Resources
Find local programs and services for seniors, caregivers, and adults with disabilities—offered by Orcas Senior Center and community partners. Click on the categories below to explore resources and get support.
If you’re unsure of what resources you or your loved one needs, contact Heidi Bruce, San Juan County Aging & Family Case Coordinator at (360) 370-0591 or heidib@sanjuancountywa.gov. You can also reach out to the Orcas Community Resource Center at (360) 376-3184 or info@orcascrc.org for additional support and guidance.
Addiction & Substance Use Support
Alcoholic Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a worldwide, peer-led organization that helps people who want to stop drinking alcohol. It is based on a 12-step program emphasizing mutual support, personal accountability, and spiritual growth, though participation does not require religious belief. AA meetings provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for individuals to share experiences, receive encouragement, and work toward long-term sobriety. For Orcas Island meeting times or more details, call (360) 376‑4522, or visit www.orcasislandaa.org/meetings/.
Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) – Compass Health
The Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) provides immediate, community-based support for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises in San Juan County. The team offers crisis intervention, de-escalation, and connects clients to ongoing care and resources. For assistance, call (360) 362‑9161 during business hours, 1‑800‑584‑3578 after hours, or visit www.compasshealth.org/services/mcot/.
Recovery in the Community (RIC)
Recovery In Community (RIC) supports Orcas Island residents facing mental health and substance use challenges by connecting them with resources such as food, shelter, medical care, counseling, and transportation to and from treatment on the mainland. The program provides personalized, on-the-ground assistance and ongoing support through recovery transitions. For more information, contact RIC at (360) 200‑8628 or visit www.ricorcas.com.
Recovery Navigator Program (RNP) – Compass Health
The Recovery Navigator Program (RNP) offered by Compass Health helps San Juan County residents with substance use or co-occurring mental health challenges by connecting them to care, support services, and recovery resources in the community. The program is voluntary, trauma-informed, and available to all ages, regardless of insurance status. For more information, contact RNP at (360) 207‑5050, email rnp@compasshealth.org, or visit www.compasshealth.org/services/rnp/.
Caregiving & Support
Aging & Family Case Coordination – San Juan County Senior Services
San Juan County Senior Services offers ongoing, individualized support for older adults and their families, including referrals, advocacy, and assistance with complex needs, with services available through home or office visits. For more information, contact Heidi Bruce at (360) 370‑0591 or heidib@sanjuancountywa.gov.
Alpha Home Health
Alpha Home Health & Hospice is a licensed, Medicare-certified provider of in-home health care. They offer quality, compassionate support tailored to individuals in their homes, emphasizing comfort, dignity, and personalized care plans across multiple counties in Washington State. For more information, visit www.alphahomehealthhospice.com or contact them at (425) 357-1790 or Care@AlphaHomeHealthHospice.com.
Companion Services Program – Orcas Senior Center
Orcas Senior Center’s Companion Services program, which includes both Hearts and Hands and Buddy Check-In, matches caring volunteers with seniros and disabled adult members of the community for companionship and practical assistance. For more information, contact Edy Hansen at (206) 413-6167 or Edy@orcasseniors.org.
Family Caregiving Support Program – San Juan County Senior Services
Comprehensive support services for unpaid family caregivers, coordinated by San Juan County Senior Services. Offerings include a caregiver support group, one-on-one case coordination, massage therapy, caregiver counseling, and access to dementia and legal specialist services. For more information, contact Heidi Bruce at (360) 370-0591 or heidib@sanjuancountywa.gov.
Orcas Caregiving Directory
Orcas Caregiving Directory is a local online listing of independent caregivers. To see the list, go to www.orcascaregivingconnection.org.
Orcas Loving Care
Orcas Loving Care is an adult family home specializing in dementia care on Orcas Island. Find out more at www.orcaslovingcare.com or contact them at (360) 317-4575, (360) 376-2463, or contactus@orcaslovingcare.com.
Partners in Care – Orcas Island Lions Club
The Orcas Island Lions Club Partners in Care program offers family caregiver assistance every Monday at Orcas Senior Center from 12:00 to 3:00pm. Trained volunteers and a professional caregiver provide compassionate supervision along with engaging creative activities. For more information, contact Susan Gordon Bentley at sgordonbentley@gmail.com or 310-384-2053.
Shalla Homecare
Shalla Homecare is a Seattle-based agency that provides non-medical in-home support for older adults, with services such as personal care, medication reminders, meal preparation, transportation, and companionship. Learn more at www.shallahomecare.com or contact them at homecareshalla@gmail.com or (253) 344-6004.
Comprehensive Service Providers
Orcas Community Resource Center (OCRC)
The Orcas Community Resource Center connects people of all ages to a wide range of services on Orcas Island, including housing support, transportation, health and medical assistance, household and food resources, financial help, bilingual services, and more. Visit their website at www.orcascrc.org, call (360) 376-3184, or email info@orcascrc.org for more information.
