Supporting Family Caregivers in Washington

Every day more than 820,000 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.

FEATURED
Free event, "Discovering the Science of the Aging Brain"

AARP and BECU invite you to a free event on June 5 to explore the science of brain health. Experts from the Allen Institute, the University of Washington’s Memory & Brain Wellness Center and AARP will help you unlock the mysteries of the aging brain as they delve into the latest scientific discoveries.

They’ll reveal how the intricacies of neuroscience can lead to new understandings, treatments, and programs to improve brain health. You’ll also learn about some practical steps you can take to safeguard and enhance your own cognitive health.

The event is free, but preregistration is required. Don’t miss this chance to gain a more expansive view of brain health, and hear how today’s research informs tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Click here for more.

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.

AARP Washington's "Caring for Caregivers" video podcast series features discussions with local experts, community leaders, and caregivers just like you on a range of topics to help you along your caregiving journey.

In this episode, we sit down with Debra Whitman, author of "The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond". A globally recognized expert on aging, Debra shares her journey of turning 50 and asking the big question: What does a good second half of life look like?

Click here to view the discussion. And be sure to check back often to see new episodes of "Caring for Caregivers" each month.

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.