Support and Information:

Community Living Connections Washington State 

Use this site to find all sorts of services and get answers to your questions about being a caregiver for an adult or elder. For example, on the home page is a search tool where you can put in your county and a keyword, such as “Adult Day Services”. The search will return a list of programs and companies in that county that offer adult day services.

LGTBQ+

(Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Bisexual, Questioning/Queer, “+”-indicates that this acronym expands to include individuals of diverse identities relating to gender, identity, sexuality, and relationships.)

SAGE, Advocacy & Services for LGBTQ+ Elders, says “We’re a national advocacy and services organization that’s been looking out for LGBTQ+ [their acronym] elders since 1978. We build welcoming communities and keep our issues in the national conversation to ensure a fulfilling future for all LGBTQ+ people”.

Among their many resources and program areas is the National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging, covering:

  • Caregiving
  • LGBTQ+ inclusion and cultural competency
  • Elder abuse and neglect
  • Social security, Medicare, and Medicaid
  • Health care
  • Financial security and retirement
  • Housing
  • HIV/AIDS

The WA State SAGE Affiliate is SAGE Olympia. Contact them through their website at http://sageolympia.org/contact-us/.

Washington Agencies and Programs with Respite for Adults and Elders

  • Easter Seals Washington: a statewide organization that serves adults and children who have special needs. 800.678.5708. Respite programs include camps and family retreats.
  • Family Caregiver Support Program: Offers information on available services, assists in getting access to services, and may provide counseling, support groups, caregiver training, and respite care. Respite care is usually on a sliding scale to provide financial support. You can search for a Family Caregiver Support Program in your county at Community Living Connections Washington State.
  • Lifespan Respite Washington Voucher Program: “mini-grants” in the form of vouchers for short-term respite with programs and agencies registered with Lifespan Respite WA. The online application is on the Voucher Program page.
  • Tailored Support for Older Adults (TSOA): TSOA is non-traditional Medicaid and has different eligibility requirements. Depending on the level of benefits your loved one is eligible for, services such as adult day  care can provide a break for full-time caregivers. Qualifying for and applying for this program can be complicated. Contact Lifespan Respite at getrespite@wapave.org to get an emailed copy of TSOA Guide 2021 from Solid Ground-Benefits Legal Assistance. The publication covers income and resource guidelines, where and how to apply, available benefits. Also covers the Medicaid Alternative Care (MAC) program. Or, contact Community Living Connections Washington State for help applying.
  • Catholic Charities Volunteer Services: Provides chore services (household chores, shopping, yard care, etc.) to low-income and disabled individuals. Offered through Catholic Community Services of Western Washington.
  • The Aging Network Chore Program and Transportation assistance, administered through Washington’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) may be available in your county. AAA phone numbers for each county are available on this list from the Washington Care Planning Council.
  • WA State Developmental Disabilities Administration: Serves adults and children who have an intellectual or developmental disability. DDA administers Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waivers (HCBS), some of which offer respite as a benefit.
  • Military Support

For other resources and information about caregiving, visit the Resources page.