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Older Adults & People With Disabilities

oabhi specialist

Download the Lane County COVID Mental Health Wellness Guide here. 
Want to know more about the Statewide Older Adult BH Initiative? Click here to be routed to the State site. 

senior loneliness line photo
Lines for Life Senior Loneliness Line is a free service for older adults (55+) who may be isolated or lonely. A team of volunteers and staff are specially trained in working with older adults and can provide ongoing support, connect you or someone you know with resources, or just listen. Your information is completely confidential. Call (503) 200-1633. 

COVID-19 Related Information:
Lane County COVID-19 Information 
Oregon COVID-19 Information
Center for Disease Control - COVID People with Disabilities Page
Center for Disease Control - COVID Older Adults Page


What do Older Adults and People with Disabilities Need to Know? This link also includes the Elder Care Locator for resources by zip code. 

CDC - 10 Ways to Manage Respiratory Symptoms at Home_Poster

How to Practice Social Distancing&How Contact Tracing Works
Evidence-based and Promising Practices:

Helpful Information for Clinicians

New DHS Service ONE System: 
- Virtual Eligibility Toll Free number 800 699-9075 or www.one.oregon.gov  
- To apply for any DHS services like SNAP, medical card and financial support programs.
- Applicants can also stop by any DHS office as part of no wrong door application process to get started.

Ensuring Accessibility and Equity:
It is important that we all work together to address unlawful discrimination, including violent acts or threats based upon protected classes. Read the U.S DOJ Statement on Discrimination. 

Create an accessible presentation for people with disabilities. Click here to view a checklist by DHS to ensure your presentation is accessible to all.  

Read the U.S. Department of Labor Civil Rights Compliance during COVID-19. 

CMS - Medicare Coverage and Payment

Medicare Coverage for Opiate Use Disorders Treatment Services (Part B Coverage)

Helping Older Adults in Difficult Times - In the course of your day, you may come across an older adult who may be experiencing anxiety, worry, a sense of isolation or even suicidal thoughts. In these situations, there are some concrete steps you can take to help the person get the help they may need.

Mental Health First Aid is a national non-profit health promotion charity and teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. There are population-focused training models available including older adults. Virtual classes coming soon.

Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) - Suicide Training. Lane County frequently holds free of charge training for the community. Contact Roger Brubaker at (541) 682-8731 to find out when the next training is. You can also take an online course immediately from the QPR Institute for $30.

Download the Columbia Community Suicide Screening Tool for Clinicians

Advanced Care Planning Resources

Being Prepared in the Time of COVID-19 - three things you can do now to be prepared.

Oregon State Advanced Directive - a legal document allowing a person to share their wishes with their healthcare team.
• COVID-19 Addendum to Advanced Health Care Directive
• Advanced Directive Quick Reference Guide.
• Oregon Advanced Directive Planning for Important Care Decisions - this is a comprehensive guide that will answer many questions about how to fill out an advanced directive.

PeaceHealth Advanced Care Planning Live Webinar Classes - First Thursday of every month 1-3 pm. Register here.

Oregon Portable Orders For Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) is a form that turns a persons end-of-life wishes into a medical order.


COVID-19 Resources for Advanced Care Planning and Serious Illness/POLST Conversations  (Caregivers/Clinicians)

CALMER a Guide for Proactive Planning in Contingency (Caregivers/Clinicians)

This downloadable list includes culturally sensitive and non-English language resources for Advanced Care Planning selected for the public by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

The Oregon Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman includes three programs: the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, the Oregon Public Guardian, and the Residential Facilities Ombudsman.

Screening Tools

Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Take a mental health test.
        ~~~ Download a 1-page list of the below tools here. ~~~
Cognitive Screening Tools:
• Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) - Description
   SLUMS Print Version
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) - Description
  MoCA Self-Assessment (interactive)
  MoCA Print Version
Anxiety Screening Tools:
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist - Description
  PTSD Civilian Version
• Primary Care PTSD Screen - Description and Information 
   Print version 5-item Screen  
• General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) web-based interactive
   Print version GAD-7 Form
• Life Events Checklist - Description and Information
  Standard Self-Report
  Extended Self-Report
  Interview Version with Abuse Ratings
Depression Screening Tools:
• Geriatric Depression Scale - Short Form 
  GDS Long Form
• Social Connectedness Scale 
• Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item- Description
  PHQ-9 Self-Assessment (web based)
  PHQ-9 Print Form
Substance Use Screening Tools:
• National Institute of Drug Use Quick Screen
• Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT)
• CAGE Substance Use Screening Tool (web based)
   CAGE Print Version

Caregiver Resources and Food Pantry Info

Click for a list of Little Free Pantries in Eugene/Springfield/Junction City.
caregiver support line photo
LONG-DISTANCE CAREGIVING: What Are the Signs That an Aging Parent Needs Help?

Trauma Healing Project offers Healing Arts and Wellness Services. The schedule can be found here.

Caregiver Self Assessment- It is important for caregivers to maintain their own well-being. Take an online Caregiver Self Assessment here. You may also download a print copy.
If you took a test and find you need extra support or resources download the Mental Health and Suicide Resources List developed by Lane County Prevention.

