Resources for adults 65+
People over 65 years old and people with underlying health conditions, are at higher risk of complications from COVID-19. The most important step you can take is to protect yourself. Here are some resources to help you during this time.
Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult family homes
Visits to all long-term care facilities are restricted. Check the latest restrictions here. Use the state Department of Social and Health Service’s facility location and visitor status finder for information about a specific facility or updates about visitation restrictions. Additionally, you can also call the state’s hotline for questions about long-term care facilities, 888-856-5691 (open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily). For the Safe Start for Long Term Care plan announced, visit here. (August 6, 2020)
Important information
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Learn about high risk worker protections.
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COVID-19 hotline: 800-535-0127, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and on observed state holidays.
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Medical care plan(pdf) form, where you can list your current health conditions and treatments (CDC)
- The Administration for Community Living has created a list of resources for adults 60 and older and people with disabilities with information to help keep you safe and healthy.
- Washington Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers
Staying Connected
- How Seniors Can Stay Virtually Connected with Loved Ones
- For the 24 hour toll free friendship line from the Institute on Aging, call 1.800.971.0016
- Lifetime Connections Without Walls is a telephone activities program that provides opportunities for older adults to connect with others in their community and across the country.
- Virtual classes, activities, conversations via telephone from Covia (en espanol)
If you feel sick
Tips on what to do if you feel sick. If you think you have COVID-19, use this screening tool to assess your symptoms.
Risk factors and chronic conditions
People with underlying health conditions have a greater risk of complications from COVID-19.
- Coronavirus and Blood Pressure
- Coronavirus and asthma
- What people with asthma need to know
- Diabetes and planning for coronavirus
- Coronavirus and Diabetes
- Heart health: coronavirus questions
- Coronavirus and arthritis
- Lung health and COVID-19
- Cancer: questions for your health care team
- What to know about HIV and coronavirus
- Coronavirus and Parkinson’s Disease
- Coronavirus and multiple sclerosis
- The Alzheimer’s Association has tips for dementia caregivers and additional resources including a 24/7 helpline, a free service where specialists and masters-level clinicians offer confidential support and information to people living with the disease, caregivers, families and the public. They also provide training, publications, and links to finding support and resources in your community.
Food and medication
Grocery stores and pharmacies are open. Many offer special shopping hours, pickup services, and delivery services. Call your local store to ask about their services. If you visit a store, avoid close contact and consider wearing a face covering. Many restaurants offer carry-out or delivery options. Visit our Food Assistance webpage.
Poison prevention hotline. Social distancing measures combined with decreased access to basic needs and services can disrupt routines and cause stress and anxiety. This can put older adults at higher risk of accidental or intentional poisoning due to medication errors, self-medication and more. If you have questions or need help, call the Washington Poison Center helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or visit www.wapc.org.
Hearing loss and deafness
- Deaf and hard of hearing communication plan
- ASL COVID-19 video series
- How do I communicate with medical staff?
- Resources for the deaf community about coronavirus
Memory and cognitive impairment
- Tips for dementia caregivers
- Tips for dementia caregivers in long-term or community-based settings
- Information for people affected by dementia
LGBTQ+
Visit the National Resource Center for LGBT and Aging
Scams, price gouging, and misinformation
Bad actors want to exploit confusion about the coronavirus. Safeguard personal and financial information. Report fraud and price gouging to 866-720-5721 or at the Office of the Attorney General website. Tips on avoiding scams
Mental and well emotional support
It is normal to feel anxious, lonely, or depressed right now. There are many resources and organizations that can help.
Q&A series for older Washingtonians
A Question and Answer miniseries, created by the State Joint information Center, AARP, and TVW, answers questions from seniors around Washington State about how to stay healthy and maintain connections with loved ones during the pandemic. Episodes include interviews with the governor, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Secretary of Health John Wiesman and numerous other experts. You can watch videos from the series here.