Hello KIRC fam~
Thanks to those of you who joined the latest episode of Let’s Talk Caregiving - Could the WA Cares Fund Pay You to Care for a Loved One?
KIRC is honored to work as a volunteer with AARP and have the opportunity to host these sessions.
In case you missed it, we had the chance to take a deep dive into what is known as the WA Cares Fund. What is that, you ask?
The WA Cares Fund is a first-in-the-nation program created by the state legislature in 2019. WA Cares is the result of years of research on how to make long-term care affordable for working Washingtonians. ~ WA Cares Fund
One of the most challenging aspects of being a family caregiver is facing the realities of how much care costs.
How will you and or your family afford to provide care for an aging loved one?
How will you and or your family pay for a loved one who may need extended help due to a medical emergency?
What if something happens to YOU and there is a need for long-term care?
These are all questions I urge you to begin thinking about long before a situation arises in which you need to have an answer.
What is YOUR biggest concern when you think about aging and/or caring for an aging loved one?
Here at KIRC I often get asked, ‘Can I be paid to take care of a family member?’ The WA Cares Fund also provides an element that in some cases DOES offer such support.
Take a few minutes to check out the session - ESPECIALLY if you are in Washington state. Regardless of where you live, this can give you a good idea of some of the creative ways some states and communities are facing REAL issues - working to support families, rather than implementing policies which make life more difficult.
WA Cares Fund
Washington is the first-in-the-nation to create a state-run program designed to help families meet some of the financial challenges that come with paying for care.
Thank you again to the amazing team with AARP Washington state for making Let’s Talk Caregiving possible.
Until next time~
Julia
Julia Yarbough - Keeping It REAL Caregiving/Communications Consultant
A multiple Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist, Julia Yarbough has more than 25 years experience anchoring, reporting, and producing. Having served as a family caregiver to her aging and now deceased mother, Julia is passionate about raising awareness and educating others to the realities facing family caregivers and advocating for improved services.She created the KeepingItREALCaregiving.substack.com newsletter and platform, serves as an AARP Washington State Volunteer, and is an outspoken advocate for family caregivers. She is dedicated to identifying issues and causes which overlap with how CARE intersects with education, awareness, and stewardship of the environment, public spaces, and species protections.
Julia is the recipient of numerous awards, including twice the prestigious ’N.A.T.A.S.’ Emmy. The American Society on Aging selected Julia to join the 2022 ASA Rise Cohort training program. Julia has served as a Regional Advocate for the California Coalition on Family Caregiving, and as a member of the Equity in Aging and Disability Advisory Committee with the California Department of Aging; Master Plan for Aging. The Gerontological Society of America selected Julia as a 2020 Journalists in Aging Fellow. She currently serves as Volunteer Media Ambassador for Friends of the San Juans.
Seeking a speaker or presenter for your next event?
For media inquiries, hosting/speaking and booking information contact:
julia.yarbough@gmail.com
Thank you, Julia! AARP is fortunate to have you on our side. :)