Resources, services, providers highlight Making the Link 2018

Pierce County’s “Making the Link” is an annual showcase of care providers for older adults and individuals with disabilities. There will be over 70 exhibitors featuring in-home care, assisted and skilled nursing facilities, elder law, equipment providers,...

Mistakes to avoid when looking for a care facility

Many families feel like they have been thrown into the fire when the need to find a care facility for themselves or a loved one. There are scores of long term care facilities throughout Pierce County – adult family homes, assisted living, skilled nursing,...

Relationships change when caregiving needs begin

Friendships can last a lifetime. When childhood friendships continue into adulthood, they can evolve into something more, such as a tremendous support system offering encouragement, and even growing into caregiving. Not all caregivers are family. Many car...

Falls prevention event highlights awareness, action

Falls are the scourge of aging. They can result in minor sprains and bruises or cause major bone breaks. They can even result in hospitalization or death. As the number of seniors continues to grow, the number of fall-related injuries continues to increas...

Preventable falls among seniors reach epidemic proportions

One small accident, like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor, can change your life. For older adults, a break can be the start of more serious problems, such as a hip fracture, head injury, or even death. 

Since 2003, the number of deaths...

Caregivers can identify with Happy Tears

Caregivers give it their all – blood, sweat and tears. What started out as helping around the house can easily become a full-time job. Caring can bring up a mix of emotions, especially if you’re providing around the clock care. One day...

Caregiver film series focuses on relationship stress

It may start with driving your loved one to get groceries or go to the doctor. Later, you may find yourself taking time off work, preparing meals, or handling the bills. Regardless of where you are at on your caregiving journey, there are many responsibil...

Powerful tools make a difference for caregivers

Every day in the United States, 40 million people help their parents, grandparents, relatives or neighbors with the daily activities of living, including dressing, bathing, cooking, shopping, and taking medication. Here in Washington, there are more than ...

Caregiver film series begins at Tacoma’s Grand Cinema

In communities all over the world, family members are taking care of relatives who are sick, disabled, or needing assistance in some way. By some estimates, one in four families is engaged in caregiving activities, with eighty percent of that care provide...

Unravel the mysteries of Medicaid

Medicaid insurance is a lifeline for many individuals relying on long term care. Also known as Washington Apple Health, this coverage pays for necessary medical expenses for over 122,000 adults and children in Pierce County.

While Medicaid funding is most ...

Workshops help wade through disaster insurance

Pierce County is in the crosshairs for an exceptionally wide range of natural disasters – wind storms, flooding, mudslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanos and fires. Homeowners and renters need to give careful consideration not only to how they will surv...

Aging and Disability Resources seeks Advisory Board members

Just 15 people can make a world of difference for tens of thousands of seniors and people with disabilities in Pierce County.The Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources (ADR) Advisory Board is seeking new members to fill current vacancies to assist i...

Workshops explores alternative vacations for older adults

There’s nothing more rejuvenating than a great vacation. And non-traditional getaways are growing quickly in popularity.While traditional vacations remain popular, new concepts include ecotourism, voluntourism and housesitting, as options rapidly gaining ...

Advance care directive workshops provide help to protect your health care decisions

If you became unable to speak, who would make your medical decisions? While two-thirds of Americans have wills for their estates or possessions, only 15 percent have advance directives for health care – most often written by legal professionals, not healt...

Town hall focuses on healthy LGBTQ aging in Pierce County

Like the rest of America, baby boomers in the LGBTQ community are facing retirement.  The life expectancy in the United States now averages 78.6 years.  And when it comes to LGBTQ aging, there is much more concern than simply the years a...

Workshops provide powerful tools to help support caregivers

Many people don’t plan to take on the role of caregiver to a loved one. The responsibilities of providing medical assistance and everyday social care are not part of their reality — until they are. Research shows that family members who provide care to in...

Workshop shows Parkinson’s patients how to live life fully

Pierce County’s Aging and Disability Resource Center has teamed up with the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s to offer three free community workshops to help people learn more about Parkinson’s and the resources available to them.“Living and Thrivi...

