Aging is inevitable and may be accompanied by stress related to increasing care needs, finding appropriate housing, maintaining adequate nutrition, and the financial burden of it all.
Whether you or your loved one is approaching the age of being considered a senior citizen, it is important to know how to obtain the proper resources to live well in the golden years of life.
Plans that include priorities, strategies, and tactics to promote health, well-being, and quality of life for all should be considered.
But where do you even start?
Continue reading to understand senior benefits in Washington State and how to secure them.
Why It’s Important to Know Your Senior Citizen Benefits in Washington State
Senior citizens may encounter a range of expected or unexpected needs as they grow older. These additional needs may be complicated by fewer resources and a decreased income and finances.
It is important to understand the available Washington State senior citizen benefits to meet the individual’s needs. Seniors and caregivers can begin by contacting Washington’s Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA), using the Washington Connection online portal, or reaching out to a local Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
6 Categories of Washington State Benefits for Seniors
While nobody can accurately predict the future, thinking ahead to potential needs may help alleviate some stress. If the groundwork is started as a preventive plan, it will not be as difficult a circumstance when faced with the actual care need.
Medicare and Medicaid are the most common benefits for seniors, but there are many more resources available.
Take the time to consider and discuss how the following services may help fill the care needs of the future.
#1: At-Home Services
Home is usually the place where we are the most comfortable.
There is a growing number of services available that will help seniors stay at home while receiving care for injuries, illness, and chronic conditions, referred to as aging in place.
At-home services can be an ideal way to bring some medical care home, but several other benefits may not be as obvious, such as:
- Greater or sustained independence
- Safety and comfort
- Convenience
- Physical and mental relief for family members
- Avoiding repeated trips to the hospital
- Cost savings
- Personalized, quality care
- Companionship
Home Health Care
Providers for home health care may be obtained from a wide array of sources, depending on the care needs.
Some of the care levels and needs could include the following examples:
- Skilled nursing care
- Routine visits from licensed nurses at home may be sourced from a skilled nursing agency following a hospitalization for care needs like wound care, IV medications, and chronic illnesses.
- These services can be billed to Medicare, Medicaid, or health insurance companies.
- Agency home care
- Home visits from nursing assistants or home health aides can assist with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Dependent on care needs, some or all of the visits may be financially covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
- Private duty home care
- Private duty nursing or home health care can be provided in the home as arranged by the resident or family.
- These services cannot be billed to insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, and will need to be paid out-of-pocket.
In Washington State, programs such as Community First Choice (CFC), Medicaid Personal Care (MPC), and Tailored Supports for Older Adults (TSOA) help qualifying seniors receive in-home support services.
Hospice and Respite Care
Hospice care is designed for patients in the final stages of a terminal illness, as certified by a physician, usually considered to be a life expectancy of six months or less.
Hospice care can be coordinated:
- In a nursing facility
- At home
- In an inpatient hospice facility
Respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers who are caring for someone with a serious illness, disability, or age-related condition.
Respite care can be provided:
- At home
- In adult day care centers
- Within a participating nursing facility
Medicare benefits can help cover some or all hospice care, depending on the diagnosis. The financial responsibility for respite care should be discussed with the provider to determine the individual’s needs and required payments before care.
Washington seniors may also receive hospice and respite care support through the Medicaid Apple Health program, the Area Agency on Aging Family Caregiver Support Program, and the Community Options Program Entry System (COPES) respite benefits.
#2: Long-Term Residential Care
There are a variety of residential homes and facilities where care is provided throughout the state. Select a home or facility that will meet the level of your care needs.
Another important consideration is how you or your loved one will financially cover the stay. If the resident will be utilizing funds such as Medicaid in Washington, assisted living facilities, adult family homes, and nursing homes must be licensed through the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA).
Independent Living
Independent living arrangements are designed for seniors who do not require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, mobility, or medication management.
Seniors may come and go as they please from their own home or apartment, but have à la carte services available as they prefer, such as:
- Housekeeping services
- Dining options
- Maintenance assistance
Assisted Living
An assisted living setting still allows a senior to live with as much independence as possible in a comfortable and home-like environment, but also offers supportive services, including:
- Medication management
- Assistance with ADLs
- Dining services
- 24/7 staff supervision
Nursing Home
Skilled nursing facilities, or nursing homes, are total care environments that provide all the daily needs for the residents. Nursing homes operate under the supervision of physicians, with licensed nurses and assistants available at all times.
