Senior Health and Resource Fair meets a need in Federal Way

The Federal Way Senior Commission held its third annual Senior Health and Resource Fair on May 15 at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center.

First held in 2023, the fair has expanded from 48 vendors to 73 this year, filling the venue with representatives from a variety of companies and organizations.

Vendor highlights

Vendors represented a variety of resources for Federal Way community members, especially those in need of specialty services and support.

Many resources provided options for those needing supportive care in particular. Adult family homes are one of these options for supportive care and are very present in Federal Way.

Nichole Casado was at the fair representing 1st Choice Advisory Services and showed the Mirror that within five miles of the 98003 zip code alone, they network with 446 adult family homes.

Some older adults or family members worry that they won’t be able access resources like care visits or adult family homes due to a lack of financial resources, but there are programs that can help with this.

Marlene Diaz of Hospitality Home Care told the Mirror that she sees this worry all the time, but highlighted the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) as one resource that can help in Washington.

PACE is a Medicare program in Washington state that provides customized care for “frail individuals age 55 and older.”

This can include “comprehensive medical and social services coordinated and provided by an interdisciplinary team of professionals in a community-based center and in their homes,” according to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

Eligibility is restricted by zip code, but major Federal Way zip codes are included.

A variety of health resources were also present at the fair, including vendors like Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Federal Way Naturopathy and Simply Health DP3, which provides innovative pain treatments and direct medical services.

May is stroke awareness month, and the resource fair provided the opportunity for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health staff to educate the community.

RN Bob Chapman is the Stroke Program Manager from VMFH, and said one of the most important messages about stroke awareness is that when someone is experiencing symptoms, they should not drive themselves to the hospital. 60 percent of stroke victims attempt to do this, he said, which can be extremely dangerous for other drivers and bystanders.

No matter what attendees went to the resource fair looking for, it was most likely represented in the vendors at City of Federal Way’s annual event.

The Senior Advisory Commission is chaired by Lana Bostic with Vice Chair Catherine North. Current members include Tammy Dziak, Vicky Foreman, Debbie Harvey, Ami Parker, Kenneth Pratt, David Reynolds, Cheryl Volheim and Councilmember Susan Honda.

For those who missed the fair or want to access resources in the future, the Federal Way Senior Commission put together a 35-page resource guide full of resources and even discounts. For copies of the guide, call 253-835-2401.

The Federal Way Senior Center offers a food bank, social hour and many other resources for seniors in the community. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

Smith Brothers is famous for their dairy products but their grocery delivery service offers over 700 items to choose from. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

Health and wellness resources include fitness as represented by Sharon Gentry of Curves and others. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

Federal Way Naturopathy offers holistic health options for people of all ages. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

Your Senior Tech is a business run by college and high school students who offer friendly, patient help and education about technology for seniors. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

Marlene Diaz is the Client Care Manager for Hospitality Home Care. They offer a variety of care services throughout King County. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror