Senior Veteran Resource Center › Helpful Resources › Senior Resource Directory for Portland and SW Washington
Finding the right help can be the hardest part of planning for the years ahead. This directory gathers trusted local and national resources for senior veterans, surviving spouses, and the families who support them in the Portland metro and Clark County. Bookmark it, share it with family, and call me anytime you're not sure where to start.
Where to Start
Call Your Local Aging Office First
In Oregon, the Aging and Disability Resource Connection connects you to your county's aging services. In Clark County, start with the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington. Both offer free help understanding your options.
Enroll in VA Health Care
VA health care opens the door to many services, from home based care to caregiver support. Even if you have other insurance, enrolling can expand your options.
Work With a Veteran Service Officer
County Veteran Service Officers help veterans and families apply for VA benefits at no cost, including disability compensation, pension, and Aid and Attendance.
Use 211 for Everything Else
If you don't know where to turn, dial 211. Trained specialists can connect you with local resources for food, housing, transportation, utilities, and more.
Trusted Resources
Links open in a new tab. Programs and eligibility change, so contact each organization directly for current details.
Aging Services and Help Lines
- ADRC of Oregon
Free statewide information on aging and disability services. Call 1-855-673-2372 to reach your local office in Multnomah, Washington, or Clackamas County. - Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of SW Washington
Clark County's aging services and caregiver support. Helpline (360) 694-8144. - 211info (Oregon and Clark County)
Dial 211 for help finding local food, housing, transportation, and health resources. - Eldercare Locator
National directory for finding aging services anywhere in the country.
Veteran Resources
- VA Portland Health Care System
VA medical care, home based care, and long-term care programs for local veterans. - VA Caregiver Support
Training, support, and resources for family members caring for a veteran. - Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs
State veteran benefits, county service officers, and Oregon Veterans' Homes. - Washington Department of Veterans Affairs
State veteran benefits and Washington's state veterans homes. - Veterans Crisis Line
Free, confidential support 24/7. Dial 988 and press 1.
Getting Around and Help at Home
- TriMet LIFT
Shared ride paratransit in the TriMet service area for people unable to use regular buses and trains. - C-TRAN C-VAN
Paratransit service in Clark County for eligible riders with disabilities. - Meals on Wheels People
Home delivered meals and community dining for older adults in the Portland metro and Clark County.
Health, Income, and Benefits
- Medicare
Compare plans and coverage. Free local Medicare counseling is available through each state's SHIBA program. - Social Security
Retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. - WA Cares Fund
Washington's long-term care benefit for eligible workers who contributed. - Oregon Senior Property Tax Deferral
Lets qualifying homeowners 62 and older defer property taxes.
The bottom line: You don't have to know every program to get the help you need. Start with your local aging office, make sure you're enrolled in VA health care, connect with a Veteran Service Officer, and use 211 for everything else. If a move becomes part of the plan, I'm here to help with the real estate side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do seniors in Portland go for help with aging services?
Start with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372. It connects you with your county's aging and disability office for free information and assistance.
Where do seniors in Clark County go for help?
The Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington serves Clark County. Its helpline is (360) 694-8144.
Is there senior transportation in Portland and Vancouver?
TriMet LIFT provides paratransit in the Portland area and C-TRAN's C-VAN serves Clark County for eligible riders. Many communities also offer volunteer driver programs.
Where can veterans get help applying for VA benefits?
County Veteran Service Officers help veterans and families apply for VA benefits at no cost. The Oregon and Washington veterans departments can connect you with your local office.
Where can I get free Medicare counseling?
Both Oregon and Washington offer free, unbiased Medicare counseling through their state SHIBA programs.
What if I'm in crisis?
Veterans and their families can reach the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 by dialing 988 and pressing 1. In an emergency, call 911.
Search Homes in Portland and SW Washington
Start with single level homes, or browse condos and homes near family across the Portland metro, or across the river in Vancouver, Camas, and Battle Ground. Save your favorites and I'll help you narrow them down.
More Veteran Guides on This Site
Keep Reading
Long-Term Care Options and Costs for Veterans
Care options, what they cost, and the VA and state programs that help pay.
Read more ›Aging in Place: Home Changes, Checklist, and Support
Room by room changes, helpful technology, and the support that makes staying home work.
Read more ›Helping a Parent Move and Sell the Family Home
Practical advice for adult children, including handling family disagreements.
Read more ›
Meet Your Veteran Realtor
Troy Doty, Principal Broker
Troy Doty is a Principal Broker with Northwest Realty Source in Portland, with 25 years in real estate and over 1,000 homes sold across the Portland metro and SW Washington. As a Marine Corps veteran, Troy has a true passion for helping Portland veterans and active duty military families buy and sell homes, whether you're PCSing in, transitioning out, buying your first home, investing in a duplex, triplex, or fourplex, or right sizing later in life.
Schedule a Call or Video Meeting ➜ More About Troy ➜ Free Veteran Buyer E-BookPrefer to call or email? 503.997.4169 · troy@nwrealtysource.com
Troy Doty, Principal Broker, Northwest Realty Source. Licensed in Oregon and Washington. ABR®, MRP, and SRES® are credentials of the National Association of REALTORS® and its affiliates. CIAS™ is a designation of U.S. Realty Training. Content adapted in part from SRES® consumer resources. This page is general information, not legal, tax, or lending advice.
