CONSUMER PROFILES
Profiles of seniors and people with disabilities who receive services in Clatsop, Marion, Polk, Tillamook, and Yamhill Counties
In Dedication Ruth McEwen: A Trailblazing Advocate
Being Honored by the Oregon State Legislature with SCR25
For permission to share, please contact Kim Hunt, NWSDS Advisory Council and Public Affairs Specialist (503) 967-1848 | kim.hunt@nwsds.org
Ruth McEwen, a trailblazing advocate for older adults and individuals with disabilities, passed away on December 25, 2024. With a career spanning over four decades of advocacy with NorthWest Senior & Disability Services, Ruth’s tirelesscommitmenttosystemicchangeandequityprofoundlyshapedOregon’s policiesandprogramsforlong-termcareanddisabilityservices.
Ruth dedicated her life to dismantling barriers and creating inclusive, community-centered solutions. As a person with physical disabilities who used an electric wheelchair, Ruth leveraged her lived experience to inform her work, bringing an unparalleled depth of understanding to the challenges faced by the populationssheserved.
Ruth was instrumental in transitioning Oregon from institutional care models to pioneering community-based services. Her work, in collaboration with state leaders, positioned Oregon as a national leader in long-term care innovation. Ruth often cited her efforts to transition Fairview residents to community-based settings as one of her most significant contributions, reflecting her commitment toperson-firstapproachesandthedignityofeveryindividual.
Aprominentfigureinpolicyandadvocacycircles,Ruthheldkeyleadershiproles, including Chairing the Oregon Home Care Commission and the Senior Advisory Council and Disability Services Advisory Council with NorthWest Senior and DisabilityServices(NWSDS)aswellastheAdvisoryCouncilwithO4AD.Shewasa
vital member of the Governor’s Commission on Senior Services and served on numerous committees addressing critical issues such as behavioral health and chronicpainmanagementforolderadults.
Ruth was a familiar presence at the Oregon State Capitol, where her expertise and advocacy were highly respected. Legislators and policymakers regularly sought her input on issues impacting seniors and people with disabilities. Her relentless engagement in legislative sessions and her strong working relationships with state leaders ensured that the voices of marginalized communitieswereheardandthatmeaningfulreformswereenacted.
Ruth’s professional background included a distinguished career in special education, counseling, and program oversight. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in special education and counseling, which equipped her to advocate for and work with individuals with disabilities. Her work included teaching special education, advocating for individuals and families, and serving in leadership roles at organizations dedicated to advancing equityandaccessibility.
Her efforts were widely recognized and celebrated. In 2018, Ruth received the APD Advocacy Award for her exceptional contributions to Oregon’s long-term services and supports. In further recognition of her dedication, a conference room in the Salem Office of NWSDS has been named in her honor, ensuring that her legacy of advocacy and leadership continues to inspire others for generations to come. Her achievements extended beyond her formal roles, as she consistently championed person-first language and modeled what it means toleadwithintegrityandpurpose.
RuthMcEwen’senduringlegacyisoneoftransformationandadvocacy.Herwork fundamentally reshaped the way Oregon supports its aging population and individuals with disabilities, setting a standard for community-based, inclusive care. Her relentless pursuit of equity and justice leaves a lasting impact on the livesofcountlessindividualsandfamilies.
Ruth’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Oregon’s history of advocacy, but her vision will continue to inspire progress and innovation in the yearstocome.
OUR VISION
To be an innovative, nationally recognized leader.
OUR MISSION
Promote dignity, independence, and health; honor choice and empower people.
OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity
Working honestly, ethically, and being accountable.
Professionalism
Representing the Agency and ourselves with pride, expertise, and excellence.
Service
Responding promptly to consumer and community needs.
Compassion
Showing concern and respect for the well-being of others.
ABOUT NWSDS
NWSDSservesseniorsandpeoplewithdisabilitiesinfivecounties:
Clatsop
Marion Polk
Tillamook
Yamhill
NWSDSisalsoknownasanAreaAgencyonAgingandanAgingandDisability ResourceConnection(ADRC).
