Services for older adults

Many services for older adults are available through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), the Health Care Authority (HCA), or other local resources.

Health care

Apple Health

Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) offers free or low-cost medical, dental, and vision care to eligible Washington residents.

See if you are eligible:

• I am age 55 to 64.
• I am age 65 or older or Medicare eligible.
• I am age 65 and older or are blind or disabled.

Health care programs, services, and resources

Apple Health for Workers with Disabilities (HWD)

HWD provides health care coverage for individuals with blindness or a disability who are working. There is no resource or income limit. 

Learn more and see if you are eligible for HWD.

Apple Health Medicare Connect

If you have both Medicare and Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage, you may be eligible for Apple Health Medicare Connect is a special kind of Medicare Advantage plan for dual-eligible individuals that assists with care coordination between both coverages.

Learn more and see if you are eligible for Apple Health Medicare Connect.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s care

What is dementia?

Dementia is not a typical part of aging, but the risk of dementia does increase with age. Dementia is not a disease itself, but a set of symptoms caused by a variety of conditions that damage the brain. These changes result in decline of memory and thinking abilities that interfere with daily life.

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s disease is a specific brain disease and is the most common cause of dementia.

Dementia Action Collaborative (DAC)

DAC is a group of public-private partners committed to preparing Washington state for the increasing number of people living with dementia. It focuses on seven areas including raising public awareness, early diagnosis, long-term services and supports, and supporting family caregivers. Explore DAC resources.

Specialized Dementia Care Program (SDCP)

SDCP is a DSHS-administered program for people with dementia who can no longer live at home and need state-funding to help pay for long-term care services. Learn more and see if you are eligible for SDCP.

End of life care

• Palliative care: Find out about palliative care and where to go to for services.
• Hospice: Learn what hospice is and what it can help with.
• End of life care: Understand advanced directives what to do to ensure your wishes are known and followed.

Health Home program

If you have a chronic condition, Health Home offers a set of free services including the support of a care coordinator to provide care management and coordination of care. Learn more and see if you are eligible for Health Home services.

In-home and long-term care

HCLA helps you begin the process of finding long-term care services and supports. For an overview about eligibility, visit HCA’s Long-term care and hospice page.

HCLA's Services that help an adult remain at home webpage includes information on home care agencies, skilled nursing care, and community resources such as adult day centers, senior centers, and home delivered meals.

WA Cares Fund: A public long-term care insurance program that guarantees coverage for all Washington workers, regardless of preexisting conditions.

Medicaid Alternative Care (MAC) and Tailored Supports for Older Adults (TSOA)

MAC and TSOA serve and support older adults and family caregivers by expanding care options and providing assistance to unpaid family caregivers. Learn more about what MAC and TSOA have to offer.

Medicare benefits

Get free help with your Medicare benefits by talking to a Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisor (SHIBA). Find a SHIBA representative in your area.

Medicare Savings Programs

For eligible individuals with limited income, the Medicaid Savings Programs helps you cover the cost of Medicare premiums, copayments, and deductibles.

Community resources

• 211 Washington: A community resource that connects you with a variety of local services including food, housing, and utility assistance, elder care, and crisis intervention.
• HCLA Agencies That Help webpage: An overview of agencies and services in Washington that assist older adults.
• Community Living Connections: Helps you find the right housing and community-based supports and services in your area.

Disability services

For additional information on health care-related disability services, see Health care.

• Department of Services for the Blind: Providing support and skills training for independent living to people who are Blind, Deaf-Blind, or Low Vision.
• Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Access sign language interpreters and assistive equipment, training, and support.

Employment

• WorkSource: A statewide partnership of agencies providing employment and training services.
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR): A part of DSHS, DVR offers tools, services, and support to helps individuals with disabilities find employment.

Financial assistance

Find help with:

• Cash assistance: Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for DSHS Aged, Blind or Disabled Cash Program which includes a cash benefit and helps with housing opportunities and Social Security benefits.
• Prescription drugs: The ArrayX Discount Card provides prescription drug discounts you do not access to coverage or certain drugs or vaccines. It’s available to all Washington State residents.
• Utility bills: Visit 211.org to find utility assistance or utility discounts in your area.

Housing

• Housing and employment services: Includes information on housing and employment resources and how to apply for services.
• Long-term care residential options: Includes information about nursing homes, adult family homes, assisted living facilities, and retirement communities.

Support for caregivers