Caring for a Loved One
Growing numbers of people find themselves caring for a parent, spouse, or other adult family member. Providing care for another adult is complex and presents a variety of challenges including managing another person’s health, medical care, legal and financial responsibilities as well as taking care of one’s self, relationships and work responsibilities. There are resources and services available at the University, in the community, and through government programs that can help you with the challenges of family caregiving.
UW Resources
- Family Caregiver Network
- Informal, confidential, guided discussion where caregivers can share their experiences and successes. Drop-ins are welcome. Meetings are the last Tuesday of each month, noon to 1 p.m. at the Husky Union Building, Room 304F.
- Individual Consultation
- WorkLife specialists are available to consult with you about your personal caregiving situation and provide resource options. Schedule an appointment by emailing worklife@u.washington.edu.
- Caregiver Directory
- This service requires a UW NetID and allows you to list work you need done to support your caregiving responsibilities, and to access caregivers seeking paid part-time or intermittent employment.
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- This web page explains how to consider developing a work schedule that may allow you to better meet caregiver responsibilities while continuing to work.
- Illness/Disability Leave
- Review the “Serious Illness/Disability" information on the "Life Events" web pages if you have to take time off work to care for a family member with a serious illness or disability.
- Seminars & Events
- Free noon seminars that feature expert speakers reviewing the latest research on caring for adult loved ones and cover topics such as aging and eldercare issues, financial education, and long term care Watch for announcements of these events in the bi-monthly Benefits & WorkLife Update.
- UW Carelink
- The UW's faculty and staff assistance program provides free in-person assessment and short-term confidential counseling by local professionals for any issue that may be causing an employee concern including – counseling, legal or financial consultation and online resources.
- Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
- This program allows you to take a pre-tax payroll deduction for eligible dependent care expenses, thus reducing your income tax obligation. DCAP can be used instead of taking the Child Care tax credit when you file your tax return. DCAP is available to any UW employee except students whose wages are exempt from FICA and nonresident aliens who receive no U.S.-source earned income.
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Long-term care refers to a broad range of medical, personal, and social services provided to people who are unable to care for themselves over an extended time period. These services are typically not covered by health insurance or Medicare and long term care insurance is designed to cover these costs. See the Long-Term Care Resources webpage for more information about long-term care and tips for evaluating long-term care insurance products.
- UW Retirement Center
- Offers workshops and resources for retirees and those considering retirement
Community & Government Resources
Community Resources
County Senior Services organizations can provide information and referral to local services appropriate to specific situations. They also provide a range of services to support the elder person and/or the caregiver such as, recreational activities, transportation, meals, assistance with home repairs, etc. Contact the organization in the area where you are providing care.
- Aging and Disability Resource Center
- phone: 253-798-4600
email: ADRC@co.pierce.wa.us
- Senior Services of King County
- phone: 206-448-3110
email: info@seniorservices.org
- Senior Services of Snohomish County
- phone: 425-513-1900
email: rquick@sssc.org
Government Resources
- Benefits Checkup
- Helps find government programs that may be available to a loved one
- Eldercare Locator
- Quickly locates the state and local senior service organizations nationwide.
- Medicare
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides an excellent resource for information about using Medicare, updates on changes, listings of events, and access for local services.
- Medicaid
- Washington State Aging and Disabilities Administration serves adults of all ages with chronic illnesses and determines eligibility for the state's Medicaid program.
- SHIBA Help line
- A network of trained volunteers who educate, assist, and advocate for consumers regarding health insurance, so they can make informed choices. Contact the SHIBA Help line or call their 24-hour toll-free referral hotline (1-800-562-6900).
-
- Social Security Administration
- Information about the application for retirement benefits, disability benefits and access to publications, forms, and updates about changes. Information is also available in Spanish. 1-800-772-1213.