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
ServicescoordinatedandprovidedbyNWSDSinclude,butarenotlimitedto:
Information&assistanceforseniorsandadultswithdisabilities
Casemanagement
EligibilitydeterminationforMedicaidandSNAP(FoodStamp)programs
Adultprotectiveservices
Licensingofadultfostercarehomes
Pre-nursinghomeadmissionassessments
OregonProjectIndependence(OPI)
Home-deliveredmeals
SeniorPeerMentoring
SeniorHealthInsuranceBenefitAssistance(SHIBA)
OregonMoneyManagement
HealthPromotions
Visitourwebsitefordescriptionsoftheseprogramsandservicesforseniorsor foradultswithdisabilities.
GETTING CONNECTED
NWSDS services can be accessed by contacting its Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) or visiting one of its six service offices:
AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CONNECTION
(ADRC):
Email: information.nwsds@nwsds.org
Online: www.nwsds.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nwsds.org
Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties: Phone: 503-304-3420, toll free: 1-866-206-4799
Clatsop and Tillamook Counties: Phone: 503-815-2060, toll free: 1-800- 584-9712
Statewide ADRC hotline (for other Oregon counties): 1-855-ORE-ADRC (673-2372) www.adrcoforegon.org
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES ABUSE REPORTING LINE:
Clatsop, Marion, Polk, Tillamook, and Yamhill Counties: Toll-free: 1-800-846-9165
Oregon’s Abuse Reporting Hotline (in other Oregon counties): Toll-free: 1-855-503-7233
Local Police Department (for help at any time)
ADVISORY COUNCILS
The function of the Senior Advisory Council (SAC) and Disability Services Advisory Council (DSAC) is to advise the Board of Directors and the Executive Director on the general welfare of older adults and people with disabilities in the areas served by NWSDS (Clatsop, Marion, Polk, Tillamook, and Yamhill counties) as mandated by the Older Americans Act.
It is to also advise the Board of Directors on the services to older adults (60 years and older) and people with disabilities served by the agency, and on all important matters affecting the operations of the agency, except for matters of personnel administration, staff pay, and benefits.
SENIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC)
The 20-member Senior Advisory Council is made up of older adults, representatives of older adults, local elected officials, persons with leadership experience, representatives from agencies providing services to older adults and/or the general public.
DISABILITY SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL (DSAC)
The 15-member Disability Services Advisory Council (DSAC) is made up of persons that use or have used disability services and individuals interested in issues and services to people with disabilities. This group meets monthly and meetings are open to the public.
Cooperative & Committee work
Both the SAC and DSAC work closely together on a number of projects and committees. There are several long-standing joint committees and various joint ad hoc committees. As of January 2023, the following are active committees:
Steering Committee
Legislative & Advocacy Committee
Monitoring Committee
Budget Committee
Nominating Committee
Council Development Committee
Ad Hoc Housing Committee
CLATSOP COUNTY
ADULTS
MARION COUNTY
POLK COUNTY
TILLAMOOK COUNTY
YAMHILL COUNTY
OREGON PROJECT INDEPENDENCE
Since 1975, Oregon Project Independence (OPI) has been providing services to seniors and people with physical disabilities while they are living in their own homes. Services are provided statewide through Area Agencies on Aging, such as NorthWest Senior and Disability Services local offices.
Services include personal care, homemaker/home care services, chore services, assisted transportation, adult day care, respite, case management, registered nursing services and home-delivered meals. The goals of Oregon Project Independence are to:
Promote quality of life and independent living among seniors and people with physical disabilities;
Provide preventive and long-term services and supports to eligible individuals to promote self-determination and reduce the risk for institutionalization;
Provide services to frail and vulnerable adults who either lack or have limited access to other long-term services and supports; and Optimize eligible individuals’ personal and community support resources. EligibilityfortheOregonProjectIndependenceprogramisbasedonlevelofneed determinedbyeachadministeringAreaAgencyonAgingusingacommon assessmenttool;therearenofinancialeligibilityrequirements.Priorityisgivento frailandvulnerableolderadultswhoarelackingsufficientaccesstootherlong-term servicesandsupportsorwhoareatthegreatestriskforneedingout-of-home placement.
OPIhastraditionallyservedthosewhoare60yearsofageorolderorwhohavebeen diagnosedwithAlzheimer’sdiseaseorarelateddisorderandmeettherequirement ofOregon’slong-termcareservicespriorityrule.However,in2014,OPIexpandedto includealladults19yearsofageorolderwithaphysicaldisability.
