Summer Reflections on Security and Support for Seniors

A very important milestone birthday is being celebrated this month. Social Security turns 90 years old on Aug. 14! Millions of Americans rely on Social Security for retirement, disability, and survivor income. Despite it being a dependable, secure source of income for so many years for so many people, it is currently under pressure due to changes made by the current administration in D.C. These include closing offices and making some confusing policy changes. Check out this article by State AARP Director Marguerite Ro about how you can take action to protect what you’ve earned and ensure the continuation of this important program. Check out the events calendar below for Social Security celebrations in your community.

This summer, Congress passed, and the president signed, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)—a sweeping federal budget reconciliation law that makes significant cuts and changes to Medicaid, SNAP (food assistance), and other safety net programs. The OBBBA includes several key provisions that affect access to long-term care, home- and community-based services, and food security. Washington Association of Area Agencies on Aging has conducted an initial analysis of what these can mean for older adults in our state in this article: Federal Budget Law Raises Concerns for Older Adults.

Another significant problem with the OBBBA is that it puts many older adults at risk of losing coverage for programs they desperately need, such as in-home care and long-term care in adult family homes or nursing homes. Like many people, I did not realize until recently that Medicaid, not Medicare, pays for long-term care services. A good friend of mine, for example, is only able to live at home rather than in a nursing home thanks to a home aide. That aide visits several times a week to help with grocery shopping and showering. These services are paid for by Medicaid. Now this is at risk.

An important program that protects the rights of residents in long-term care facilities needs additional funding under the Older Americans Act, which has not had an increase for years, even though the population of older adults and people with disabilities is growing. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program helps protect vulnerable long-term care residents from neglect, abuse, improper eviction or retaliation, and ensures their rights to quality care and visitation. The program relies on volunteers to advocate for the estimated 90,000 residents of long-term care homes across the state. Learn more about this program and how to advocate for increased funding in the article by Pam Williams, King County Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman. You might also want to consider volunteering as an Ombudsman yourself.

I want to end my article this month on a positive note. I know there are many concerns about the future of funding for myriad programs that many of us older adults rely on. I remind myself that summer in the Pacific Northwest is glorious, and it’s important for our physical and mental health to enjoy it while it lasts. Luckily, we have many advocates at the federal, state, and local levels who are supporting us through these uncertain times and will continue to fight for our benefits.

Have a great August!

Contributor Alex O’Reilly chairs the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services. She welcomes input from readers via email (advisorychair@agewisekingcounty.org).

Mark Your Calendars

Following are upcoming events of interest:

• National Night Out: August 5. Check online for events in your area. National Night Out is a yearly event where neighbors come together for block parties, cookouts, and fun activities to build community and connect with local police and first responders. 
• ADS Advisory Council Meeting: Friday, August 8 (noon–2 p.m.); virtual meeting unless otherwise specified. To receive the meeting link and information, email michael.adusah@seattle.gov in advance.
• Celebrating in Seattle with AARP: Tuesday, August 12 (11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) at Town Hall Seattle (The Wyncote NW Forum – 1119 8th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101). Join your neighbors for lunch and a 90-minute clinic on how to get the most out of Social Security. Register here.
• Celebrating in Bothell with AARP: Wednesday, August 13 (11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) University of Washington Bothell – North Creek Event Center (18325 Campus Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011) Join your neighbors for a 90-minute clinic with AARP’s national expert Jammie Lyell. Enjoy lunch, discover money-saving strategies, and honor nine decades of security by strengthening your financial future together. Register here.
• Civic Coffee: Fall Prevention: Thursday, August 21 (1 p.m.–2 p.m.) at GenPride, 1521 Broadway, Suite A, Seattle, WA 98122. Contact agefriendly@seattle.gov for more information.