Volunteers needed to help identify people experiencing homelessness

Pierce County is looking for volunteers for the 2018 Point-In-Time Count on Friday, January 26th, 2018!

Volunteers will be stationed at meal sites, day shelters, events such as Project Homeless Connect, and DSHS offices throughout Pierce County. and will c...

Free workshop on what you need to know about reverse mortgages

Few financial products generate as much debate and confusion as reverse mortgages. It is not a resolution for immediate financial difficulties. But for seniors who want to stay in their home for the long term, it may be a decision worth considering. Like ...

Learn how families can collaborate with long-term care facilities

Families are the backbone of long-term care and provide almost 80 percent of the care in the United States. When a loved one transitions into any formal care setting, the role of the family becomes substantially more important.  “Being there for ...

Public invited to film showing and discussion that explores impact of Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter and Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources will be hosting a free showing of the film, “Iris”, at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28, at the Grand Cinema, 606 Fawcett Avenue in Tacoma. The showing is...

Learn how to be prepared for Mount Rainier eruption

May is Volcano Preparedness Month in Washington, providing residents an opportunity to learn about steps that can be taken to reduce potential impacts caused by such a devastation.

The public is invited to “What Mount Rainier Has in Store”, a free presenta...

Documentary explores putting meaning into life

In recognition of Older Americans Month in May, Pierce County’s Aging and Disability Resources and the Pierce County Library System will host a series of free film screenings of the PBS Frontline documentary ’Being Mortal’. A guided discussion will follow...

Series offers help and support for beginning stage of Alzheimer’s

Pierce County’s Aging and Disability Resource Center is presenting “Oh My Gosh – Now What?” a free six-part series of discussions for families and individuals that focuses on the initial journey of memory loss through Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Indiv...

Workshop helps start process of a legacy letter

Older adults possess a lifetime of experience and wisdom. Legacy writing provides the opportunity to communicate your values and wisdom, history, and stories for future generations. It preserves who you are, what matters most to you, and it’s a way for yo...

Free workshop lays out solutions for Social Security

It’s no secret that tax revenue for Social Security is outpaced by payments made to beneficiaries. In less than 20 years, Social Security will only be able to pay out about 75% of promised benefits. What can be done to keep the program healthy f...Read on...

Guidance for Social Security in 2017

Social Security is the cornerstone of retirement plans for most Americans. The program continues to evolve and will do so, especially in light of projections about the solvency of Social Security. For individuals preparing to start their Social Security b...Read on...

Learn how to travel with Alzheimer’s or dementia

Getting out and seeing the world is one of those pleasures that almost everyone enjoys. Whether it’s heading off to delightful far off places or taking in vistas nearby, travel can lift the heart and stimulate the mind. But with a diagnosis of A...Read on...

Event provides link for anyone serving older adults or individuals with disabilities

Most older adults and people with disabilities hope to remain safe, independent, and active, whether at home or in a care facility. Knowing about available resources in the community and how to access them is one of the best things that people can do for ...Read on...

Workshop offers keys to success with vision loss

Vision loss happens more often that we may care to admit. Whether by disease, age, accident or trauma, people can have their vision impacted. But it doesn’t have to mean the loss of independence or quality of life. By tapping into community supports and r...Read on...

Social Security Disability focus on March 23

Odds are you won’t need it. Odds are if you do need it, Social Security Disability is a lifesaver. Nearly one out of every six working-age Americans – 29.5 million people – has a disability, making them much more likely to experience economic hardship th...Read on...

Workshop explains Social Security retirement changes in 2016

Social Security continues to be a key part of how Americans ensure their financial security after they retire. Congress made some substantial changes to the program that take effect in 2016. For people preparing to start their Social Security benefits, th...Read on...

Learn skills to deal with initial diagnosis of Alzheimer’s

Pierce County Community Connections Aging and Disability Resources is hosting a repeat series of the popular “Oh My Gosh – Now What?” The 6-part series of discussions for families and individuals focuses on the initial journey through Alzheimer’s and oth...Read on...

