Blood Pressure and Health Screenings
Local senior centers and community health partners
Many senior centers set aside regular days when a nurse or trained volunteer is on site to take blood pressure readings and answer basic health questions. It is a low-key way for an older adult to keep an eye on their numbers between doctor visits, and a nurse who sees a concerning reading can suggest next steps. Some centers pair blood pressure checks with other simple screenings like hearing, vision, foot care, or fall-risk checks. Most are drop-in and free.
Who qualifies
What it covers
Cost
How to apply
Where to get this in Washington
13 organizations deliver this program. Coverage varies, so check the area each one serves.
Bellingham, Whatcom County
Whatcom Council on Aging center running over 120 weekly activities for people over 50 across two Bellingham locations, with classes and community meals.
Buckley, Pierce County
Senior center in Buckley, Pierce County. Senior centers are the most-underrated stay-home resource. Most are free or donation-based, with classes, fitness, lunch, and social activity. Operated by Buckley Senior Activity Center.
Spokane, Spokane County
Senior center in Spokane, Spokane County. Senior centers are the most-underrated stay-home resource. Most are free or donation-based, with classes, fitness, lunch, and social activity. Operated by Corbin Senior Activity Center.
Enumclaw, King County
City-run senior center for adults 55+ with weekday meals, van transportation, a King County VSHSL-funded Resource Navigator twice weekly, and classes.
Maple Valley, King County
Senior center in Maple Valley, King County. Senior centers are the most-underrated stay-home resource. Most are free or donation-based, with classes, fitness, lunch, and social activity. Operated by Greater Maple Valley Community Center.
Yakima, Yakima County
City of Yakima senior center for adults 50 and older, open since May 2004, with a coffee bar, ballroom, and People for People Meals on Wheels site.
Spokane, Spokane County
Neighborhood senior center in Spokane's Hillyard area, funded by City of Spokane Parks and Recreation, with cards, Tai Chi, and day trips.
Lynnwood, Snohomish County
City of Lynnwood senior center offering classes, fitness, meals, and social activities through the Parks and Recreation department.
Olympia, Thurston County
Olympia center run by Senior Services for South Sound since 1973, with Meals on Wheels, home share housing, pet assistance, and the Senior Academy.
Omak, Okanogan County
Okanogan County senior center on Juniper Street that also runs a thrift store, with senior meals served at the center.
Spokane, Spokane County
Senior center in Spokane, Spokane County. Senior centers are the most-underrated stay-home resource. Most are free or donation-based, with classes, fitness, lunch, and social activity. Operated by Southside Senior and Community Center.
Cle Elum, Kittitas County
Senior center in Cle Elum hosting Goldie's Diner weekday breakfast and lunch, line dancing, chair yoga, and tech help for upper Kittitas County.
Lacey, Thurston County
City of Lacey senior center in Woodland Creek Community Park, with social and fitness programs, support groups, and a daily noon meal.
Where to go from here
A Matter of Balance
A Matter of Balance is a structured eight-week class developed at Boston University and managed nationally by MaineHealth. Trained coaches lead small groups through discussion and gentle exercises that help participants reduce fear of falling, set realistic goals for activity, change environments to lower fall risk, and exercise to increase strength and balance. The CDC recognizes it as an evidence-based fall prevention program. In Washington it is hosted by Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers, hospitals, and faith communities.
ACRS Care Transitions
ACRS Care Transitions gives short-term help to adults coming home after a hospital stay. Staff help them follow their discharge plan, manage medications, get to follow-up appointments, and connect with ongoing community resources. It works alongside the ACRS Health Home program, which offers longer-term Medicaid care coordination through a health plan built around each person's needs.
ACRS Case Management for Older Adults
ACRS case managers, who speak many languages, meet with homebound older adults and adults with disabilities to understand their needs and build a full care plan around them. The goal is to help older adults live safely at home with support from their families and caregivers. Staff pay close attention to the language and cultural needs of Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities.
ACRS Food Bank
The ACRS Food Bank gives out healthy foods that fit people's cultures, including rice, tofu, noodles, and fresh produce, matched to the diets of Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander families across King County. Anyone in the community can use it, but the food is chosen for Asian and Pacific Islander cooking that most food banks don't carry.
Not sure this one fits your situation? Your local Area Agency on Aging can check what you qualify for and point you to the right programs, for free. No one will sell your information, and no one will cold-call you.
Was this helpful?
Help improve this resource for everyone else.