All Posts in "The Senior Scene"

The Legislature is halfway to approving new standards for memory care at assisted-living facilities in Washington.

The state Senate unanimously passed and the House of Representatives is considering passage of Senate Bill 5337, which would require certifications for assisted-living communities that provide memory care. Advocates for long-term care residents say the measure would help improving care and accountability. The House until April 16 to approve or reject the bill.

The proposed legislation is supported by the Alzheimer’s Association and the Washington State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, as well as SEIU 775, the labor union for thousands of care workers.

If approved by the House and later signed into law by the governor, the measure would provide increased safety measures, accountability, and transparency around memory care. It would standardize the definition of memory care, allow oversight by the state Department of Social and Health Services of facilities, and give the state attorney general enforcement authority under the Consumer Protection Act.

An estimated 70 percent of assisted-living residents have some form of dementia, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH): “As dementia and behavioral symptoms become increasingly common in AL (assisted living) settings, so do questions about the quality of dementia care in AL facilities,” NIH stated in a study of the issue.

Industry analysts say assisted living facilities tend to be large, with hundreds of residents and relatively low staff-to-resident ratios, and sometimes have track records that are difficult to monitor due to complex ownership and rebranding. In addition, unlike nursing homes, AL care workers currently aren’t required to be certified nursing assistants or registered nurses and have minimal training and minimum wages—factors that can affect the quality of care for residents, according to supporters of the proposed state standards. 

The Senior Scene by — March 27, 2025 in News
Seattle community leader is new AARP WA member

(Pictured: Ron Chew has been named AARP Washington’s state president.)

Ron Chew, whose previous leadership roles have ranged from libraries locally to the arts nationally, now has a new one as AARP Washington’s state president.

In the volunteer role, Chew will help lead the organization’s activities on behalf of more than 870,000 Washington members and provide leadership in long-range planning to help meet the needs of the state’s older adults and their families. 

“I’m truly excited to collaborate with Washington’s AARP volunteers and staff,” Chew said. “As an older adult myself, I recognize the importance of ensuring that people can age according to their desires and have the necessary supports in place.”

Washington’s older population is growing. Currently, people 65 and older are about 18 percent of it. By 2050, they are projected to be more than 23 percent, with those 85 and older more than tripling. 

“Meeting the diverse needs of older Washingtonians requires empathy, innovation, and a profound respect for their life experiences,” said Chew. ” Issues like health security and future financial stability impact not only today’s older adults, but also their families and friends for generations to come.”

He said supporting family caregivers “is a significant concern at present. Each day, more than 820,000 Washingtonians perform an incredible labor of love—caring for older parents, spouses, and other loved ones, enabling them to stay at home, where they wish to be. While most of us wouldn’t have it any other way, the financial and emotional tolls of caregiving can be profound. It’s essential that we find ways to support caregivers with the resources and connections they require.”

Chew is a lifelong Seattle resident. He graduated from Franklin High School and attended the University of Washington, where he majored in journalism. He worked for 13 years as editor of the International Examiner, a newspaper in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District.  Before that, he was executive director of the Wing Luke Museum, where his efforts led to the construction of the current museum building.

Recognized nationally, he was appointed to the National Council on the Humanities by then-president Bill Clinton in 2001 and has received numerous accolades for his leadership. 

On a local level, Chew is a member of the Board of Trustees of Seattle Public Libraries.

In 2020, Chew published his memoir, “My Forgotten Seattle,” a personal account of the history and vibrant community of Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of Asian American activists and families.

He himself became part of that history when his contributions to aging and community health were recognized recently with the naming of the International Community Health Services’ state-of-the-art senior care facility as the Ron Chew Healthy Aging and Wellness Center.

“Ron has made significant contributions to community healthcare and the humanities, exemplifying leadership and dedication in both fields,” said AARP Washington director Marguerite Ro. “His experience and dedication to community service and advocacy is notable, and his leadership will serve our members well.”

Chew is an avid gardener. He’s also an avid runner, often seen mornings traversing the Beacon Hill neighborhood in Seattle.

The Senior Scene by — March 25, 2025 in Food, People
Those aging eyes

(Pictured: Regular eye exams are important for good eye health).

Maintaining health and quality of life as we age requires us to prioritize eyesight. Regular eye exams and early detection are essential for maintaining good eye health, just like many other aspects of overall health.

Lighthouse Guild, a non-profit organization supporting blind and vision-impaired persons, notes that low vision (vision loss that can’t be corrected with eyeglasses, contacts, or surgery) can impact many people as they get older and lead to difficulty performing everyday activities such as driving, reading, and hobbies. Symptoms can include loss of central and/or peripheral vision, blurred or hazy vision, and difficulty seeing at night.

occurs, lifestyle factors can play an important role in protecting vision. For instance:

• Eat a balanced diet including dark, leafy greens and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.

• Maintain a healthy weight, and exercise.

• Get enough sleep to rest your eyes.

• Don’t smoke.

• Keep diabetes and blood pressure under control.

• Wear sunglasses and a brimmed hat outdoors.

• Wear protective eyewear during activities such as sports, gardening, and construction work.

• Discuss your family’s eye health history with your eye care professional.

Source: Lighthouse Guild

The Senior Scene by — March 25, 2025 in Health & Fitness

The financial demands of eldercare are straining the budgets of many military families, with new data highlighting the growing burden as service members take on caregiving responsibilities for aging relatives.

A survey conducted by First Command Financial Services Inc. found that 63 percent of middle-class military households—defined as commissioned officers and senior noncommissioned officers (E-5 and above) earning at least $50,000 annually—are now providing care for elderly family members. That’s a significant jump from 13 percent in 2012, when the company first began tracking eldercare trends as part of its First Command Financial Behaviors Index, which assesses trends among financial behaviors through a monthly survey of approximately 530 U.S. consumers 25 to 70 years old with annual household incomes of $50,000 or more.

Eldercare costs are presenting a significant challenge for many, with 58 percent of the survey respondents reporting higher-than-expected expenses, and 53 percent calling the costs a severe financial concern.

The average caregiving family spends $1,647 per month, with expenditures directed toward home care, nursing homes, and other healthcare services.

According to First Command’s researchers, military families are taking on these responsibilities at higher rates than their civilian counterparts. Among the general population, 23 percent report caring for an elderly relative, with average monthly costs slightly higher at $1,839. Civilian caregivers similarly report financial strain, with 56 percent citing unexpected costs and 34 percent identifying eldercare as a severe concern.

Looking ahead, 31 percent of military families and 21 percent of general-population households anticipate providing eldercare to a parent or other elderly relative in the future, such as a grandparent, aunt, or uncle.

Mark Steffe, First Command’s president, stressed the importance of financial planning to navigate the economic challenges of eldercare.

“Nine out of 10 military families who are caring for an elderly family member said they planned in advance for the costs,” Steffe said. “One out of four sought help from a financial advisor. Working with a knowledgeable financial coach is a prudent way for military families to prepare for and deal with the economic realities of eldercare while continuing to pursue their own financial goals.”

The Senior Scene by — March 25, 2025 in Personal Finance/Consumers