Personal Advocate Services

Personal Advocate volunteers (Bob Mandelson, left, and attorney Bob Nelson, right) help Billy (center) complete various documents to assist him.

Personal Advocate volunteers speak out for older adults.

Elders in Action Personal Advocates are trained volunteers who offer personal one-on-one assistance to local seniors, who need help.

What services can Personal Advocates provide?

Personal Advocates can provide one-on-one problem solving assistance. The type of assistance volunteers provide varies, depending on the problem. Volunteers can assist in the areas of housing, healthcare, crime, and elder abuse.

Examples of Assistance provided:

• Research problems
• Help make phone calls or help fill out forms/paperwork
• Provide "listening ear" and emotional support
• Provide information about community resources
• Support senior's rights to make their own decision

People 60 or older who:

• Are experiencing an issue in the area of Housing, Healthcare, or Crime and Elder Abuse
• Live in Washington, Clackamas or Multnomah County
• Live independently, not in a care facility

• Call Elders in Action at 503-235-5474

Quick Facts

Elders in Action Personal Advocate Services is the only program of its kind in Oregon!

1,566 individuals experiencing problems with housing, health care, crime or abuse were assisted between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007. During this time our Personal Advocate volunteers recouped $276,589 for seniors due to fraud, wrongful billing and other problems.

Personal Advocate Volunteers make a difference!

A Happy Ending to One Senior's Story

Personal Advocate Patrick (left) with Buster

I met Buster, a recent widower, when I was assigned his case, says Patrick, to help him fill out some paperwork in an identity theft case. It seemed like a pretty straightforward task. Buster is a machinist by trade, an inventor, and a very talented woodcarver.

During his wife's battle with cancer, Buster enlisted the help of a neighbor and her friend, Julie, to help with yard work and other chores. When Buster became seriously ill with lockjaw, Julie tended his needs, blending food he could sip with a straw, helping him move as much as he was able, and running errands for him while he was unable to function.

When Buster received a foreclosure notice from the bank on his home, he didn't understand. He was certain he had sent his payments. But in the fog of pain and drugs, detail escaped him, and his financial affairs became chaotic. Julie and her friend had stolen his checks and ATM card. They drained his bank account to play video poker and buy methamphetamine.

When I met Buster, his savings of $24,000 was gone. He was devastated, embarrassed, and full of confusion. With help from Senator Peter Courtney's wife, Margie, who contacted one of the banks involved, and some calls by the prosecuting attorney to the bank, we eventually recovered $17,000. It took four months and a lot of work, but it was well worth every minute.

This is just one of the hundreds of people assisted by Elders in Action. My work as a volunteer Personal Advocate has shown me compassion and allowed me to meet caring people like Buster.