We support caregivers in Lewis, Mason, and Thurston counties as they assist others with aging or disability. The term caregiver covers a broad range of tasks and responsibilities.
Preventing falls is a key part of maintaining independence for older adults. With this goal in mind, we will bring together a number of community partners through the Lewis Mason Thurston Falls Prevention Coalition (LMTFPC). We also subcontract for specific falls prevention programs and refer out to various community partners.
LMTAAA provides Medicaid Case Management for older adults and adults with disabilities who need some support in order to remain in their own homes and also meet financial and other eligibility requirements. As the client, you can choose an agency care provider or an independent paid provider.
If you want an independent provider but are not sure who to hire, you can contact the Home Care Referral Registry (HCRR). Using powerful tools to find providers qualified to meet your needs, the HCRR will provide you with a list of care providers. Then, you or your representative can interview professional caregivers to find the candidate who best meets your needs. Working with your personal case manager, you will then authorize the provider of your choosing for payment before service starts.
This process begins at the Home and Community Services division of the Department of Social and Health Services. Our Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) specialists can provide more information about this service and how to connect with the HCS office in your area. Simply call our main line for help.
In-home personal care options can include programs ranging from Medicaid Long-Term Care and Medicaid Alternative Care (MAC) to Tailored Supports for Older Adults (TSOA) and paid providers. Scroll down this page to see additional options.
If you want an independent provider, click the link below to connect with Consumer Direct Care Network Washington or call our main line and ask to speak to one of our Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) specialists for more information.
Services are available for grandparents or other relatives raising children, such as information and assistance, support groups, educational events, and emergency assistance.
Do you or someone you know live in a long-term care facility? The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program champions the interests, well-being, and rights of people who live in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, adult family homes, and assisted-living facilities.
Volunteer Certified Ombudsmen are here to educate you. They also inform staff members, families, and the community about your rights as a resident.
Volunteers are also available to provide resources and advocate for quality-of-life issues in long-term care facilities.
If the person you are caring for values their independence, they are not alone. We are focused on providing options designed to allow adults with disabilities or aging-related challenges to stay in their homes as long as possible. If they cannot be cared for in their home, there are other options available. We can provide resources and information about assisted-living facilities, adult family homes, and skilled nursing facilities in a way that puts the needs of the person who will be receiving care front and center.
Getting good meals or perhaps sharing a meal with others can be tough on a fixed income. Good news. LMTAAA provides funding to local providers with several senior nutrition services including group meals at senior centers, home-delivered meals, and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
(While we do not directly coordinate food bank assistance, we do refer people to food banks, if needed.)
Do you or does some you are caring for have questions about Medicare or Medicaid? You are not alone. Here are the basics.
Medicare provides health insurance for Americans aged 65 and older and younger people with some disability. It has several programs designed to help participants cover the cost of hospitalizations, preventative medicine, ambulance services, medical second opinions, and medications.
Medicaid is both a federal and state program. It helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid also offers benefits not normally covered by Medicare, including nursing home care and personal care services. There are income and medical criteria to receive benefits.
Medicaid is the largest source of funding for medical and health services in the U.S. Washington State consistently ranks as a top performer in Medicaid long-term care services.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers gives you the skills to take care of yourself while caring for someone else. By taking care of your own health and well-being, you become a better caregiver.
Six-class sessions held once a week via Zoom and led by experienced class leaders. What you will learn:
· Self-care tools to reduce personal stress
· How to change your self-talk
· Communication tools to express your needs to family and professionals
· How to communicate effectively in challenging situations
· Working with emotions and difficult feelings
· Strategies for making tough caregiving decisions
Participants are given The Caregiver Helpbook to accompany the class and provide additional caregiving resources.
LMTAAA provides funding to local providers for transportation services for adults with disabilities and seniors 60+ to important activities to help you maintain quality of life. Examples of included activities are:
We also refer to other transportation services throughout the three counties.