San Juan County Senior Services
San Juan County Senior Service staff are dedicated to helping seniors remain independent and in their own homes for as long as possible. Some of the supportive services they provide include case coordination, community and home delivered meals, family caregiver support, and information and assistance. Contact Steven Ziegler at (360) 370-7525 or stevenz@sanjuancountywa.gov. Contact Heidi Bruce at (360) 370-0591 or heidib@sanjuancountywa.gov.
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
SAFE San Juans
Safe San Juans provides domestic violence and sexual assault services for survivors and loved ones including support groups, crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy services, legal advocacy, and safety planning. To find out more, visit their website at www.safesj.org, call (360) 378-8680, or email info@safesj.org.
For immediate assistance, call their 24-hour crisis line at (360) 376-1234.
Food & Nutrition
Meals on Wheels & Senior Lunch
Orcas Senior Center partners with Whatcom Council on Aging and San Juan County Senior Services to bring healthy meals to Orcas seniors and people living with disabilities on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Both programs are open to eligible adults aged 60+ by donation. For more information, contact Steven Ziegler at (360) 370-7525 or stevenz@sanjuancountywa.gov.
Orcas Island Food Bank
Orcas Island Food Bank works with the community to prevent hunger by providing food to those in need. Learn more at www.orcasislandfoodbank.org or call (360) 376-4445.
Foot Care
Footcare with a Heart
Footcare with a Heart provides foot care services for adults with foot disorders that lead to pain, reduced mobility, independence, and quality of life. Call (360) 622-8234 or email fcwaheart@gmail.com for more information or to schedule a foot care appointment, or visit www.footcarewithaheart.com.
Health Screening
Assured Imaging
Assured Imaging brings their mobile mammogram van to Orcas Senior Center once a year for digital mammogram screening. All major insurances are accepted and no referral is needed. Call (888) 233-6121 or visit www.assuredimaging.com for more information.
Life Line Screening
Life Line Screening offers screening packages at Orcas Senior Center once a year. Packages include screenings of Carotid Artery Disease, Peripheral Arterial Disease, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, and Atrial Fibrillation. Other screenings available depending on screening package. Call (866) 895-3370 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com for more information.
Hearing, Speech, Deaf, & Blind Support
Hearing, Speech, & Deaf Center
The Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center is a nonprofit support organization for those who experience hearing loss and their friends and family. They offer a range of services, all of which are free, from information and referrals to consultations relating to hearing, communication, technology, and system barriers. Contact them at (360) 647-0910 or bellingham@hsdc.org to schedule a free appointment or consultation. Read more about what the Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center at www.hsdc.org.
Island Hearing Healthcare
Island Hearing Healthcare offers hearing tests, consultations, hearing aid programming, and other hearing aid services at Orcas Senior Center on the first Thursday of every month. Consultation, cleaning, and checks of hearing aids are offered free of charge. Call (360) 378-2330 or email islandhearing@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. Learn more about Island Hearing Healthcare at www.islandhearing.net.
The Lighthouse for the Blind
The The Lighthouse for the Blind provides employment, support, and training opportunities for people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities. Their Lighthouse Low Vision Services offers an array of rehabilitation services including orientation and mobility training, activities of daily living skills training in the home, vision loss information and referral, outreach presentations, and instruction on devices and aids. For general inquiries, contact The Lighthouse for the Blind at (206) 322-4200 or (800) 914-7307. To read more about what the The Lighthouse for the Blind offers, visit their website at www.lhblind.org.
Home, Maintenance, & Repair Support
Home Maintenance & Repair – Orcas Senior Center
Orcas Senior Center connects seniors and adults with disabilities with licensed and bonded contractors for home maintenance and repairs so they can continue living safely and comfortably in their own homes. Need help with basic repairs, maintenance, or safety upgrades? Contact Travis King at (360) 643-4419 or homerepair@orcasseniors.org.
Hospice
Hospice of the Northwest
Hospice of the Northwest is a nationally recognized hospice and palliative care team providing high-quality support and comfort, honoring each individual’s life journey in Skagit and San Juan Counties. Visit their website at www.hospicenw.org, call (360) 814-5550, or email hospice_info@hospicenw.org.
Housing Support
Housing Support – Orcas Community Resource Center
Orcas Community Resource Center (OCRC) provides assistance for qualifying households with heating expenses, as well as short-term help with rent and utilities. Services aim to help island residents maintain stable housing and cover basic needs. For details, contact OCRC at (360) 376‑3184 or info@orcascrc.org. Learn more at https://orcascrc.org/housing-%26-utility-support.