In2024,OPIreceivedan1115MedicaidWaivertoexpandservicesunderMedicaid. Today,consumerswhoqualify,havetheoptiontoreceiveservicesunderOPIMedicaidorOPI-Classic(whichisthetraditionalOPI).
OLDER AMERICANS ACT
For more than 50 years, the Older Americans Act (OAA)
has connected older adults and their caregivers to services that help older adults age with health, dignity and independence in their homes and communities—where they want to be. With the rapid growth of America’s aging population, one in five Americans are projected to be 65 or older by 2030.
Why is the OAA Important? The OAA...
Supports family caregivers.
The OAA enables the local delivery of services and supports that can help older adults be better able to age where they want —in their homes and communities. Examples include in-home help, meals, transportation, home modification, legal services and many other supportive services that keep older adults healthy and independent.
Family caregivers are the backbone of the nation’s long-term services and supports system. The OAA provides vital supports to caregivers to bolster their ability to continue caring for their loved ones.
Reflects community needs.
Services provided at home and in the community are almost always less expensive than institutional care provided in nursing homes or assisted living. The longer older adults can successfully age at home, the better it is financially for families and the federal government. OAA programs and services also support healthy aging and address the social determinants of health, further saving Medicare and Medicaid dollars.
OAA services are delivered through a nationwide network of community-based agencies and service providers that know and can best meet the needs of older adults and caregivers in their communities through a range of programs and services. While the services are generally available to everyone age 60 and older, they are targeted to those most in need of support to age well at home.
Protects vulnerable older adults.
The Act’s services also help to identify and prevent the abuse and neglect of older Americans, as well as protect the rights of nursing home residents through an ombudsman program.
WHAT IS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE OAA?
OAA
Core
Services
The OAA funds a wide range of aging services across five core areas, with local flexibility built into the Act to reflect the needs of that area’s older adults and caregivers.
WhenCongressallocatesmoneyfortheOlderAmericansAct,itallotsaspecificamountfor eachareaor“Title”oftheact,suchasTitleIII-B,III-D,etc.Thetitlesoutlinethetypesof servicesthatmaybefundedwiththosedollars.ThefollowingisasummaryoftheOlder AmericansActtitles:
III-B-SupportiveServices
ThisisthemostflexibleofthetitlesundertheOlderAmericansAct.Itmaybeusedfora broadrangeofcommunityserviceswhichassistolderadultsinaccessingassistanceand remainingindependent.
TheActspecifiesthatineachlocalareaacertainminimumleveloffundingmustgo towardsthreecategoriesofservices,asfollows:
AccessServices-includesanyservicewhichhelpsadults,60andolder,reachthe servicestheyneed,suchastransportation,outreachactivities,informationand assistance,andcasemanagement.Theseservicesmustbefundedtoalevelthatisat least18%oftheAgency’sannualIII-Ballocation.
LegalServices-Theseservicesmustbefundedtoalevelataminimumof3%ofthe Agency’sannualIII-Ballocation.
In-HomeServices-includeshomecare,personalcare,visitingandtelephone reassurance,choremaintenance,etc.Theseservicesmustbeprovidedattheminimum levelof3%oftheAgency’sannualIII-Ballocation.
III-CI-Congregate Nutrition Services
The funds under this title must be used to provide meals in a congregate setting, although a percentage of funds may be transferred to either title III-B or III-C2. This is the title under which NWSDS funds meal sites in Clatsop, Marion, Polk, Tillamook and Yamhill counties.
III-C2- Home-Delivered Nutrition Services
The funds under this title must be used to provide home-delivered meals, although a percentage of funds may be transferred to either III-B or III C1. Home-delivered meals are provided from meal sites located in NWSDS’ five-county service area. Frozen and shelfstable meals for homebound older adults are also funded out of this title.
III-D-Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Services
These funds are designated for a variety of services designed to prevent disease and promote health and wellness for older persons. Funds are used for activities such as medication management, medication screening, education on chronic disease prevention and maintenance, and on evidence based exercise programs. No transfer of funds is permitted with this title. Medication management must be funded at a minimum of 25.9% of the annual III-D allocation.
III-E-National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)
These funds are designated to provide the following five categories of services: 1) information about services; 2) assistance with access to services; 3) individual counseling, organization of support groups, and caregiver training; 4) respite care; and 5) supplemental services, on a limited basis. No transfer of funds is permitted with this title.
