Help is Available Near You

As we age we start having questions about resources available for seniors, support and education. It’s hard to know where to begin looking for answers and support. Did you know each county has an aging services department that offers all that and more? Washington County Department of Aging and Veteran Services (DAVS) is a good example of an incredible group of people and services who can help seniors in many ways.
Advisory Newsletter is published every other month. In it are articles about services they provide and seminars/conferences/health and wellness expos happening in the area. You can subscribe to the newsletter to keep up to date on a lot of issues affecting seniors.
Did you know that approximately 60% of seniors, veterans and persons with disabilities are not receiving the benefits they are entitled to? Many don’t know they can receive these benefits, or find it difficult to make it to the various offices to fill out the paperwork. Washington County’s Benefits Enrollment Center is a one-stop-benefits-shop that can help. Programs screen for such benefits as food stamps, Medicaid, energy assistance, property tax relief, prescription help and Medicare savings programs. A trained volunteer will come to your home or meet you at a senior center or another convenient place in the community.
Oregon Project Independence (OPI) provides limited in-home assistance which can include bathing, grooming, dressing, mobility and light housekeeping to individuals over the age of 60, or under the age of 60 if they have a diagnosis of an Alzheimer’s type dementia. The primary goal of OPI is to keep clients safe and independent in their homes for as long as possible. Fees are assessed on a sliding scale basis according to income.
The county provides a tremendous amount of family Caregiver support! You can call them for information and referrals, short-term case management, paid respite (a relief break from caregiving), paid medical equipment and adaptive aids, free support groups, free individual counseling services, Family Caregiver Training Course, Powerful Tools for Caregivers Classes, Annual Family Caregiver Conference and an Annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Presentation Series.
If you suspect elder abuse is happening it can be reported to the county at 971-673-5200. Elder Safe helps victims ages 65 and older after a crime is reported to the police and continues to help them through the criminal justice system. The Gatekeeper Program is designed to assist vulnerable people who need help, but may be unable to get it for themselves. A single phone call may help a person with a disability or an older person become aware of community services that are available and make it possible for them to receive assistance.
While each county offers different services they’re all there to help you. Take advantage of the resources provided by your tax dollars to get the information and support you need.
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Contact information for each county:
Washington County Department of Aging and Veteran Services: (503) 846-3060
Clackamas County Senior Services: (503) 655-8640
Multnomah County Aging, Disability and Veteran Services: 503-823-4000