Supporting Family Caregivers in Washington

Every day more than 1.3 million Washingtonians perform a great labor of love: caring for older parents, spouses, and other loved ones so they can remain at home—where they want to be.

Caring for a family member or close friend is one of the most important roles we are likely to play in our lifetime. Caregiving may start with driving your loved one to get groceries or going to doctor’s appointments. As time goes by, you may help in preparing meals or handling bills, and you may find yourself taking time off from work to help. You may not think of yourself as a caregiver, but if you are helping someone with daily activities like getting dressed, managing medication and providing transportation to and from appointments, then you ARE a caregiver and AARP can help.

No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a friend or family member be it in a home, a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having the right resources, information and connections can make all the difference.

AARP Washington is here to support caregivers – and the older loved ones who count on them.  We are advocating for more support, services that are community-based or home-based, caregiver training and more. Please check out the many resources AARP has to offer on this page and thank you for joining us in honoring and supporting Washington's caregivers.

News Alert - New report highlights caregiving in Washington state

As National Family Caregivers Month approaches, AARP has released new state-level data from its report, "Caregiving in the U.S.: Caring Across States," revealing that more than 1.3 million people in Washington state are family caregivers. These individuals provide largely unpaid and unsupported care to aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones, helping them live independently at home and in their communities – where they want to be.

Family caregivers perform a wide range of tasks—from bathing and meal preparation to managing medications, coordinating transportation, and handling complex medical responsibilities—often with little or no formal training. “When a loved one needs help, family members, friends, and neighbors step up, that’s what we do,” said Marguerite Ro, AARP Washington State Director. “But too often, caregivers carry this responsibility alone, putting their finances, health and jobs at risk.”

Read more about the report on our website.

Let's Talk Caregiving: Holiday Tips

Feeling overwhelmed by holiday caregiving? Nov 5, join a supportive, peer-led chat for planning tips, expectation resets, self-care ideas, and connection.

The holidays can be joyful—but for caregivers, they have the potential to be overwhelming. Balancing traditions, expectations, and caregiving isn’t easy, and self-care often takes a back seat.

Join us on November 5, 2025, for a supportive, peer-led conversation moderated by former caregiver and award-winning journalist Julia Yarbough. We’ll share practical tips for holiday travel, managing expectations, and reducing stress—plus time to connect and exchange ideas with fellow caregivers.

If you feel alone, you’re not—and reaching out for support isn’t selfish, it’s essential. Take a short break for yourself—you’ve earned it. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Jumpstart Your Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment is here—and it can feel overwhelming. To help, the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program created the Medicare Open Enrollment Jumpstart Toolkit.

This free guide includes seven simple steps to get organized, plus tips on using Medicare’s Plan Finder and preparing to talk with a SHIBA counselor. Order your free toolkit today at www.insurance.wa.gov or pick one up at your local library or senior center.

Spokane Walking Series: Get Moving with AARP!

AARP Washington and BECU invite you to take steps toward a sharper mind and a stronger community!

 Join AARP Spokane for our monthly Saturday morning walk series designed with older adults in mind, where every step supports your brain health and earns you rewards.

Led by local AARP volunteers, these walks are a fun and welcoming way to stay active, socially connected, and informed. Whether you’re a casual stroller or a brisk walker, all activity levels are welcome—no one gets left behind.

Find out more on our website.

This year marks a powerful milestone: 90 years of Social Security. Since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed it into law on August 14, 1935, Social Security has been a cornerstone of economic security - ensuring Washingtonians can retire with dignity, supporting people with disabilities, and providing vital income after the loss of a loved one.

Over the past nine decades, not a single payment has been missed. That’s not just reliability—it’s a testament to the strength and success of one of America’s most trusted institutions. We’ve all paid into it. We all depend on it. And we must all fight to protect it.

In the latest episode of our "Caring for Caregivers" podcast series, AARP Washington State Director Marguerite Ro is joined by Kirk Larson of the Social Security Administration and Sue Luke, who depends on Social Security for all of her monthly income. They discuss the true impact of Social Security on our lives. You can view the new episode here.

Raise Your Voice to Support Family Caregivers
Caregiver tax credit would help hardworking families

Caring for a family member or close friend is one of the most important roles we are likely to play in our lifetime. However, hardworking family caregivers often spend their own money and may risk their jobs to help their loved ones. In fact, caregivers spend an average of more than $7,200 a year of their own money—making it harder for them to afford groceries and pay bills. Many have had to cut down their work hours or quit their jobs because of caregiving responsibilities.

That’s why AARP is urging Congress to pass the Credit for Caring Act. The federal tax credit of up to $5,000 a year would put money back in the pockets of eligible family caregivers and help defray the costs of caring for a spouse or other loved one with long-term needs.

Read more about the Credit for Caring Act, and add your name to join the fight to support family caregivers.

The AARP Family Caregiving Website provides an easy way to join an online community of other family caregivers, learn about local services, get helpful information, and connect with others who understand caregiving challenges.