OREGON CASCADES WEST SENIOR & DISABILITY SERVICES DIRECTORY OF SERVICES for Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties 1
WHERE CAN YOU TURN FOR ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT AGING OR DISABILITY? Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments Senior and Disability Services. OCWCOG is the designated Area Agency on Aging for Linn, Benton and Lincoln Counties. That means we provide information and referral, advocacy and leadership, and programs and services for seniors and people with disabilities to insure their independence, dignity, choice and individual well-being. Challenging questions or problems call for advice from experienced, knowledgeable sources; when you or someone you care for needs clear information or help making tough decisions, call on us. 2
Who Are We? Since 1982 OCWCOG Senior and Disability Services has been responsible for the planning, development and coordination of assistance services for older adults and people with disabilities in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties. Senior and Disability Services operations and programs are funded by Federal, State and local governments, as well as by community and individual donations. This range of funding sources gives us flexibility to focus our efforts on priorities that have been identified nationally, statewide and locally and most importantly, that meet the needs of people here in our unique service area. 3
Who Do We Serve? Senior and Disability Services provides information and assistance to anyone in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties with a service focus on older adults (age 60 and older) and people with disabilities (age 18 to 65). We also offer assistance and support for their families and caregivers. How Do We Help? Experience tells us most older adults and people with disabilities prefer to live in their own home. Our goal and focus is to assist and support them in remaining at home as long as possible. If the time comes that completely independent living is no longer possible, we can provide information and assistance in finding the most appropriate and least restrictive living situation. Each community in our service area has resources designed to help meet the needs of its residents. Navigating through the choices of local resources for housing, transportation, social services, health care, retirement living or care facilities can be an overwhelming challenge. If you are an older adult, have a disability, or are a family member, caregiver, friend or concerned citizen, we ll provide you with valuable 4
advice and direction to help identify the care and services you need, and then work with you to make the provider connections that will meet your needs. Are you interested in learning about OCWCOG Senior and Disability Services? Read on for more information about us and the scope of helpful services we offer. Our office locations and telephone numbers are listed inside the back cover. 5
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES The heart of Senior and Disability Services assistance efforts is our information and referral resources. If you have an immediate need for assistance or are looking for information to help with long-term planning, we are the agency to contact for information about services for older adults and people with disabilities in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties. Call us toll free at 800-638-0510 in Linn and Benton Counties and 800-282- 6194 in Lincoln County. You may also call or visit any Senior and Disability Services office location. Once you connect with us, our trained specialists will provide you with information and help you find appropriate community resources to meet your needs. These services are available to anyone, and there is never a charge for the information we provide. For those with computer and Internet resources, information about our services, as well as links to other resources for older adults, people with disabilities, and their families is available on our Web site at: www.ocwcog.org 6
A number of other Web-based resources exist to help. Check out the following sites for more specific information, or call us for references to other helpful sources of information. Network of Care www.oregon.networkofcare.org A comprehensive, Web-based community resource for older adults and people with disabilities. Elder Care Locator www.eldercare.gov Information on services for older adults in any state, including other areas in Oregon. Check the Web site or call the Elder Care Locator at 800-677-1116, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (ET). 7
SUPPORT FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING Often, older adults and people with a disability want to continue to live independently in their own home. We can help arrange for the services needed to accomplish this goal. Senior Meals Program Adults 60 and older can enjoy freshly prepared lunches at one of our many meal sites located throughout Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties. There is no charge for the meal, however donations are encouraged. Reservations are recommended, and diet substitutions are available. Call any Senior and Disability Services office to locate the meal site closest to you. Home Delivered Meals If you live within our delivery area and are unable to prepare your meals or travel to a meal site, our Meals on Wheels program brings meals to your home. Call the nearest office to arrange for a friendly volunteer to deliver hot and/or frozen meals directly to your door. 8
In-Home Services If you need personal care, such as help with your meal preparation, weekly shopping, medication management, bathing assistance, housekeeping or laundry, chances are we can connect you with services in your area designed to meet your needs. When you call our office you ll be referred to a member of our professional staff who will ask you about your needs, assess what services are available in your community to address them and then help establish a plan that suits you best. Your services may be paid for by state funded programs including Oregon Project Independence (OPI), State Plan Personal Care, or Medicaid. Eligibility and costs vary by program. 9
COMMUNITY LIVING AND CARE CONNECTIONS Older adults and people with disabilities often face challenges when it comes to finding the right situation with the right set of services to meet their needs to live in the community of their choice. OCWCOG Senior and Disability Services staff have in-depth knowledge of each living and service combination and can help you find the arrangement that best suits your needs. Adult Foster Homes Adult foster homes are private homes with family-style living offering room, board and physical care for up to five residents. Professional care and supervision maintain a safe and secure environment in a home-like setting. Senior and Disability Services licenses, inspects and monitors these homes in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties. Assisted Living Facilities Assisted living facilities offer private apartments with a kitchenette and bathroom. They also provide full dining room services, housekeeping, physical care and call 10