VII-A3-Programs for Prevention of Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation
Funds must be used for a variety of education, information, training, or other activities designed to expand public and professional awareness of elder abuse, and to increase identification and prevention of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
HOUSING IN OREGON
The shortage of affordable and available rental housing in Oregon is widely known. Legislators across the state are actively seeking solutions and implementing legislation to alleviate the issue.
An important factor that is being left out of the conversation is that our aging and people with disabilities population make up a significant amount of the extremely low income renter households and will need rental housing that is accessible as well as affordable and available.
Much of the housing being discussed does not include enough accessible housing to meet the growing need of the population.
IMPORTANT TERMS
Extremely Low Income (ELI): households where incomes are at or below the poverty guideline or 30% of their area median income (AMI).
Cost Burdened: households that spend more than 30% of its income on rent and utilities.
Severely Cost Burdened: households that spend more than 50% of its income on rent and utilities.
Extremely Low Income Renter Households
Sourced from the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Visit www.nlihc.org/housingneeds-by-state/oregon to learn more about the shortage of affordable and available rental housing in Oregon
Note: Mutually exclusive categories applied in the following order: senior, people with disabilities, in labor force, enrolled in school, single adult caregiver of a child under 7 or a person with a disability, and other. Thirteen percent of extremely low-income renter households include a single adult caregiver, 53% of whom usually work at least 20 hours per week. Eleven percent of extremely low-income renter householders are enrolled in school, 48% of whom usually work at least 20 hours per week.
Source: 2022 ACS PUMS
WHAT IS ACCESSIBLE HOUSING?
Accessible housing is housing that people with disabilities can easily enter and use. It has features people may need to live independently. Such as (but not limited to):
Wider Doorways
Open and Clear Floor Plan
Assistive Technology
Grab Bars in Bathrooms
See the full 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design here.
Low Countertops
Accessible Parking, Walkways, and Common Areas
Accessible housing can also allow seniors to age in place more safely within their home and community rather than unnecessarily enter an institutionalized facility earlier than needed. Accessible housing can help prevent falls, which is imperative for the health of seniors. Did you know...
More than one out of four Americans age 65+ falls each year.
The cost of treating injuries caused by falls is projected to increase to over $101 billion by 2030.
For older adults in the U.S., fall death rates went up by 30% from 20072016, and researchers predict there will be 7 deadly falls every hour by 2030.
Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults.
Falls, with or without injury, also carry a heavy quality of life impact. A growing number of older adults fear falling and, as a result, limit their activities and social engagements. This can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness.
Ultimately, accessible housing should be required at a higher rate in the new housing communities being built. It enhances housing stability, prevents falls, and enables community participation for people with disabilities and seniors.
WORKLOAD & WORKFORCE
Adult Protective Services (APS) workers face an overwhelming workload, threatening their ability to protect vulnerable individuals. Legislators have the power to enact meaningful change through targeted funding, policy adjustments, and support for modernization efforts. By implementing these solutions, Oregon can better safeguard its most vulnerable populations while fostering a more sustainable workforce.
Proposed Legislative Solution: APS & Medicaid Case Manager Workforce Workgroup
To address workforce shortages and administrative inefficiencies, we support establishing a Medicaid Case Manager & APS Workers Recruitment & Retention Workgroup. This workgroup will focus on:
RECRUITMENT RETENTION
REDUCING ADMINISTRATIVE BURDENS
ExpectedOutcomes
✔ ReducedWorkerBurnout–Streamliningdocumentationandincreasingstaff levelswilleaseinvestigatorworkload.
✔ ImprovedServiceQuality–Efficientprocesseswillensuretimely investigationsandbetterprotectionforolderadults.
✔ EnhancedRetention–Providingsupport,flexibility,andmentalhealth resourceswillimprovejobsatisfaction.
✔ BetterResourceAllocation–Fundingoversightwillensureeffectiveuseof taxpayerdollarswhilemaintainingcarestandards.
MIKE
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES
“We’re probably one of the last agencies that, once we engage, we don’t let go.”
With over 10 years in Adult Protective Services, Mike McNeil has seen what happens when no one else steps in. He’s part of the team that protects Oregon’s older adults and people with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and self-neglect often under intense pressure and without backup.
