More About Senior
Family Caregiver Support at The Arc of King County
Background
In King
County, over 1000 adults with developmental disabilities (DD) reside with their families.
About 300 of these family caregivers are over age 60 and may face their own aging
issues while still tending to the needs of their loved ones. In addition, sisters,
brothers, and other relatives of all ages may find themselves assuming direct care or
oversight roles.
Caregivers
strive to maintain family well-being and stability. Although many successfully
manage the day-to-day activities of care giving, they often voice the need for in- and
out-of-home temporary care and for recreational, leisure and social opportunities for
their loved ones. They also may need assistance to access public benefits or to
solve problems that threaten the loss of these programs.
Families
often express concerns about the future well-being of their loved ones when they are no
longer able to provide care. However, they have few opportunities to explore the
possibilities and to make concrete plans. Questions of where their loved one will
live and who will provide care are particularly difficult to address. Families need
assistance in planning and information on financial, legal, and residential options.
Senior
Family Caregiver Support
Funded
by the State of Washington and Region IV Division of Developmental Disabilities
(DDD),
Expanded Family Support Program grants, The Arc of King County provides outreach, advocacy, referral and
training for these older and extended family caregivers in King County. Over 180
families are on the mailing list. Caregiver eligibility is based on caregiver age
(60 years and older for parents) and the absence of any DDD residential funding for their
loved one.
The
Arc of King County:
- Provides
one-on-one information, advocacy and referral services
- Sponsors
trainings on long-term planning and other family concerns
- Offers
long-term planning assistance to a pilot group of families
- Supports
an advisory committee (at least 50% older family caregivers)
- Furnishes
technical assistance and training to government and the community
To learn
more about supporting Senior Family Caregiver Support, Call Nancy Meltzer,
Coordinator at: (206) 364-6544 ext. 128 email: nmeltzer@arcofkingcounty.org
or
Submit a message using the online form