systems for around-the-clock assistance. Facilities are licensed and regulated by the Department of Human Services, Seniors and People with Disabilities. Residential Care Facilities Residential care facilities offer care settings that provide room, board, supervision and physical care for six or more people. Residents may have either a shared or a private room. These facilities are not required to provide private bathrooms or kitchenettes. Residential care facilities are licensed and regulated by the Department of Human Services, Seniors and People with Disabilities. Nursing Facilities Nursing facilities provide nursing care on a 24-hour basis in a medical setting. Services offered include on-site physical rehabilitation, recuperation after hospitalization for a serious illness or surgery and long term care services. Oregon requires that all residents be screened before they enter a nursing facility. This pre-admission screening assures that a facility will meet your service needs and is provided by Senior and Disability Services at no cost. Nursing facilities are licensed and regulated by the Department of Human Services, Seniors and People with Disabilities. 11
FINANCIAL AND MEDICAL PROGRAMS AND ASSISTANCE Understanding the services that are available to provide financial and medical assistance can be quite overwhelming. OCWCOG Senior and Disability Services staff are experts in the programs that exist to provide assistance and can help you secure the help that best meets your needs. Food Stamps Income-qualified clients can receive food stamps to help supplement food budgets and insure access to nutritional foods. Benefits are issued through an electronic debit card (Oregon Trail Card), and eligibility is based on income and financial resources. Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) & Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB) If you have Medicare, QMB can help you pay for your monthly premium, as well as your Medicare co-payments and deductibles. SLMB helps pay your monthly Medicare premium. Eligibility is based on your income and financial resources. 12
Medicare Part D Prescription Help Are you confused about the Medicare Modernization Act Prescription Drug Program? Our Choice Counselors are available to work with people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid to help answer your questions and assist in enrolling you in the prescription drug plan that s right for you. Medicaid These programs pay for a range of medical services including doctors, acute hospitalization and long-term care. Eligibility is based on your income and existing financial resources. Employed Persons with Disabilities The Employed Persons with Disabilities program provides medical coverage for people with disabilities who are working. Specific financial requirements apply. 13
PERSONAL SUPPORT SERVICES Adult Protective Services (Elder Abuse Prevention) Elder abuse is a growing and chronically under-reported problem in our society. It is important that any abuse, neglect by others, self-neglect or financial exploitation of an older adult or someone with a disability be reported. You can make a confidential report by contacting any of the Senior and Disability Services offices listed on the inside back cover. Each report of abuse will be investigated promptly by our protective services staff, who will work to reduce risk and resolve situations in an appropriate manner. Public Files Senior and Disability Services maintains files on community-based care options and nursing facilities and makes them available to the public upon request. These files contain licensing information, monitoring findings, and reports on protective service investigations. They can be very useful to those making decisions about communitybased care options and nursing facility 14
placements. To request and schedule access to our public files, call your local Senior and Disability Services office. Family Caregiver Support Program The goal of the Family Caregiver Support Program is to provide direct services to those caring for a loved one. Family Caregiver Support Program services typically include respite, case management, counseling, training, support groups and other helpful resources. Services are intended for unpaid caregivers and are provided free of charge. Call the Senior and Disability Services office in your county listed on the last page of this brochure for information about eligibility and upcoming events. 15
Ride Line Cascades West Ride Line s objective is to coordinate transportation services for eligible Oregon Health Plan (OHP) and Medicaid clients who need to travel to and from covered non-emergency medical services. Transportation is provided to eligible clients living in Linn, Benton and Lincoln Counties and is arranged through contracted providers. Rides are limited by the availability of transportation providers, so it is important to schedule rides in advance. Call 541-924-8738 or toll free, 866-724-2975 for more information. 16
Volunteer/Advocacy Opportunities The Senior and Disability Services Advisory Councils and Senior Meals Programs rely on the help of dedicated volunteers. If you are interested in advocating for seniors and people with disabilities or want to make a direct contribution to the quality of their lives, give us a call to find out how to get involved. Linn & Benton Counties Local 541-967-8630 Toll free 800-638-0510 Lincoln County Local 541-336-2289 Toll free 800-282-6194 17
CONTACTS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION Senior & Disability Services for Linn & Benton Counties 1400 Queen Ave SE, Ste 206 Albany OR 97322 Local 541-967-8630 Toll free 800-638-0510 Senior & Disability Services for Lincoln County 203 N Main Street Toledo OR 97391 Local 541-336-2289 Toll free 800-282-6194 18
Visit our Web site www.ocwcog.org Or visit Network of Care www.oregon.networkofcare.org Area Agency on Aging Senior and Disability Services is an Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Whether you are an older adult or someone concerned about the well-being of an older adult, AAAs are ready to help. In communities across the country, AAAs plan, coordinate and offer services so older adults can remain in their home if that is their preference aided by services that make independent living a viable option. By making a range of options available, AAAs make it possible for older individuals to choose the services and living arrangements that suit them best. 19