If you help care for a family member or friend and need support, contact the Family Caregiver Support Program at 206-448-3110 or 1-888-4ELDERS.

A nearly $1 million boost in state funding will help hundreds of family caregivers who take care of loved ones in their own homes.Family caregiving plays a vital role in helping some of the most vulnerable members of our community remain in their homes and stay independent, but caregiving also takes a heavy toll on the caregivers including stress, depression and increased chances of developing chronic illnesses.

 The Family Caregiver Support Program, run by the Seattle Human Services Department’s Aging and Disability Services (ADS), received an increase of $987,000 for one year from July 2011. The added funding brings the total program budget to $2.5 million and will allow the program to serve approximately 430 county residents who are taking care of family members.