Supporting Family Caregivers in Washington

Every day over 800,000 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

Recognizing and supporting family caregivers during National Family Caregiving Month.

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to highlight the important work these folks do. But simply thanking them isn’t enough. Here in Washington and across the country, AARP is fighting to support family caregivers and the loved ones they care for. We are advocating for more support, services that are community-based or home-based, caregiver training and more. We’re also working to connect caregivers and their loved ones with the resources and supports they need. Click here for more.

SPECIAL EVENT
"Caring for the Caregiver" with Journalist Richard Lui and Dr. Kate Zhong

AARP Washington, BECU, and KING 5 hosted a free event to celebrate and support those who provide care for others at Town Hall Seattle. MSNBC news anchor, filmmaker and author Richard Lui cared for his father with Alzheimers over the last decade and he's become a passionate advocate for family caregivers. Dr. Kate Zhong, geriatric psychiatrist and founder of the Brainnovation Initiative at UNLV gave practical advice and info on the latest in brain research. KING 5 Evening host Jim Dever moderated the discussion. If you missed the program, you can watch a recording of the full event by clicking on the image above. Enjoy!

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 Caring For Caregivers Conversation, AARP Washington State Director Marguerite Ro talks with a group of our Spokane volunteers about the importance of advocating for caregivers and making our voices heard. Debby Ryan, Steve Corker and Aruna Bhuta talk about how they get involved in making their community better by voting and by volunteering.

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.