SWAAD - About Us

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About Us

The Southwest Washington Agency on Aging and Disabilities (SWAAD) is the federally designated agency on aging for the five southwest Washington counties of Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, and Wahkiakum. It is one of thirteen agencies on aging in Washington State and is part of the state and national network of area agencies on aging.

It is SWAAD’s mission to promote independence, choice, well-being, and dignity for persons aged 60 and over, adults with disabilities and their families through a comprehensive, coordinated system of home and community-based services.

SWAAD’s mission is supported by the agency’s primary functions:

Inform the public of the services available to persons 60 years of age and over, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers.
Plan for community-based coordinated services to meet the needs of these populations.
Provide or contract for community-based services including: Senior Information & Assistance, case management, in-home personal care, nursing services, senior nutrition, senior transportation, legal services, and caregiver support.
Evaluate and improve the quality of service delivery.
Address complaints.
Administer federal, state, and private funds and develop new resources.
Advocate for older persons, adults with disabilities, family caregivers at federal, state and local levels.
Support advocacy efforts of the Advisory Council

SWAAD receives funds through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, via its Aging and Disability Services Administration (ADSA). Primary funding sources are:

Federal Older Americans Act (OAA)
State Senior Citizens Services Act (SCSA)
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Social Security Act – Title XIX (Medicaid).

SWAAD has developed a four - year strategic plan, the 2008-2011 Area Plan. This plan will direct the focus of the agency regarding policy decisions, program development, and advocacy for those years.

SWAAD is governed by a five-member Council of Governments (COG):

Axel Swanson-Chairman- Cowlitz County
Betty Sue Morris-Clark County
Rex Johnston-Klickitat County
Jami Tolfree-Skamania County
Dan Cothren-Wahkiakum County

The Southwest Washington Agency on Aging and Disabilities Advisory Council (SWAADAC) assists SWAAD in fulfilling its mission. SWAADAC identifies needs of older persons and adults with disabilities in our communities. The Council advises on needs and delivery of services for the population aged 60 and over, adults with disabilities and their families, and advocates for programs that improve the quality of life for these individuals.