October 22, 2012 -- The state is evaluating its long term care system and how it can meet the growing demands as Oregonians live longer and healthier lives. The public is invited to provide input and direction on the future of long term care services at a series of public meetings around the Portland area in early November.
Mike McCormick, APD Deputy Director stated: “We are inviting the public to be a part of the discussion for Long Term Care 3.0, an initiative to increase the quality and sustainability of the long term care system. The goal of the redesigned long term care system is to deliver the right services at the right time at the right place. ”
“For decades, Oregon has been nationally recognized for innovation in long term services and supports for older adults and people with physical disabilities,” McCormick said. “However, as baby boomers turn 65 in greater numbers each day, it is critical that we modernize our system to meet the needs of Oregonians, maintain the breadth and quality of our programs and continue to lead the nation in long term care innovation.”
Community meetings are designed to be very interactive. State staff will present overarching values, goals and visions for the future. The public will be invited to participate in the conversation on how those goals can be met.
While initial brainstorming has begun to identify potential key components of a newly designed system, McCormick says final proposals will not be produced until input from a wide variety of communities, stakeholders and advocates have been considered.
“We are looking forward to gathering input on long term services and support needs from Oregonians themselves,” McCormick said. “We cannot build this new system without stakeholder participation and support. I encourage Oregonians to participate.”
Representatives from The Department of Human Services, Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) will be seeking public input at the following locations and times:
Monday, November 5 Southeast Portland
Multnomah County Building Commissioners Board Room
501 SE Hawthorne, Portland
9:30-11:30 AM
Monday, November 5 Gresham
East County Center, Blue Lake Room
600 NE 8th Street
1:30-3:30 PM
Tuesday, November 6 Hillsboro
Washington Street Conference Center
Room 112, 225 South 1st Street
9:30-11:30 AM
Tuesday, November 6 Sandy
Sandy Community Center Auditorium
38348 Pioneer Boulevard
1:30-3:30 PM
Wednesday, November 7 Northeast Portland
Hollywood Senior Center
1820 NE 40th Avenue
10am-Noon
Wednesday, November 7 Milwaukie
Milwaukie Center, Trillium Room
5440 SE Kellogg Creek Drive
2:00-4:00PM
Thursday, November 8 Beaverton
Beaverton Community Center Community Room
12350 SW 5th Street Suite 100
1:30-3:30 PM
Friday, November 9 Portland Central
Multnomah County Central Library
US Bank Room 801 SW 10th Avenue
2:30-4:30 PM
For more information, call Naomi Sacks at 503-385-7168 or Bob Weir at (503) 947-2321.
