Home Care Resources for Families in King & Pierce Counties

Home care and home health are not the same thing.

Home health generally involves skilled medical services such as nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other clinical services ordered for an eligible patient.

Home care focuses primarily on helping individuals safely manage everyday life at home.

Washington State Department of Health

Washington State regulates licensed home care agencies through the Department of Health. Families can learn more about home care agencies and Washington requirements here: Washington State Department of Health – Home Care Agencies https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/facilities-z/home-care-agencies

Local Aging & Disability Resources

Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources helps older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers locate community programs and services. Resources may include caregiver support, transportation, nutrition programs, long-term care information, and assistance navigating available community services.

Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources https://www.piercecountywa.gov/1986/Aging-and-Disability-Resources

King County Older Adult Services & Community Living Connections

King County offers resources for older adults, adults with disabilities, caregivers, and families who need help understanding available services and long-term care options. Community Living Connections can be especially helpful when a family doesn't know where to begin.

King County Older Adult Services & Community Living Connections https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dchs/human-social-services/older-adult-services

Medicare & Health Insurance Resources - Does Medicare Pay for Home Care?

This is one of the most common questions families ask.

Medicare may cover certain skilled home health services when an individual meets Medicare's eligibility requirements. These services may include intermittent skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology services, and limited home health aide services under qualifying circumstances.

However, Medicare generally does not pay for ongoing non-medical or custodial home care simply because someone needs assistance with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, or companionship. Because every situation is different, families should verify their individual Medicare benefits.

Official Medicare Home Health Coverage Information https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/home-health-services

Free Medicare Help Through SHIBA

Washington's Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors — commonly known as SHIBA — provides free and unbiased assistance with Medicare.

SHIBA counselors can help families understand Medicare coverage, enrollment, Medicare Advantage plans, prescription coverage, supplemental insurance, and certain financial-assistance programs.

Washington SHIBA – Free Medicare Helphttps://www.insurance.wa.gov/insurance-resources/medicare/get-free-medicare-help-shiba

Resources for Veterans & Military Families

Veterans and their caregivers may qualify for programs and services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The VA Caregiver Support Program provides resources that may include caregiver education, coaching, peer support, referrals, and other assistance.

Eligibility for individual VA programs varies, so veterans and their families should speak directly with the VA or an accredited veterans-benefits representative regarding their circumstances.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Caregiver Support Program https://www.caregiver.va.gov/

WA Cares Fund

The WA Cares Fund is Washington State's long-term care insurance program.

Eligible Washington residents may receive benefits that can be used toward approved long-term care services and supports designed to help individuals remain independent.

Eligibility, benefit amounts, and qualifying services are determined by the WA Cares program.

Families should verify eligibility and available benefits directly through WA Cares before assuming a particular home care service will be covered.

Official WA Cares Fund Website https://wacaresfund.wa.gov/