News & Events

Dementia Action Collaborative: APRIL MEETING

APRIL 22, 1-4:30 pm Open to Public. If you wish to listen to this virtual meeting, email Lynne.Korte@dshs.wa.gov and she will provide a meeting link when it becomes available.

Established in 2016, the Dementia Action Collaborative (DAC) is a group of public-private partners committed to preparing Washington State for the growth of the population living with dementia. The DAC hosts two meetings each year that are open to the public. This year’s meeting will be April 22, 2021, 1 PM-4:30 PM, and September 29, 2021, 9 AM-12:30 PM. Learn more about the DAC.

New Support Group for Caregivers!

All unpaid family caregivers caring for people of any age are welcome!

Download or print Support Group information as a Word document

These educational programs will focus on supporting and learning from one another. You can attend anonymously, by phone or online and on any device. Join us!

Thursday May 6th from 6-7 PM Family Caregiver Communications: Constructive Communication

The May session will focus on the importance of communication for unpaid family caregivers. Often, we all struggle with asking for help and support.  The ability to communicate needs and wishes is vital for the well-being of family caregivers and those under their care. This session will explore constructive communication guidelines, such as the utilization of “I” Statements, Active Listening, and Assertive Emotional Communication. There will be opportunities for discussion, emotional support, and personal reflection.

How to join the support group meeting (from HeyPeers)

Thursday June 3rd from 6-7 PM     Social Isolation: Finding Joyful Moments in Caregiving

The June session will focus on the importance of creating joy through participating in activities with those we care for.  During this time of social isolation, family caregivers have struggled with the lack of meaningful activities while at home. We will discuss ways we can have some fun with very little preparation time or cost. Some ideas include stick figure storytelling, armchair travel, neighborhood scavenger hunts, mindful meditation and more.  There will be opportunities for discussion, emotional support, and personal reflection.

  • Create an account on the HeyPeers website if you have not already done so.
  • June Registration Link Coming Soon!

How to join the support group meeting (from HeyPeers)

More about the Caregiver Support Group sessions:

  • This pilot or test program hopes to have 25 caregivers attend once a month for a total of four months.
  • There will be 4 sessions, one per month, with a fresh topic each month March through June 2021.

Why a Pilot (test program)?

  • Unpaid family caregiver attendance and opinions are important and will help create future support groups for family caregivers!
  • We will ask caregivers to answer a few questions to help us better understand caregiver support needs and opinions. The survey is optional and highly encouraged.

Lifespan Coalition Meetings

The coalition meetings include family caregivers, public and private agency staff, and advocates across the state. It aims to support individuals from a cross-section of ages, cultural or ethnic backgrounds, and needs or disabilities of the individuals needing care.

We hope you will join us: May 26, 2021 1:30 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Meeting will be available by phone and online ONLY.

Future meetings: July 28, September 22, and November 24, 2021

If you are interested in participating on the LRW Coalition, please contact us by email at getrespite@wapave.org.

Please continue to circulate the application link for the Lifespan Respite Voucher and for those interested in becoming a respite provider.