At the LWVWA Convention in 2023, Washington state League members voted to undertake a new study on "Caregiving in Washington State: What exists and what is needed to support seniors and other vulnerable adults and their caregivers?"
With the aging of the population due to increased life expectancies and lower birthrates, an increased proportion of Washingtonians require long-term care to meet their basic needs. This care falls disproportionately on family caregivers, who provide the bulk of care for older adults. These caregivers are also central in ensuring access to health care and community-based social services. Research shows that family caregivers are predominately women, many of whom are employed outside their homes. When long-term care outside the home becomes necessary due to increased disability, the care available is limited, of variable quality, and extremely costly. While this proposal speaks specifically about seniors and their caregivers, these issues have implications for younger vulnerable adults who are unable to care for themselves and expect that most of the findings and recommendations of this study would apply to them as well.
The study has now produced a
report. The next step is for local Washington Leagues to consider a number of questions and arrive at a consensus response.
All LWVBWC members are welcome and encouraged to participate in the consensus process. Please review the study prior to our consensus meeting. The study committee will also host
two state-wide Zoom informational meetings on January 7th at 1:30pm and 6:30pm. A recording will be available afterwards. Links to the study and information about meeting registration/recordings are available
here.
Our local consensus meeting will be Zoom only, registration required, on Monday, January 27, 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Mark your calendars! More information to come.
If you have questions about Elder Caregiving, please contact Mary Lynne Courtney at
marylynnecourtney@gmail.com, or 360-318-3443.