Respect: Protecting older adults from abuse

Many older adults in Oregon experience some form of abuse, but many do not report it. Oregon’s Respect Campaign is designed to raise awareness about the abuse experienced by LGBTQIA2S+ older adults, who have been shown to experience higher rates of abuse than the general population of older adults, while also being less likely to report it. We encourage you to check out the campaign materials and share them as appropriate.

Join us Mondays, June 8 through June 29, 1-2 p.m. at DAVS office, located at 5240 NE Elam Young Parkway, #300, Hillsboro. We will read Being My Mom’s Mom by Loretta Anne Woodward Veney and explore the author’s experience caring for her mom, her lessons learned, and how she found joy in the small moments. Space is limited. Books are provided at a cost of $12.95. If this is a hardship, the cost can be waived. Register with Brittany (pictured above) at 503-310-5550 or brittany_devine@washingtoncountyor.gov.

On Saturday, June 6, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the Hillsboro Brookwood Library, we invite parents to bring their children, and caregivers to bring their aging loved ones living with dementia, to connect and enjoy time together in a warm and welcoming environment. Attendees will engage in fun and no-pressure activities together, including creative storytelling and a collaborative art project. Every generation has something special to offer, and intergenerational programs can bring those gifts together. Register with Camryn (pictured above holding a baby, with her intergenerational family and friends) at 503-846-3105 or camryn_pennington@washingtoncountyor.gov. 

Deanna Levinson, an accredited Veteran Service Officer (VSO) with DAVS, traveled to Washington, D.C. in March to participate in the 2026 National Association of County Veteran Service Officers Leadership Summit. During the summit, she heard directly from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) leadership about current priorities and initiatives affecting veterans and county programs such as DAVS. She is pictured here with Senator Jeff Merkley and two other VSOs, Mary Newman and Mark Lapinskas.

The group also met with federal lawmakers to discuss legislation impacting our work and the communities we serve. One of the key issues the Oregon delegation raised with our representatives was the VA’s practice of using AI and external tools, including Google search, to help decide — and often deny — veteran claims.

Shortly afterward, Representative Maxine Dexter testified before the House Veterans Affairs Committee to address this concern.

Earlier this year, DAVS issued a request for proposals to organizations interested in providing congregate meals and home-delivered meal services starting July 1. The funding for these two services comes from the Older Americans Act. Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, Marjorie Stewart Senior Community Center, Centro Cultural, Meals on Wheels People, and Juanita Pohl Center were selected as congregate meal providers. Meals on Wheels People was selected to provide all home-delivered meals, and their organization will deliver to the entire county. To learn more about where and when older adult meals are offered in Washington County, please visit our nutrition and meal program web page.

At the heart of every nonprofit organization are dedicated folks who give their time and resources to support members of their community. Ride Connection, one of DAVS’ many contracted partners, is a nearly 40-year-old Portland nonprofit that provides safe, personalized transportation for people who need it throughout the metro region.

Disability and Aging Services Coordinator Zak Shawver has been an advisory (non-voting) board member of Ride Connection since February 2023. He became aware of their work through his role as a case manager for DAVS’ Oregon Project Independence program here in Washington County.

“Ride Connection increases independence and mobility for older adults and people with disabilities, including those who live in more rural areas of the region where transportation can be limited,” Shawver explains.

Through a partnership with a strong network of agencies, Zak has seen the power of Ride Connection’s mission while also elevating the needs of Washington County residents to its leadership.

“Being able to witness clients maintaining social and emotional connections because of these services makes me proud to be a board member,” he says.

Learn more about volunteer driving options for older adults or explore local transportation options.

Pictured above is volunteer driver Ken giving Patricia a ride to the Sherwood Senior Center for a meal funded by DAVS. 

Heat can make you very sick, and some disabilities and chronic conditions make the risk higher. Conditions such as heart disease and poor circulation increase the risk of heat illness. Many common medications — including those for mental health and neurological conditions — can make it harder for your body to cool down. Stay safe this summer by knowing the risks and preparing ahead of high temperatures. Make a plan to stay cool when temperatures rise, know the warning signs of heat illness, and find a cool place to go when it’s hot out. Check on your friends, family, and neighbors on hot days — you could save a life!

Oregon’s draft 2026-2030 State Plan on Aging, which shapes how older adults, people with disabilities, their families and other unpaid care providers are served, is available for review and comment through Friday, June 12, at 5 p.m. For more information and to submit a comment, visit the Oregon Department of Human Services’ website.

Are you passionate about supporting older adults, veterans and their families? The Aging and Veteran Services Advisory Council (AVSAC) is looking for volunteers who want to help shape the future of services in our community. No special experience is required — just a commitment to making a positive impact. View our flyer or visit the AVSAC webpage to learn more and apply. Questions? Call us at 503-846-3093.

 

Next AVSAC meeting: Thursday, July 16, 9-11 a.m. in person at 5240 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 300 in Hillsboro or join virtually via Teams. We welcome guests and invite public comment on the issues facing older adults and veterans in our community.