Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington

06/12/2026

06/11/2026

The KIRO story has generated a large response from individuals interested in volunteering as long-term care ombuds! We are thankful to KIRO, to the residents, volunteer Marily and King County LTCO, Meghan for the work they did to get the word out!
There are comments on the KIRO feed that are about how this should be a Paid Job and not a volunteer role.

Most people don't understand this program, and don't understand why volunteers are utilized rather than paid staff. We utilize the talents of both paid and volunteers. Historically, volunteers have often become paid staff and even become regional long-term care ombuds. Volunteers are mostly retirees who have led full lives, including raising families, professional careers and many have deep volunteer experiences and roots serving others. It's not just about "bodies" to serve others. These are people who possess and demonstrate their values that align with the LTC Ombudsman code of conduct, laws and culture.

The fact is that long term care ombuds volunteers can provide that localized vigilance and attention to residents that is needed. Because care is 24/7 and not just between 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. It's all the time. Volunteer ombuds can pop-in to facilities, any time, without cause or reason, checking in on isolated vulnerable adults. Volunteer ombuds care deeply about their community and about people who live in longterm care. They represent the common person, the average consumer. They can see that local care quality is important. Just as the PTA volunteer invests their time in their local schools, or the Boy Scout Leader, gives to young children developing their life, team and leadership skills. Those are important "jobs" and a part of a thriving community. LTCOP Volunteers can and do get the job done.

The program has a system of training, policies and practices and supervision that support volunteers who give their time and do incredible work. It's not the type of volunteer gig that is a "friendly visitor". This volunteer work is serious advocacy. We have limits and parameters and sometimes a volunteer may not feel it is enough for them! For some, it is too much.

Staff ombuds carry their own case loads, resolve complaints, and provide support to resident. They provide support and ongoing training to volunteers. They are stretched. We need more funding, we need more volunteers and staff.

Don't underestimate the level of commitment, skills and abilities of someone just because they are a "volunteer". In our 35+ years of experience in operating the LTCOP- volunteers are critical in delivering this program.

06/11/2026

This month’s featured service is transportation.
Transportation services help with transportation to and from the grocery store, medical appointments, social services and therapeutic recreational activities.
Learn more about our covered services and supports by visiting https://bit.ly/43RilUi

06/10/2026

Long before she needed long-term care, Dani was a full-time caregiver herself. She had spent most of her life caring for her disabled brother and sister, and she became a caregiver in college to earn extra money and because she was able to fit in work hours around her school schedule. Learn more at wacaresfund.wa.gov.

Long before she needed long-term care, Dani was a full-time caregiv...

06/09/2026

FAQ: When will benefits be available?
You can apply for benefits now, and benefits will become available July 1, 2026 to people who have met contribution requirements and need care.
Learn more about the contribution requirement, care needs requirement and how to apply at https://bit.ly/3K1VvC7

06/09/2026

Our Kinship Caregiver Support Group meets this week!

This group is guided by a facilitator and offers family caregivers a safe place to connect with other caregivers; share feelings and concerns; discuss ways of coping with challenges, stresses and demands on your time; and learn about community resources. There is no cost to attend.

10 –11:30 a.m., on the second Thursday of the month via Zoom (one-time registration is required)

10 –11:30 a.m., on the fourth Thursday of each month in-person (no registration required) at Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of SW WA, 201 NE 73rd St., Vancouver

For more information or to register, please contact Yen Lu-Ortega, 360-759-4317 or email [email protected]

06/08/2026

It's Motivation Monday!

Join us this week for our EnhanceFitness classes -- they are free and fun!

EnhanceFitness is an evidence-based group exercise program. It helps older adults (age 60 plus) become more active, energized and empowered to sustain independent lives. All older adults are welcome. Instructors tailor exercises to ability, from seated to full mobility.

Pre-registration is not required and there is no cost to attend. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early for your first class to complete registration on-site.

• Battle Ground (two classes each day)
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. and 10 - 11 a.m., *Tuesdays and Thursdays
Battle Ground Senior Center, 116 NE Third Street, Battle Ground

Brush Prairie
10 – 11 a.m., Wednesdays and Fridays
Bethel Lutheran Church, 12919 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie

• Camas
10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Lacamas Lake Lodge, 227 NE Lake Road, Camas

• Washougal
8:30 – 9:30 a.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Washougal Senior Center, 1681 C Street, Washougal

06/08/2026

What is an Ombudsman? It's a person who helps long-term care residents advocate for their needs.

Our agency hosts the Ombuds program for Southwest Washington (Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Pacific, Skamania and Wahkiakum Counties) and we are always looking for kind, caring and compassionate volunteers to support people living in long-term care.

Would you like to be a long-term care hero? Learn more at: https://helpingelders.org/long-term-care-support

Residents and their family members can rely on long-term care ombudsmen to provide support, comfort, and advocacy by listening to resident concerns and helpi...

06/07/2026

Free check-in service now available in Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat counties

CDM Caregiving, working with a grant from the Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington (AAADSW), now offers a free telephone check-in service for older adults and adults living with disabilities in Clark, Klickitat and Skamania counties.

The new service, RUOK (aRe yoU OK), is designed to check-in daily (or less often as you decide) to see how you are doing. The program is designed to reduce social isolation for vulnerable adults in the community, assist case managers with an additional set of “eyes and ears,” and give peace of mind to family, friends and neighbors.

CDM Caregiving will have current home care supervisory staff doing the calls to participants and they will keep a track of “outside of normal” events to alert a case manager at AAADSW, family, friends, neighbors or emergency services as necessary.

To sign up for the service, you can complete a referral form and return it to CDM Caregiving. You can also use this form to sign up a family member or neighbor. You can find the form online at:https://helpingelders.org/.../281-ruok-referral-form.pdf or call CDM Caregiving at 360-896-9695 or AAADSW’s Aging & Disability Resource Center at 360-694-8144.