Home > Archived: Increase the percentage of long-term service and support clients served in home and community-based settings

Archived: Increase the percentage of long-term service and support clients served in home and community-based settings

Why is this a priority?

The number of people age 65 and older will double in Washington over the next twenty years. Many of these seniors, and other adults with disabilities, will need long-term services and supports (LTSS), such as assistance with:

  • Dressing;
  • Bathing;
  • Shopping;
  • Cooking;
  • Toileting;
  • Getting around;
  • Dementia and behavior supports; and
  • Skilled nursing and treatments.

Many of these individuals will also need assistance paying for this care. The hallmark of Washington's long-term services and supports system is that, whenever possible, individuals are given the opportunity to live and receive services in their own home or a community setting. Developing home and community-based services has meant Washingtonians have a choice regarding where they receive care, and has produced a more cost-effective method of delivering services.

How are we doing?

Washington's long-term care system is ranked 2nd in the nation by the American Association of Retired Persons' "Scorecard" report. The report highlights these strengths:

  • Wide range of care settings and providers to choose from;
  • Support for family members who assist their relatives (unpaid family caregivers); and
  • High proportion of public funding is spent on home and community-based services rather than on nursing facilities, providing clients with options and choices.
What are we working on?
  • Developing resources to meet the needs of people with challenging behaviors;
  • Developing additional resources to support families and informal caregivers;
  • Providing early information to individuals and families about their choices for care;
  • Developing partnerships with local hospitals to keep nursing facility stays short and focused on rehabilitation vs. long-term residency; and
  • Maximizing our use of the federal Roads to Community Living program to support people moving to the community.
How can you help?

Learn more about the types of services and programs that help an adult remain at home: ALTSA Services that help an adult remain at home

Need to find local services? Visit our website to find out who to contact: ALTSA Resources

Are you caring for a loved one? Find out about resources for caregivers: ALTSA Caregiver Resources