New toolkit available: Emergency preparedness and falls prevention

In our 2024 needs assessment, older adults in Washington County shared that they want simple, easy‑to‑use safety information. Many community members said they struggle to find or use online materials, especially for fall prevention tips and emergency preparedness guidance.

To help, DAVS volunteers Rebekah Cortes-Sierra, Seferina Deleon Dale, Ian Barrett and Vici Wolff participated in a work party at DAVS to build an informational packet on both topics (pictured above). We will distribute the toolkits directly to DAVS clients, and community members can also visit our office to request one. The kit includes practical fall prevention tips older adults can use at home, plus an emergency supply checklist to help households prepare for unexpected events. If you’re interested in a toolkit and you’re not currently a DAVS client, please stop by the office at 5240 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 300 or call the ADRC at 503-846-3060.

For additional guidance, visit Washington County Emergency Management and check out their Outreach and Education page to request training for your community or event. 

For many older people, living alone is not a decision. It arrives. A partner passes away. Children grow up and move out. The people you shared your home with and looked after are no longer down the hall.

A University of Michigan poll found that older adults who live alone are much more likely to say they lack companionship — 47%, compared with 33% of those who live with someone.

Home sharing is an option. It means sharing your home with a compatible adult who is not a family member. This is not renting a room to a stranger. Home providers and home seekers are matched on compatibility and on what each wants in a home. Identities are checked, background checks are run, and people talk by messages and video first. The home provider chooses who moves in.

AARP found that even among adults who prefer to live alone, most would consider sharing their home for company, help around the house, or extra income. HomeShare Oregon matches homeowners with home seekers. 

Do you have questions about the right plan for you in 2027? Do you need help with changing your prescription drug plan or your Medicare Advantage plan? Trained Medicare counselors with the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program can help. They will answer questions and help you understand your options so you can choose the right plan for you. Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7. SHIBA volunteers (Mary is pictured here) are available all year round. Please call 503-846-3094 to schedule an appointment. We'll also post a calendar of Medicare help sessions taking place across the county on our website.



Avoid scams and fraud by protecting your Medicare number as you do your banking information. Find other tips for protecting yourself from a scam. 

Stepping into the role of a care partner — whether for a family member, friend, or someone else we know — can feel overwhelming. It’s common to feel unsure about where to begin or what resources are available. The good news is you don’t have to navigate this alone.

Caregiver helplines offer free, confidential support to help you understand your needs, get connected to resources, and find your footing. Whether you’re looking for emotional support, practical guidance, or information about navigating health or social systems, these helplines can serve as an encouraging starting point.



Here are a few trusted, free helplines to help you get started:

• Caregiving Action Network, 855‑227‑3640, offers one‑on‑one support for caregivers of all backgrounds.
• Alzheimer’s Association, 800‑272‑3900, provides 24/7 assistance, education, and crisis support for anyone caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.
• Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 866‑232‑8484, a licensed social worker is available to offer guidance, support, and resource referrals.
• VA Caregiver Support Line, 855‑260‑3274, supports caregivers of veterans by offering information, encouragement, and help navigating VA programs.

Reaching out is a strong first step. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey, these helplines are staffed by specially trained people who are there to listen, guide and support you.

In addition to national resources, Washington County’s Family Caregiver Support Program provides local support for unpaid caregivers of older adults and individuals of any age living with a dementia-related diagnosis. For information on support groups, respite services, and caregiver supplies, contact the Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 503‑846‑3060.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and develop community support to prevent suicide. If you are interested in learning about suicide prevention, we invite you to join us for a training that will provide information on veteran risk factors, why means matter, and how you can assist in the community. For additional suicide prevention trainings, visit Get Trained to Help.

Washington County and the cities of Beaverton and Hillsboro are conducting a survey to better understand the housing and service needs of our community members and identify funding priorities for federal Community Development Block Grant funding. The survey is open through September 10. 

Ever wonder whether Veterans Day should have an apostrophe? It shouldn’t, because the day does not belong to veterans. It is a day dedicated to honoring all who have served. The national Veterans Day ceremony takes place and is televised every year on November 11 at 11 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery. The date and time are significant because the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 marked the official end of World War I with Germany.

If you would like to attend a local ceremony, we invite you to sign up for our monthly veterans newsletter, Stronger Together. Our November issue will include a list of ceremonies taking place in communities across the region.

Representatives from a wide range of disciplines meet regularly in Washington County as part of the Vulnerable Adults Multi‑Disciplinary Team to address the ongoing and often under‑recognized issues of elder abuse, exploitation and neglect. Each year, the team hosts a training for law enforcement, adult protective services, and other professionals working to prevent and respond to elder abuse.

This year’s training took place on June 4 and featured guest speakers from the Oregon Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, the Oregon Department of Justice, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Beaverton Police Department, who shared best practices and case studies. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about local resources and exchange information to strengthen community safety.

To learn more about this important issue, visit our Elder Abuse Awareness, Prevention and Reporting web page.

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, September 17, 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.