Washington performs well in a new report scoring states’ long-term care systems.
The Evergreen State ranked second in AARP’s Long-Term Services and Supports State Scorecard. Cathy MacCaul, advocacy director for AARP Washington, said this is an achievement for the state.
“Number two is a really positive indicator that all the challenges that the long-term care system experienced during COVID – Washington state did well,” she said. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, though, to continue to improve the long-term care system.”
AARP’s last scorecard on long-term care services was released in 2020. In that report, Washington also ranked second. While the state performed well this year, the analysis noted there are major gaps in maintaining an adequate workforce in every state.
MacCaul said new indicators appeared in this report related to livable communities.
“There’s a lot more work Washington state can do on housing and transportation to improve affordability and access for older adults and for their caregivers,” she said.
MacCaul said the report also recognized that at-home care is key as the population ages rapidly.
“Home- and community-based services and supporting the 880,000 family caregivers that we have in the state are the two areas of probably the most importance when it comes to this scorecard,” she said, “and recognizing the work that we need to do to improve our long-term care system in Washington state.”
Featured photo: Washington state ranked high for its support of family caregivers in a new report. (Studio Dva Kera/Adobe Stock)
