Services We Provide
Respite Care:
Respite care is available both in and out of home and is provided by agencies contracted with Pierce County Aging & Long Term Care. Service cost is based on care recipient income and is provided on a sliding fee basis. For a married couple, the cost would be based upon 50% of their joint monthly income. Maximum dollar amount allowable varies depending on care levels provided.
Provides short-term relief to prevent burnout, as well as provides support during periods of stress or crisis. The service focuses on the needs of the caregiver, giving them time to take care of their own needs and pursue activities essential to maintaining a healthy, well-balanced life.
Housework & Errands Service:
Housework and errands services are available through providers contracted with Pierce County Aging & Long Term Care. Sliding fee scale applies. Annual expenditures for this service may not exceed $1,000 per caregiver in a 12-month period starting with the initial service. Limited to $500/yr. if also using Respite.
Housework includes basic home cleaning for areas normally maintained by the caregiver, e.g. cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping floors, dusting furniture, assistance with laundry. Home repair is not included.
Errands include trips that the caregiver is unable to perform due to caregiving including brief, occasional trips to local stores to pick up prescriptions and/or medical/personal care necessities, and other purposeful shopping trips.
Supplemental Services:
Services are available through providers contracted with Pierce County Aging & Long Term Care. No sliding fee scales apply. Annual expenditures for these services combined may not exceed $500 per caregiver in a 12-month period starting with the initial service.
- Skilled Nursing Service: Assessment and/or hands-on training for the caregiver related to problematic illnesses and health issues of the care recipient.
- Professional Health/Medical Consultation: One on one professional consultation focused on the individual caregiver's unique support needs. Includes: nurse, occupational or physical therapist, mental health professional, speech therapist or dietician.
- Specialized Transportation: Limited transport for appointments and other essential trips to assist the caregiver in meeting the various needs of the care recipient.
- Caregiver Counseling: Individual counseling to assist caregivers with problem solving and coping skills, depression and anxiety associated with their caregiving responsibilities.
- Bath Assistance: Periodic bathing/ personal care of the care recipient to temporarily relieve the caregiver, and/or to provide training on proper bathing technique.
- Minor Adaptive Equipment: Minor equipment such as grab bars, raised toilet seats, portable commodes, bath benches, etc., to assist the caregiver in meeting the normal daily activity needs of the care recipient. Additional assistive devices and services include Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) and the Alzheimer Association's Safe Return program.
Services for Relatives Raising Children:
Services for Relatives Raising Children is provided through the Child and Family Guidance Center in Tacoma. Services are provided on a no-cost basis, however donations are accepted. No advance authorization is needed. Call 253-565-4484.
A variety of support services are available to assist grandparents and other relatives living with and providing primary care to children 18 years of age or younger. Services include: family counseling, summer youth activities, and limited financial assistance to support participation in school / youth activities or to address basic needs (food, clothing, shelter and essential supplies) of an emergent nature.
Dimentia Support Services:
Services are provided through Good Samaritan Community Services. There is no cost for services, however, donations are accepted. No advance authorization is needed. Call 253-697-8575 to make a referral.
Dementia assessment and caregiver consultation is provided to assist the caregiver in managing difficult behaviors and improving coping skills.
A general caregiver support group is also available.
Family Caregiver Resource Center:
The Resource Center provides information and other resource materials designed to help unpaid caregivers understand their role and provide better care to their loved one. Materials available include pamphlets and brochures, books, and video tapes.
The Resource Center is located at Pierce County Aging & Long Term Care, 3580 Pacific Avenue - 1st Floor North, in Tacoma. For additional information, contact Senior Information & Assistance at (253) 798-4600.
