CDM Caregiving has received a $49,000 grant from the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington (AAADSW) to fund the “RU OK?” program, an initiative aimed at supporting seniors and individuals with disabilities living independently.
The initiative, which officially launched on Jan. 1, 2025, provides regular phone check-ins to vulnerable community members.
CDM Caregiving, a nonprofit serving the Clark County area since 1979, specializes in in-home care and operates the county’s only adult day center. CDM will be conducting calls for the RU OK? program in Clark, Skamania and Klickitat counties.
“The program is a first line of defense,” said Ginger Barnwell, home care manager at CDM Caregiving. “Our goal is to reduce isolation and intervene early before problems become serious health or safety risks.”
The program primarily serves individuals ages 60 and older and adults with disabilities. Additionally, CDM offers support for non-English speakers through its Spanish-speaking supervisor.
The program is a revival of a similar call service that existed in the 1990s and was previously administered by the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, though the program was discontinued.
AAADSW’s involvement stems from its commitment to identifying and addressing gaps in community services for seniors and adults with disabilities according to Patricia Atkins, communications coordinator for AAADSW.
“Every three years, we conduct a public planning process to determine unmet needs,” Atkins said. “We then fund innovative programs, like ‘Are You OK?,’ to help fill those gaps.”
The three-year grant allows CDM Caregiving to provide regular check-ins via phone, where staff members engage clients in conversation, inquire about their well-being and ensure their basic needs are being met. Calls can range from daily to weekly, depending on individual preferences.
“It’s not just about medical issues,” Barnwell said. “It’s about having someone to talk to, building relationships and making people feel less alone.”
If a client does not answer their scheduled call, CDM follows a protocol that includes contacting an emergency contact or referring the case for a wellness check through 311.
Seven staff members currently manage the program through CDM. Four individuals were enrolled as of February, though CDM staff are working to increase participation through community outreach.
With funding secured for three years, the program’s long-term sustainability will depend on its success and impact.
“We do a monthly report to AAADSW … of how many calls we have made and how many individuals we’ve spoken to,” Barnwell noted. “Part of that grant and the reporting is how they determine what happens after the three years.”
Those interested in enrolling themselves or a loved one in the “Are You OK?” program can submit a referral through CDM Caregiving’s website or call their office directly. As the program expands, CDM hopes to reach more individuals who could benefit from the reassurance of a regular check-in.
“We want people to know that this program exists,” Barnwell emphasized. “If you had a concern for a neighbor that lives alone that could use a service like this, reach out to us.”
Readers can learn more about CDM and the RU OK? program by visiting cdmcaregiving.org or calling 360-896-9695.
