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SEIU 775 represents more than 50,000 caregivers in three states, including Washington. (ake1150/Adobe Stock)

WA home care workers push for better wages, benefits

Washington home caregivers are negotiating with the state on wages and benefits. The caregivers' union, SEIU 775, is in talks with the Consumer …

Miembros de SEIU de todo el pa�s se reunieron con la administraci�n Biden-Harris en la Casa Blanca. (Vacclav/Adobe Stock)

Trabajadores WA reciben apoyo de la Casa Blanca en su lucha syndical

Los trabajadores de residencias para ancianos en el estado de Washington han regresado de la Casa Blanca con una determinación renovada de luchar…

SEIU members from the across the country met with the Biden-Harris administration at the White House. (Vacclav/Adobe Stock)

WA nursing home workers get White House boost in union struggle

Nursing home workers in Washington state have come back from the White House with renewed resolve to fight for their union contract. A delegation of …

Washington state lawmakers approved the long-term care program, WA Cares, in 2019. (wladimir1804/Adobe Stock)

Analysis: Costs high for making WA long-term care program optional

A new analysis from Washington state shows passing an initiative making a long-term care benefit program optional could cost taxpayers millions…

Washington state legislators passed a law in 2018 allowing voters to register up to and on Election Day. (SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Stock)

30-day residency requirement for WA voter registration struck down

A 30-day residency requirement to register to vote in Washington state will not go into effect, after a federal judge struck it down. Under the …

Four projects across Washington were chosen to receive AARP Community Challenge grants this year. (AARP Washington)

WA projects receive $68,000 for community project upgrades

Four projects in Washington state were selected to receive grants from the AARP Community Challenge program. Combined, the organizations will …

One in five Americans is expected to be age 65 or older by 2030. (Melanie/Adobe Stock)

WA joins age, dementia-friendly networks

Washington has received designations highlighting the state's efforts to become more age and dementia-friendly. Washington is the 12th state to join …

The number of geriatric clinicians increased 4% nationwide, according to a new report from the United Health Foundation. (Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)

Report: WA ranks in top 10 for older Americans' well-being

A new report looks at the well-being of older Americans. The America's Health Ranking Senior Report shows a mixed bag for the living conditions of …

SEIU 775 workers at Aegis Living gathered for a rally at the company's new facility earlier this month. (SEIU 775)

Assisted living workers at WA facility call for higher wages

Workers for an assisted living facility are calling for higher wages in their union contract negotiations. Aegis Living is a Seattle-based company …

Washington state voters will see a half dozen initiatives on their ballots come November 5. (adogslifephoto/Adobe Stock)

Ballot measures backed by conservatives could give blow to WA budget

While three initiatives received the go-ahead to appear on Washington's November ballot at the end the legislative session last week, three that have …

Nationally, nearly half of private sector workers do not have access to retirement savings through their employer. (wavebreak3/Adobe Stock)

Program could help 1.2 million WA workers save for retirement

A program to help Washingtonians automatically save for retirement is in the final stretch in Olympia. The Washington Saves program created by …

More than 26,000 volunteers from the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program helped people nationally last year. (Paolese/Adobe Stock)

Free tax-prep aid available across WA

Free tax-filing assistance is available once again in Washington state starting today. The AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program is available to …

A public hearing on the rent stabilization bill was held in Olympia last week. (adonis_abril/Adobe Stock)

As housing crisis builds, rent stabilization measure before WA lawmakers

Housing is a major issue in this year's legislative session -- and for some, simply staying in their home is the goal. One measure in Olympia would …

Bill Meyer, seen here, took his first hike to help relieve Parkinson's disease symptoms in 2016. (PasstoPass)

WA man recognized for work helping people with Parkinson's through hiking

A prestigious award for volunteerism has been presented to the founder of an organization helping people with Parkinson's disease enjoy the great outd…

The economic threshold for the Senior Property Tax Exemption program in King County will increase to $84,000 in 2024. (CascadeCreatives/Adobe Stock)

Underused programs could assist with older Washingtonians' budgets

Many older residents of Washington state are facing strains on their budgets -- and the government programs that could assist them are underused…

Seven in ten people in the United States will need long term care. (Tyler Olson/Adobe Stock)

'Sandwich generation' lauds WA's long-term care savings program

Washingtonians with kids and older parents in need of care are praising the peace of mind the state's new retirement savings program is providing them…

Siete de cada diez personas en Estados Unidos necesitar�n cuidados a largo plazo. (Tyler Olson/Adobe Stock)

'Generación sándwich' elogia programa de ahorro para cuidados a largo plazo

Los habitantes de Washington con hijos y padres mayores que necesitan atención elogian la tranquilidad que les brinda el nuevo programa de ahorro…

