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En español Caregiving may be one of the most important, and challenging, roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier.
AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey.
To order a print copy of this online guide, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.
Caregiver Support
Family Caregiver Support Program (855-673-2372).
Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon Offers information about family caregiver support in Oregon, including eligibility and training opportunities, such as free Powerful Tools for Caregivers training classes. They provide the free Oregon family caregiver handbook, Planning for Your Future, as well as other free caregiving guides and a caregiver self-assessment questionnaire.
Oregon Care Partners (800-930-6851)
Provides free, evidence-based educational classes for anyone in the state of Oregon who is involved in the care of an older adult or person living with dementia. Classes help caregivers learn how to provide care, know more about what to expect, reduce caregiving-related stress, have more positive interactions and outcomes and practice self-care while caregiving.
Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program (855-260-3274)
Offers information about caregiver support programs and resources, including respite care, that Veterans Affairs offers for eligible caregivers of veterans in Oregon.
Finances
Community Action Partnership of Oregon (503-316-3951)
Assists eligible people find help with the cost of rent and utilities.
Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (Division of Financial Regulation Engagement) (888-877-4894)
Offers consumer information and tools, including the ability to file a complaint against a business, or get help with insurance, financial services, and protecting your identity. Their consumer advocates assist and answer questions free of charge.
Oregon Department of Human Services – Public Benefits (800-699-9075)
Provides information about and tools to apply for medical, food and cash benefits.
Legal
Oregon Law Help
A joint project of the Oregon State Bar, the Oregon Judicial Department, Legal Aid Services of Oregon, the Oregon Law Center, the Oregon Law Foundation, the Oregon Law Foundation and Oregon Consumer Justice that provides legal information, assistance finding free or low-cost legal help and connections to community resources across Oregon.
Oregon Department of Justice (877-877-9392)
Helps consumers with complaints, prevents fraud and enforces consumer protection laws.
Oregon State Bar Association— Lawyer Referral Service (503-684-3763; 800-452-7636)
Helps you find the right lawyer, including elder law referrals, and has information about the Modest Means, the Free Legal Answers and the Military Assistance Programs.
Health
Alzheimer’s Association of Oregon & Southwest Washington Chapter (800-272-3900 24-hour hotline)
Provides education and support for people diagnosed with dementia, their families and their caregivers, including a 24/7 hotline for emergency placement, local support groups, and tips about communication and how to handle difficult behaviors.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society — Oregon and SW Washington Chapter (800-344-4867)
Provides services and resources for people affected with MS, including health and wellness, family and relationships, and financial assistance.
Oregon Health Authority (503-947-2340)
Includes most of the state’s health care programs, including Public Health, Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid), crisis line, addiction services and mental health services. Find information about Oregon health plan providers, community mental health centers, crisis lines, primary care homes, vaccinations and other helpful resources.
Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (800-722-4134)
Part of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, SHIBA is a statewide network of trained volunteers who educate and advocate for people of all ages who have Medicare. Volunteers help consumers understand their Medicare insurance choices and rights at no charge, and information is confidential.
Housing and Care Facilities
Oregon Housing Stability Council — Find a Housing Counselor (503-986-2000)
A listing of Homeownership Councils across Oregon with free local housing counselors who can help low- and moderate-income families with rental assistance, purchasing affordable housing and other living resources.
Oregon Office of the Long- term Care Ombudsman (800-522-2602)
An independent state agency established to protect individual rights, enhance quality of life, improve care and promote the dignity of residents living in Oregon’s licensed nursing, residential care, assisted living and adult foster care homes. Ombudsmen investigate and resolve your complaints and concerns and advocate for improvements in resident care.
Information and Services
Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (855-673-2372)
A comprehensive, one-stop statewide resource that connects older adults with a broad range of home-based assistance, local information, and government and community-based services. Provides local information and assistance specialists who can help find resources and refer callers to local services. Skilled professional options counselors provide assessments to improve quality of life and help with short- and long-term planning.
Department of Human Services - Aging and Disability Services (503-945-5600)
Provides services designed to protect individual independence, dignity and choice. Staff at local offices, with the aid of community partners, help individuals and families find the right mix of services to meet a person’s needs.
End of Life
Compassion and Choices (800-247-7421)
Improves care, expands options and empowers everyone to chart their end-of-life journey. Provides information for clinicians and consumers about end-of-life options and living and dying with dementia. Offers end-of-life planning tools and advance planning consultation services related to end- of-life options.
The Oregon Hospice & Palliative Care Association (503-228-2104)
Provides information and resources about hospice and palliative care for patients, families, and caregivers. Includes a Find a Hospice search tool, and a link to Medicare’s Hospice Compare tool.