Some facilities also have secured residential or memory care units dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia.
#3: Health and Nutrition Programs
There are several health and nutrition programs in the U.S. specifically designed to support seniors at home, ensuring they have access to nutritious food and health services.
While programs vary from state to state, some of the key programs include:
- Home delivery meals
- Meals on Wheels
- Routinely scheduled meals at senior centers
- Farmers Market Nutrition Program
- Provides fresh produce to low-income seniors
- Explains nutrition information and the importance of fruits and vegetables in the diet of senior participants
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Known as the Basic Food Program in Washington, SNAP provides eligible low-income individuals with funds to purchase food.
- Seniors may qualify for SNAP even if they do not meet the full income requirements.
#4: Protection Services
As individuals age, they become more prone to becoming victims of a variety of abuse or fraud. In Washington State, Adult Protective Services (APS), operated by DSHS, investigates reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment involving vulnerable adults.
Investigations are completed on any potential reports of abuse, such as:
- Physical, verbal, or emotional abuse
- Exploitation
- Scams
- Unauthorized use of the senior’s finances
- Neglect
- Care needs
- Abandonment or purposeful seclusion
- Fraud
- Dishonest billing of Medicare services
- Illegal use of Medicaid funding or services
#5: Financial Assistance
Younger, working adults expect a paycheck every couple of weeks as compensation for their efforts.
However, when those paychecks cease to hit the bank account after you reach retirement age or become unable to work, finances can become stretched.
Thankfully, there are programs in place to provide some financial assistance for aging adults.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including seniors. Medicaid is the largest source of health coverage in the United States.
How do you know if you qualify for Medicaid services? Key factors include the following:
- Eligibility
- Includes elderly adults
- Some states have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), making more adults eligible.
- Coverage
- Hospital visits
- Physician visits
- Prescriptions
- Preventive care
- Mental health services
- Some vision or dental care
- State-specific programs
- Each state manages its Medicaid program and may have differences in eligibility, rules, and benefits.
- Costs
- May be free of cost to seniors
- Copays for services may be required based on income
Medicare
Medicare is a federal program of healthcare coverage for American seniors, age 65 or older.
Medicare is an umbrella of coverage that is subdivided into other programs, such as:
- Medicare Part A – Covers inpatient hospital care
- Medicare Part B – Covers physician visits, outpatient care, and other services
- Medicare Part D – Prescription drug coverage
Supplemental plans, in addition to the traditional Medicare coverage, may provide other benefits like vision, dental, or nursing home care.
Community Options Program Entry System Waiver (COPES)
The Community Options Program Entry System (COPES) is a Medicaid-funded program that allows older adults who may be eligible for nursing home care to remain in their own homes or a small, community setting. It covers personal care and in-home assistance.
COPES also provides other community-based services, such as:
- Adult day care
- Home modifications
- Meals delivered to your home
- In-home nursing care
- Physical therapy
- Transportation for medically necessary appointments and care
Services like COPES allow older individuals to remain in their own home or environment longer, as services they need are delivered to them.
Miscellaneous Financial Resources
In Washington State, there is a wide variety of miscellaneous financial resources available for older adults designed to assist with living expenses, healthcare, and other needs.
These resources may help senior adults live more comfortably and maintain independence.
Some key programs and services include the following:
- Veterans assistance programs
- Energy assistance programs
- Telephone assistance
- Hospital-specific financial assistance
Washington also offers a Property Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities, which can reduce or eliminate property taxes for qualifying homeowners based on income.
#6: Caregiver Support
You may not be the older adult who requires assistance, but the caregiver.
Caregivers face a high risk of chronic fatigue and burnout symptoms when caring for an older adult. The Family Caregiver Support Program is available to caregivers of adults living in Washington State.
Offices are located throughout the state and can help direct you to further services like:
- Resources in your own community
- Caregiver support groups and counseling
- Training on specific diagnoses and topics
- Respite care
Senior Services of America: Serving Washington State with Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Respite Care
Our communities provide the full range of senior living options and levels of care to accommodate your lifestyle and healthcare needs, and most accept Medicaid benefits after a private pay spend-down.
Contact your nearby Senior Services of America community in Washington today for additional information and tours, and begin a seamless transition to a healthy, safe, and active living environment.
*The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.*
