Washington Agency on Aging.
Seniors who need support can receive assistance from an Agency on Aging center in Washington. A number of programs are resources are offered for older adults over 55, elderly, and seniors. Information, details on financial assistance programs, and general advice is available from an aging office.
The federal government and state of Washington Senior Community Service Employment Program can help people age 55 or older get a job. The Resource Center operates in many agency on aging offices, and the centers will usually help hundreds of senior citizens and older workers find jobs and access training. The objective is to help people gain employment so that they can increase their income, which will allow them to pay their bills and support their basic needs on their own. Services are free to low income, unemployed, and otherwise qualified job seekers.
Agency on aging services offered as part of the jobs program include access to Job listings; Quarterly employment workshops; Computer access for resume writing and Internet research; Training resources to upgrade job skills including computer classes and Individual job counseling.
People across Washington are also encouraged to use the employment and volunteer services. They provide a way to help the individual find meaningful work and keep their skills current, all while they continue to contribute to their local community.
Community Information and Assistance is provided by agency on aging specialists. They will listen to your needs, and help you find solutions to your emergency. So whether your need is financial (such as rent, unpaid utility bills, or free medications) or non-monetary, the specialist can help you find assistance programs and resources to help. They also focus on families facing a shut off off their power, and that need legal aid in washington. Many locations will also even help seniors complete benefit forms and applications. Dial 360-485-9761 to find a local office.
Transportation assistance can provide rides for seniors to critical destinations such as doctor's office, appointments or the grocery store. There are even some government programs that may provide free cars for employment needs.
Get information on Home Repair Programs in Washington. Some agency on aging offices will even use the services of highly skilled Repair Technicians to help seniors make minor carpentry, plumbing and electrical repairs to their homes, and also safety items such as handrails, wheelchair ramps, and grab bars.
Meals on Wheels can provide frozen home-delivered meals for the disabled, senior citizens and older persons who are unable to shop or prepare nutritious meals on their own, or who can’t leave their home. The meals are prepared at many Area on Aging partners in Washington, and the preparation will take into account any special dietary needs of seniors. The Meals on Wheels program will be adaptable to a variety of special diets. Meals are free, but a donation is always appreciated.
Group meals and other nutrition services are available at senior centers, churches, schools and other sites in Washington State. This meal program also includes health promotion-related activities, Farmers Market programs, and nutrition education classes and workshops.
Caregiver Support provides resources and education that can enable senior caregivers to provide home care for an older family member or senior citizen while maintaining their own quality of life.
Some Area Agency on Aging offices participate in offering community shuttles. The service can help transport people with disabilities of all ages as well as seniors and people who are 55 years of age or older. The local shuttles will offer free door-to-door service where offered. It can provide transportation to activities such as the bank, grocery shopping, the library, medical appointments, rides to visit a sick friend, cultural and social activities. Some shuttles may be free; others will require a fee or donation.
Senior centers can provide a Community Dining experience. Lunch-goers across Washington, who are age 60 and over, can enjoy a great, healthy low cost lunch with a small donation. Many lunches offered at area on aging centers or charities allow people to invite a friend or relative to enjoy the lunch as well.
The neighborhood senior centers often provide senior citizens and older adults a place to meet new friend; keep fit, take classes, access support groups, wellness & fitness, share nutritious meals, and more. Also learn about public and government assistance programs that can help seniors address financial emergencies, medical bills, and other needs.
The Family Caregiver Support program is an effort to help unpaid family caregivers in Washington. The program can provide them with information and resources that will enable people to continue at-home care. Services and resources offered can provide information and referral to community resources and services; Caregiver education on care planning, diseases; and help for caregivers to improve their coping skills and problem solving skills.
Senior Legal Assistance is another Washington program. It offers free legal advice, representation, and counseling. A number of Area Agencies on Aging contract with local attorneys, or the state, to offer this service. Legal aid can help with Housing issues, Health care, Income maintenance, Disability benefits, Guardianship, and Protective services. If a senior citizen is living in poverty, and faces the loss of their heat or electricity, they also have rights as well. Find laws that prevent utility disconnections.
Local Aging and Disability Resource Centers in Washington
There are the statewide resources above, but each county and city also has their own dedicated centers as well. They will help senior citizens and the disabled in those local communities. Whether it it food, a free ride, or government aid, support is given,
Pierce County.
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