There’s no diagnosis like an Alzheimer’s or Dementia diagnosis. More and more families are facing the long road of caring for a loved one with dementia. There is a lot of uncertainty before the diagnosis and in the early stages after the diagnosis. Take a look at the questions and the answers in this 6-part series for families and individuals beginning the journey. Part 5 - How do I pay for care? What are the legal things I should do?

Pierce County Parks is updating the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan. This plan will guide development of the Pierce County park system from 2020-2030. Learn more about the park system, what it needs, and when improvements will happen at the Parks and Recreation Citizens' Advisory Board meeting.

Making the Link 2019 is Pierce County’s annual showcase of care providers and services for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The expo features over 70 exhibitors including in-home care, assisted and skilled nursing facilities, elder law, equipment providers, health care insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, caregiving, emergency assistance, social service agencies, transportation providers, funeral services and much more.

A ballot will be mailed to each eligible voter on or before October 18. (military and overseas voters by Sept. 20)

This is a fast-paced presentation for anyone anticipating their retirement benefits and those currently receiving benefits. To maximize the value of the class please open a “mySocial Security” account by at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount/ and printout your Social Security Statement. The workshop will update recent changes, discuss early retirement and present effective strategies that can maximize benefits. Participants will also learn how to negotiate the rules about working, either full or part time, while receiving benefits. Presenter is Kirk Larson, Public Affairs Specialist, from the Social Security Administration.

The Planning Commission will hold several study sessions this fall to continue discussions about the community plan updates for Frederickson, South Hill, Mid-County, and Parkland-Spanaway-Midland. The topic at this meeting is the South Hill Community Plan. These study sessions are open to the public, although public testimony will not be accepted. Written comment will be accepted via email to CommunityPlans@piercecountywa.gov until a week before the commission's final recommendation meeting. Check the calendar for details on the other study sessions. Note: The Oct. 22 date is a regular meeting of the commission. Normal business may be conducted at the start of the meeting before the study session begins.

Please join the Pierce County Council Human Services Committee as they hear from local developers and housing professionals about obstacles that they face when looking to build affordable housing in Pierce County. The meeting will take place on Monday, Oct. 28 at 1:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 930 Tacoma Ave. S.,10th floor in Tacoma. Washington State Rep. Andrew Barkis will kickoff the discussion with a presentation on incentivized housing solutions. Following will be the Pierce County affordable housing panel which includes: -Greg Helle, Absher Construction -Brian Reeder, Reeder Management -Michael Mirra, Tacoma Housing Authority -Bill Riley, Gateway Real Estate If you are unable to attend in person, you can stream it online at www.piercecountywa.gov or watch on channel 22 (Comcast and Click! Network) and on channel 20 (Rainier Connect).