How do I find and access senior services?

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - regional level (Oregon has 16 AAAs) / Oregon Department of Human Services, Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) - state level

Details

What you need to know

Fee

Most services free or on sliding scale ONLINE OPTION: oregon.gov/dhs/apd; 211info.org; oregonhealthplan.gov WHERE TO GO: Your regional AAA; local senior center; 2-1-1 Oregon; DHS local office

Online Option

oregon.gov/dhs/apd; 211info.org; oregonhealthplan.gov

Where to Go

Your regional AAA; local senior center; 2-1-1 Oregon; DHS local office

County-specific variations apply

Oregon's 16 AAAs vary considerably by region. Multnomah County (Portland - Multnomah County Aging, Disability & Veterans Services) and Lane County (Eugene) have the most robust urban senior services. Rural southern and eastern Oregon (Klamath, Lake, Harney, Malheur, Wheeler, Crook, Jefferson counties) face significant geographic challenges with long travel distances. Oregon's Portland metro area, Willamette Valley, and Oregon Coast all have different service densities.

Oregon Notes

Important state-specific details

SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance): Oregon's free Medicare counseling - (800) 722-4134; contact your regional AAA or DHS/APD for local SHIBA volunteer counselors.
OREGON MEDICAID K-PLAN (In-Home Services): Oregon's primary Medicaid HCBS program for seniors and disabled; apply through Oregon DHS/APD; (800) 699-9075.
SENIOR/DISABLED PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL: Oregon's unique property tax deferral program - state pays property taxes and places lien; deferred until property sold; very beneficial for seniors; apply through Oregon DOR or county assessor; income limits apply.
LIHEAP / Oregon Energy Assistance: important for rural Oregon winters; apply through local Community Action Agency or 211.
Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse through Oregon DHS APS - (855) 503-SAFE (7233) statewide hotline.
Legal Aid Services of Oregon: (503) 224-4086; Oregon Law Help - oregonlawhelp.org.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Oregon DHS, Aging and People with Disabilities - oregon.gov/dhs/apd | (503) 945-5944; SHIBA Medicare: (800) 722-4134; APS: (855) 503-7233; 211 Oregon: dial 211