About Us

Aging and Disability Services

Clackamas County Aging and Disability Services (an Area Agency on Aging) is a partner in the County’s Social Services Division, joining the Community Action Agency in a shared mission to work for the well being of vulnerable citizens.

The ideas of citizens are important to Aging and Disability Services. An Advisory Council monitors services and comments on public policy for elderly. The Disability Advocates Coalition advises the agency on access and policy issues for people with disabilities.

AGENCY GOALS work toward

• Independence and Dignity among seniors and persons with disabilities.
• Services and Information that are accessible, responsive, cost effective, and of high quality.
• Advocacy that promotes well-being and meaningful opportunity.

• County–Wide Services which provide help through local senior centers and other not-for-profit organizations which offer rides, information and referral to other assistance, help with Medicare and insurance billing problems, grocery delivery, health screening, mental health or legal counseling, and meals-served at local sites or delivered to elders at home.
  
• Long-Term Care Services which help older persons and people with disabilities on limited income in their homes or in long-term care facilities. In-home help includes personal care, home care, adult day care, and caregiver relief. Long term care is also available in adult foster homes, assisted living, residential and nursing facilities.
  
• Financial and Medical Services which include Food Stamps for disabled adults or persons 60+, General Assistance for persons temporarily disabled, and Medicaid for permanently disabled persons or those 65+ whose incomes do not meet their needs. Assistance may include help with costs of in-home help or care in an adult foster home or other long-term care facility.
  
• Services to Support Well-Being include Protective Services, and Guardian/Conservator services. The agency also investigates abuse reports, helps families assess care and nursing home placement needs, licenses adult foster homes, trains paid caregivers, and advocates for disabled adults 18+.

Community Action Agency

The Community Action Agency is a partner in the County's Social Services Division, joining Clackamas County Aging and Disability Services (an Area Agency on Aging), in a shared mission to work for the well being of vulnerable citizens.

The Community Action Agency's services are designed to provide a helping hand to citizens of the County, supporting those served in their efforts to be as self-sufficient as they can be. Programs within the Community Action Agency focus on providing service to people who have low incomes. Some of the CAA services provided are available to the general public. The Community Action Advisory Board advises the agency on access, policy and programs.

AGENCY GOALS work toward:

• Dignity and self-sufficiency for those who struggle with poverty.
  
• Provision of services that are accessible, individualized, responsive, cost effective and of high quality.
  
• Effective utilization of all resources and services, both within and outside of the agency, that are available to assist clients in meeting their goals.
  
• Support of a system of providers that work together to meet the needs of various client population groups within the County.

THE AGENCY DOES THIS THROUGH:

• County-Wide Services which are delivered through a number of local agencies. Services include aid to homeless families; programs for victims of domestic violence, services to homeless teens and respite care for individuals who are impoverished and mentally ill.
  
• Information and Referral Services which are provided to a variety of social service agencies and organizations in the community, as well as to the general public. Services include information for Spanish speakers, monthly networking meetings open to the public, a Community Resources Poster available in English, Spanish and Russian and distribution of long-term care facility information.
  
• Housing Services that include Fair Housing counseling, shelter screening for families, a transitional housing program and self-sufficiency case management services for formerly homeless families, housing information and referral with a focus on landlord tenant and low-cost housing information.
  
• Volunteer Services that include rides to medical appointments and other important errands, senior companions, representative payee and billpayer services, assistance with health insurance problems, presentations on options for long-term care, hand-knitted items for those in need, playgroups for kids 0-5 years, and tutor services. The Volunteer Connection screens and places volunteers in agencies throughout the County.
  
• Energy Assistance provides funds to help people pay heat bills, education and modification of home to decrease energy costs over time.
  
• Veterans Services include the preparation, case management and advocacy of claims; assistance and referrals regarding medical benefits; employment; and dissemination of information about Veterans' programs. A priority is obtaining direct VA dollars for nursing home claimants. Veterans Services monitors eligibility for increased benefits and files initial claims. Benefits include compensation, pension, widows' benefits, nursing home payments and educational benefits.

Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council (AAA Advisory Council)

This advisory group meets monthly to advise Clackamas County Social Services Division Senior and Disabled Services on services for older clients. Members are appointed by the Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners. The group advocates both locally and at the state level on issues related to aging. The Advisory Council has a number of subcommittees devoted to specific issues such as Long-Term Care, Transportation, Nutrition and Adult Foster Homes.

For information or to get involved, call and ask for Diana Arvieux at (503) 655-8589.

Clackamas County Community Action Agency Advisory Board (CAB)

This advisory group meets monthly to advise Clackamas County Social Services Division Community Action Agency programs on services for low-income persons. Members are appointed by the Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners. The group advocates both locally and at the state level on issues related to low-income persons and households.

For information or to get involved, call (503) 650-8646 and speak to Teresa Christopherson.