Caregiving Conversations - an informal support group for anyone caring for a person age 60+. Call (734) 769-0209 ext. 374 or email [email protected]

AARP Family Caregiving Resources - this site contains articles and resources for care at home, care at a skilled facility, and coping.

Team Vinis is offering to pick up groceries or medication for any community member who is not able to currently leave their home.

Educational Articles:
Coronavirus and Caregiving an article about what you can do as a caregiver to protect your ailing loved one.

For dementia patients and their families, isolation during the pandemic is a heavy burden. In memory care facilities, patients with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia have endured extended time alone without understanding why. Read this in National Geographic.

National Council on Aging posts an article "Staying Connected While Staying Home". 

Tips On Dementia Caregiving In The COVID-19 Outbreak by Forbes Magazine.

Educational Webinars, Trainings, & Trauma Informed Care

Webinars & Training offerings:
Mental Health First Aid is a national non-profit health promotion charity and teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. There are population-focused training models available including older adults. Virtual classes coming soon.

Oregon Care Partners - this site contains free COVID training to know how to protect vulnerable members of the community and other COVID information. 

OHSU presents 25-minutes on "Caring for Yourself and Caring for Others During a Disaster/Epidemic".

June 2021 Zoom Webinar offerings with Mary Susan Baggett, BA, QMHP, CDP. Click here for information.

trauma healing project logo
Click the image above to be routed to the Trauma Healing Project page. Click here to see what events and support groups are coming up. 

Coping Inventory (Trauma Healing Project) - use this list to identify coping behaviors an individual may use when having a difficult time. 

Try the video below for a "Mindful Meditation" Series:


Want more? Visit the Trauma Informed Oregon site for information on resources, activities, and training offerings. 

Rental Assistance, Senior Living, Nursing Homes, and COVID-19 Info

Rental Assistance for Older Adult Tenants for tools available to help prevent evictions of older adults, including emergency rental assistance, available across the country through locally run programs.

Oregon Nursing Home Facility Search
Nursing Facility Licensing
Oregon Licensed Long-term Care Settings Search

Comprehensive resource about: Federal and State Nursing Home & Assisted Living Regulations

Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Healthcare Partner Resources Page - LTC info is located under the "Healthcare Providers and Clinical Laboratories" drop-down menu. 

People with Disabilities & Mobility Resources

Visit the Oregon Health Authority - Independent Living Services site for information on service offerings and eligibility criteria. 

University of Oregon has put together a list of direct support and services. 

Information on the benefits of regular physical activity. 

Ask The Geriatrician: Exercise - find out answers to common questions about exercise for older adults.

Fall Prevention: care and treatment

National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) is the nation’s premier center in promoting the health and wellness of people with disability. Below is a video from NCHPAD to try. 
8 Minute Workout (NCHPAD):


Exercising at Home YouTube:

Standing Pilates for Seniors- 30 minutes of exercise to Improve Strength & Build Confidence:

Programs and Support Groups

Western Lane Fire & EMS Authority
Call: (541) 997-3515 for info on a monthly survivors of suicide support group.

Living Well with Chronic Conditions is an OHA 6-week program to learn how to manage chronic conditions. View the brochure. 
Current programs:
- Those living with chronic health needs and HIV, Positive Self-Management Program.
- Spanish-speaking adults (includes older adults) with one or more chronic conditions, Tomando Control de su Salud - para adultos con las enfermedades del corazón, diabetes, asma, bronquitis, enfisema y otros problemas crónicos, una guía.

UPDATE 4/6/21! Lane Community College Senior Companion Program is returning to 'in person' service. Call 541-463-6260 and leave a message with: name, phone number, and best time to call you back (can take up to 2 days). 
- LCC is always recruiting! Are you 55+, meet low income guidelines, and interested in being a senior companion? Download the application.
- Living With the Aging Brain series is offering 3 programs this Spring 2021(Wed. 10am-12pm, April 28, May 5): Aging Well tips to lower risk of Alzheimer's and other dementias; Practical Legal & Financial Plans when a loved one is living with dementia; and Bring Your Mind Back with Music and Art and how this can be used to help someone living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. To register contact Abby, 541-870-2045 (no cost)   [email protected]  

Virtual and dial-in support groups available through Alzheimer's Association: To register call the helpline a (800) 272-3900. 

The executive summary below was developed by the Older Adult & People with Disabilities task team and includes major conclusions and identified stress and loss points for this population.
View the Executive Summarythank you flower
Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and expertise to develop this toolkit for the community:
~~~
• Amanda McCluskey, HIV Alliance
• Bob Johnson, Orchid Health Clinic
• Britni D’Eliso, PacificSource Community Solutions
• Chris Eilers, Lane County LaneCare, Older Adult Behavioral Health Specialist
• DeAnn Carr, Trillium Community Health Plan
• Kay McDonald, Lane County LaneCare, Older Adult Behavioral Health Specialist
• Leilani Brewer, Lane County LaneCare
• lualhati anderson, Lane County LaneCare, South Central Coast Older Adult Behavioral Health Specialist
• Lucy Zammarelli, Lane County LaneCare
• Shawn Murphy, Laurel Hill Center
• Sheila Thomas, Lane Independent Living Alliance
• Tim Landry, PeaceHealth Cottage Grove
~~~

If you have any suggestions or questions about this page please feel free to contact Lucy Zammarelli at (541) 520-4702 or at [email protected]