SPRING 2025
HCS Colleagues,
CATHY’S Message
As we navigate the evolving landscape of long-term care, I encourage you to take an active role in supporting Washingtonians through innovative solutions like the Remote Caregiving Pilot Program. Your dedication is making a real difference, and we need your continued participation to maximize the impact this service has on our clients at HCS.
Why is the Remote Caregiving Pilot Important?
With a growing demand for personal care services and the availability of caregivers not always aligning with client needs, remote caregiving has become a critical tool in bridging these gaps. Personal care delivered remotely allows caregivers to provide essential personal care services—such as medication reminders, wellness checks, and cueing for daily activities—when in-person caregiving is unavailable or underutilized. Remote Caregiving also ensures that clients have greater flexibility and choice in how they receive many services, supporting core values of our work at HCS.
Why Should HCS Staff Refer Clients to the Pilot?
As we continue this pilot through December 31, 2025, HCS field staff’s role in identifying eligible clients and making referrals is pivotal to making remote caregiving a successful and viable option for clients now and in the future. By embracing remote caregiving, you are shaping the future of service delivery and ensuring continuity of care for those we serve.
The Vision – Personal Care, Delivered Remotely
By identifying clients who can benefit from remote caregiving, you are expanding access to care, reducing barriers, and helping clients receive the support they need, when they need it. And this isn’t just true for the pilot, but for the future of personal care in Washington. The work we do in the Remote Caregiving Pilot through the end of 2025 is informing how remote caregiving options are implemented state -
Cathy Kinnaman
Home and Community Services Director
wide now and for years to come. For every client that you refer to the pilot program, we deepen our understanding about clients’ needs and preferences, identify solutions to barriers related to remote personal care, and amplify our support and collaboration with critical AAA and home care agency partnerships. Our goal is to be a national leader in innovation by offering remote personal care as a permanent option to clients statewide in 2026.
Thank You for Making Referrals!
We’ve had about 25 referrals to Remote Caregiving to date, with referrals growing considerably in just the past few weeks. I’d like to offer the biggest thank you and shout out to Janice Castillo, Jamie Hanson, and Jay Swavely for referring clients to remote caregiving over the past month! Your curiosity and client-centered focus have continued to expand the work of the pilot and allow many clients to have more choice and independence in the way they receive their assistance with personal care. HCS staff can follow in Janice, Jamie, and Jay’s footsteps and refer a client today by following the simple referral steps outlined on the Remote Caregiving SharePoint page or reaching out with any questions via email at RemoteCaregiving@ dshs.wa.gov. Curious about what Remote Caregiving looks like in action? You can also watch and share this video for an example of how Catholic Community Services (pilot partner) utilizes technology in the remote personal care services they deliver to clients in their homes.
Thank you for your dedication and hard work as we continue to grow. Let’s work together to make Remote Caregiving a success!
With gratitude, Cathy Kinnaman
DSHS Region 1
Adams • Asotin
Benton
Chelan
Columbia
Douglas
Grant
Kittitas
Klickitat
Lincoln
Okanogan
Walla Walla
Whitman
Yakima
Success Story
Have you ever been to the historic Davenport Grand Hotel in Spokane? Well, you might run into J during your visit. He recently secured a job in Banquet Set-Up. The achievement of J’s journey is a collaboration between him and a wonderful employment provider, Triumph Community Services, who provided him care, diligence, compassion, and patience.
J has lived at an adult family home since 2019. Mental health and other health issues made it difficult for J to seek employment. Through FCS Supported Employment, J regained self-confidence and purpose. Initially, he did not want to attend job conferences, reasoning it was too far away and he did not wish to associate with the people downtown. J changed his mind and attended the conference with encouragement from his employment provider. He called his employment provider one day and said, “a job is a job” and with that, he attended the job conference, met with the hiring manager, and secured a job. J also successfully obtained food handler and MAST permits. MAST is an alcohol server permit and requires 3 grueling hours of training and testing. He
Sammy Bernardy Employment Specialist
Ferry
Franklin
Garfield
Region 1
Pend Oreille
Spokane
Stevens
scored 100% on both tests!
Even though J secured a job, supported employment service did not end. Like most clients, J would like to work and enjoy his hard-earned money. With the support of Triumph Community Services and the ALTSA Supported Employment Team, J is educated about work incentives and Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities. Please join us in celebrating J and all our clients who worked so hard to obtain employment, which opens the door for more opportunities, improved self-confidence and overall well-being.
DSHS Region 2
Erin Klones Home and Community Services Administrator – Region 2
Snohomish
Soaring Together: The Power of Choice and Time
At our recent region-wide Public Benefits Specialist (PBS) meeting, we explored the power of choice and the importance of time management, two forces that shape our daily work and personal lives.