Workshop brings hoarding out from the shadows

Television has made hoarding into prime time entertainment. But hoarding is serious business that can last a lifetime – a mental health disorder that may touch over 1 million people in the US. Often families are torn apart, friends are alienated and mar...Read on...

Community Connections director leaving position at Pierce County

After nearly five years with Pierce County Community Connections, Helen Howell’s last day as director of that department will be Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Howell will be transitioning to her new role as Executive Director of Building Changes, an organization th...Read on...

Plan ahead to maximize your Social Security benefits

For people planning on receiving Social Security now or in the future, knowing how to make the benefits is critical. A few simple tips can save beneficiaries thousands of dollars. And for those currently receiving Social Security benefits, there may be ...Read on...

Task force to dedicate DUI emphasis patrol to young victim

Tacoma Pierce County DUI and Traffic Safety Task Force will dedicate a DUI emphasis patrol this weekend in honor of Quinnton Dimmitt. The 17-year-old Franklin Pierce High School student was killed by an impaired driver April 25, 2014, as he drove to buy a...Read on...

Family caregivers have resources to ease their work

Caregiving is the “new normal” in American families. People who need help – whether because of age, accident, debilitating disease, chronic health conditions or simple frailty – much prefer to remain in the familiar (and affordable) surroundings of home r...Read on...

Community input sought for Aging & Disability priorities

Pierce County Community Connections Aging & Disability Resources (ADR) is initiating a process to gather community input for the creation of the 2016-2019 Area Plan. The Area Plan establishes funding priorities and the array of services that will be p...Read on...

Volunteers needed for Pierce County’s annual homeless survey

The Pierce County Department of Community Connections and Tacoma-Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness seek volunteers to gather census data of the homeless population and those on the verge of becoming homeless in Pierce County.

The annual surv...Read on...

Retirement for “average folks” will look different

If you look at advertising, it’s all about expanding your portfolio and enjoying the good life. While that may be true for some, most Americans will experience something quite different.

“Retirement for ‘Average’ Folks” explores what most people wil...Read on...

Free Uber ride home avoids a DUI in Tacoma on Black Friday

Avoid a DUI in Tacoma this Black Friday with the simple tap of an app.

To kick-off its holiday Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, the Tacoma Pierce County DUI and Traffic Safety Task Force is partnering with Uber, the app that connects riders an...Read on...

Learn about resources for extended care of a loved one

Whether the need happens suddenly or over a period of years, when the necessity for extended health care happens, knowing about community resources is a necessity. The worst case scenario is to have to make decisions about long term care in a crisis witho...Read on...

Dementia: Setting the Record Straight

Dementia can be a frightening diagnosis, both for the individual and for their family. People often experience a range of emotions from anger and relief to denial and depression. And that is only the beginning. As short-term memory begins to fade, people ...Read on...

Medicare changes place responsibilities on beneficiaries

Medicare is no longer a one-size-fits-all health insurance program. Medicare now offers beneficiaries two basic options – Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage – and dozens of additional choices within each path. Knowing the differences and how to choo...Read on...

Advance planning for funerals eases burdens

Decisions made in haste or under pressure are most often not the best decisions. This is particularly true at the passing of a loved one. Given these circumstances it’s not unusual for families to purchase services or overlook things that would not have b...Read on...

Your feet may be telling you something

We walk all over them but most of the time there’s no complaint – until it’s too late. The average woman will own 450 pairs of shoes in a lifetime. Men will own about half that many. Yet few people have their feet measured professionally, trusting only th...Read on...

Workshop offers tips for scam prevention

Seniors are the target of choice for scammers and other crooks. Financial scams often go unreported or can be difficult to prosecute, so they’re considered a “low-risk” crime. However, they're devastating to many older adults and can leave them in a very...Read on...

Tips for when driving is no longer an option

One of the most difficult challenges families face is the time when an older adult should no longer get behind the wheel of a car. The automobile is often seen as the last symbol of a person’s independence and removing that can be devastating.

“Giving ...Read on...

