As we welcome spring, I hope you're enjoying the warmer temperatures, extended sunlight, and new blossoms as much as I am. While winter is a season of introspection and reflection, spring is a time of new growth, fresh starts, and excitement about the possibilities ahead.
We at the Department of Aging are excited about the future as we cultivate new growth through Longevity Ready Maryland, or LRM, our multisector plan for aging that will improve Maryland’s aging infrastructure to accommodate a growing population of older adults and help Maryland communities thrive in the years to come.
When Governor Wes Moore signed the LRM Executive Order earlier this year, he planted the seed for how our state will meet the twenty-first century needs of our rapidly changing demographic. I encourage you to read more below about LRM and our support for a similar national initiative being proposed under the Older Americans Act.
Before closing out, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences on behalf of the department to the families and friends of the six individuals lost during the cataclysmic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. I also want to recognize the brave emergency response teams and express our gratitude for their dedication and ongoing response to the Key Bridge incident.
As we begin the long and complicated recovery, I am reminded of the strength and resilience of Marylanders and our ability to come together in times of crisis. The department has reached out to our Area Agencies on Aging who provide direct services across the state to ensure older adults and caregivers are able to receive the support and services they need during this difficult time. We will keep the lines of communication open and continue to monitor the situation for the foreseeable future.
|
The Maryland Department of Aging applauds a new proposed bill that would implement a national Strategic Plan for Aging under the Older Americans Act. If passed, states could receive grants of up to $500,000 to incentivize and support their efforts to create and implement strategic plans for aging.
Maryland is one of 24 states that has begun preparing for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the growing population of older adults with a multisector plan for aging known as Longevity Ready Maryland, or LRM. Supported by Governor Wes Moore, LRM will transform the coordination of services for the aging population, addressing equal access while developing smart policy choices and investments to enable all Marylanders to lead healthy, financially secure, socially connected, and purposeful lives.
"It's no secret that people are living longer than ever before, and our infrastructure needs to keep up," said Secretary Roques. "I commend Senators Gillibrand (D-NY) and Casey (D-PA) for introducing this landmark legislation that will help us and other states expand efforts to strengthen the infrastructure of programs and better meet the needs of the growing older adult population in Maryland."
To learn more about LRM and its goals to help Maryland communities thrive for years to come, visit LRM.Maryland.Gov.
April is National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate the postive impact volunteers have on the lives of many and encourage active volunteerism for generations to come.
Helping those in need has been shown to reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve mental and physical health for those who generously donate a part of their lives to serving others.
Read below for more information on volunteer positions offered through the Department of Aging or your local Area Agency on Aging, or contact Maryland Access Point at marylandaccesspoint.211md.org for more volunteer opportunities in your community.
|
 |
State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, volunteers are trained and certified to assist Medicare beneficiaries to make informed decisions about their health benefits, including comparing insurance and supplemental insurance options, informing about preventive benefits, finding an affordable prescription drug plan, and applying for extra health benefits to save on out-of-pocket costs. Learn more at aging.maryland.gov/SHIP.
Senior Medicare Patrol, or SMP, counselors help consumers learn about, identify, and report health care fraud, waste, abuse, or error. SMP and SHIP counselors are available in all 23 counties and Baltimore City. Learn more at aging.maryland.gov/SMP.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program volunteers make a difference in the lives of residents in assisted living and nursing homes, advocating for their care and quality of life when residents have concerns. Volunteers are trained to make regular visits to long-term care facilities, investigate complaints, and help protect residents' rights. Access the on-line volunteer application at https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/state-long-term-care-ombudsman.aspx or email ombudsman.mdoa@maryland.gov for more information.
Congregate and Home-Delivered Meals are offered across the state through local Area Agencies on Aging. Congregate meals, or group dining, take place at senior centers, senior housing facilities, faith-based organizations, and community centers. Home-delivered meals are offered in partnership with Meals on Wheels, food banks, and other community food programs. To learn more about volunteer opportunities available in your area, contact Maryland Access Point or reach out to your local Senior Center.
|
Nominate an Older Volunteer who has made a significant difference to receive the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame 2024 Award. Nominees must be Maryland residents who are 65 years or older who are actively volunteering in any one or combination of the following areas:
- Providing educational or humanitarian service
- Making efforts to improve the lives of all
- Advocating on the behalf of older people
- Demonstrating leadership
Nomination forms can be found at mschf.org and must be submitted by April 15th. Awards will be presented at a ceremony in October. For more information, email mschf.mail@verizon.net.
