Every year, Maude’s Ventures invests in new solutions to improve the well-being of people with dementia and their caregivers. The organization is proud to announce...
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Is it already the end of the year? That means it’s practically tax season … again! Tax time can be a frustrating way to ring...
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Washington state ranks #2 in the nation for services that help older adults age in place, according to the latest Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS)...
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COVID-19 may no longer be the top news story every day, but unfortunately, it is still a threat. This is especially true for older people...
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Social work is a fast-growing profession in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. More than 700,000 social workers are employed nationwide....
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On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into law. ARPA provided $1.9 trillion in federal funds to enable states,...
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Members of the Aging and Disability Services (ADS) Advisory Council are gearing up for the 2023 Washington State legislative season. This follows a historic 2022...
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At least 90 percent of Washingtonians over age 65 don’t have savings to pay for long-term care. They could be forced to sell everything they...
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This year, the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) is partnering with community groups from across King County to host a series of community...
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As we age, often we become far less capable of accomplishing tasks that were once considered easy. A decline in our cognitive and physical functioning...
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We know that it takes time to build great communities. But we also believe that tangible improvements can spark long-term change. AARP launched the Community...
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Kudos to the Health Home team in Aging and Disability Services’ Case Management Program, which completed outreach, new intake, and creation of 12 new Tier 1 Health Action...
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We live in amazing times! The centenarians among us lived through the Great Depression that started in October 1929 and resulted, at one point during...
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As you probably know by now, Aging and Disability Services (ADS), a division of the Seattle Human Services Department, is the Area Agency on Aging for...
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Health Home clients are among the most clinically complex and vulnerable individuals that Aging, and Disability Services (ADS) serves. Health Home (not to be confused...
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Public Health is implementing a new vaccination program for individuals in King County who are unable to leave their homes. Through partnerships with local fire...
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In January 2021, the City of Seattle welcomed Helen Howell as interim director of the Seattle Human Services Department. Aging and Disability Services, while serving...
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While 2020 was a year filled with uncertainty, municipalities and community organizations across Washington state still managed to put older people’s needs front and center....
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Regardless of age, many of us have experienced feelings of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, this is especially true for older adults who are...
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You may wonder, “what in the world is a health home?” Not to be confused with “home health,” a health home is a network of...
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Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, it become clear that congregate meal programs would be profoundly impacted. In many cases, programs hosted by senior centers and...
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On September 16, the Department of Social and Health Services released a new budget cut scenario that amounts to a drastic elimination of critical long-term...
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One of Aging and Disability Services’ core programs is case management. Our case managers are social workers who serve more than 14,000 clients every year...
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Communities across Washington are working each and every day to become more livable for residents of all ages. In support of that work, AARP is...
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The end-of-year holiday season is behind us and with it the festive gatherings with family and friends. It is not unusual during the holidays to...
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In 1985, when Dr. Bud Doney was walking at Pike Place Market with his wife, Nancy, they saw many homeless and low-income people with pets....
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The Collaborative Funding Process is a new approach to investments that enables agencies that deliver services to determine how they will collectively do the work....
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On August 20, 2019, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced investments of over $20.6 million to senior centers across King County that will offer a...
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AARP Livable Communities recently announced the winners of the third annual AARP Community Challenge Grants. Nationwide, a total of $1.6 million was distributed to fund...
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Our public health approach to gun violence is a framework that we use to understand how and when firearms are used unsafely, raise public awareness...
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Have you noticed yourself forgetting names of acquaintances or common items? Or, maybe keeping track of complicated instructions or directions has become more difficult. If...
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Aging with Pride: The National Health, Aging and Sexuality/Gender study is generating exciting and crucial knowledge on health, aging, and caregiving among lesbian, gay, bisexual,...
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The state legislative session adjourned April 28 with several wins for the Seattle-King County Advisory Council for Aging & Disability Services (ADS) and other Area...
