Every year, the Washington State League of Women Voters picks several issues to focus on andsupport. At the 2023 League Convention, Elder Caregiving for those 60 years or older was chosen and a two-year study followed. Caregiving for our older population, specifically in-home caregiving, hasbeen a Washington State priority for many years. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, there will bean ever-growing shortage of caregivers in our state and nationwide, making preparation for the needsthat accompany aging even more vital.

The Kittitas County League met recently to come to a consensus on the study questions and invited Teague McKamey from our local Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to join us. His input and information were invaluable. At our meeting, we agreed that we need to help inform residents of eldercare options. There are 13 Area Agencies on Aging in Washington State, and we are lucky to have our very own office right here in Ellensburg! This agency helps disabled people 18 years old and up, and adults 60 years and up with information and referrals for programs and services to help with daily living.They can help people locate caregiving services, sign up for Medicare/Medicaid and Meals on Wheels, assist with housing and energy needs, legal assistance referrals, find volunteer maintenance help and more.

ADRC also offers Case Management for Medicaid funded in-home care. This service is also available to unpaid/family caregivers and their loved ones. Another service offered is Health Homes services, which includes a home visit once a month to help set and attain health goals, educate and deal with chronic illnesses, and facilitate communication between the patient’s doctors and medical professionals. This helps keep people out of the hospital and Emergency Rooms!

Since each person’s story and needs are different, they are trained to provide individualized care for all their clients. Keeping people in their own homes and independent is a goal for ADRC. They can also help with transitions to other facilities if needed. McKamey estimates that they average 225 people in Case Management each month and help 30-50 people each month with information and referral services.

McKamey said one of the biggest issues right now is a caregiver shortage in our area and statewide. He said that ADRC and state government are working to address this problem.

Finding help when needed can be so difficult and stressful. If you find yourself needing help, please contact our local Aging & Disability Resource Center. And since life is full of unexpected events, might we suggest you clip this article or take a picture on your phone for future reference. They are here to help and serve all of us.

This article is co-published by Ellensburg Daily Record Newspaper in March 2025. Maureen McKinney is a member of LWV Kittitas County. She is retired and lives in the Manastash Canyon with her dog, Belle. Living with wildlife in our beautiful county is her happy place.