Police intervene in weekend underage drinking parties on South Hill and in Graham

Pierce County’s Party Intervention Patrol citied 14 underage drinkers, ages 17-20, after a tip led the multi-agency team to a bonfire deep in the woods near the La Paloma Firs neighborhood of Graham.

Beginning at 11 PM on June 14, officers hiked into t...Read on...

Learn about resources for extended care of a loved one

Whether the need happens suddenly or over a period of years, when the necessity for extended health care happens, knowing about community resources is a necessity. The worst case scenario is to have to make decisions about long term care in a crisis.

“...Read on...

Films focus on Alzheimer’s caregiving

Families dealing with the prospect of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia face an uncertain future. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s. Most families work diligently to provide for the needs of their loved one in their own home as lo...Read on...

Social Security benefits help people with a ticket to work

Individuals with disabilities encounter numerous barriers to employment. Those frustrating walls hinder gainful employment and reduce self-sufficiency. But Social Security provides many effective work incentives that can be combined with other state resou...Read on...

Long term care insurance: Get the impartial facts

Only about 10% of adults have long term care insurance. Given that Medicare does not cover long term care, how smart is that?

Long term care can be expensive. Long term care insurance is expensive. Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources wil...Read on...

Community Connections Citizens Advisory Board seeks members

The Pierce County Department of Community Connections is seeking citizen members to serve on an advisory board that makes funding recommendations for community development grants.

Members of the Pierce County Citizens’ Advisory Board help reduce the im...Read on...

Knowing how to make a Will saves problems later

The Pierce County Aging & Disability Resource Center has scheduled an additional “Writing Your Will” workshop for Tuesday, March 18 at 7 p.m.

The free event will be held at the Jim and Carolyn Milgard Family HOPE Center, 8502 Skansie Avenue in Gi...Read on...

Workshop explores successful family caregiving

The vast majority of health care provided in the United States – 89% of it – happens at home. Nearly one in three households is involved in family caregiving – either directly or indirectly. But for most caregivers, there is little training to meet the ch...Read on...

Community Connections Grant keeps Parkland kids smiling

Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children (LDCC) in Parkland is doing their part to make a positive impact in Pierce County for low-income children with unmet dental needs. Thanks to a grant from Pierce County Community Connections, as many as 4,000 additional...Read on...

Learn how to maximize Social Security benefits

As the economy changes and the needs of consumers change, knowing how to make the most of Social Security benefits is becoming more and more important. For people preparing to start their Social Security benefits, a few simple tips might save them thousan...Read on...

Homeless Coalition seeks volunteers

For those of us living in the northwest, the cold, damp winter seems endless by this time of the year. Imagine being one of the 670 homeless individuals who slept outside or in an emergency shelter in your neighborhood last night. To understand the challe...Read on...

Volunteers sought for youth violence prevention program

The Department of Community Connections seeks volunteers to serve on the Allocation Advisory Committee for Prevention Programs, an advisory body to Pierce County government on the use of tax dollars set aside for youth violence prevention programs.

Th...Read on...

Knowing how to make a Will saves problems later

There are some topics that people are reluctant to think about. While 60% of adults said they believe everyone should have a will, only 44% said they have one. The reality is that a Will is an essential document for any adult, regardless of age, to create...Read on...

Tow companies, volunteers and cops team up to keep holiday roads safe

Law enforcement officers who began removing impaired drivers from Pierce County roads Thanksgiving Day are urging potential drinking drivers to call taxis and line-up sober designated drivers again this weekend.

The Tacoma Pierce County DUI and Traffic...Read on...

Dangers of holiday scams and frauds highlighted

December always sees a spike in the number of scams, frauds and identity thefts by crooks taking advantage of the fast paced holiday season. Many of these crimes happen because shoppers are a little less attentive to their surroundings.

As technology...Read on...

How Community Connections helps a family coping with dementia

Every day is a good day for Raanah Aanstead. But three days each week, she is in the best place. “People make me smile,” she said. “They make me feel special.”

For a little over a year, Raanah has been coming to Cascade Park Active Day, an adult day he...Read on...

