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If I read and understood this post of Cari's, the question is "Would a general contractor who explains services for patients or caregivers/family of patients with Parkinson's have been helpful?" This gen'l contractor might be a not-for-profit org volunteer or employee who could guide pwp to the services that might help pwp cope or better function with PD. My answer is YES, YES, YES!!!!! But I don't know of any such contractor and that is why I attend a support group, belong to PAN, NPF and PIENetwork and if I could afford it would belong to some more PD orgs. Question #2: Do I see many in my area NOT Internet connected who aren't able to locate needed services? Since I know employees of the Division of Family Services, I'm aware of our communities many support services. In my own town, I don't know any individuals with Parkinson's. I have been very upfront with my employer, my family and friends, my church family and organizations I belong to about my PD diagnosis and my concern that pd research be a priority at the federal level and have written letters that have been published in the local paper. I have many contacts with senior citizens but have only had one older neighbor, ever call me and ask how I was doing with Parkinson's because she thought she might have PD. I thought other pwp might call/write me after reading my letters to the editor or seeing my sorority service committee w/mayor signing the April Parkinson's Awareness Month proclamation pictured in the newspaper. I wonder how many pwp are living in the same town but tell nobody of their struggles or ask nobody for help. This is more than you wanted to know.....I got carried away. Jeanette Fuhr 49/47/44? ---------- From: Cari Barrett <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Subject: PD:FOR REAL - YOUR INPUT Date: Monday, November 15, 1999 12:49 PM now that i've made a fool of myself two days in a row (!) let me get back to my mission - IF, emphasis on the IF - when you or your partner or family member was first diagnosed with PD - and began needing various information & or services (other than support groups) - would it have been beneficial for you have had a "General Contractor" of sorts to go to help your pick and choose the services/supplies you needed at specific times RATHER than sourcing out services on your own? i met a woman in san antonio who does this in conjuction with a non-profit organization for the aged and wondered if you all would have benefitted from something like this - AND do you all see many in your local areas NOT on the internet that are, perhaps, having greater struggles because they DON'T know of tools or resources out there to make their lives a little easier? i eagerly await your responses - properly headed of course - on or off list - thanks - cari - daughter of. . .