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Resolve to Weigh In on Issues Related to Long-Term Care

If you’re like me, you stopped making New Year’s resolutions a long time ago. Still, there’s something about the beginning of a new year and a fresh new calendar that makes me want to get a fresh start and do good work that helps other people. The fact that the Washington State Legislature convenes its regular legislative session on the first Monday after New Year’s Day means one thing: Opportunity.

In last month’s issue of AgeWise King County (“Preparing for the 2024 Washington State Legislative Session”), I outlined some current Aging Network priorities related to long-term care as well as nutrition services. In this month’s issue, you’ll see an article (“Long-Term Care Residents Deserve Equal Rights”) about legislation that, if passed, would protect older people from eviction, no matter where they live, and ensure they have a say in who provides their medical care.

Legislative advocacy is important. Your elected officials want to hear from you, and they need to hear from you.

Personal advocacy is also important. I encourage you to consider applying for a seat on the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services, which I chair. Several vacancies exist. Learn about a wide variety of issues by attending our meetings, join with other advocates in meeting with elected officials at the local level, and join us in promoting an age-friendly community! Learn more here.

Another opportunity is service on the Mayor’s Council on African American Elders, which looks at unmet needs and gaps in services for older people of African descent who are isolated, frail, and low-income. Learn more at www.seattle.gov/MCAAE. To apply, see contact information here.

Further opportunities to advocate on behalf of older people are available by connecting with any of the organizations involved in the Washington State Senior Citizens’ Lobby, listed here. All do truly amazing work and are always on the lookout for volunteers.

It’s important to me that I make a difference for others. I hope you feel that way, too. Please join me in connecting with the broader Aging Network and making a difference for older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and families throughout Washington state.

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Contributor Joe Hailey chairs the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services. He welcomes input from readers via e-mail (advisorychair@agewisekingcounty.org).

Photo at top shows ADS Advisory Council members and other Aging Network advocates over the past decade.

This article appeared in the January 2024 issue of AgeWise King County.