All Posts in "The Senior Scene"

A free dental, vision, and medical clinic for seniors and other people in need is scheduled for Feb. 15-18 at Seattle Center.

Services that will be offered through Seattle-King County Public Health, regardless of insurance, income or immigration status, will include dental fillings and extractions, eye examinations and prescription eyeglasses, physical exams, behavioral healthcare, social work, immunizations, laboratory tests, mammograms, ultrasounds and x-rays.

A limited number of tickets will be distributed at Fisher Pavilion starting at 5:30 a.m. each morning on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional information is available at seattlecenter.org/patients or call 206-684-7200.

“We primarily serve what we refer to those who are increasingly left out of our healthcare systems and safety nets.” said Julia Colson, the free clinic’s founder and project executive, “The elderly, immigrants and refugees, the uninsured and underinsured, those who may make too much to qualify for assistance but not enough to afford the care they need–this is who we most often see looking for help.”

As healthcare costs continue to rise and public services dwindle, the clinic fills a vital need, Carlson said. For many patients, it’s a long-overdue chance at care for chronic health conditions or treatment they couldn’t otherwise afford, she explained.

The Senior Scene by — January 30, 2024 in Everything Else
It’s time again to file income taxes, and the help is free

By Christina Clem

There are few constants in life, but there is something that happens like clockwork every year. That’s right. Tax season is upon us. Fortunately, AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program, the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service.

The program was conceived in 1968 by four volunteers who prepared 100 income tax returns at one site. Today, trained volunteers serve low to moderate-income taxpayers at thousands of locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers, and senior centers nationwide. There’s no fee, and AARP membership isn’t required. Almost anyone can receive free assistance. Those with particularly complex issues and complicated returns are encouraged to seek professional services.

Tax-Aide offers several tax preparation options, as well as the traditional in-person service. One popular option is the Drop-Off Model, where taxpayers come to a site with all their paperwork and return later to sign and pick up their completed return. Tax-Aide also provides taxpayers with free access to software so they can prepare their own taxes. Taxpayers can also request help from a Tax-Aide, IRS-certified counselor to coach them through the process through computer screen-sharing. 

“Every year, Tax-Aide helps tens of thousands of Washingtonians,” said Marguerite Ro, AARP Washington state director. “Whether you are a working or retired individual, our volunteers can help answer your questions and prepare your tax returns.”

For the 2023 tax season, 26,000 volunteers helped more than 1.5 million taxpayers receive over $1 billion in refunds.

Tax-Aide volunteers receive extensive training to ensure they know about and understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code. Tax-Aide is offered in cooperation with the IRS.

Before visiting a Tax-Aide site, please note:

  • You will need to bring your important documents to the site.
  • Federal Tax assistance is available at all locations.
  • Site hours are subject to change on a weekly basis. Check again the day before you plan to go to the site.

To find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site or get more information, including a comprehensive list of documents to bring to the tax site, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxhelp or call 1-888-227-7669.

The due date for the U.S. individual income tax return is April 15.

Christina Clem is a communications specialist for AARP Washington.

The Senior Scene by — January 24, 2024 in Everything Else

Orting Senior Center is trying to raise money to fill a large whole in its budget after losing government funding.

Pierce County officials in 2023 didn’t award a grant that in past years has covered the center’s operational costs such as utilities and staff. Some of that has been replaced county funding for the center’s role as a mealsite, but more is needed “to keep our operations going,” said Staci Guirsch, the center’s director.

An online drive through gofundme.com has a goal of raising $125,000, according to Guirsch.

In an online post, Guirsch thanked “everyone who has donated and shared our story. The support given for the seniors in Orting is amazing. We couldn’t do what we do without you.”

The Senior Scene by — January 24, 2024 in News
Happy for their furry friends

Some members of Southeast Seattle Senior Center were among recent recipients of free pet food from Seattle Humane’s Pet Food Bank. Since starting in 1983 with 15 volunteers and a $500 donation, the pet food bank has expanded to the point of delivering more than 1 million meals for 23,000-plus clients in just the past 12 months. More information, including how to support the program with donations, is at seattlehumane.org and 425-649-7566.

The Senior Scene by — January 24, 2024 in Food, People