Home and Community-Based Services

  • Friendly visiting programs provide companionship for homebound or institutionalized elderly individuals and function as a kind of informal “check-in.” Often staffed by volunteers, friendly visiting programs provide the same kind of outside support that a family member or friend might offer if they were present.

  • Senior centers are a great source of information about home and community-based services. They also offer recreational activities, a community meeting space, and a variety of programs and health services.

  • Meal services bring hot meals to seniors either in their homes (Meals on Wheels) or in group settings (churches, senior centers). They provide nutritious food and can often cater to special dietary restrictions.

  • Adult day care programs typically run on weekdays during business hours and offer participants a stimulating environment where they can socialize with other seniors and participate in activities. Transportation to and from adult day care centers is often provided by a vans or minibuses. Meals and health services are also usually offered.

  • In-home care agencies are licensed by the state of Oregon to provide assistance with personal care tasks, some medication services, housekeeping, laundry, shopping and errands, transportation, and other supportive services.

  • Home health care services offer clients health-related services such as wound care, medication dispensation, and IV therapy.

  • Mental health services make counseling, therapy, support groups, intakes, and interventions available to seniors in need. Services may help in cases of anxiety, depression, grief, and loneliness.

  • Care managers are professionals who coordinate the care of their clients. They continually assess client needs and arrange care and housing accordingly. Their expertise may be particularly helpful during rushed crisis planning (i.e. nursing home placements from the hospital).

  • Respite care offers care on a short-term basis. This service is usually offered for the purpose of relieving caretakers of their responsibilities for a brief period, from a few hours to a number of days.

  • Hospice services provide care for the terminally ill in the comfort of their own homes, as well as in hospitals, nursing homes, or special Hospice houses. Hospice care includes grief counseling, pain management, and home health services.

  • Transportation services drive seniors to various appointments upon request. Many vehicles are equipped to manage wheelchairs and other special needs.