ADRC is Now Available Online

NorthWest Senior & Disability Services (NWSDS) recently held an open house celebration to demonstrate the opportunities available through a new web-based portal called the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC). The concept of the ADRC is to provide a single source of access for information and assistance to seniors, people with disabilities, their family members and community partners, on issues affecting their health and well-being.

The centerpiece of the ADRC is the development of an extensive comprehensive resource database that is readily available to virtually anyone, at any time. Complementing the web-based resource connection is the availability of trained information and assistance specialists who can more fully assist individuals seeking more detailed information, or counseling to understand the variety of service options available. We can also help assess an individual’s level of need for available public services, as well as their eligibility for assistance.

Through the ADRC, anyone can get access to information and counseling to help sort through the options available for making decisions about long-term care, Medicare, Social Security and other available programs. We can provide information and resources for programs to help you stay healthy, prevent illness, enhance your social activities and educational opportunities. The resource data base will also include information on local services and products that could be useful to seniors and people with disabilities, including such things as: in-home services; family and caregiver support; peer counseling; home-delivered meals; transportation; legal assistance; programs for healthy living, and more.

The idea is to create an interactive format where individuals can find useful information on how to access services and supports for themselves or a loved one, while community providers can make that kind of information available to those in need. The information could be easily accessible through the web site, or individuals can seek additional assistance by telephone or by walking into any NWSDS office.

NWSDS is a small participant in a much larger national effort to implement a section of the federal Older Americans Act calling for the establishment of Aging and Disability Resource Centers nation-wide. Our ADRC is a collaborative effort with the State Unit on Aging, and other local Area Agencies on Aging.
Anyone can access the ADRC by logging onto the web site at www.adrcoforegon.org. Also, NWSDS Information and Assistance staff can be contacted
directly at 503-304-3420, toll free at 1-866-206-4799, or by e-mail.

Article provide by
Northwest Senior Disability Services (NWSDS)