Long-term care is an increasingly crucial issue as the U.S. population ages. (Studio Dva Kera/Adobe Stock)

Thinking ahead during Long-Term Care Planning Month

October is Long-Term Care Planning Month, and a few tips can help people understand where to start when it comes to thinking about the future…

Los cuidados de larga duraci�n son una cuesti�n cada vez m�s crucial a medida que envejece la poblaci�n estadounidense. (Studio Dva Kera/Adobe Stock)

Pensando en el futuro durante el Mes de planificación en asistencia a largo plazo

Octubre es el Mes de la Planificación de los Cuidados a Largo Plazo, y algunos consejos pueden ayudar a las personas a comprender por dónde …

Washington state ranked high for its support of family caregivers in a new report. (Studio Dva Kera/Adobe Stock)

Report card ranks WA No. 2 in long-term care

Washington performs well in a new report scoring states' long-term care systems. The Evergreen State ranked second in AARP's Long-Term Services and …

Medicare becomes available for most Americans at age 65. (airdone/Adobe Stock)

Medicare's open enrollment period opportunity to shop for best plan

The open enrollment period for people with Medicare health coverage can feel daunting, but it is also an opportunity get the plan to best meet a …

About one in three adults age 85 or older may have some form of dementia, according to the National Institute on Aging. (pololia/Adobe Stock

Often Hidden, Research Casts Light on Kinless Adults with Dementia

Washington state researchers are spotlighting an often overlooked population: kinless adults with dementia. The population is often difficult to …

Aproximadamente uno de cada tres adultos de 85 a�os o m�s puede padecer alg�n tipo de demencia, seg�n el National Institute on Aging. (pololia/Adobe Stock)

Una investigación a menudo oculta arroja luz sobre adultos con demencia sin familiares

Investigadores del estado de Washington están destacando una población que a menudo se pasa por alto: los adultos con demencia sin parientes…

Family caregiving includes demanding duties that can it difficult for caregivers to find time for themselves. (Tierney/Adobe Stock)

AARP WA Provides Resources to Care for Family Caregivers

Family caregivers are providing crucial services, but they also need support. That's why AARP has compiled resources for the people taking care of …

Washington state lawmakers sent a number of reforms for the Death with Dignity Act to Gov. Jay Inslee. (TVW)

WA Lawmakers Update State's Medical Aid-in-Dying Law

Recently passed legislation lowers barriers to access Washington state's Death with Dignity Act. The original law was passed by voters in 2008…

Caregiving workers gathered at the Washington State Capitol to call for a more progressive tax system in the state. (SEIU 775)

Caregivers Rally in Olympia, Call for Tax on Wealthy

In-home caregivers and nursing-home workers rallied in Olympia yesterday to show support for lawmakers' budget and call for more revenue in the future…

Los cuidadores se reunieron en el Capitolio del Estado de Washington para pedir un sistema fiscal m�s progresivo en el Estado. (SEIU 775)

Cuidadores marchan en Olympia y piden impuesto para los ricos

Los cuidadores a domicilio y los trabajadores de residencias de ancianos se concentraron en Olympia el miércoles para mostrar su apoyo al presupu…

Family caregivers provided 770 million hours of unpaid work in Washington state in 2021. (Svyatoslav Lypynskyy/Adobe Stock)

Report: WA's Unpaid Family Caregivers Provide $16.8 Billion Value

Family caregivers provide valuable work to Washington state - even if they don't get paid. A new report puts a value to the unpaid work they do…

Washington state lawmakers will begin crafting their budgets as the session begins to wind down in April. (Zack Frank/Adobe Stock)

Housing Assistance on Docket for Lawmakers in Olympia

Affordable housing is a major concern in Washington state and lawmakers in Olympia are considering a slate of measures to address it. One option is …

AARP Washington set up a demonstration of an accessory dwelling unit near the Capitol in Olympia. (AARP Washington)

WA Lawmakers Consider Backyard Solution to State's Housing Crisis

Lawmakers in Olympia are looking for a solution that can fit in people's backyards to help ease the state's housing crisis. A bill in the Washington …

More than 40 million Americans receive aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. (jetcityimage/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Provides Food Assistance in Face of Federal 'Cliff' to Aid

The pandemic-era boost to federal food aid is scheduled to end soon, but legislation in Olympia aims to help fill the gap in hunger relief. The …

The City of College Place, Wash., received a grant to improve wireless internet connection in the community. (City of College Place)

Community Challenge Grant Provides Unique Opportunity for WA Cities

A grant program to improve communities is open for applications. Started in 2017, the AARP Community Challenge program provides grants to …

Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Dungeness, spoke to the Age Wave Coalition on Thursday. (Christina Clem/AARP Washington)

Groups Gather in Olympia to Discuss WA 'Age Wave'

