Council on Aging expands, info, referral services to Madras

The Council on Aging of Central Oregon announced Tuesday it will locally expand its Information and Referral team’s presence to Madras.

Beginning Wednesday, June 12, and every second Wednesday of the month thereafter, Jefferson County residents can drop by the Madras Senior Center to meet for free with the Council’s Bob Baily , an information and referral (I&R) specialist, and to learn about local supports and services that enable older adults to live at home with independence, safety, dignity, and well-being.

“We are mission-driven to serve the current and expanding needs of older adults and their unpaid caregivers throughout the tri-county region,” said Cassie Regimbal , client services manager at the Council on Aging. ” Information and referral plays a huge part in that. Our expansion to Madras is a way we create opportunities to more easily connect with residents locally, away from our headquarters. Our being out in the field with this free service simplifies the way clients can get the information they need to make the best decisions for themselves or an older loved one. ”

Last year, according to the Council on Aging’s Community Impact Report, I&R team members answered more than 12,000 inquiries for information, referrals, and resources.

“My goal is empowerment,” says Bailey. ” One day that might mean I’m helping connect someone to Medicare benefits. Other days I might be fielding more challenging questions about available supports for an older adult recently diagnosed with dementia. Our I&R service addresses a range of aging-related issues. I take great satisfaction in helping people get the information they need to solve very challenging problems that are part of the aging process. ”

The Madras expansion follows earlier I&R expansions in La Pine and Prineville. Deschutes County residents living in the south county can drop by for free I&R sessions on the last Tuesday of every month, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the La Pine Senior Center, which is located at 16450 Victory Way. On the third Tuesday of each month, Crook County residents can meet with a Council on Aging I&R specialists at the Prineville Senior Center, located at 180 NE Belknap Street, between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p. m

To find out more about the Council on Aging’s free Information and Referral service, visit https://www.councilonaging.org/find-help/not-sure-where-to-start/or call (541) 678-5483.