LONG TERM CARE: How to Choose a Facility, Questions to Ask, and Effective Ways to Resolve Complaints
Choosing a residential care facility for a loved one living with dementia is one of the most significant decisions a family may have to make. This program offers a practical approach to dealing with a variety of issues that can arise when placing someone in long-term care, including:
- Selecting the best type of facility for your loved one
- What to look for when visiting a facility
- Admissions policies and admissions agreements
- How to resolve complaints
The free virtual program takes place on Tuesday, April 16th from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Register at action.alz.org.
|
Diabetes Self-Management Virtual Courses
Help is here for the symptoms associated with diabetes and pre-diabetes. Register for the Living Well Center of Excellence Diabetes Self-Management Program to improve your A1Cs and reduce complications associated with diabetes. The six-week virtual workshops are free and take place on Mondays from April 8 through May 13 or Thursdays April 11 through May 16. Visit mdlivingwell.org/HUB to learn more and register.
|
Montessori Dementia Capable Care Training and Certification
Maryland caregivers are invited to participate in free Montessori dementia care training offered by Crossway Montessori Communities with funding from the Maryland Department of Aging and Maryland Department of Health. The virtual classes are designed to equip caregivers with essential knowledge and skills to effectively engage, communicate, and interact with persons living with dementia. Participants will also learn valuable self-care techniques to prevent burnout and deliver higher quality care. Visit www.crossway-community.org, call 301-929-2502, or email NCMA@crossway-community.org for more information.
|
VA Caregiver Support Program on Money Management
Caregivers of Veterans are invited to take part in the Veteran's Administration Caregiver Support Line monthly educational calls. "Let’s Talk About Money: Managing Your Financial Reality" will be offered on Tuesday, April 2 at 10 am, Wednesday, April 10 at 7 pm, and Wednesday, April 17 at 3 pm. To listen to the April educational calls, dial +1 347-566-4838 Conference ID: 521 546 087#. Caregivers who are unable to listen to the calls can access presentations on the Caregiver Support Line webpage.
|
Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium
The National Council on Aging is hosting the 7th Annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium on May 2nd. This is a free day-long event with a variety of sessions on how to best meet the mental health needs of older adults. Public health practitioners, professionals in the aging network, mental health providers, health care professionals, and anyone interested in ensuring the mental health of older adults are encouraged to attend. Learn more or register at connect.ncoa.org.
|
April 15: Tax Day It's not too late to get assistance preparing or filing tax returns. Older adults can receive free, personal one-on-one assistance from tax experts at 11 Maryland Comptroller branch offices located around the state. Local Area Agencies on Aging may also offer income tax return preparation assistance in partnership with AARP and the IRS. To learn more, contact AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide Program or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.
April 16: National Healthcare Decisions Day is a day to inspire, educate, and empower the public and healthcare providers about the importance of advance care planning and encourage you to express your wishes, whatever they may be. For resources to guide the healthcare decision-making process and tools to help with creating an advanced directive or living will, visit aging.maryland.gov.
|
April 19: National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day reminds us to clear out unused, expired, or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications from your medicine cabinets, nightstands, and kitchen drawers. The best way to dispose of medicines is through a drug take back program or a prescription drop-off collection site. Click here for the DEA drug collection site locator by zip code. Additionally, your Area Agency on Aging may offer free Deterra drug deactivation and disposal pouches to help you safely rid your home of unused medications.
April 22: Earth Day raises awareness of the need to reduce, reuse, and recycle to prevent unwanted waste filling our landfills. But durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and walkers, are often used for only months before being discarded, leaving many without resources to obtain the medical equipment they desperately need. Maryland Durable Medical Equipment Re-Use collects, sanitizes, and distributes equipment to anyone in Maryland with a need for free. Learn more at dme.maryland.gov or call 240-230-8000.
|
|
