I can help you "turn over a new leaf" and communicate more effectively!
Links to Other Web Sites
Mediation:
http://www.mediate.com/oma/ Oregon Mediation Association “The Oregon Mediation Association is a nonprofit organization of members committed to the development, support and advocacy of mediation in the State of Oregon.” Includes definition of mediation, search tool to help you locate a private mediator or a mediation program in Oregon and Southwest Washington, a Consumer’s Guide to Mediation, and Core Standards of Mediation Practice.
http://www.tcsg.org/ The Center for Social Gerontology, Inc. (TCSG) “since its inception in 1972, has been a non-profit research, training and social policy organization dedicated to promoting the individual autonomy of older persons and advancing their well-being in society.…...Over the years, our specific objectives and activities have evolved in response to emerging issues and as the needs of older persons and of aging society have evolved. Currently, TCSG is focusing particular attention on: law and aging issues and delivery systems; research on the provision of and standards for guardianship services; tobacco and elderly issues; and, the use of mediation in guardianship and caregiver cases.”
http://www.mediate.com/ Mediate.com “Information, Education and Web development Since 1996” This website provides a large, searchable library of articles regarding mediation and other Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR) topics. You will find articles specific to elder mediation by clicking on topics and selecting “Elder” from the drop-down menu. This site includes other resources as well.
http://www.abanet.org/aging/home.html American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging The Commission has published several documents on mediation as relates to elders. See the section on Dispute Resolution & Mediation in their publications catalog. This organization collaborates regularly with The Center for Social Gerontology on matters of adult guardianship reform, elder mediation, etc.
http://www.positivechangemediation.com Positive Change Mediation The goal of this web site is to provide a basic understanding of what mediation is about, where to look for more information, and provide answers to the following questions: What is mediation? Is mediation right for me? What does mediation cost? How long does it take? Why use Positive Change Mediation? Plus, you’ll learn about my background, experience, qualifications and philosophy as well as information about my mediation style.
Caregiving: (in alphabetical order)
http://www.caregiving.com/ Caregiving.com “When you care for an aging relative, you may feel that your life has turned upside down. You may find yourself asking: Why me? Why now? What now? We'll help you find your answers.”
http://www.careguide.com/ CareGuide “Everything families need to understand, plan and manage care for their elderly loved one.”
http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/home.jsp Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) “is a public voice for caregivers, illuminating the daily challenges they face, offering them the assistance they so desperately need and deserve, and championing their cause through education, services, research and advocacy.” Numerous fact sheets and publications are available that are of interest to family caregivers; fact sheets are also available in Spanish and Chinese.
http://www.nfcacares.org/ National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) “is a grass roots organization created to educate, support, empower and speak up for the millions of Americans who care for chronically ill, aged or disabled loved ones. NFCA is the only constituency organization that reaches across the boundaries of different diagnoses, different relationships and different life stages to address the common needs and concerns of all family caregivers…….Through its services in the areas of information and education; support and validation; public awareness and advocacy, NFCA strives to minimize the disparity between a caregiver's quality of life and that of mainstream Americans. Explore this web site and find out more about caregiving, what NFCA has to offer, about projects and programs underway and those that are planned for the future.”
http://networkofcare.org/home.cfm Network of Care is a highly interactive, single information place where consumers, community-based organizations and municipal government workers all can go to easily access a wide variety of important information. The resources in this "virtual community" include a fast, comprehensive Service Directory; links to pertinent Web sites from across the nation; a comprehensive, easy-to-use Library; a political advocacy tool; community message boards; and many others. Click on the link Seniors & People with Disabilities: The focus of this site is to provide a community resource where seniors and people with disabilities, along with their caregivers and service providers, can easily access a wide variety of important information about issues that affect their lives.
http://oregoncares.org/ OregonCares “is a Web site that specifically focuses on family caregiving. Whether you care for a family member or are a professional caregiver, OregonCares offers practical information, resources and tips that can make a positive difference in the ways you provide care……. Explore the many issues facing caregivers today. Learn how to communicate about caregiving issues and how to avoid caregiver burnout. Find out how to recognize signs of elder abuse and where you can receive training to expand your caregiving skills. “ (as of 9-1-04 this web site is "not found";I'll check back later)
http://www.ohsu.edu/healthyaging/caregiving/ OHSU (Oregon Health Sciences University) The Prepared Caregiver "Our purpose-to give you the basics to help you get started in your new caregiving role. We emphasize information about caregiving for the elderly and caregiving resources in Oregon”
National, State and Local Governmental Agencies: (in alphabetical order)
http://www.va.gov/ Department of Veterans Affairs provides online access to Veterans Hot Topics, Online Applications, Special Programs and Today’s VA.
