AAADSW now accepting nominations for senior heroes

The Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington (AAADSW) is accepting nominations for Senior Heroes in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. A “Senior Hero” is a person who serves older adults with excellence and compassion. This prestigious, annual award program brings together county, city, and civic leaders to honor the people in our communities who serve older adults.

This is the fourth year that Senior Heroes are presenting awards specific to Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties. Nominations are open from July 1 through Aug. 29, 2025, and the awards will be presented with a prize patrol in Oct. 2025. To learn more about the awards or make a nomination, please visit http://www.seniorawards.org/cowlitz-wahkiakum-county.

There are three award categories. Caregiver of the Year which is open to any professional caregivers in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum County who have provided exemplary caregiver services to seniors. The person should demonstrate a caregiving career that values service to others and provides an exceptional level of care to seniors, including home care, hospice, skilled nursing, rehab facilities, senior living communities and/or hospitals.

The Senior Champion Award is open to any individual that advocates for the rights and well-being of seniors in the community. We’re looking for a person that goes to bat for their client or neighbor and goes above and beyond what is expected. This category can include legal, financial, and fiduciary professionals, as well as guardians, case managers, and everyday citizens.

The Community Hero Award is open to any individual in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum County that is in service to a senior(s) and has an unparalleled dedication to the health and wellbeing of that individual. For example, a family caregiver, a fitness expert, or a person that has a passion for service to seniors. “We are looking forward to presenting the Senior Heroes Awards again in 2025,” said AAADSW Executive Director Mike Reardon. “These people truly make a positive difference in the lives of seniors in the community.”

AAADSW connects older adults, adults with disabilities and family caregivers to a full range of community resources designed to offer choice, improve quality of life and respect independence. We are committed to helping our community’s adults live and age well. We serve adults in Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Skamania and Klickitat counties. Requests for information, assistance and general inquiries may be directed to 360-577-4929. To learn more, please visit http://www.HelpingEders.org.

Senior Heroes is a grass-roots community initiative involving everyday citizens, professionals, and civic leaders. To learn more, please visit http://www.seniorawards.org/cowlitz-wahkiakum-county.