Honoring our Elders
Elders hold a special place of honor within our Tribe. We cherish their presence, we respect their wisdom, and we revere the perseverance with which they have fought for the tribe’s future.
Establishing an Elders program was one of the first priorities when our tribe was restored in 1989. By fostering an environment of dignity and connection, the program reflects the Coquille traditions of honoring, caring and giving back.
Events
Elders Honor Day
The Tribe co-hosts an annual Elders Honor Day with the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw. Tribal Elders and their spouses are invited.
Luncheons and dinners
Gathering for a luncheon or dinner gives tribal Elders and their spouses a well-balanced meal that will meet one-third of USDA daily nutritional requirements. Congregate meals allow time for socializing, health awareness education, program updates and other information.
Under federal funding rules, this program is available only in Oregon’s Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson and Lane counties.
CONTACT
Lori Austin, Elders Coordinator
541-888-9494, ext. 2214
800-344-8583, ext. 2214
Elder Care Reimbursement
This program reimburses each eligible Elder in need of caregivers as determined by an assessment. The assessment determines the number of caregiving hours available for the Elder. For more information or to schedule an assessment, call the Elders coordinator at extension 2214. Assessments are done in person or by phone. Alternative resources must be accessed first, such as Medicaid or Medicare.
The program provides assistance to tribal Elders and spouses regardless of where they live.
Assessment criteria:
- Food preparation
- Bathing
- Housekeeping
- Dressing
- Heavy housework
- Mobility/walking
- Managing finances
- Eliminating
- Medication management
- Eating
- Shopping
- Hygiene/grooming
- Taking meds
- Transferring
- Using telephone
- Using transportation
The reimbursement forms are available by logging into MyTribe. Click on Member Services > Elders on at the top of the page.
CONTACT
Lori Austin, Elders Coordinator
541-888-9494, ext. 2214
800-344-8583, ext. 2214
Elder Respite Care Reimbursement
Caring for a family member with a long-term medical condition can be a strain. The Respite Care Reimbursement Program provides $200 per month to support short-term, temporary relief to those who are caring for family members. This program is available to tribal Elders and spouses regardless of where they live.
The reimbursement forms are available by logging into MyTribe. Click on Member Services > Elders on at the top of the page.
CONTACT
Lori Austin, Elders Coordinator
541-888-9494, ext. 2214
800-344-8583, ext. 2214
Elder Chore Services
(in-service area only)
Occasional help with yardwork or house cleaning can make a big difference to an Elder’s continued independence. Chore Services is a reimbursement program for tribal Elders or spouses living in the five-county service area. Reimbursement is available four hours a month, for up $8 an hour.
(Note: This program is limited to In Service Area (ISA) members under the terms of its federal grant funding.)
The reimbursement forms are available by logging into MyTribe. Click on Member Services > Elders on at the top of the page.
CONTACT
Lori Austin, Elders Coordinator
541-888-9494, ext. 2214
800-344-8583, ext. 2214
Meals
Elders Frozen Meals can be picked up Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., either at the Community Services office in the Ko-Kwel Wellness Center-CB or curbside at the northeast end of the building.
You may contact Lori Austin prior to your arrival with your order. Lori’s contact information is on the right side of this page.
Staff will do their best to get you the choices you asked for. Due to national labor shortages, some items might not be available.
(Note: Under the terms of our federal grant funding, this program is limited to the tribe’s five-county service area.)
CONTACT
Lori Austin, Elders Coordinator
541-888-9494, ext. 2214
800-344-8583, ext. 2214
