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Commissioners briefed on Area Agency on Aging pilot participation and new senior supports
Summary
Thurston County commissioners heard that the Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging was selected as one of two AAA sites in Washington for a Washington Cares Fund pilot and received grants/waivers totaling roughly $4.5 million to support seniors’ nonmedical services over the next two years.
A commissioner reported June 18 that the Lewis–Mason–Thurston Area Agency on Aging (AAA) will be one of two pilot sites in Washington state for implementation of the Washington Cares Fund long-term care benefits and that the AAA also received funding to pilot health-related social needs services.
The county was told the pilot will enroll about 400 people and provide long-term services and supports such as home care, caregiver respite, home modifications and nutrition services; participants could be eligible for up to $36,000 in services per person under the Washington Cares Fund program. Staff said enrollment could begin January 2026.
Separately, the AAA and partners secured an approximate total of $4.5 million in grant and waiver funding (reported by the commissioner) to deliver community-based services such as nutrition education, meals, pantry support, housing assistance, home care and community transition services over the next two years. County staff said some program details are still being finalized and that program managers are hiring for planning and contract roles.
The board also heard about an $80 prepaid farmers market card program (senior farmer’s market nutrition program) with roughly 50 cards remaining for county residents who qualify. Commissioners said the county will follow up with the AAA and provide more details to residents about enrollment.
Ending: commissioners requested follow-up information and staff said they will return with details on the pilot’s scope, exact funding amounts and implementation timeline.