“Igotaninvoluntaryseclusioncase…awifewasblockingherhusbandlivingwith Alzheimer’sintoabedroomatnighttokeephimfromwandering.Thenshetoldthe hospitaltherewouldbeamurder-suicideiftheysenthimhome.Theyweregoingto dischargehimanyway—rightbeforeChristmas.”
Mikesteppedin.Thespousewasagitatedandoverwhelmed.
“Shechasedmedownthehallyelling,butwhenItoldher,‘I'mheretohelp,’shestarted openingup.Itwasclearsheneededsupport.”
Thecase,thoughinitiallyreportedasasingleabuseallegation,quicklyturnedintoa deepersafetycrisisforbothindividuals.Mikecoordinatedresourcesanddeliveredtools likedooralarmsandmotionsensors.
“Weweren’tempty-handed.Iwantedtointroducetheriskinterventionspecialist,letthem getacquainted.That’sgoingtobealong-termintervention—hoursandhours,maybe months.That’stimeIprobablydon’thave,butit’spartofthejob.”
“Thatcase?That’sasimpleone.I’vegot12to13hoursintoitalreadyandprobablymore tocome.Theysentittousbecausetheyknewwe’dstickwithit.AndIspentacouple nightsoveraweekendworryingaboutthatfamily.IknewIcouldclosethecase—butI couldn’t.”
Theburdenisn’tjustemotional.It’ssystemic. Mikeknowshecan’tdothisworkhalfway. Butwithacaseloadnearingtripledigits,heknowsthefalloutofdelay.
“Ihave90opencases.Over30ofthemarelate.Anditgrowseveryday.We’reburied underdataentry,timelines,qualityassurancereviews.It’snotbadwork—it’sjusttoo muchforthenumberofpeoplewehave.Everycaseisthemostimportantthingin someone’slife.Butwhenyou’retriaging90emergenciesatonce,it’slikelivingina tornado.”
APSinvestigatorsarerequiredtoattemptin-personcontactwithvictimswithin24hours andcompletethoroughinvestigations—evenforcasesthatultimatelygetadministratively closed.
“There’snoreliefvalve.Evenifthecaseisn’tabuse,westillhavetodothefullprocess.It’s notjustdata.It’ssafety.It’ssurvival.Ifwemisssomething,someonecandie—notbecause ofsomethingoutofourcontrol,butbecauseweweren’ttherewhenwecouldhavebeen.”
STATS & INFO
MONTHLY AVERAGES
calls reporting abuse 808 new cases assigned per investigator 14 screened in for investigation
ALLEGATION TYPES IN 2025
Neglect: 2,215
Financial Exploitation: 970
Verbal Abuse: 624
Self-Neglect: 396 Physical Abuse: 372
Involuntary Seclusion: 106
Sexual Abuse: 58
Wrongful Restraint: 23
Abandonment: 17
Per Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs)
Response timeframes: Immediate Same Day Next Day
Within 5 Business Days
Closure deadlines:
Community cases: Within 120 days
Facility cases: Within 60 days
Investigators must balance rapid response requirements with thorough investigation and timely closure.
REQUIRED TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS
NWSDS-specific onboarding with a Quality Assurance (QA) trainer:
Covers both community and facility cases Lasts 3+ months for each individual new hire
Emphasizes real-case application, critical thinking, and multitasking strategies
Available for Q and A after training has ended
ALICIA
ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST
“You do the best you can and call it good. But we could do even better with the right support.”
Alicia Harvey joined NWSDS in March 2025, after more than six years at ODHS. As an Eligibility Specialist, she helps Oregonians apply for and maintain access to Medicaid, SNAP, Medicare Savings Programs, and long-term care services.
WhentheONEEligibilitysystemwaslaunched,workerswereexpectedtobecome generalists,handlingallprogramtypesratherthanspecializing.
“Thatwasoneofthebiggestissues–howarewesupposedtorememberallofthese thingsforalloftheseprogramswhenbeforeitwasspecialized?Iunderstandtheno wrongdoor...butitistoomuchinformationtoremember,whichisonereasonyouhear abouterrors.”
Evenwithtrainingandtools,thesystemreliesoninformationthat’snotalwayscomplete oraccurate.
