Seniors

Whatcom Council on Aging, in partnership with the people we serve, offers nutritional, health, social, recreational, and educational programs that promote lifelong independence. Vision: Lifelong empowerment through education, advocacy, and support: Independence through affordable housing, nutritious food, health care and programs that support lifetime wellness. Connections with community Senior Centers, programs and outreach. Opportunities for civic and community life engagement through education, recreation, and volunteerism. Self-respect through self-determined and independent living to prevent premature non-independent living and through opportunities for seniors to maintain autonomy. Good physical and mental health through proper nutrition, exercise, and other social activities. Community support built through advocacy for older adults and through a positive image of aging. Values: Whatcom Council on Aging engages in partnerships with agencies and community groups that support the values of Accessibility, Connectedness, Involvement, Independence, Individual Respect, Health, and Advocacy. 360-733-4030 https://whatcomcoa.org/contact-us/

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Northwest Regional Council connects and creates new solutions to navigate the challenges of aging and disability. NWRC provides an extensive array of services and resource to assist the elderly and disabled improve their lives with short– and long-term solutions including health care, medical transportation, in-home care, case management, resources for veterans, housing, food, a variety of support services, and much more. (360) 676-6749 https://nwrcwa.org 600 Lakeway Drive Bellingham, WA

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Senior Resources A guide to services and resources for seniors in Whatcom County. 360.344.3333 guide@olypen.com https://nwseniors.com/whatcom-county

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**Adult Protective Services** (APS) is dedicated to serving vulnerable adults. We investigate reports about abuse, abandonment, neglect, exploitation and self-neglect of vulnerable adults in Washington State. We collaborate with other agencies to over protective services as needed. Our goal is to promote lives free of harm while respecting individual choice. Make an APS Report: Report Online or Call 1-877-734-6277 https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/ adult-protective-services

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Catholic Community Services is the largest local private provider of assistance to individuals and families struggling with poverty and the most vulnerable in our communities. (360) 676-2164 info@ccsww.org

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Medicare.gov provides information on how to get started with Medicare, with what Medicare covers, as well as information about prescription drug/ dental/vision plans, has health counseling, assists in finding a provider, and other health-related resources. 1-800-MEDICARE(1-800-633-4227) TTY users can call-877-486-2048 https://www.medicare.gov

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Volunteer Chore Program provides volunteers to help the elderly (60 and over) and adults with functional disabilities remain independent in their own homes. The Chore Program serves as a safety net, helping those for whom other resources are unavailable. Chore assists 200+ Whatcom County residents each year. (360) 734-5121 ext. 1172 https://www.whatcomvolunteer.org/volunteer-chore-program/

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**Dementia Support NW** Each year we provide hundreds of hours of support to caregivers in Whatcom and Skagit County through our free programs: * Adult Day Programs for scheduled caregiver respite * Support Groups for adults caring forthose affected by dementia * Adult Children Support Groups for those adults caring for a parent affected by dementia * Dementia-Friendly events * Art Access Classes with Allied Arts of Whatcom County * Project Lifesaver (a partnering with the Whatcom County Sheriff) providing electronic technology to locate those who wander All seek to provide a support to those living with dementia as well as to those providing their care. (360) 671-3316 https://www.dementiasupportnw.org

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