The WA Cares Fund is seeking Washingtonians to share personal experiences with long-term care. By sharing videos and written stories about the experiences of Washingtonians, the WA Cares Fund is raising awareness about the range of long-term care needs people experience, the importance of planning for long-term care costs, and the benefits of the WA Cares Fund to Washingtonians and their loved ones. You can see some of these stories on their website at wacaresfund.wa.gov/stories.
If you have firsthand experience with long-term care, have not opted out of the WA Cares Fund, and are interested in sharing your story, please consider participating in one or both of the opportunities described below.
Opportunity 1: Video Interview
The WA Cares Fund is putting together a series of short, personal video stories about the experiences people from various communities in Washington have had as both caregivers and recipients of long-term care.
They want to feature all types of long-term care experiences, but are looking specifically for the following:
- Older adults (65+) who receive part-time, in-home care.
- Younger adults (20-30) who care for an older person.
- Native Spanish speakers.
These videos will help raise awareness about the need for flexible options for long-term care in our state, and the critical role WA Cares plays in providing those options to more Washingtonians.
The commitment:
- 30-60-minute phone or video call to hear your story and meet the WA Cares team of communications partners.
- Authorization to record your story and use story and image.
- Three-hour in-person video interview in your community or a nearby location.
If selected to participate, you will be compensated for your time.
Opportunity 2: Ambassador Program
WA Cares is also seeking caregivers who are interested in serving as program ambassadors. Ambassadors will receive public speaking and storytelling training, including individualized coaching, to support their role in speaking about the WA Cares Fund.
You will be invited to participate in occasional opportunities like media interviews and presentations to share your personal story and speak about how the WA Cares Fund would benefit others.
The commitment:
- 30-minute phone or video call to hear your story and meet the WA Cares team of communications partners.
- Attend at least one group training session on effective media interviews and persuasive storytelling.
- Participate in two individual coaching sessions with one-on-one practice interviews.
- Ongoing availability to participate in occasional media interviews or presentations arranged by WA Cares staff and communication partners.
If selected to participate, you will be compensated for your training time.
How to Participate
If one or both opportunities interest you, or if you have additional questions, email Kathy Mellstrom at kathym@wearedh.com.