Ore. has toll-free number for disability resources
Oregon’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection recently received high marks and positive comments from a customer satisfaction survey conducted by Portland State University.
“This is a valuable service,” said one respondent in the survey. “Without them I would be pulling my hair out.” Said another: “The stress would have been overwhelming…without the ADRC I do not think the outcome would have been as positive.” And another said: “We would have been devastated–we really appreciate the services they were able to help us get.”
Currently, Oregon’s ADRC is a “one-stop shop” for older adults, people with physical disabilities, their caregivers and families to get the information and services as their health and long-term care needs change. However, expansion to other populations is planned within the year.
Earlier this year, ADRC opened a statewide toll-free telephone number so that all Oregonians can easily access resources and information from anywhere in the state on issues related to aging or living with a physical disability.
The phone number is 1-855-ORE-ADRC. After dialing the number, callers will be prompted to enter their zip code. This will connect them to their local ADRC who will be able to provide the information and services they are looking for. If the caller has specific questions, they may be connected with and Options Counselor who will be able to meet with them one on one to address their specific needs. Oregonians called the ADRC 49,864 times in 2012 and searched its website over 91,000 times. It is funded by DHS and local Area Agencies on Aging through federal grants.
“With May being Older Americans Month, we want to remind people that this is one of those phone numbers Oregonians should keep handy,” said Mike McCormick, Deputy Director of the Aging and People with Disabilities Program at the Oregon Department of Human Services.
“You may not need it now, but someday you will,” McCormick said. “As Oregonians age and baby boomers turn 65 in greater numbers, the ADRC will be here to answer questions and help families make decisions and locate vital services.”
For more information on Oregon’s ADRC, call 1-855-ORE-ADRC or go the website at www.adrcoforegon.org . The website is also available in Spanish by clicking on “espanol” on the lower left side of the home page. ADRC also has a Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ADRCofOregon .
