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.

Uncover the Secrets of Holiday Scams

The holidays are here, but unfortunately so are the con-artists looking for opportunities to spoil your celebrations. Scammers know that this time of year, people can be more focused on the spirit of the holidays than on what's happening with their pocketbook.

As we all prepare to shop and give online this season, scammers are capitalizing on fake shipping alerts, bogus charities, and gift card scams to steal your money and personal information.

But there is something we can do. Understanding how scammers operate is the first step toward protecting yourself and your loved ones. With a little preparation and vigilance, you can spot a scammer before they spot you.

AARP and BECU are here to help. Join us on December 19 for our free “Fraud Watch Friday” session. The event will be held on Zoom at 10:30am. You’ll hear about the latest scams to be on the lookout for, plus you’ll have the chance to ask your own questions.

Click here to find out more and register for this free event.

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.

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.

Medicare can be confusing—whether you're approaching retirement, supporting a loved one, or navigating Open Enrollment.

In this Caring for Caregivers Conversation, AARP State Director Marguerite Ro sits down with Tim Smolen, Program Manager for SHIBA, the volunteer-powered program from Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner that offers free, unbiased Medicare guidance to Washington residents.

What you’ll learn:

• What Medicare is and how it works.
• The best way & time to file for Medicare.
• Why Open Enrollment matters.
• Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
• Common concerns and how to address them.
• How SHIBA can help you make confident decisions.
• And much more!.

Click here to view this new episode.

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.