Help provided for individuals and families suffering addiction

Many individuals and families suffer silently under the shadow of addiction. When alcohol or prescription drugs take over a person’s life, those nearby are impacted too. It can happen in any family – rich or poor, large or small, employed or not. No one i...Read on...

DUI task force's taxi program kicks-off Sept. 28

Fun-seekers heading for 6th Avenue’s nightclubs this Saturday night in Tacoma will have help scoring a taxi ride home if they’ve had too much to drink.

The rides - the first 25 of which will be free for groups sharing a ride within Tacoma - are sponsor...Read on...

Grandparenting has a new look in 2013

Grandparenting these days presents many new opportunities. But it also requires some approaches that were unheard of twenty years ago. The advent of technology and the experiences that youngsters have today create a whole new environment.

There are as ...Read on...

Workshop prepares businesses for the Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is moving closer to full implementation. Washington State has chosen to establish a Health Benefit Exchange, a marketplace where individuals and businesses (with less than 50 employees) can shop for insurance plans.

Take t...Read on...

Film explores depths of what makes us who we are

The Alzheimer’s journey is just another story – until it hits home. When Ann Hedreen’s mother began the battle with Alzheimer’s, it was only natural for the daughter – a professional filmmaker – to pick up her camera and tell the story with a mix of scien...Read on...

Learn how to maximize Social Security benefits

As the economy changes and the needs of consumers change, knowing how to make the most of Social Security benefits is becoming more and more important. For people preparing to start their Social Security benefits, a few simple tips might save them thousan...Read on...

Get the facts about sun safety before summer arrives

Even the Stone Age people knew the sun brought life on Earth and that is one reason they used to worship it. But the sun can both heal and destroy. Sunlight can be the kiss of life or death. It depends on the way we use it.

Pierce County Aging & ...Read on...

Cops step-up Cinco de Mayo DUI and liquor enforcement

As communities throughout King, Snohomish and Pierce counties bring out their sombreros and Mariachi guitars in anticipation of the coming Cinco de Mayo weekend, law enforcement is making its own plans.

Beginning on Saturday, May 4, local, county and ...Read on...

Birthday party leads to 24 underage drinking arrests

A Party Intervention Patrol on April 6 coordinated by the Tacoma Pierce County DUI and Traffic Safety Task Force resulted in the arrest of 24 youth, ages 18-21, for minor in possession.

Included among the arrested youth was a female who was taken to j...Read on...

Forum provides opportunity for caregivers to brainstorm

People who care for an individual with Alzheimer’s or other dementias are faced with heavy responsibilities unlike other caregivers. Sometimes the work can become overwhelming, especially when new and difficult behaviors and patterns come to the surface. ...Read on...

Community Cafe's will help guide services in Pierce County

Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources (ADR) will host a series of three Community Cafés to help draft the 2014-2015 Area Plan Update. The Area Plan is used as a guide for planning and funding programs and services that can best serve older adults...Read on...

Universal Design Workshop shows how to stay at home

People buy homes to suit their practical needs – kids, hobbies, interests, neighborhoods and more. But those needs invariably change over time. In order to stay in a home and enjoy the benefits, careful thought has to be put into making the home livable f...Read on...

Free special needs transportation expands in rural Pierce County

Community Connections is expanding special needs transportation in rural Pierce County. The “Beyond the Borders Connector,” a four-month pilot project, provides eligible riders with a link to services in rural communities. The transportation program is ad...Read on...

Forum offers tips for businesses to combat cyber crime

Leaders in combating cyber crime and business identity theft will talk about trends and solutions for local companies at a forum on March 20 in Lakewood.

The forum, jointly sponsored by the Economic Development Departments of Pierce County and the City...Read on...

Going to – and leaving – the hospital takes planning

A stay in the hospital used to be a pretty simple thing. Patients went in when they were sick and left when they were better. Today, a hospital stay is much more complicated. Patients leave the hospital with ever more complicated conditions.

Hospital ...Read on...

