DIRECTION for Employee Assistance


COPES

Overview

Studies show that when individuals with chronic, recurrent diseases or conditions learn to better manage their health, they improve their long-term wellbeing. As does coordination of services between healthcare professionals

COPES (Co-ordinated Outpatient Educational Services) is an integrated health program designed to assist those who have chronic or recurrent health conditions find significant improvement in health and quality of life.

Appropriate health conditions include but are not limited to:

The Program:

  • Works in collaboration with your doctor(s) and other providers to help you understand and manage your own healthcare
  • Builds skills for long-term health and well being
  • Provides an opportunity to ask questions about your condition
  • Helps you access resources to meet your healthcare needs
  • Offers strict confidentiality

Any and all costs will be discussed with you before services are arranged.

Schedule

The program consists of 13 classes over a five-month period. The average group size is ten people. Each class is designed to be enjoyable and help you build skills to experience long-term improvement.

Class topics include:

  • The Impact of Stress
  • Nutrition Awareness
  • Flexibility
  • Strengthening
  • Relaxation
  • Medical Information
  • Self Talk
  • Physical Activity
  • Self Advocacy
  • Spirit and Self Connection
  • Preventing Self Sabotage

Follow up meetings are held quarterly to reset goals and gain support.

Staff

Every member of our team has considerable experience with chronic or recurrent health conditions. Together, we carefully coordinate care and develop individualized treatment goals based on the patient's needs. Consistent staffing and careful planning ensure the best outcome.

Team members include:

  • Teri Strong, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Director of the Wellness Programs
  • Bruce Czuchna, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist
  • Susan Hammond, FNP, Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Regan Peterson, RD,  Registered Dietician and Diabetes Educator
  • Charlotte Maloney, OT,Occupational Therapist
  • Paulette Richards, BCIAC, Certified Biofeedback Practitioner
  • Christy Sherman, PhD , Behavioral Scientist and COPES Program Coordinator

Testimonials

I am so appreciative of COPES and being treated with respect, dignity, and intelligence as a whole, integrated person. Thank you for the vision, wisdom, tools, and resources and the caring. I took my first brisk, hour walk yesterday and came home singing!

When I started the COPES classes I had a ton of stress and very poor coping skills. My diabetes was out of control. I learned so much from the presentations about how I can make a difference in my life. I truly feel that if it wasn't for COPES I would have been headed for a huge health crisis. Now, my overall health has improved immensely. I will forever be grateful for what COPES has given me.

Contact

For more information or to schedule an appointment email or call (541) 228-2800 ext. 114.