With the state legislative session underway, a coalition advocating for older Washingtonians gathered on Thursday to discuss priorities for 2023…

The demand for in-home caregivers is growing as the population rapidly ages. (pikselstock/Adobe Stock)

WA Caregivers Look to Lawmakers for Help with Worker Shortage

There is a shortage of in-home caregivers in Washington state, but a union representing workers hopes state lawmakers will be able to make changes …

Tom Oliver, center, receives the 2022 Washington Andrus Award for Community Service. (Bruce Carlson/AARP Washington)

Washingtonian Helping People with Dementia Receives Volunteer Award

A Bellingham man who supports people with dementia has received one of the most prestigious awards for volunteerism in Washington state. The …

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, people enrolled in Medicare would pay a maximum of $2,000 a year on prescription drugs. (Stock Footage, Inc./Adobe Stock)

Senate Passage Brings Hope Bill Could Rein In Prescription Costs

The U.S. Senate has passed a bill which could dramatically reduce prescription drug prices for older Americans. The Inflation Reduction Act includes …

FIT tests to screen for colorectal cancers typically are received and sent through the mail. (Paul Maguire/Adobe Stock)

With Pandemic Numbers Decreasing, Docs Urge Colon Cancer Screening

Cancer screenings are important tools for health professionals, but some worry the pandemic could dampen numbers. In particular, screenings for …

Las pruebas FIT para detectar el c�ncer colorectal generalmente se reciben y env�an por correo. (Paul Maguire/Adobe Stock)

Con la disminución de cifras de pandemia, médicos recomiendan pruebas de detección de cáncer de colon

Las pruebas de detección de cáncer son herramientas importantes para los profesionales de la salud, pero a algunos les preocupa que la …

Websites such as Facebook have become a vehicle for misinformation around elections. (wachiwit/Adobe Stock)

Election Experts Urge Vigilance Against Misinformation Ahead of WA Primary

Washington state's primary election is coming up, and election officials are calling on voters to be vigilant about misinformation. Washington …

Accessible housing is necessary for older people, and can limit the feasible number of houses available to them. (denboma/Adobe Stock)

Report: High Health Ranking for Older Washingtonians, But Barriers Remain

Although the state's residents fare well in a new report, older Washingtonians still face challenges to their overall health. UnitedHealthcare …

The Washington state Legislature set aside $144 million for nursing homes this fiscal year. (CrackerClips/Adobe Stock)

WA Nursing Home Workers Demand Raises Promised by Legislature

Nursing home workers at a Washington state facility are calling on their employer to raise their wages with money set aside in the Legislature's budge…

Recognizing a stroke early can save a person's life and prevent disabilities. (elenabsl/Adobe Stock)

For Stroke Awareness Month, Doc Advises People 'BE FAST'

May is stroke awareness month. People need to act quickly to avoid lasting damage when they happen - and remember the acronym "BE FAST." 'B' stands …

Reconocer un accidente cerebrovascular a tiempo puede salvar la vida de una persona y prevenir discapacidades. (elenabsl/Adobe Stock)

Mes de Concientización sobre Accidentes Cerebrovascular, consejos de un doctor

Mayo es el mes de concientización sobre los derrames cerebrales. Las personas deben actuar rápidamente para evitar daños duraderos …

The death rate from Alzheimer's Disease more than 42 per 100,000 in Washington state. (Khunatorn/Adobe Stock)

Rise in Dementia Underscores Need for Planning Care in Advance

This Saturday is National Health Care Decisions Day, focusing on the importance of planning your care decisions in advance. Kim Callinan, president …

The City of College Place, Wash., has struggled with unreliable internet because of its rural location. (City of College Place)

Small Grants Help WA Communities with Big Ideas

Grant winners from last year are encouraging organizations and communities this year to apply for AARP's Community Challenge grant. Applications …

The expanded death with dignity bill made its way to the Senate Committee on Health and Long Term Care at the beginning of the session. (Rex Wholster/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Opens Up Access to Medical Aid-in-Dying Law

Washington state's Death with Dignity Act has been on the books for more than a decade. Proponents says it's time to update the law so that more …

Older Washingtonians take more prescription drugs on average and so are disproportionately affected by rising drug costs. (kmiragaya/Adobe Stock)

WA Prescription Affordability Board Would Limit Drug-Cost Increases

Washington state lawmakers are considering a measure to limit the growing cost of prescription drugs. Senate Bill 5532 would establish a …

A bill in Olympia would more than double the amount of money people with long-term Medicaid care could keep for other basic living expenses. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Would Increase Allowance for People Receiving In-Home Care

As the cost of living skyrockets in Washington state, people needing in-home care are being squeezed, a state Senate bill would increase the amount …

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WA: Senior Issues