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National Nurses Day is Monday, May 6. National Nursing Week begins on that day each year and runs through May 12. This year's theme is...
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We are an aging nation. Since 2011, baby boomers have been turning 65 at an average rate of 10,000 per day, a trend that will...
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Since 1979, the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) has served older Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) residents with a variety of services...
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May is Older Americans Month. The national theme is Connect, Create, Contribute. I encourage you to reach out to an older person—a friend, family member,...
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The popular Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) will open on Monday, April 8. This seasonal program allows older low-income residents to apply for $40...
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Where you live in Seattle can determine how easy or hard it can be to access healthy food. That's one of the key findings from...
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Only a few years ago, people would jokingly ask, "Is there an app for that?" These days, you can bet there is not only one...
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What do a protestor at Standing Rock, a fitness guru in his 90s, Washington state's first Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and a master Wii bowler all...
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A new evidence-based intervention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults living with memory loss, including those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias,...
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Over 110,000 persons live with Alzheimer's or other dementias in Washington state. Nationally, another person is diagnosed every 65 seconds. For many, and for too...
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When David received a diagnosis of Alzheimer's at age 76, a cloud of sorts was lifted. All the questions about memory lapses, balance issues, and...
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Caregivers are often the hidden heroes when providing care to their spouse or other family member. Veterans and/or veteran spouses are often placed in a...
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Everyone deserves the opportunity to find a home that meets their needs. That seems like a common-sense statement but, to people affected by many types...
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The snow events that took place throughout King and neighboring counties last month were unusual, to say the least. February 2019 was the snowiest month...
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[caption id="attachment_1992" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Click above to watch “Mama Blue Gets Weatherized!”[/caption] Winter is upon us and we are turning the heat up for Mama...
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The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) is hosting the Seattle Home Fair in south Seattle on Saturday, February 23, that will be jam-packed...
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Seattle/King County's rapidly expanding growth rate is intensifying housing affordability and service accessibility. Although Seattle/King County has one of the largest LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual,...
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"When we bought our dream house in the Central District in 1956, the property tax was included in the mortgage payments. Thirty years later, we...
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In December, I was honored to be appointed director of the Seattle Human Services Department (HSD). I thank Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan for her continued...
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The Human Services Department is pleased to announce the results of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Community Living Connections, a program that links older...
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Have you heard of the Free Tax Help service? Starting January 15, 2019, any household making under $66,000 can have their taxes prepared at absolutely...
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A robust transportation network that includes community transportation options is essential to ensure that older adults have access to healthy food and that they can...
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On the second Monday in January, the 66th Washington State Legislature convenes its 2019 session in Olympia. Throughout the session—which meets for 105 days in...
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Are you thinking about how to get involved in a cause that can make a positive impact in your community or someone's life, but don't...
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Redwolf Painter, a senior systems engineer relocating to Seattle from the San Francisco Bay Area, thought it would be easier to rent an apartment here....
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The holidays are busy times, filled with activities, traditions, and visits with family and friends. It's often the time when those who live apart geographically...
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After 21 years living on the street and with a multitude of health issues, Larry Stuvland was referred to Aging and Disability Services for assistance...
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Many middle-income households will face the same challenges that my siblings and I do in providing care for an aging parent. What we learned along...
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"Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand."—Emily Kimbrough As many family caregivers can attest,...
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Some of the things that I enjoy most about AgeWise King County is the ability to provide food for thought, resources for healthy aging and...
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In August and September, both King County and the City of Seattle made major investments in community-based services for older people, recognizing significant growth of...
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Did you know that Breast Cancer Awareness Month was first observed in the United States in October 1985? This is an international campaign that seeks...
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The May 2018 issue of AgeWise King County introduced you to the new Age Friendly Seattle team. On July 27, we submitted the Age Friendly...
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We live in a world full of risks and hazards. There have always been weather-related and other natural disaster events, but these days it seems...