The Power of Choice
We all made a choice to be here. Some came for stability, others for purpose, but at the core, we all share something deeply human—we love someone, we care about something, and we strive for a better future. We discussed the importance of leaning into uncertainty, embracing the discomfort of growth, and staying off balance on purpose—a concept that challenges us to push forward rather than retreat into safety. Like an airplane in flight, stability is not about staying still; it’s about adjusting, adapting, and continuing forward.
A key takeaway from our discussion was focusing on where we have control. If we fixate on obstacles, that’s where we’ll land. But if we set our sights on purpose and progress, we’ll soar higher. With clear objectives and a willingness to embrace change, we can navigate challenges and find success both personally and professionally.
Time: Our Most Valuable Resource
In our discussion on time management, we reflected on a powerful quote from Theophrastus: “Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.” Many of us feel we don’t have enough time, yet small, intentional improvements—even just 10% each day—can lead to transformative results over time.
Key strategies emerged:
• Lean into efficiency by identifying and eliminating waste.
• Recognize that waste is a form of disrespect—to ourselves, our colleagues, and the people we serve.
• Maximize time by focusing on what truly matters, rather than getting caught up in distractions.
Time, like flight, requires precision and focus. When we manage it well, we gain altitude, reduce turbulence, and stay on course toward our goals.
Empathy and Connection: The Wind Beneath Our Wings
A major theme throughout the day was empathy—the ability to connect with others in a meaningful way. True
empathy isn’t about fixing problems but about listening, validating, and understanding. Simple shifts in communication—like avoiding “at least” statements or resisting the urge to offer immediate solutions—can create stronger, more trusting relationships.
Ending on a High Note
We wrapped up the day with recognition and celebration, acknowledging the dedication of our PBS staff. The afternoon discussions around phone systems were weighty, but the message remained clear: we will provide timely responses to our most vulnerable clients who are aged, blind, or disabled, treat everyone with dignity and respect, and we will up-lift and lead with the values of DSHS. By making intentional choices, managing our time wisely, and leading with empathy, we don’t just move forward—we soar. Let’s continue leaning forward, embracing growth, and keeping our eyes on the horizon. Together, we are the pilots of change, ensuring a smoother, stronger future for ourselves and the communities we serve.
DSHS Region 3
Kara Sells
Home and Community Services Administrator – Region 3
Clallam • Clark • Cowlitz • Grays Harbor • Jefferson • Kitsap • Lewis • Mason • Pacific • Pierce • Skamania • Thurston • Wahkiakum
Building the Awesome Workplace Committee: A 2019 Legacy
Let’s rewind to 2019—a year that wasn’t just about TikTok dances or Avengers Endgame, but also a year of transformation for Region 3 HCS. That was the year the Awesome Workplace Committee came to life. And let me tell you, this committee is more than just a group of people—it’s a movement, a mindset, and an anchor for creating the kind of environment we’ve all dreamed of working in.
The idea was simple but powerful: we all want to feel supported, included, and genuinely excited to come to work. It’s about being in a place where innovation isn’t just encouraged—it’s part of the air we breathe. A place where the mission to transform lives isn’t a catchphrase but a collective purpose that drives us every single day.
From its inception, the committee focused on crafting an environment that embodies trust, respect, and the belief that we’re here for one another. Generous assumptions? Oh, they’re the name of the game. We work hard, we lift each other up, and we never lose sight of what truly matters—having each other’s backs.
What makes the Awesome Workplace Committee so unique is its people-centered approach. It’s not about policies or checkboxes; it’s about fostering authentic relationships and creating a culture where everyone feels like they belong. Whether it’s through celebrations, team bonding activities, or simply opening spaces for dialogue, the committee keeps its finger on the pulse of what makes this workplace, well, awesome.
Fast forward to today, and the committee is still thriving. It’s proof that when you invest in people and prioritize inclusion, you set the stage for innovation and growth. So, here’s to the Awesome Workplace Committee—a legacy born in 2019 that continues to shape the way we work, connect, and transform lives together.
Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to have a workplace. The goal is to create a community. And thanks to this committee, we’re doing just that here in Region 3! Here are a few examples:
Jamie Wiggins EDAI Administrator
EDAI Updates and Classes
HCS team!
Your EDAI team wanted to provide some clarity and offer some thoughts as we are all experiencing change at every level. We have received several questions about ALTSA’s commitment to EDAI given the announcement of the Office of Equity, Diversity, Access, and Inclusion dissolving it’s current matrixed form.
In years past the EDAI positions used to be held internal to each administration, roughly 2 years ago in an effort to provide equitable, and collaborative EDAI approaches across DSHS the Office of EDAI was created and held under the Office of the Secretary as a matrix of positions. The announcement of the matrix dissolving just means that the EDAI positions held by each administration will be released back to the administration and each administration can choose how they allocate those positions. For ALTSA that is Claire Knight, Morgan Olson, Jamie Wiggins and previously Keya Burks. Keya Burks has elected to take a position outside of DSHS, we wish her all the best in her new role and thank her for her brief but impactful time with our team and with HCS.
