How to Afford Family Caregiving, Part 1: Paid Leave and Job-protecting Unpaid Leave in WA State

July 18, 2024 — Being a family caregiver can be financially stressful. In addition to taking on the costs of caring for a close friend or family member, caregiving may make it difficult to work at a full time job. Caregivers may struggle to stay employed and be financially stable. This tip sheet is Part 1 of a series... Read More

Quick Contact Info for Caregiver Services: Elders & Adults

July 17, 2024 — Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA) is the state agency in charge of care for those who need long-term support They have programs for older adults and individuals with disabilities, including several Medicaid waiver programs that provide respite care. General Information Line: 360-725-2300. Check out their web page on Long-Term Care Services and information. Community... Read More

Kinship Caregiving

July 11, 2024 — Relatives raising the child(ren) of a family member (Kinship Families) Kinship families are families in which children live with and are being raised by grandparents, other extended family members, or other adults with whom they have a close family-like relationship such as close family friends. Many kinship caregivers don’t necessarily think of themselves that way–it’s... Read More

WA State Apple Health (Medicaid) Long-Term Services and Supports for Adults

June 7, 2024 — NEW! Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) and Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) for Adults (handbook). Includes the process for applying and receiving Apple Health LTSS, care options for people receiving Apple Health LTSS, and caregiver assistance options.

Finding Respite in Washington State

July 10, 2023 — A Brief Overview Respite offers a short-term break for caregivers and those they support. Time apart can boost well-being for all: While caregivers temporarily shift their focus to self-care, care recipients have time to meet new people and explore new interests. Modern families come in many styles. Primary caregivers may be a parent, a child,... Read More

Temporary Caregivers of Military Children: Guide to Essential Information

October 25, 2022 — If you are a grandparent, other relative, or family friend taking care of children while their parent or parents are deployed or on other duty, this guide to essential information is intended to offer you help and resources.  It contains useful information about military benefits that provide help with schools, medical care and supports and... Read More

Caregiver Resource Center at Caring.com: Interesting resource topics for a broad range of situations

August 19, 2022 — Caring.com has many interesting caregiver resources (topics), many not found elsewhere. In the Caregiver Resource Center, browse topics such as “A Beginner’s Guide to Medicaid”, “Accessing Durable Medical Equipment with Medical Equipment Banks”, “Assisted Living Options for People Struggling with Addiction” and “Guide to the Lifeline Assistance Program”. That article covers information on free/low-cost mobile phone services,... Read More

Family Caregiver Handbook

July 8, 2022 — This downloadable handbook (pdf) is specific, detailed and practical, written for WA State residents by the Aging and Long Term Support Administration at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. Topics include, but aren’t limited to: You can also order a free, printed copy.