ຂ່າວໂຄງການ & ການສໍານາຜ່ານເວັບ Conversations: Aging in place ພຶດສະພາ. 22, 2026 Experts recently gathered to discuss how older people can safely and independently live at home The WA Cares Fund was designed to help Washington workers safely and independently age in place in the comfort of their own home. “By contributing just 0.58% of your paychecks during your working years, you can earn up to $36,500 to spend on services and supports from WA Cares providers,” said Sebastian, WA Cares Outreach and Language Access Lead. However, falls at home are among the biggest safety concerns for people aging in place. “The rate of fall-related deaths among adults 65 and older in Washington state has been higher than national rates for over 10 years,” said Stephanie, Washington State Department of Health Older Adult Falls Prevention Specialist. “In 2024, a DOH study found 65% of these fall-related deaths were in the deceased’s own home or a family member’s home.” Stephanie recommended a variety of actions older adults can take to prevent falling, including: Find a good balance-and-exercise program Get regular hearing and vision checkups Talk to friends or family members for support Make home updates to increase safety To maintain an active lifestyle, Stephanie recommended the Stay Active and Independent for Life program. SAIL is a strength, balance and fitness program for older adults that offers group exercise classes that meet two or three times per week. SAIL is a public-domain program, which means there are no licensing or renewal fees for facilities. When it comes to updating your home, home safety evaluations and home modifications are two of the services covered by WA Cares. A home safety evaluation is an assessment of your rented or owned home by a physical or occupational therapist. Home modifications are changes to your rented or owned home to support your health, welfare, safety and independence. Both services improve accessibility inside your home and help you identify and reduce fall or other safety hazards. Another concern for older adults living at home is feelings of isolation and loneliness. A study by the University of New Hampshire found that feelings of social isolation and loneliness can shorten a person’s life span by as many as 15 years. “About one in three U.S. adults report feeling lonely,” said Marci, DOH Director of Health Aging Initiatives. “And about one in four U.S. adults report a lack of social and emotional support.” Conditions or experiences that can increase a person’s risk of social isolation and loneliness include: A chronic disease or condition A long-term disability Older adults Adults living alone Social activities such as volunteering, arts and wellness programs, visiting senior centers and more have been found to reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation. “People who volunteer often report a new sense of purpose that may be lost after retirement,” said Marci, who also recommended older adults try Find Your People. Find Your People is a DOH program designed to help older adults find friendship and connection with people of all ages in their communities. Christina, the Associate State Director, Communications of AARP Washington State, shared additional support options available for Washingtonians aging in place. Washington state offers a property tax exemption program for homeowners aged 61 and up who are living at home. “It stabilizes your property taxes and can significantly lower what you owe each year, making it easier to afford staying in your home on a fixed income,” explained Christina. Younger spouses and widows can sometimes qualify for the exemption too. People retired due to a disability or veterans with serious service-related disabilities can qualify at any age. “Tell your friends,” Christina encouraged. “County assessors come to us to help raise awareness of this program.” Christina also highlighted services available to family caregivers helping older adults to live at home. Community Living Connections serves as a one-stop helpline for caregivers. You can visit their website or call 855-567-0252 for assistance. The Family Caregiver Learning Portal offers free online classes for caregivers looking to learn more about caring for loved ones. Lastly, AARP has caregiver resource guides for every state to help find local programs, services and agencies that can provide support or respite for caregivers. You can watch a replay of our webinar for more from our panel discussion.
