Golden Opportunities

Wouldn't it be great to be plugged in to an information and resource network that focuses on your interests? Whether it's legislation for seniors, assistive services, or the latest medical news, there's a website that can works for you. Here to explain is Deborah Adams, director of community plan alternatives at the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging.

Question: What is the Network of Care?

Answer: The Network of Care is the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging's effort to improve access to health information, particularly local long-term supports and services. It is a comprehensive, internet-based community resource for older adults and people with disabilities, including their caregivers and service providers.
Network of Care is a website developed in California and made available in all states, to be customized to a particular area. Our Cleveland area site is customized to assist seniors and those with disabilities in Northeast Ohio. Other sites may work with mental health.one in Lorain County gives assistance and information on domestic violence.

Question: Why is there a need for this service?

Answer: As Northeast Ohio's population ages and our older citizens live longer, more families will be faced with the need for long-term care and supports. They are confronted with multiple choices and need help in navigating the health care maze in order to find the assistance they need.

Question: Can you give us some of the specifics about the site?

Answer: There's a service directory specific to agencies in Northeast Ohio.
Legislative links for both the federal and state government. The site allows you to read the full text of bills that are up for discussion and allows you to email the authors of the bill directly from that web page. You can also sign up to receive email alerts that will tell you when any action is occurring concerning a bill that is of interest to you.
There is a section of links that we have customized to Northeast Ohio. We are open to recommendations for other sites to link to.
The Library is access to a national database called Healthwise Inc.
There is a listing of assistive devices, in order by manufacture.

Question: I understand there's an interactive component of the site as well?

Answer: The "My Folder" section allows you to customize part of the website for yourself. If you find something of interest in the library, you can move that information to your folder, so you don't have to search for it again. Also, there is a place for you to medical and legal information on yourself — your medication, the names of your physicians, your last and future doctor appointments, etc. It works as a type of diary — you put in as much or as little as you'd like.
You can give access to your folder to as many, or as few, people as you'd like. Your children can be given access. Or say, for example, you have an appointment with a specialist. You could give him/her temporary access to your medical pages.
The site can be set to large print, as well as to a text-only version that automated screen readers can read.
Personalized emergency health cards can be printed from here as well.

You'll want to tune in to Network of Care's unique interactive opportunities. To learn more about the site, call the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging. My thanks to Debbie Adams.