Our team will be reporting to OAS for the time being and we are working as a team to re-imagine what the best structure is to ensure that the work of EDAI continues within ALTSA and ultimately HCLA.
In the meantime, we encourage you to attend our offerings, especially ones that feel as though they will support you during these times of uncertainty and change.
Upcoming Offerings:
ALTSA Cultural Community Onboarding
Click here to register | June 26th (9am – 3pm)
EDAI Focal Point
Click here to view the schedule | May 14th (1 – 2pm)
EDAI Connection Café
Click here for the link to attend | June 3rd (1 – 2:30pm)
EDAI and Org Dev. Joint Focal Point – Resiliency in Uncertain Times: Click here to register | May 1st (10 – 11:30am), May 13th (10 – 11:30am), June 10th (10 –11:30am), June 25th (1 – 2:30pm)
Self Compassion The Gift Only You Can Give! Wellness
We often talk about compassion for others, which is important, especially in public service. One thing we talk less about is self-compassion. It is even more important because it impacts ourselves, which impacts everything we do for others.
Please read this brief article about the 3 Myths About Self-Compassion. It highlights not only the 3 myths, but explains how self-compassion supports our wellbeing, resilience, decisionmaking and motivation. Discuss it with your teammates to normalize and support selfcompassion in our organizational culture. Take this free self-compassion test to explore your strengths and gaps. Then practice building your self-compassion because that is how we get better at it. And we believe in “better”.
Thank you for the gifts you bring to ALTSA. Thank you for giving yourself the gift of selfcompassion. You are worthy of love, and it start with self.
Amy Besel
ALTSA Senior Organizational Development Administrator
Photo by Maria Kharitonova Pexels.com
Join Others in Celebrating Older Americans Month this May
Washington state is nationally recognized as a place where older adults can live and age with dignity, independence and quality of life. This May is Older Americans Month. A time to celebrate older adult’s contributions to society by recognizing the importance of social connection on health and wellbeing.
The 2025 theme, Flip the Script on Aging, focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions. This year, join us in honoring older adults’ contributions, exploring the many opportunities for staying active and engaged as we age, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging.
With a commitment to longevity by building an Age- and Dementia-Friendly state, Washington promotes healthy aging and active living for older adults. Since it’s estimated by 2030, 1 in 5 Washing-
tonians will be older than 65, we are committed to securing the basic needs of older adults by supporting nutrition programs that reduce hunger and offer social connection for more than 77,900 older adults experiencing food insecurity in our state. Washington delivers Caregiver Support Programs, Kinship Programs, and legal services that help People avoid more expensive services.
Washington is taking steps to reframe aging issues by spreading awareness of bias towards older people, along with the value, wisdom and resiliency of older adults. We recognize the need to also address bias against older adults who experience physical or mental disabilities, cultural, social or geographical isolation due to race or ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Older Americans Month highlights the critical work senior centers, family caregivers, direct care workers, community meal sites, area agencies on aging, and other home and community-based organizations provide to mitigate the adverse effects of social isolation on older adults.
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
It’s never too early or late to take steps to promote brain health!
The Lancet study from 2024 looked at possible prevention of dementia, showing how cognition can be impacted by certain risk factors across the life course. Many of the potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia are related to cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. These include hypertension, lack of physical activity, obesity, diabetes, depression, and smoking. It’s clear that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as engaging in lifelong learning and socialization along with managing chronic conditions is good for overall physical health, improves brain health, and may decrease the risk of dementia or slow its progression.
When the Dementia Action Collaborative (DAC) updated the Washington State Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias, it highlighted the larger body of evidence emerging around brain health. The Lancet indicates that addressing most risk factors in midlife (ages 18-65) had the greatest impact in delaying or preventing the onset of dementia later in life – these are risk factors such as hearing loss, high LDL cholesterol, depression, diabetes, untreated hypertension and smoking. Social isolation, air pollution and vision loss were found to have a more significant impact on risk in late life (65+).
The Washington state plan for dementia encourages us all to act, individually and/or within our systems of care. We can take steps to promote good brain health for ourselves and for those people that are in our care.
Actions to protect brain health:
• Don’t use tobacco products, it’s never too late to stop
• Eat healthy meals
• Exercise the body and mind
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage chronic conditions, take medications as prescribed
• Practice good sleep habits
• Prevent and treat hearing loss
• Protect heads from injury
What is meant by brain health?
Brain health can be defined as a continuous state of maintaining optimal brain function that best supports a person’s health and wellbeing throughout life.
Learn more about healthy habits and brain health today!