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Respite, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is "an interval of rest or relief." Respite is an essential necessity that is often overlooked by family caregivers. It...
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The "Age Wave" is a term many use to describe the growing number of older adults in our country. Between the baby boom that occurred...
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You may not be surprised to hear me give a shout-out to the professionals at Aging and Disability Services—the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle-King...
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Aging Options knows that efforts to provide quality of life and asset protection for 41.4 million Americans age 65 or older are plagued with difficulties....
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Aging and Disability Services (ADS)—the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle & King County—is planning for an upcoming funding process for our network of information,...
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[caption id="attachment_1724" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Greg Francis serves on the Planning Council for Health Care for the Homeless Network of PHSKC: “I had unmet health needs...
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Safely store the medicines you use and dispose of what you no longer need. Did you know that more than 50 percent of older adults...
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Seattle hosted the Special Olympics USA Games the first of July. The mission of the USA Games is to "showcase the abilities of athletes with...
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Every 10 years, the White House hosts a conference on aging. Regional forums were held around the country to gather public input on issues of...
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On June 20, 2018, Sound Generations announced the winners of their 2018 Inspire Positive Aging Awards. This annual awards program recognizes individuals who exemplify positive...
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I know I date myself when I share a quote from "The A-Team," an action-adventure television series in the 1980s. As Colonel Hannibal Smith, a...
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Have you ever been to a public meeting where you couldn't hear because the presenter didn't want to use a microphone? Have you ever been...
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Summer is finally here! Especially in sunny weather, the days are long and many of us enjoy more time outdoors with family, friends, and neighbors....
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As part of the regional Age-Friendly Discussion Groups initiated this spring by AARP Washington, King County Library System, and Aging and Disability Services, Age Friendly...
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Every May we celebrate National Nurses Week. It begins May 6 and ends May 12—on Florence Nightingale's birthday. The nursing profession has seen many changes...
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The number of older adults in King County is growing every year. By the year 2040, nearly a quarter of King County's population will be...
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Alzheimer's disease is a devastating degenerative disease that causes memory loss, challenging behavior problems, and severe functional limitations. Across the nation, 13.8 percent of older...
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Members of the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services are very engaged. All of our members are active in Aging Network advocacy,...
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When Tilth Alliance was awarded a Seattle Human Services Department 2017 Innovation Fund award for its Community Good Food Project, it had two primary tasks:...
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The Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) is on a mission to connect people with resources and solutions during times of need so we can all...
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When there is an emergency, often the first community request is for blood donations; however, blood donations are always needed to save lives and donation...
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"My grandma is my mommy who chose me." So says Ms. Shirley's seven-year-old granddaughter who came to live with her six years ago when her...
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It seems to happen to me more frequently, an older adult at the grocery store, or in line at the library, striking up a conversation....
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On February 22, ADS Advisory Council members will participate in Senior Lobby Day. Organized by the Washington State Senior Citizens' Lobby in partnership with the...
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Have you heard of this free service? Through April 19, any household making $66,000 or less can have their taxes prepared for FREE by United...
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At Social Security, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. We continue to evaluate and improve our robust cyber-security program to safeguard your...
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Do you enjoy seeing the people in your city do well? Do you want to help get them there? Well right now the United Way...
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Age Friendly Seattle, the City’s initiative to make Seattle a great place to grow up AND grow old, hosted 200 people—mostly women, all ages—at "Engaging...
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In the summer of 2016, my wife and I took a trip to the Oregon coast and rented a house for the week. The house...
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At a recent conference (Elder Friendly Futures 2017—The Essential Work of Caregiving Across Communities), one of the speakers asked, "Who is a caregiver in this...
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I went to visit my doctor as I was feeling more tired than usual and some of the "normal aging" changes to a women's body...
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In July 2016, the City of Seattle furthered their commitment to being a city for all ages by joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities....
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With more benefits, better choices and lower costs now available, the Social Security Administration is encouraging people with Medicare and their families to start reviewing...
