Resources for Family Caregivers Caring for a spouse, parent or other loved one? Explore resources and support for caregivers like you and see how WA Cares can help. More than 800,000 Washingtonians provide care to a loved one There are many ways to be a caregiver Many of us provide care for others out of both necessity and love, and do so without thinking twice. Whether you’re picking up groceries for your neighbor or helping your dad manage his medications—you are a caregiver. Image Image Without support, caregiving can take a toll on an entire family Providing this type of care for a spouse, parent or other loved one can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel stressful, isolating, and exhausting. Family caregivers often experience personal, professional, and financial setbacks. Whether that’s paying for care costs out of pocket, leaving the workforce, or stress impacting their health, caregivers need support too. how WA cares can help caregivers Starting in July 2026, if your loved one has a WA Cares benefit, they will be able to access supports and services for you as you provide them with care. WA Cares helps families in many ways by making available paid caregiving, respite care and other services and supports. Icon Earn wages for providing care You can be hired to be your loved one's caregiver, being compensated for the care you provide. See Paid family caregiving Icon Get a break from caregiving WA Cares can pay another caregiver to come in to give you time for yourself —also known as respite care. See Benefit coverage Icon Get support with other services WA Cares covers in-home services (like home-delivered meals) that can take something off your plate. See Benefit coverage Icon Access educational & mental health resources Our resources section can help you find free support groups, educational information, and other programs. See Resources Caregiver Stories Sally’s partner Patty has an in-home caregiver who helps Patty do daily activities and gives Sally a break. Having the one-on-one care makes a big difference. I can go out and go grocery shopping in between things. I can go for walks with people. If Patty had WA Cares, she could use her benefit for: In-home care Respite care Home modifications Image Arun’s father has dementia and needs constant supervision. For families like Arun’s, caregiver support is critical. WA Cares will provide a majority of people peace of mind, for when you need some time off to take care of yourself while taking care of the family. If Arun’s dad had WA Cares, he could use his benefit for: Respite care Home safety Home modifications Image See more care stories Resources for Caregivers In addition to WA Cares family caregiver supports, there are lots of additional services and supports available through other organizations and state benefits. Emotional support for caregivers The Family Caregiver Handbook by Washington State of Social and Health Services The Emotional Challenges of Being a Caregiver by DSHS Dementia Road Map: A Guide for Family and Care Partners from the Dementia Action Collaborative Education for caregivers Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease or Other Dementia Caring For Mom and Dad Caring for an Adult Who Lives Far Away Age-Related Hearing Loss information from the National Institutes of Health Useful Tips When Talking to Someone with Hearing Loss from MedlinePlus Services for unpaid caregivers The Family Caregiving Support Program is a service available to unpaid caregivers of adults, providing local resources Two programs, Medicaid Alternative Care (MAC) and Tailored Supports for Older Adults (TSOA), offer free services for unpaid caregivers of adults (age 55 and older) who need care, or to individuals without unpaid caregivers. Trualta, free online education and support platform Interested in becoming a paid family caregiver? Learn more
Sally’s partner Patty has an in-home caregiver who helps Patty do daily activities and gives Sally a break. Having the one-on-one care makes a big difference. I can go out and go grocery shopping in between things. I can go for walks with people. If Patty had WA Cares, she could use her benefit for: In-home care Respite care Home modifications Image
Arun’s father has dementia and needs constant supervision. For families like Arun’s, caregiver support is critical. WA Cares will provide a majority of people peace of mind, for when you need some time off to take care of yourself while taking care of the family. If Arun’s dad had WA Cares, he could use his benefit for: Respite care Home safety Home modifications Image