“Thesystemisonlyassmartastheinformationwegiveit.Thereareerrorsyoucanmake thatcanmakeitlooklikesomeoneiseligiblewhentheyaren’t.Unreportedincomeisa bigone.Ifyouaskthem“Doyouhaveanyofthesethings?”[relatedtoincome]andthey sayno,thenyou’resupposedtotakethemattheirwordforthat.Butifthereis unreportedincomefound,thenitbecomesourerror.”
Eachcasedemandsfocusacrossmultipledomains—financial,medical,andsometimes long-termcareeligibility—allwithdifferentrulesandtimelines.
“It’sjusttoomuchinformation.Youcan’tkeepitallinyourhead.”
Aliciahasstartedtoquestionwhethershecankeepdoingthejob.
“Now,I’vebeensecondguessingorquestioningifIwanttogetadifferentjobbecauseof HR1stuff.Theotherdayanabandonedcasecamebacktomeinthesystem.Itwasa refugeefromtheCongo,anditwasherperiodicreportthatwasleftunfinished.Atthe endofit,itclosedherSNAP,andIwaslike,‘Thatdoesn’tfeelgood.’”
Thechallengesaren’tjusttechnicaloremotional—they’recumulative.
“Itisalsothechangefatigue.Therehavebeensomanychanges.Oncethewind-down finished,wethoughtitmightcalmdown,butno.Notatall.Ithinkalotofworkersendup leavingbecauseitisjusttoomuch.Toomuchtoremember.Toomuchtolookfor.Justtoo much—itbecomeskindofexhausting.Youdothebestyoucanandyoucallitgood.”
“We’reunderstaffedineligibilitybyfar.Thereisnowaywecouldevergetthroughthe workloadthatwehave—evenwithovertimehours.Therearejustnotenoughworkersfor theworkthatexists.”
MONTHLY AVERAGES
909
calls are transferred to the Eligibility Team
87 There are types of tasks
Areportedchange
Income,address,household,etc.
Aresponsetoarequestfor information
Documentverificationreview
Thiscanbecomplex
Anapplicationforbenefits
eligibility
1,545 appointments are scheduled Eligibility Specialists work
3,762
Assessingeligibility
documentationneeds
Arenewalforexistingbenefits
Verifyingcontinuedeligibility
Tasksvaryincomplexity,buteachone requiresanEligibilitySpecialisttotouch thecase tasks
On average, NWSDS Eligibility Specialists hold the cases for approximately
7,667 with Medicaid Long Term Care (LTC). OREGONIANS
ELIGIBILITY SPECIALST TRAINING
44 DAYS of training on average an in-person classroom
28 DAYS of those setting with a NWSDS Quality and Training Specialist. in
It takes
4 to get them to them through all of the initial training MONTHS
BRAD
MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEER
“I can’t think of anything more important than this.”
BradWashburnhasbeenvolunteeringwithMealson Wheelsfornearlythreeyears—buthe’sbeen committedtoservicemuchlonger.
“IstarteddoingvolunteerworkwhenIwas12years old.MyveryfirstgroupwastheRedCross.I’m
now,andIlikepeople,andIliketodrive.Idon’tknowwhatmademepickMeals onWheels,honestly,butI’mreallygladIdid.ThisisbyfarthebestgigI’veeverdone.” Braddeliversaround20mealsonhisroute—oftentoolderadultswhoarehomebound, alone,orfacinghealthchallenges.Butit’snotjustaboutthefood.
“Somepeopleareinneedofcompany.Iliketoheartheirstories,andIhaveafewofmy ownIshare.I’vemetalotofreallywonderfulpeople.”
Hisvisitsoftenbecomethemostmeaningfulmomentinsomeone’sday.Onewoman, livingattheendofagravelroadinatrailer,preferstoopenherkitchenwindowsoBrad canplayheratuneontheflute.
“Shereallyseemstolikeit.Butitwastoocoldtoday—myfingersweren’tgoingtowork, andneitherweremyflutes.”
Anotherwoman,battlingcancerafterthelossofherhusband,simplywantssomeoneto talkto.
“Shejustsitsinthehouseallday.I’mgladherdaughtercomestocareforher.Butshe likescompany.Imean,whodoesn’t?”
Bradseesfirsthandtheimpactoftheprogram.
