Senior Services
The Area Agency on Aging Department (AAA) provides Senior Services throughout Gilliam, Hood River, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Wasco and Wheeler counties. The goal of the AAA is to assist aging populations to remain at home as long as possible. This is accomplished through a variety of programs:
- Food & Nutrition: Senior Meals, Home Delivered Meals, Nutrition Education
- Transportation
- Caregiver Services: Respite Care, Information, Referral, and Assistance (see below)
- Money Management
- Legal Aid of Oregon Referrals
- Volunteer Services
- Additional Services: No Wrong Door (Options Counseling), Elder Abuse Awareness, Medication Management, Case Management, Reassurance, Wellness Education, Public Outreach & Education (see below)
Caregiver Services
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This service is regarding the caregiver’s role and provides the public and individuals with information on resources and services available to individuals within their communities. This may include group services, public education, provision of information at health fairs and other similar functions. This can also assist caregivers on a one-on-one basis in obtaining access to the services and resources that are available within their communities.
Caregiver Respite This service offers temporary, substitute supports or living arrangements for care recipients in order to provide a brief period of relief or rest for unpaid caregivers served under the Family Caregiver Support Program. |
Caregiver Support Groups
Peer groups that provide opportunities to discuss caregiver roles and experiences and which offer assistance to families in making decisions and solving problems related to their caregiving roles. Caregiver Training Training provided to caregivers and their families that supports and enhances the caregiving role. Supplemental Services to Caregivers These services provide assistance with Activities of Daily Living or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and are provided on a limited basis to complement the care provided by caregivers. For more information on these programs call 541-276-1926. |
Additional Services
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Public Outreach/Education
These activities are targeted to provide information to groups of current or potential clients and/or to aging network partners and other community partners regarding available services or benefits for the elderly who are defined in the Older Americans Act as a person age 60 or over. Medication Management These services provide information, counseling or education on issues related to prescription drugs and over the counter medications. Services include such activities as: public education and assistance in applying for low cost or no cost prescription programs. Wellness Education These services are health promotion programs relating to chronic disabling conditions (prevention and reduction of effects), alcohol and substance abuse reduction, smoking cessation, weight loss and control, stress management and providing information about the availability of benefits and appropriate use of other preventive health services or programs.
Elder Abuse Awareness This includes activities that promote understanding and increase public awareness of elder abuse. The Area Agency on Aging staff help to educate the public about elder abuse, the types of abuse (financial exploitation, physical abuse, sexual abuse, intimidation, etc.), what the signs are, and how and who to report it to. |
Oregon Project Independence (OPI)
This service promotes independent living among those whom might otherwise not be able to remain safely in their own homes. It provides services required for daily life such as meal preparation, housekeeping, home delivered meals, bathing assistance, laundry, and case management. Oregon Project Independence PILOT PROJECT (OPI PP) This service promotes independent living among persons ages 19 to 59 who have a disability who might otherwise not be able to remain safely in their own home. It provides services required for daily life such as meal preparation, housekeeping, home delivered meals, bathing assistance, laundry, and case management. Case Management Assistance in either access or care coordination. Includes assessing needs, developing care plans, arranging and coordinating provision of services with providers and providing follow-up and reassessment of care plans. Reassurance Visits or phone calls to physically, geographically or socially isolated persons to determine if they are safe and well. Information & Assistance Provides individuals with information on services available within the communities, links individuals to services and to the maximum extent practicable establishes adequate follow-up. Legal Assistance The Area Agency on Aging partners with Legal Aid Services of Oregon to provide legal assistance to persons 60 years of age and older on an as need basis. Persons are screened by Legal Aid Services of Oregon for eligibility. Please contact them at (541) 276-6685 or 800-843-1115. PEARLS Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding LiveS Is a highly effective method designed to reduce depression symptoms and improve quality of life in older adults. PEARLS Program counselors empower individuals to take action and to make lasting changes so they can lead more active and rewarding lives. For more information about the PEARLS program, please call 541-276-1926 or 800-752-1139. |
Six Steps to Reduce Your Fall Risk
An older adult falls every second of every day and the result can be devastating. More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by a fall. However, there are simple steps you or a loved one can take to reduce your risk. Stay safe with these tips!
- Find a good exercise program to build balance, strength and flexibility
If you need help, start by working with a Physical Therapist.
To learn more about Tai Chi and fall prevention classes check out your local community or senior center or Providence's Free Strong For Life: https://oregon.providence.org/our-services/s/strong-for- life-exercise-program/ - Talk to your health care provider
Share your worries about falling or if you have fallen. Ask for an evaluation of your fall risk. - Regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist
Certain drug side effects can increase your risk of falling. Even over the counter drugs, like Benadryl or Tylenol PM have been linked to falls. Take any medication only as prescribed. - Take care of your ears and eyes
Get your vision and hearing checked every 1-2 years and keep your eyeglass prescription current. Your eyes and ears help keep you balanced. - Keep your home safe
Now more important than ever, make sure to remove tripping hazards, such as throw rugs; increase lighting; make stairs safe; and install grab bars in key areas. You may qualify for a home safety assessment from an Occupational or Physical Therapist. - Talk to your friends and family members
Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe. Falls are not just an issue for seniors.
CAPECO AAA Department works closely with the State Unit on Aging and Aging and People with Disabilities.
For more information about these programs, call 541-276-1926.
Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) - a resource directory for Oregon families, caregivers and consumers seeking information about long-term supports and services.
855-ORE-ADRC (855-673-2372)
For more information about these programs, call 541-276-1926.
Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) - a resource directory for Oregon families, caregivers and consumers seeking information about long-term supports and services.
855-ORE-ADRC (855-673-2372)
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Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse
If you suspect abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of an elderly person or and adult with physical disabilities, report abuse or neglect to the Oregon Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Services (APS) office in your area - Call 855-503-SAFE (7233).