"Drive sober or get pulled over" Super Bowl weekend

Be sure to plan a safe ride home this weekend. The Target Zero Teams in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties will be out this Super Bowl weekend looking for impaired drivers.

“Football fans look forward to spending the day with family and friends watc...Read on...

Film explores Alzheimer’s from the inside

One of every eight people over 65 years has Alzheimer’s. Over half of all families are touched by Alzheimer’s. There is no cure for the disease. But there is hope.

“HOPEless” is a special showing of two documentary films produced by HBO. “The Memor...Read on...

Learn how to maximize Social Security benefits

The Pierce County Aging & Disability Resource Center will host an additional presentation of “Social Security After Retirement” on Thursday, Jan. 24 at the Pierce County Soundview Building, 3611 S. D Street in Tacoma, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The wo...Read on...

Learn the ins and outs of Medicaid

Health care costs continue to climb. Many people presume that in one way or another Medicare and/or Medicaid will pay for care, especially long term care.

Medicaid, a program financed jointly by the federal and state governments, provides medical care ...Read on...

Volunteers Needed to conduct Pierce County's annual homeless survey

The Department of Community Connections and Tacoma-Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness seek volunteers to gather census data of the homeless population and those on the verge of becoming homeless in Pierce County. The annual survey – which is in i...Read on...

Workshop offers guidance for aging parents of children with disabilities

Parents of children with a life-long developmental disability, chronic illness or mental health condition often face a lifetime of challenges, successes, sorrows, and joys.

But what happens when aging parents develop their own medical and cognitive d...Read on...

Holiday revelers can get a free ride home instead of a DUI

The Tacoma Pierce County DUI and Traffic Safety Task Force, in partnership with the Pierce County Tower’s Association and Aloha Cab Company, is kicking off its holiday Home Safe Bar Program to keep would-be impaired drivers off the road.

Beginning this...Read on...

County seeks applications for community grants

Pierce County is soliciting applications for $800,000 in federal grants aimed at improving living conditions in lower income areas.

The grants will be offered to nonprofit, public and government agencies from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban De...Read on...

Workshop prepares families for difficult conversations

Monday Oct 29 2012 11:42 AM

The holidays bring families together. It's a chance to catch up and share news. But it's also a chance to check up on older relatives and other loved ones who may be at risk.

"Breaking the Ice" is an information...Read on...

DUI Patrol and Home Safe Bar Program hits Tacoma streets

Thursday Sep 27 2012 9:56 AM

Pierce County's Target Zero law enforcement team dedicated to reducing the number of people killed by impaired drivers is headed for Tacoma the weekend of Sept. 29.

The team has arrested more than 2,500 impaired drivers ...Read on...

Allocation Advisory Committee for Prevention Programs volunteers sought

Friday Sep 21 2012 10:29 AM

The Pierce County Department of Community Connections is seeking new members to serve on the Allocation Advisory Committee for Prevention Programs, an advisory body to Pierce County government on the use of tax dollars set a...Read on...

County helps convert Orting funeral home into food bank

Wednesday Apr 11 2012 2:19 PM

Say good-bye to candelabras and flower stands. Today, the rooms of the former Power's Funeral Home in downtown Orting are lined with shelves and bins of food, fruits and vegetables. The new Orting Food Bank is open for bus...Read on...

Free job fair for students and those with developmental disabilities

Tuesday Mar 06 2012 11:54 AM

Job seekers and students with disabilities can attend a free conference called "Tools 4 Success" to help prepare them for their job searches and employment.

The half-day employment and technology conference wil...Read on...

Youth violence prevention experts needed

Tuesday Feb 14 2012 3:09 PM

Money is available from Pierce County's Department of Community Connections for organizations to develop Youth Violence Prevention Programs.

Community Connections recently announced the Request for Proposals that address...Read on...

Pierce County breaks ground on Energy Star certified housing

With one ceremonial dig in an empty lot, County Executive Pat McCarthy kicked off construction of a new community in Pierce County – The Woods at Golden Given. Volunteers, contractors and community partners will now begin developing this $6.2 million, 30-...Read on...