Our Transitions program provides non-medical support, access to community resources, and practical assistance to those living with a serious, life-limiting illness who are either not ready for, or not eligible for, hospice care.
Dealing with a serious illness can be overwhelming, confusing, frustrating, and even frightening for the seriously ill person, as well as for their family. Maintaining independence while learning to rely on others can be a challenge. We are here to help.
There is no charge for the Transitions program.
Transitions is supported by grants and generous community donations.
Our Transitions Coordinator and team of volunteers help you navigate the physical, social, and emotional changes that arise with a serious illness. From helping with errands, to providing education about illness, or just lending a listening ear.
Contact our Transitions Coordinator to determine if Transitions is appropriate for you or someone you love.
We thank the Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments (OCWCOG) for sponsoring this program.
Read Our FAQs
What services are provided in the Transitions program?
Transitions offers connection to community resources, companionship and emotional support, practical help with errands, education about illness and what comes next, and respite for caregivers.
Transitions services are available in a client’s own residence, wherever that may be. This could be a skilled nursing facility, retirement community, adult foster home, their own home, or the home of a family member.
Who is eligible for Transitions?
Anyone who has a life-limiting illness can use Transitions, whether or not they are receiving active treatment for an illness.
Transitions may be appropriate if you or someone you know is dealing with a life-limiting illness and may:
- need help planning for increased care needs,
- have trouble managing the activities of daily life,
- choose to pursue treatment rather than seeking only comfort care,
- feel isolated or lonely,
- need help finding community services in order to maintain independence, or
- have a caregiver in need of support.
What does Transitions cost?
There is no charge for Transitions services. The Transitions program is supported by volunteers, grants, and generous community donations.
Gifts to the Transitions program are gratefully accepted to help ensure others in the community will benefit from our Transitions program. Click here to donate.
Who can refer to Transitions?
Anyone can inquire about or make a referral to the Transitions program – yourself, doctors, social workers, facilities, family members, or friends.
The client, or a person able to speak on the client’s behalf, must ultimately choose to receive services from the Transitions program.
What role do volunteers play?
Volunteers extend the work of the Transitions Coordinator. A team of generous volunteers contribute a rich variety of skills and backgrounds, allowing Transitions to offer clients a wide range of possibilities for support. Volunteers can assist with errands, companionship, pet care, and more.
How do Transitions and hospice differ?
Transitions clients may have a longer life expectancy and can still be pursuing curative treatment. Transitions offers support from the Transitions Coordinator and team of volunteers, but no direct medical care, nor does it cover any expenses related to the illness. In contrast, hospice patients have a six-month or less prognosis, receive clinical care, but are no longer receiving curative treatment.
Costs for Transitions are covered by grants and donations while costs for hospice are usually paid for by Medicare or private insurance.