OPAL Community Land Trust
The OPAL Community Land Trust mission is to help sustain Orcas Island as a healthy, economically diverse community by providing permanently affordable homes and support for islanders – families, seniors, and singles – whose house needs are not met by the traditional market. Visit their website at www.opalclt.org, call (360) 376-3184, or email info@orast.org.
LGBTQ+ Aging Support
National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging
The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging, a program of SAGE, is the nation’s first and only technical assistance center dedicated to enhancing services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Established in 2010, the center offers training, technical assistance, and educational resources to aging providers, LGBT organizations, and LGBT older adults. Its mission is to ensure that aging services are inclusive and culturally competent for the LGBTQ+ community. Learn more at www.lgbtagingcenter.org.
Medicare Counseling
Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)
Sponsored by Orcas Senior Center, Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) is a free, unbiased, confidential service of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. SHIBA volunteers help people of all ages and backgrounds with Medicare questions and options. Read more about SHIBA on our SHIBA page. Schedule your appointment today with a SHIBA volunteer, at SHIBASJCo@yahoo.com, or for Orcas call (360) 376-5892, for San Juan call (360) 375-0292, for Lopez call (404) 229-6819.
Memory & Dementia Support
Dementia Friendly Orcas
Dementia Friendly Orcas is part of a national initiative to help communities better support people living with dementia and their caregivers. This volunteer work group engages the Orcas Island community in raising awareness, assessing local needs, and expanding education, support, and resources. Learn more on our Dementia Friendly Orcas page.
Dementia-Inclusive Case Coordination – San Juan County Senior Services
San Juan County Senior Services offers dementia-inclusive case coordination and support tailored to caregivers and older adults living with dementia. Services include accessing resources, individualized care planning, input from dementia specialists, and connecting families with counseling, support groups, and legal guidance. To learn more or get connected, contact Heidi Bruce at (360) 370-0591 or heidib@sanjuancountywa.gov.
Family Caregiving Support Program – San Juan County Senior Services
Comprehensive support services for unpaid family caregivers, coordinated by San Juan County Senior Services. Offerings include a caregiver support group, one-on-one case coordination, massage therapy, caregiver counseling, and access to dementia and legal specialist services. For more information, contact Heidi Bruce at (360) 370-0591 or heidib@sanjuancountywa.gov.
Mental Health Support
HearMe
HearMe, offered by SAGE, is a free, LGBTQ+-founded wellness app that connects users—especially LGBTQ+ elders—with trained listeners 24/7 through text or phone. It provides a safe, confidential space to share feelings of loneliness, stress, or anxiety, and to feel supported and heard. To access, sign up at sageusa.org/hearme to receive instructions for downloading the app. For support, email support@hearme.app. If you are in crisis, dial or text 988.
ImHurting Crisis Chat
ImHurting Crisis Chat is a 24 hour, seven days a week chat service offered through Volunteers of America Western Washington. They provide online emotional support during times of crisis. Call (800) 584-3578 or chat live online at https://chat.988lifeline.org/.
Mental Health Support – Compass Health
Compass Health provides outpatient mental health support for adults and older adults on Orcas Island, including counseling, therapy, and crisis intervention. For more information, contact the Orcas Island office at (360) 378‑2669 or visit www.compasshealth.org.
Mobility Assistance
Mobility Assistance Program – Orcas Island Lions Club
The Orcas Island Lions Club Mobility Assistance Program loans quality used mobility equipment for people of all ages free of cost or by donation at Orcas Senior Center on Mondays & Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. Visit their website at www.orcaslions.org or call the Orcas Senior Center front desk at (360) 376-2677.
Transportation
Island Rides
Island Rides provides rides and deliveries for essential services 7 days a week from 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Orcas Island. Island Rides also provides transportation for off-island medical appointments for those in need. Call (360) 672-2201 for more information or to book a ride.
Mert’s Taxi
Mert’s Taxi offers free transportation to and from the Anacortes ferry terminal for all Island Hospital and Island Hospital affiliated appointments. To schedule a free ride, call (360) 708-6358. To read more about Mert’s Taxi, visit their website at www.mertsanacortestaxi.com.
Mercy Flights – Port of Orcas
Mercy pilots provide flights to the mainland primarily for patients undergoing short-duration, recurring treatments, such as radiation, typically scheduled five days a week for several weeks. On a case-by-case basis, they may also transport acute, non-emergent patients and loved ones of those medically transported by air. To schedule a flight or for more information, contact Allan Tone at (360) 472‑2914. Visit the Mercy Flight website at www.portoforcas.com/mercy/ to learn more about the program.
Real Time Air Quality Measurments
San Juan County has installed a PM2.5 air quality monitor at Orcas Senior Center. PM2.5 are tiny airborne particles from sources like vehicles, wood burning, and wildfires that can affect lung health. Readings under 50 are generally safe. Click “Purple Air Map” for details and other locations. Public health guidance is available from San Juan County Health & Human Services.