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Many of us help out family members and friends who are older, sick, or have a disability but don't think of ourselves as caregivers—when in...
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Access to housing and services for older adults and those with different capacities are critical to the success of our communities. We have new tools...
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As I began to write this article, the sky was covered by a blanket of white haze that blocked the brilliant blue sky that I...
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The 10th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day will be observed on September 22, 2017—the first day of fall. In honor of this notable milestone, this...
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If you have listened to the news or opened a local paper recently, chances are that you are aware of the potential for a destructive...
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The City of Seattle's Human Services Department (HSD) has announced recipients of its initial set of Innovation Fund awards. The Innovation Fund was established in...
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Immunizations are vital to your health as well as the health of those around you. However, there is a lot of conflicting information swirling around...
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Whenever I travel, I check out the local fruit and veggie stands and farmers markets. It's a great way to try local produce in season...
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Developmentally delayed and suffering from diabetes, dementia and several mental health diagnoses, Hazel began to fall repeatedly while in the care of her aging sister....
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"There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers,...
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Who among us hasn't known someone who, as they grew older, became increasingly withdrawn? She or he may have said they liked living alone. He...
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Does end-of-life education belong in an age-friendly community's effort? Most people don't use the words "friendly" next to "death" or "dying." Although, if we agree...
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As the aging population grows across the United States, Swedish is developing services that make it easier for older adults to stay in charge of...
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Adult day services are community-based daytime programs that have existed for nearly 70 years and consist of adult day care and adult day health. Yale...
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Regardless if we are young or old, we all need connections to live purposeful and healthy lives—connections to family and friends, services, and resources. Who...
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On May 31, 2017, Cathy Knight joined the Human Services Department as director of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), the Area Agency on Aging for...
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It's noon on a drizzly spring Sunday when Diane arrives at the farmers market. Diane has been using SNAP (formerly known as "food stamps") and...
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For older adults in the Seattle area, new changes are on the horizon. The City of Seattle is changing the eligibility requirements for the Utility...
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The City of Seattle's Human Services Department (HSD) is piloting an Innovation Fund of $225,000 to test new ideas that focus on results and racial...
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The historic Supreme Court decision in June 2015 legalizing marriage equality in all 50 states enables LGBTQ life partners and those in long-term relationships to...
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In nursing, we have seen language move from person-centered care to whole person care. We think the theme for National Nurses Week (this year from...
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Persons with chronic illnesses often feel overwhelmed. At times, there seems to be no end in sight to pain or discomfort, only a constant need...
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The 2017 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which allows older low-income resident to apply for $40 "checks" that can be exchanged for fresh produce at...
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Hearing loss is often misunderstood or ignored, and as a result is often not treated. Yet without hearing assistance, people can experience poor communication and...
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While homelessness has not traditionally been thought of as a "senior issue," older adults are not immune to the impacts of the homelessness crisis. In...
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The House leadership's decision to withdraw the American Health Care Act from consideration in late March proves that the voices of Americans are very powerful....
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On March 22, 2017, Mayor Ed Murray launched Age-Friendly Seattle—a new initiative for the City of Seattle to address environmental, economic, and social factors influencing...
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When the World Health Organization (WHO) established its Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities in 2010, it recognized eight domains of livability—community features that...
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Safely disposing of unwanted medicines protects public health by reducing the amount of medicines available for misuse and keeping waste medicines out of the environment....
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Have you heard of United Way's free tax prep service? Now through April 20, any household making $64,000 or less can have their taxes prepared...
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Seattle identified as impact area for intergenerational excellence movement Never before in our community's history has Seattle enjoyed a larger population of healthy, vital and...
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If you only use the library to put books on hold, you're missing out! While habits serve us by making life easier and allowing us...
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According to the American Heart Association (AHA), "cardiovascular disease—including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure—is responsible for one out of every three deaths. It...
