One-stop shop for senior services goes online

A website and helpline that provide a one-stop shop of Clark County senior-related services is live today.

MyEncoreYears.org, developed by Leadership Clark County and paid for by five other organizations, is a clearinghouse of local resources, from assisted living options to dog walking services, for residents, ages 50 and older. The site also offers a helpline, 888-637-6060.

The remote resource center resulted from research and meetings by the Clark County Aging Readiness Task Force, appointed nearly a year ago to assess the county’s capacity to serve a growing aging community.

“One of the reoccuring themes was a lack of information on where to find stuff,” said Colete Anderson of Clark County Community Planning. “The information might exist, but people might not be able to find it. When you Googled it, it was not coming up.”

Clark County, Southwest Washington Agency on Aging & Disability, 211 Info, United Way of Columbia-Willamette and Human Services Council partnered with Leadership Clark County to create the website through financial and in-kind contributions. Those organizations also provide resources to seniors.

This year marks the first time baby boomers turn 65. By the time those born in 1964 reach age 65, one in four baby boomers will be age 60 or older in Clark County, Anderson said.