“I’vebeentoldsomanytimeshowmuchtheyappreciateit—eveniftheydon’twant conversationorcompany.Foralotofthesepeople,we’realltheygot.Ahotmealevery day.That’swhatwecangivethem.”
VolunteeringhasalsogivensomethingbacktoBrad.
“Ilovevisitingwithpeople,andIlovedrivingaround.AndIliketodostuffthatis important.Ican’tthinkofanythingmoreimportantthanthis.”
Hebelievesthathowwecareforvulnerablepeopledefineswhoweareasacommunity. “Therearepeopleinneed.Wecanturnourbacksonthem—orwecantrytobringalittle joyintotheirlivesandprovideaservicetheycruciallyneed.Thisisbasicstuff.Thisisjust peopleeating.Youcan’tgetmorebasicthanthat.”
“Themeasureofasocietyishowittreatsitsmostvulnerable.”
33,150
Plating and delivering meals per month
Meals on Wheels Volunteers
3,700
Donate hours per month
To
1,500
Meals on Wheels recipients in Marion, Polk, Yamhill, Clatsop, and Tillamook Counties
MEALS ON WHEELS
REQUIRED TRAINING
Mission and procedures
Food safety
Delivery protocols
HIPAA & confidentiality
Consumer interaction expectations
Safety guidelines
Mandatory reporting requirements
Meals on Wheel volunteers make up nearly 90% of the NWSDS volunteer workforce
COMBATING HEAT
Improving Health & Quality of Life for Vulnerable Older Adultsonial
During the July 2022 heat wave, NWSDS agency staff pulled together to identify high risk consumers needing air conditioning (AC) units to mitigate negative health impact on them and ensure their safety.
These AC units were a part of the Air Conditioner Deployment Program created following the passage of Senate Bill 1536 during the 2022 legislative session. The bill allocated $5 million to purchase air conditioners for high-risk Oregonians.
The week NWSDS delivered the AC units, temperatures reached 102 degrees. Multiple staff from across the agency assisted with identifying, making calls, gathering data, delivering units and setting up units. From volunteers to case managers to our highest levels of management, NWSDS came together to ensure air conditioning units made it to those in need as quickly as possible. The gratitude and relief felt by those who received these units was felt by everyone.
Within days, NWSDS delivered 65 AC units out to our communities. Of these 65 AC unit, 54 were delivered to Marion County consumers and 11 to Yamhill county apartment complex where consumers were facing eviction due to their AC units blocking egress pathways. In the years since, NWSDS has continued distributing those AC units to those we serve in need.
Donna (pictured) was one of our consumers who received an AC unit. Like many of our consumers, she had never had an air conditioning unit before. At 71 years old with diabetes, neuropathy in her feet, and arthritis, the severe heat causes her feet and ankles to swell and retain fluid making movement extremely difficult and painful.
In the past, she has relied on cold baths for her feet and cold towels for her head and neck, having to constantly change them out which exacerbated the pain and swelling. Living on a very tight, fixed income, there is no way Donna would have ever been able to afford an air conditioning unit on her own. Her case manager reached out to her from NWSDS and was able to deliver and install the until within less than 48 hours.
The air conditioning unit completely changed her quality of life during heat waves. She doesn’t have to worry about mobility issues and pain from swelling due to extreme heat in her home now. She can live comfortably in her home, and she considers this a huge blessing for her health in her older age.
CHRISTINE Oregon Wellness Network
The National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) truly saved my life! After waiting three long years for a knee replacement, my hopes were dashed when my BMI was deemed too high for the surgery.
Battling weight issues my whole life, I felt defeated and believed I would never shed the pounds. With a bad knee hindering my ability to exercise, my quality of life was rapidly declining.
Then my A1C test revealed pre-diabetes status, and I was urged to join the NDPP program offered by Oregon Wellness Network and Northwest Senior and Disability Services. Skeptical at first, I questioned what more I could possibly learn about living a healthier life. Was I wrong!
Thanks to the Lifestyle Change program, I was able to lower my A1C, shed 70+ pounds, reduce my BMI, and finally get my knee replaced. With newfound energy and a pain-free knee, I dove headfirst into a realistic food and exercise routine.
Years later, I am still reaping the benefits of the program. Friends and family have taken notice of my healthier appearance, and I have become a living testament to the program's success. In fact, I have inspired others with similar health struggles to join the program.
