Many older adults prefer to age in place, which gives them the ability to live in their own homes comfortably and independently, rather than moving to a nursing home or other institutional settings. “It’s about being empowered and living with dignity and respect,” said Marguerite Ro, AARP state director. “In fact, Washington state is a leader in the country for its home and community-based services.” Thirteen Washington Area Agencies on Aging are responsible for planning and providing services to help people stay in their homes. These services include home-delivered meals, transportation and legal assistance. “The entire state receives services from the Area Agencies on Aging,” said Cathy Knight, state director at Washington Association of Area Agencies on Aging. “They primarily fund the services, so you’ll know them through community agencies that do the work.” The Agencies on Aging also provide services for caregivers. In Washington, there are 820,000 unpaid family caregivers providing care for their adult loved ones. “It’s where you’re helping your loved ones, whether it’s managing medications, it’s helping with internet, it’s making meals, it’s making sure that they’re safe and they’re able to stay at home for as long as they can,” Ro said. Through the Family Caregiver Support Program, caregivers can access resources, support groups, respite care and training. “You can do your job longer as a caregiver if you get some of the support and assistance you need,” Knight said. Caregiving also comes with out-of-pocket costs. Washington state now has a program to help people better prepare for their future caregiving and long-term care needs, called the Long-term Care Benefit. “It will help family caregivers and their loved ones pay for things like home modifications,” Ro said. The benefit also helps caregivers financially who need to spend time away from work to be with their loved ones. For more information from your Area Agency on Aging, including resources and support for family caregivers, plus information about Washington’s Long-term Care Benefit, visit the AARP website. Sponsored by AARP Segment Producer Suzie Wiley. Watch New Day Northwest at 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day