit, laws and programs for paying family caregivers differ from state to state but even so it will not be a good wage nor will it be for full-time. Grandma is very correct when advising now is the time to spend a little money on a consult with an elder law attorney who specializes in estate planning and knows about Medicaid. At 64, your FIL is very young and will require years of paying for care if he doesn't have a full recovery soon. Right now, he should have a care contract created to pay you/compensate you for what you're doing right now (his care expenses should never come out of your pocket), and do keep very good records. The lawyer can advise on this contract also, as IL may view you as his employee and therefore he will need to follow certain employer laws. I wish you all the best and God bless you for being a willing (and smart) helper!

You can try contacting your local Senior Center or Area on Aging. There may be programs
If your step-dad is a Veteran the VA might help contact a Veterans Assistance Commission in the county where you live (I think that is Cook County right?)
I would suggest you do at least 2 things
Consult with an Elder Care Attorney and if you are going to be a caregiver have a contract indicating what you will do, what you can not do and as a caregiver at least to begin with, until you can find programs that will help they need to pay you.
This will be important later on if and when the need arises that you have to apply for Medicaid for him. All expenses that are a direct link to his care would be acceptable expenditures when paying down assets.
Trust me more will provide you with more detailed information