(Pictured: Jason Erskine, AARP Washington’s communications director, says support and services are critical for people caring for their parents, spouses, or other loved ones.)
Chances are, if you aren’t a family caregiver, you know someone who is. Every day, more than 820,000 Washingtonians help their parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents, neighbors and other loved ones live independently at home – where they want to be.
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 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.
Caregiving may start with driving your loved one to get groceries or going to doctor appointments. As time goes by, you may help prepare meals or handle 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 help is available. Check out the following resources:
Call 2-1-1.
AARP and United Way have teamed up to connect you with trained, compassionate people in your community who can help you find AARP caregiving resources and more. It’s called 2-1-1, it’s free, and you can talk to specialists who can help you find local resources for caring for your loved one, like driving to medical appointments, managing medications, or helping with finances or meals. You can also find resources that will help you navigate more specialized issues like home safety or veterans’ benefits. When you contact 2-1-1 and ask for AARP resources, you can get help for yourself, too, including support groups and counseling and employment and placement assistance. Call or visit www.aarp.org/211care
Caring for Caregivers.
Visit “Caring for Caregivers” at www.aarp.org/caregiverswa. You’ll find links to local resources and support, special events and activities for caregivers, and more. Be sure to look for our video podcast series featuring discussions with local experts, community leaders, and caregivers just like you on a range of topics to help you along your caregiving journey.
Local Resources Guide.
If you are wondering where to turn closer to home, our state resource guide is here to help. Find local services for family caregiving, finances, legal support, health assistance, housing and care facilities, end-of-life care, and more. For more information, visit https://states.aarp.org/washington-211. A print copy is also available by calling 877-333-5885.
BenefitsCheckUp.org:
Operated by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), www.BenefitsCheckUp.org is a free tool that identifies services that can help pay for healthcare, medication, food, and utilities. For those needing long-term care or caregiver support, the platform can connect users to affordable aid and volunteer caregiver relief options. Additionally, the site assists with applications for over 50 programs, like Medicare’s Extra Help and state pharmacy plans.
No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a friend or family member, 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. Understand that you’re not alone in this journey; your role is essential, and there are tools out there to help.
Jason Erskine is AARP Washington’s communications director.
WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
As part of National Family Caregivers Month in November, Pierce County Human Services, through its Aging and Disability Resources program, is inviting the public to share personal stories about caring for loved ones and how it has affected their lives. The stories can be submitted online at https://www.cognitoforms.com/PierceCounty2/FamilyCaregiverStories