http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare/Public/Home.asp Eldercare Locator “a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. The Eldercare Locator connects older Americans and their caregivers with sources of information on senior services. The service links those who need assistance with state and local area agencies on aging and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers. You may find the information resources you need by following the directions on the website or you may speak to an Eldercare Locator information specialist by calling 1-800-677-1116.”
http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/ads/ads_services.shtml Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services Department (ADS) “is the place to call for any senior or person with a disability (within Multnomah County) in need of assistance. Through ADS, seniors and people with disabilities will have easy access to a wide range of social and health services, housing alternatives and support systems needed to continue to live safely and with dignity in the least restrictive living situation. ADS uses local, state and federal public funds and programs to help keep elderly persons and people with disabilities at home and as independent as possible. Call the Helpline: 503-988-3646 (Voice) 503-988-3683 (TTY)”
http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/spwpd/index.shtml Oregon Department of Human Services-Seniors and People with Physical Disabilities “In this section of the DHS Web we offer information about aging, health care in the later years, receiving and providing caregiving services, caregiving received in your own home as well as in community facilities; how to get legal, housing, food and financial help; and support and advocacy for older Oregonians……This Web site is part of our mission to assist older Oregonians to achieve well-being through opportunities for community living, employment and services that promote choice, independence and dignity.”
http://www.ohsu.edu/healthyaging/ Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) Center for Healthy Aging “OHSU’s Center for Healthy Aging, created in 2000, combines research on successful aging, education for health professionals in the care of older adults, and selected health services to people in their 40’s, 50’s and beyond. The focus of the Center is on aging well, promoting health, preventing illness and helping people deal with chronic medical conditions when they do occur. Investigators at the center are working to better understand aging and how to help when individuals want to make positive changes in health behaviors. “ The site provides information regarding Health Topics from A to Z, news and events, Healthy Talks and numerous links to other resources.
http://www.ohsuhealth.com/ Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) Geriatrics "Complete geriatric medical, cognitive and functional assessments. Consultative and longitudinal treatments available." The focus of the OHSU Geriatric Psychiatry Clinic "is in older adults with any of the mood, sleep, psychotic and memory disorders."
http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=109&divisionId=ALL Portland VA Medical Center "The Portland VA Medical Center is teaching hospital, providing a full range of patient care services, with state-of-the-art technology as well as education and research. Comprehensive health care is provided through primary care, tertiary care, and long-term care in areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics, and extended care. A 72-bed Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center on the Vancouver campus serves the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area. The Center’s services include extended care rehabilitation, psycho-geriatric care, and general nursing home care. Additionally, outpatient clinic services are offered at this location in a new outpatient clinic facility."
http://www.ssa.gov/ Social Security Online An award-winning, user-friendly website for the public to access the Social Security Administration.
http://www.irccv.org/swaa/index.htm SW Washington Agency on Aging “is part of the national network of Area Agencies on Aging, a non-profit service agency dedicated to helping individuals access needed community services in Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Klickitat and Skamania counties. Access to services is through Senior Information & Assistance offices in Vancouver, Kelso, Goldendale, Stevenson, and White Salmon……The Agency administers Medicaid in-home services, non-Medicaid, and other community services within the five county area. These services empower seniors and persons with disabilities with the resources necessary to remain in their own homes.
http://www.co.washington.or.us/DEPTMTS/aging/aging.htm Washington County Disability, Aging & Veteran Services “Creating options for older persons involves assessing needs; planning and coordinating services; developing services, advocating for their needs; and delivering and monitoring social and health services. We perform these functions to enable persons to live as independently as they can for as long as possible. We are especially concerned about the risk of losing their independence. Often this means helping families and caregivers of older persons.”
http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/default.htm Washington State Aging and Disability Administration See “Visit a Topic Center” for information on Abuse, Aging, Benefits, Caregiving, Chronic Illnesses, Functional Disability, In Home Care, Insurance, Residential Care, Developmental Disability. Other home page selections include: Aging and Disability Services Headquarters, Home and Community Services in your Community, Residential Care Services in your Community, Area Agencies on Aging in your Community, Community Resource Locator