SEATTLE — Older adults make up a higher share of the population in rural areas, and aging at home can be more difficult.
“Aging in rural areas can come with some challenges that include access to services and care that we might need as we get older,” said Marguerite Ro, AARP state director. “For instance, finding long-term care supports or caregiving can be challenging.”
Transportation is often an issue for older adults in rural communities because transit options are limited or non-existent.
“If you lose the ability to drive, if you need to access grocery shopping, you really have to depend on friends and family and community if you don’t have other systems,” said Lynn Kimball, executive director for Aging & Long-Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW).
Access to healthcare is also a challenge. Even though there are rural hospitals, they still may be far away, and if specialized treatment is needed, you may have to travel long distances to urban areas to get care. Additionally, it can be difficult to find a caregiver to provide support.
“Since our rural communities are aging, there’s only so many people around that are able serve in those roles, and they can get stretched pretty thin,” Kimball said.
Family caregivers play a critical role for older adults, and while it’s rewarding for many, it can also be stressful, especially in rural communities. Kimball recommends finding your Area Agency on Aging to learn about caregiver support programs. This can include access to respite care and counseling.
“Reaching out to get that support and help is so, so key,” she said.
Ro says some other critical help is also coming for caregivers across that state.
“Washingtonians are really fortunate that they will soon have access to our state’s long-term care insurance program, which will offer some important support for family caregivers,” she said.
Funds from the program can help pay family caregivers to offset lost income and aid with home safety modifications, meal delivery, assistive technology and more.
Find more resources and information for caregivers on the AARP website.
Sponsored by AARP
Segment Producer Suzie Wiley. Watch New Day Northwest at 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.