Columbia County

Area Agency on Aging

We provide essential services to older Americans, helping them live independently and with dignity.

Our Senior Case Managers are here to provide personalized assistance and guide you through available programs. We specialize in connecting seniors with the support they require.

Services we provide include: aging and disability resources, options counseling, case management, meal programs, caregiver support, respite services, evidence based health programs, money management and advocacy.

For more information about our programs and services for older adults please contact us at 503-366-6581 OR 1-855-ORE-ADRC (1-855-673-2372).

OPI: Oregon Project Independence

OPI helps older adults who require assistance taking care of their daily needs continue living independently in their own homes. The goal of OPI is to promote quality of life and independence by preventing inappropriate or premature placement in a nursing home. It fills the gap between Medicaid and private pay caregiving.

Money Management

OMMP offers specialized financial management assistance to adults aged 18 and over who receive federal and state benefits. Our case manager provides personalized, confidential services to help clients maintain financial stability and independence, ensuring their funds are managed safely and effectively.

Options Counseling

Options counseling is a one-on-one person-centered service for older adults (60+), persons with disabilities (age 18+), or their caregivers. It is an interactive process designed to identify long-term support preferences and develop an individual action plan for obtaining needs. Short-term assistance may include:

Assistance with housing or utility assistance applications
Help in applying for government assistance programs such as Medicaid or Supplement Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP)
Providing options around home and community-based service providers
Assistance with identifying long-term care options and plans.

Case Management

In situations where ongoing care is needed, case management offers older adults (60+) or adults with disabilities (18+) assistance in establishing a care plan to identify long-term needs and provide ongoing support services through continued monitoring and assessments. Care coordinators conduct in-home assessments for services such as homemaker and chore services, family caregiver support, respite care, home delivered meals, money management and other home or community based services.

Providing Information and Assistance

The Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at Community Action Team is a central source of information, assistance and access to community resources of older people and people with disabilities, as well as their families. When you call the ADRC, you will reach an information and assistance team member who is equipped with the knowledge and resources to answer questions and provide referrals to programs or agencies that can offer solutions to the challenges you may face. The ADRC is:

One central source of reliable and objective information about community resources.
Helps consumers to understand the various long term care options available.
Enables individuals to make informed, cost-effective decisions about long term care.
Reduces the demand for public funding by helping people to conserve their personal resources, health and independence.
Able to help consumers identify and access services for which they may be eligible

To contact the Columbia County ADRC, call 503-366-6581 or 1-855-ORE-ADRC (1-855-673-2372), or visit www.adrcoforegon.org.

Care Transitions

Care transition coaches are available to provide long-term care support planning to help non-Medicaid eligible seniors who want to return to their community following a hospital or skilled nursing facility stay. By coordinating wrap-around services and supports, this program promotes a smooth transition and increases the individual’s ability to live safely and comfortably at home. The goal of this program is to reduce risk of readmission, support increased quality of life and ensure consumer choice.

Support for Family Caregivers

Being a family caregiver can be stressful, and finding support can be difficult. The Family Caregiver Support Program offers services that can take some of the burdens off of unpaid caregivers caring for someone

These services help support the caregiver such as durable medical equipment, specialized assistive devices, and home modifications.

Wellness Education

CAT provides wellness programs to promote healthy aging and improve the quality of life for older Oregonians. These evidence-based programs offer proven strategies to promote health, better manage and possibly prevent disease and reduce the risk of falling.

With an emphasis on self-management education and physical activity, these programs are effective, convenient and affordable options for helping people improve the quality of their lives.

In some cases, evidence-based community wellness and prevention programs can reduce healthcare costs for beneficiaries.

Programs and Workshops Include:

Chronic Disease Self-Management
Chronic Pain Self-Management
Diabetes Self-Management
Program for Encouraging Active and Rewarding LiveS (PEARLS)
Tai Chi for Better Balance

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA and its participating institutions are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.