In less than 20 years, nearly one in five Oregonians will be over the age of 65. This will present tremendous challenges to the status quo for Oregon's communities, our infrastructure, and our health care and long-term care systems. If we do not prepare now, the challenges of the future will be immense. However, with thoughtful planning and investment, we can create a wave of opportunity for Oregon and Oregon's senior population.

In the Spring of 2006, the Commission held community and video forums in eighteen communities throughout Oregon to talk with Oregonians about the demographic changes Oregon is facing. The Commission heard clearly from citizens that we are not yet prepared to deal with the sweeping changes that are coming.

Facilitating State, Local and Individual Planning for the Future

Overview

Key Components of a Solution:

• SB 191—Oregon’s implementation of the Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Act
• Identify in the 2007 Ways and Means process, the projected cost of long-term care through the 2011-13 biennium
• Legislative support to develop a toolkit to help communities plan for their future
• Legislative support for and involvement in additional community dialogues on the future of long-term care in Oregon 

Ensuring Adequate Treatment and Training for Older Adults' Mental Health

Overview

Oregon’s aging demographic reveals a critical and growing need for effective, evidence-based mental health treatments for older Oregonians:  At least one in five Oregonians over the age of 65 suffers with a mental health concern.  Suicide rates among older adults are higher than for any other age group.  By the year 2030, the number of older adults with psychiatric disorders will more than double.

While there is a strong evidence base for effective mental health treatment for older adults, mental health concerns in older adults are under-recognized and under-treated by both medical personnel and by untrained mental health providers.  The result of untreated mental health concerns is increased suffering, reduced function, increased dependency, and over-utilization of public and private resources.

Toward a Solution: The 2007 Geriatric Mental Health Act (LC 2716)

• Develop a Geriatric Mental Health Training and Certification Program in Oregon with the following elements:

  • An initial pilot training project in five Oregon counties (two urban and three rural)

  • Based on Washington’s model, but customized in a way that will work for Oregonians

  • The pilot will measure the trainees’ capacity to provide evidence-based geriatric mental health services, and enhanced quality of the safety, recovery, and maximal independence of older adults with mental health concerns served by participating specialists

Keeping Elders Safe in Oregon Communities; Free from the Threat of Abuse

Overview

Last year in Oregon, over 8,300 cases of potential abuse against Oregon’s senior citizens and persons with disabilities were reported, with many more instances of abuse going unreported.  As Oregon’s population continues to age, and our ability to meet the demands of the aging population becomes less certain, there is the threat of an increase in abuse.

The Governor’s Commission on Senior Services believes that each Oregonian should see it his or her duty to prevent abuse, and to understand that we have the power to do this.  And the Commission is committed that government has the resources at its disposal to play its particular role in the solution

Key Components of a Solution:

• Endorse the Governor’s Budget proposals to:
  • enhance funding for Adult Protective Services staff to be able to respond to allegations of abuse in a timely manner
  • expand the number of staff in the Client Care Monitoring Unit (CCMU)
  • increase the number of full-time staff and volunteer ombudsman positions in the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman
• Oppose legislation that justifies physical violence against seniors and persons with physical disabilities
• Promote public guardian/conservator programs in Oregon counties

Developing Effective Supports for Family Caregivers

Overview

There are currently about 400,000 individuals providing an estimated 385 million hours of unpaid care annually to senior relatives in Oregon.  The estimated value of this caregiving is more than $3.8 billion.  This caregiving results in a great relief to Oregon’s publicly funded long-term care system.  However, many unpaid family caregivers find it difficult to continue to provide care, due to a lack of respite, training, and financial support.

The Governor’s Commission on Senior Services is committed to supporting family caregivers with the training, respite and assistance they need to continue to provide unpaid care for family members.

Toward a Solution:The 2007 Caregiver Assistance and Recognition Act(SB 768)

• Provides a credit/rebate of up to $500 for an unpaid family caregivers whose household income is below $60,000, to reimburse them for expenses related to family caregiving, training, or respite care for a senior relative.
• Creates a formalized Family Caregiver Advisory Board to advise the Department of Human Services on the needs of and policies affecting family caregivers.  

Providing Adequate Funding for Existing Services for Seniors and People with
  Disabilities

Overview

During the past three biennia, Oregon’s system of supports for seniors and people with disabilities has taken enormous cuts in funding and service provision. In 2003, services were eliminated for Service Priority Levels 14-17, ending services for more than 4,800 seniors and people with disabilities, and for thousands of others in the four years since, who would have qualified for needed services to help them remain safe, independent and healthy.

Key Components of a Solution:

• Endorse the Governor’s Budget proposals to:

  • expand overall funding for Oregon Project Independence
  • fund the “Equity Gap” to support Transfer AAAs at the 95 percent rate mandated in ORS 410
  • ensure no cuts are made this biennium in direct services to seniors and people with disabilities
• Restore Service Priority Levels 14-17, enabling nearly 5,000 Oregonians to be at lower risk for hospitalization and/or nursing home placement
• Restore the General Assistance program eliminated in the last biennium to provide a maintenance base for SSI applicants
• Further expand OPI funding and protect its designated funding sources to ensure an adequate investment to help mitigate the need for more costly services outside of a person’s home