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Ask anyone for advice about living a long, healthy life and you'll probably hear tips about the importance of eating well, stopping smoking, exercising, and...
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Our state and region thrive when people of all ages actively participate in their communities, have equitable access to opportunities, and everyone is treated with...
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On Friday, November 11, I went to a grocery store in my neighborhood. Outside sat a Korean War veteran, with a card table full of...
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Did you know that many geriatricians name physical activity as the top way to promote health and independence in our later years? Exercise lets us...
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is called "Basic Food" in Washington state. The program helps low-income people make ends meet...
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When most people begin their career, retirement is the farthest thing from their mind. Instead, they focus on trying to purchase a home, start a...
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One of the best things to happen in the world of aging and disability services this year is a new focus on supporting individuals with...
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In the beginning, there was the promise of "new beginnings" for seniors and technology. There would be connectivity. There would be access. But where was...
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The next time you find yourself having to entertain out of town guests, how about taking them to a hub that includes over 450 units...
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If you are a regular Agewise King County reader, you may recall the article on affordable housing from May 2016. That same month, a new...
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Is your home cold and uncomfortable in the winter time? Are your heating bills too high? Do you need critical home repairs, but don't know...
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The City of Seattle is shifting our approach to outreach and engagement. We need your ideas on how the City can keep you better informed...
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In January 2017, we will see a cast of new legislators in Olympia—State Senators and Representatives who will descend on Olympia into a sea of...
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A health forum scheduled next month is dedicated to the exchange of innovative ideas, best practices, and advancement of la vida buena y sana—a good...
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Funny how life sneaks up on us. One day, we're starting a new job, spending a little extra money, and thoroughly enjoying life … ah,...
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AARP member benefits: Everybody likes to joke about the day their AARP card arrived in the mail, but have you looked at their member discounts...
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Seniors on Medicaid in Washington state know how difficult it is to find a dentist to care for them. In April, the Seattle Times shined...
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It's important to have an estate plan in place—regardless of your wealth and the size of your estate. Many folks believe they don't need an...
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Last month, the ADS Advisory Council sent a message to Senator Patty Murray—the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should be amended to require hearing loop...
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I often reflect on the relationships I've developed in my twenty-plus years working in the aging field. The most honest and real are those I've...
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For seniors and persons with disabilities struggling to stay in their homes, real help to pay property taxes is available. As I traveled around King...
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Think of all that stuff in our homes we get rid of every year when we're doing our spring cleaning. That usually includes a few...
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Aging and Disability Services, the Area Agency on Aging of Seattle-King County, is excited to announce a partnership with the Northwest Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Center....
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Updated July 2021 Synergy occurs when increased effectiveness results from two or more people or organizations working together. In 2015, Aging and Disability Services (the...
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February 25, 2016 was a beautiful day in Olympia, not only because of the weather but because the 2016 Senior Lobby Day was successful. Seattle-King...
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Have you heard of this free service? Any household making $62,000 or less can have their taxes prepared for FREE from United Way of King...
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Are you an older adult who needs transportation? Have you signed up for utility assistance? Are you helping someone with a disability find suitable housing?...
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Pike Market Senior Center is fortunate to partner with The Carlson Center at the University of Washington and with the Service-Learning Program at Seattle Central...
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More than 18,000 Seattle utility customers are enrolled in a Utility Discount Program that cuts their Seattle City Light and Public Utilities payments in half...
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Did you know that immunizations aren't just for kids? It's true! Vaccines are recommended from birth through adulthood to provide a lifetime of protection against...
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[caption id="attachment_156" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Just some of the many tools available to help our patrons use Library resources. Pictured here: Library Equal Access Program (LEAP)...
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Many of us remember Dr. Seuss (Theodore Geisel) from our own childhood or our children's and grandchildren's. Remember that sense of wonder? Retirement is a...
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On October 15, 2015, the Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) and Consumer Federation of America (CFA) released a report based on a national survey of the...
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