Frequently Asked
Questions
We know that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already managing so much. Below are answers to the questions caregivers ask most often. If you don't find what you need here, please call us at (503) 555-0147 or email [email protected] — we are always happy to help.
Who qualifies for your services? Do I need to meet specific criteria?
Our programs are open to any unpaid family caregiver in Oregon who provides regular assistance to an adult or child with a chronic illness, disability, or aging-related condition. This includes spouses, adult children, parents of children with disabilities, grandparents raising grandchildren, siblings, and close friends serving in a caregiving role. There is no minimum hours-per-week requirement, no age restriction for the caregiver, and no diagnosis requirement for the care recipient. If you consider yourself a caregiver and feel you could benefit from support, you qualify. Formal documentation is not required for most programs, though certain funding sources (Medicaid K-Plan, NFCSP) have their own eligibility criteria that our team will help you navigate.
How much do your programs cost? Can I afford this?
Our core programs — support groups, monthly workshops, the wellness self-assessment, crisis intervention, and resource navigation — are provided completely free of charge. One-on-one wellness coaching operates on an income-based sliding scale ranging from $0 to $45 per session; approximately 60% of our coaching clients pay nothing. Respite care coordination services (finding and matching providers) are free; the cost of the respite care itself varies by type and provider, but our team actively pursues every available funding source (Medicaid, NFCSP, Oregon Project Independence, VA benefits) to minimize or eliminate your out-of-pocket expense. We never turn anyone away for inability to pay.
What exactly is a caregiver wellness assessment?
Our online self-assessment is a brief, confidential screening tool adapted from validated clinical instruments (the Zarit Burden Interview and Maslach Burnout Inventory) that evaluates five key domains: caregiving intensity, sleep quality, support network, emotional state, and physical health impact. It produces a risk stratification (Low, Moderate, High, or Critical) with tailored program recommendations. The assessment is processed entirely in your browser and no data is stored or transmitted. For a more comprehensive evaluation, our intake team conducts in-person or telehealth assessments that include a detailed psychosocial history, functional needs analysis, and personalized care plan development.
How does respite care work? Will my family member be safe?
Respite care provides temporary relief by bringing a trained, vetted professional into your home or transitioning your care recipient to a supervised day or residential program. Every provider in our network undergoes comprehensive background checks (Oregon State Police, FBI fingerprint, National Sex Offender Registry), reference verification, and ongoing performance monitoring. We match providers based on your care recipient's specific needs, diagnoses, and preferences. We recommend starting with a short trial visit while you remain in the home, then gradually increasing the duration as trust builds. Our coordinator checks in after every session and remains your point of contact throughout.
Does insurance cover any of your services?
CHWA is a non-profit community organization, not a healthcare provider, so we do not bill health insurance directly. However, many of the services we coordinate or refer to are covered: Oregon Medicaid (OHP) covers in-home care through the K-Plan waiver; some long-term care insurance policies cover respite care; and the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance provides caregiver stipends and respite for eligible veteran families. Additionally, some employer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer caregiver support benefits that complement our services. Our intake team reviews your insurance and benefits landscape as part of the initial consultation to identify all applicable coverage.
When and where do support groups meet? Do I need to register?
We offer three weekly support groups: the General Caregiver Circle (Tuesdays, 10:00 to 11:30 AM), the Memory Care & Dementia group (Wednesdays, 6:00 to 7:30 PM), and the Young Adult Caregivers group for ages 18 to 35 (Thursdays, 7:00 to 8:30 PM via Zoom). The Tuesday and Wednesday groups meet both in-person at our Portland office (1847 NW Lovejoy St, Suite 310) and via Zoom simultaneously. No registration is required for your first visit — simply show up or log in. After your first session, we ask that you complete a brief intake form so we can tailor the group experience. Childcare is available upon request for Tuesday and Wednesday in-person sessions.
What if I am in crisis right now? What emergency services do you offer?
If you are experiencing a caregiving emergency — a sudden health crisis of your own, a dangerous behavioral escalation from your care recipient, or overwhelming emotional distress that feels unmanageable — call our office at (503) 555-0147, extension 3, during business hours. Our crisis team provides same-day phone support, mental health referrals, safety planning, and emergency respite placement within 24 to 48 hours. After business hours, please contact the Oregon Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate danger to life, call 911. You are not alone, and reaching out is the strongest thing you can do.
What are the requirements to volunteer?
All volunteers must be at least 18 years old, complete a 6-hour orientation program (offered monthly on the last Saturday), pass a comprehensive background check, and commit to a minimum of 6 months for direct-service roles (companion visiting and support group co-facilitation). Administrative and event volunteers have more flexible scheduling. Prior caregiving experience is valued but not required; empathy, reliability, and respect for confidentiality are essential. Licensed professionals interested in workshop facilitation should hold an active Oregon license in their field. Our Volunteer Manager, Elena Vasquez, can answer specific questions at (503) 555-0147 ext. 4.
Is everything I share kept confidential?
Absolutely. Confidentiality is a foundational value of our organization. All information you share with our staff and in our programs is protected under our organizational confidentiality policy, which meets or exceeds HIPAA standards for health information. Support group members sign a group confidentiality agreement at enrollment. Staff and volunteers complete annual confidentiality training. We do not share your personal information with any third party without your explicit written consent, except when legally required (mandated reporting of elder/child abuse, imminent danger to self or others). Our full privacy practices are detailed on our Privacy Policy page.
How do I refer someone who needs caregiver support?
Healthcare providers, social workers, discharge planners, clergy, and concerned family members can refer a caregiver to CHWA by calling (503) 555-0147 during business hours or completing the inquiry form on our Get Involved page, selecting "Making a Professional Referral" as the interest type. We follow up on all referrals within two business days. For urgent referrals (caregiver in crisis or at risk of care breakdown), please call our crisis extension directly at ext. 3 for same-day response. We also accept self-referrals — caregivers are welcome to contact us directly at any time without a professional referral.
Still Have Questions?
We understand that every caregiver's situation is unique. Our intake team is happy to answer your specific questions in a confidential conversation.