And let's not forget the added bonus of fitting into smaller clothes and feeling great in them! The NDPP program was truly a game-changer for me, and I am passionate about sharing my success story to inspire others to achieve the same results.
Testmonial
TINA Medicaid SPL-3
Age 67
Living Situation
Lives alone in own home
Type of Assistance
146 hours per week of in-home Medicaid POLK COUNTY
“Many people find it strange when I say, "I've had a blessed, fulfilling and very happy life." Even after my husband passed 15 years ago and I've since faced health setbacks, I'm still extremely fortunate. I’m still able to contribute as I have a little paid administrative work from home and do as much volunteer advocacy-my passion, as my energy level allows. Working in the aging and disability field around services that assist people with all types of disabilities to live life with independence, access to employment and the community, productivity and personal choice – just like their non-disabled peers do, came naturally to me after I became a quadriplegic in an auto accident when I was 18 years old. Yep, this year it will be 49 years ago that my life took a drastic turn. At first I saw it as a tragedy but after a little time, realized it was my purpose.
Without this program I would hate to think what my life would be like. I would have no other way to stay out of a nursing home and in the community without these services.
I love to be an advocate for people with disabilities and help people live more independent and productive lives. I served as the executive director of the State Independent Living Council (SILC) for 14 years and as acting director of Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation for more than a year during an unexpected transition at the agency.
However, in 2016, I had to retire after experiencing severe septic shock and due to the lasting impacts, required almost full-time care from in-home services. Again, where or “who” would I have been without having the in-home program services?
I’ve said to hundreds, if not thousands of people in-home program services are crucial, they are honestly the difference between life and death.”
Although Tina’s care needs are extremely challenging, the program keeps extremely disabled people like Tina in their homes and out of nursing homes. It provides a better quality of life while avoiding the nursing home care, which is the most expensive of all care options.
Age 34
Living Situation
Lives with family
Type of Assistance
158 hours per week of in-home Medicaid
At the age of 19, Konstantine was in a life-altering car accident when the car he was in hit a patch of black ice while visiting family in Canada. After months of care in Canada, Oregon, and Colorado, he was able to move into his family home that had been adapted for his care as a quadriplegic.
Now, Konstantine requires 24/7 care to ensure his needs are met. The current home care worker crisis is putting undue stress and pressure on his family to provide care. There aren’t enough workers available to cover all of his care needs.
A few years ago, his hours/week of in-home care was cut back, and he spent the year in and out of the hospital and doctor with a myriad of issues that could have been prevented with adequate care. His case manager saw the impact and worked with his family to increase his hours back to what they were. With the increase of hours, the hospital and doctor visits decreased, and his quality of life improved dramatically.
This further shows the importance of our home care workers in providing quality of life for our consumers not only need but deserve.
Despite the challenges thrown his way, Konstantine maintains an impressive positive outlook and continues his passion for hunting, computers, and living life to the fullest thanks to his family and caregivers.
GLOSSARY
Here are some acronyms and terms that may either be mentioned in this document or pertain to the work that we do.
Aging and Resource Development Center (ADRC): A statewide resource for those looking for information about services to address aging or disability needs. ADRC provides information about local public and privately paid options and has trained professional staff who can help consumers with immediate needs or future plans.
Area Agency on Aging (AAA): An Area Agency on Aging is a public or non-profit agency, designated by the state, to address the needs and concerns of adults, age 60 and older, at the local level. Area Agency on Aging is a generic term. Specific names of local Area Agencies on Aging may vary. NorthWest Senior & Disability Services is the name of the Area Agency on Aging serving Clatsop, Marion, Polk, Tillamook and Yamhill counties.
Community-Based Care (CBC): Community-based care is the foundation of Oregon’s long-term care system. The state has developed a system so that individuals can remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible or move into lower cost alternatives to nursing homes. Oregon’s system helps older adults and adults with physical disabilities locate and receive the services they need in the least restrictive setting.
Food Insecurity: The limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways.
Home Care Worker (HCW): Helps with light cleaning, shopping, laundry and making meals for older adults and adults with physical disabilities who need this help so they can remain safely in their own homes.
Personal Support Worker (PSW): Supports children and adults experiencing intellectual or developmental disabilities, or adults experiencing a mental illness, in their own homes and communities.
