NEW, TOLL-FREE NUMBER GIVES OREGON SENIORS, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES EASY ACCESS TO THE HELP THEY NEED TO REMAIN INDEPENDENT, HEALTHY, AND SAFE

Oregon's Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) has 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 disability.

The phone number is 1-855-ORE-ADRC.

"This is one of those phone numbers that all 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.  Having a single access point makes it so easy for anyone to call to get what they need."

Oregon's ADRC is a "one-stop shop" for older adults, people with disabilities, their caregivers and families to get the information and services as their health and long-term care needs change. The ADRC is easily accessible for people seeking long-term services and information to identify options that best suit their needs.

"The feedback we are receiving from callers is that this is exactly the service they needed---and were looking for---they didn't know where to go or who to talk to for sorting things out about a loved one or for themselves," said Elaine Young,  Manager of the State Unit on Aging at DHS. "I heard so many people say that they finally know where to go to get the information and the support they need."

During the past year, most callers to ADRC requested information about how to access in-home supports.  The majority of callers were consumers although calls were often received from family members, friends, neighbors or agencies needing information, referral or assistance.

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 that may be found by searching "Oregon ADRC."