Connection, Celebration and Support for Washington Caregivers

Family caregivers play an essential role in helping loved ones live independently at home and in their communities.

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According to the 2025 Caregiving in the U.S. report, approximately 1.3 million Washingtonians are family caregivers. Caregivers come from every generation, background, and community, and many balance caregiving responsibilities alongside work, family, and other commitments.

While caregiving can be meaningful and rewarding, it can also bring financial, emotional, and physical challenges. New research shows caregivers are providing increasingly complex and high-intensity care and are looking for practical resources and support.

More Ways to Benefit

To help caregivers navigate their journey, AARP is offering free events in Kirkland and Spokane, as well as resources and educational opportunities.

 

FREE EVENTS IN WASHINGTON

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Portraits of Care: Honoring Washington Caregivers

Whether you’re new to caregiving, have been at it for years, or are a former caregiver, come be seen, heard, appreciated, and celebrated.

What to Expect

📸 Professional Portraits: Pose on your own or with your loved one and take home a printed keepsake.

✍️ Six-Word Poetry: Capture your caregiving experience in just six words. No writing experience needed!

🎙️ Share Your Story: Record a short reflection about your caregiving journey. Participation is optional.

❤️ Resources & Community: Connect with other caregivers and explore helpful AARP resources.

🥗 Lunch & Celebration: Enjoy a complimentary lunch while caregiver portraits, poems, and stories are celebrated.

Date: Friday, Nov 13, 2026                                  Time: 10:00am - 12:30pm PT

Venue: Peter Kirk Community Center/Kirkland Senior Center

Location: 352 Kirkland Avenue, Kirkland, WA, 98033

View Details

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Treat Yourself: Free Community Resource Fair

Join us for Treat Yourself: Free Community Resource Fair, an AARP Washington event focused on healthy living, fun, and practical support. Presented in partnership with Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington, this welcoming community gathering offers free lunch, informative workshops, games, crafts, relaxation experiences, and community resources.

Whether you are caring for a loved one, looking for support for yourself, or simply seeking a chance to relax and recharge, this event offers something for everyone. Throughout the day, local partners will provide information and support on topics such as healthy aging, nutrition, fraud prevention, and resources for family caregivers.

You'll discover local resources, build new connections, and gain practical tools to help you and your loved ones live your best lives.

Date: Saturday, Nov 14, 2026                            Time:  9:30am - 3:00pm PT

Venue: Southside Community Center

Location: 3151 East 27th Avenue, Spokane, WA, 99223

View Details

 

Caregiving By The Numbers

The latest national caregiving research found:

  • 63 million Americans are family caregivers.
  • 61% are women and 39% are men.
  • The average caregiver is 51 years old.
  • Nearly three in 10 caregivers (29%) are caring for both children and adults.
  • Family caregivers are providing care for longer periods and taking on increasingly complex responsibilities.

Washington Caregivers:

  • Home to an estimated 1.3 million family caregivers
  • Provides the equivalent of $25 billion in unpaid care a year
  • Spends an average of 27 hours on caregiving each week

Get More From AARP

 

Resources for Family Caregivers

AARP offers free tools and resources to help caregivers at every stage of their journey.

Resources include:

Resources can be found at AARP's caregiving website: www.aarp.org/caregiving

Caregiving touches millions of families every day.

Whether you are currently helping a loved one, expect to provide care in the future, or simply want to learn more, AARP is committed to helping family caregivers access trusted information, practical solutions, and community connections.

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