MoCo Caregiver Support eNewsletter - February 2017

caregiver support program

February 2017, edition 1


alzheimer's associationFAMILY RESOURCES

Alzheimer's Association – Local caregiver support groups and memory cafés

Build a support system with people who understand in your community. All Alzheimer's Association programs are conducted by trained facilitators, for a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to:  

  • Exchange practical information on caregiving challenges and possible solutions      
  • Talk through issues and ways of coping
  • Share feelings, needs and concerns
  • Learn about community resources

Great news! Alzheimer's Association has launched two new program in Montgomery County MD. 

  • A memory cafe at the beautiful North Potomac Community Recreation Center
    4th Wednesdays 6:30-8pm
    13850 Travilah Rd, Rockville, MD
    Register by calling Lindsey at 240.428.1342
  • A caregiver support group at the Jane E. Lawton Community Center
    2nd Tuesdays 6pm-7pm
    4301 Willow Ln, Chevy Chase, MD
    Contact: Janet Makepeace jfmakepeace@gmail.com

dementia friendly americaSUPPORT NETWORKS

Montgomery County's Dementia Friendly America Initiative (MoCo DFAi) and Dfamerica.org.

In collaboration with BrightFocus Foundation (Clarksburg based national Alzheimer's research champion), the Montgomery County Dementia Friendly America Initiative was established following the 2015 White House Conference on Aging. This nationwide program's goals are to educate, advocate and improve services for people experiencing dementia and their care partners. Early 2016 the MoCo DFAi Public/Private Partnership was formed with key community sectors  that include: Continuum of Care providers: Arden Courts – Memory Care, Five Star Senior Living, Heartland Hospice Care, LifeMatters, Manor Care, Olney Assisted Living, Right At Home, Trovato Dementia Services, Sunrise at Fox Hill; local hospitals; the county's Public Safety – State Attorney, Health and Human Services departments; business entities including The Beacon Newspaper; faith groups; community organizations and non profits.

Monday December 5, 2016 was the Montgomery County launch at the Public Safety Headquarters. With inspirational speeches from: County Executive Leggett, Chief J. Thomas Manger, MC Police and Chief Scott Goldstein, MC Fire and Rescue Service. Plus a caregiver testimonial from Mr Fernand Dahan. The first-year accomplishments include:

  • Montgomery County's Public Safety team have joined forces to develop a comprehensive Dementia Friendly America tool kit for family caregivers supporting a loved one with Dementia. 
  • Expansion of the county's "FILE OF LIFE" resident emergency package with specific outreach to caregivers of someone with Dementia
  • Wearable ID bracelet – provided at no cost
  • Increased visibility of County's: Lifesaver Program - The Autism/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Outreach Unit 
  • Creation of the new annual combined Police / Fire and Rescue forces online County DFA training 

The 2017 MoCo DFAi goals are:

  • Establish a Public / Private Collaborative MoCo DFAi Speakers Bureau
  • Roll out of Dementia Friends training and involvement of MC business community
  • Expand elder abuse education and advocacy through the States Attorney's Office

To learn more about the MoCo DFA initiative contact Lylie Fisher.


seniorsOPPORTUNITIES

WISH – Wellness & Independence for Seniors At Home

If you are age 65+ and have Medicare – WISH will provde a free, confidental healthy survey to help you plan for health needs.

  • WISH is a free program that connects you to community-based health care and other support services so you can remain independent and out of the hospital.  
  • WISH aims to reduce avoidable hospital use by connecting people 65+ living independently in the community to the support and services that they need before their health declines.
  • WISH identifies people in jeopardy of declining health, help them develop a personalize plan that will address their specific needs
  • WISH arranges for the services they need to avoid being re-hospitalized.

To learn more about the WISH program and make an appointment call: 301-628-3177.


arts for the agingFOR PROFESSIONALS

Arts for the Aging (AFTA)

Montgomery County based arts nonprofit has a mission to provide services for older adults living with age-related physical and cognitive impairments. AFTA's goal is to stimulate minds, bodies, spirits and imaginations – ultimately contributing to better health and wellness. Through its nationally recognized best-practices training models teaching artists provide a diverse array of artistic specialties. High-quality experiences that take place at dozens of adult day centers, nursing homes, and assisted living, community and public housing centers in the D.C. metropolitan area, they offer 600+ programs annually and give 705 older adults weekly and bi-weekly access to the transformative power of arts engagement.

Volunteer and Intern inquiries are welcome. Older Adult Care Centers interested in AFTA services are encouraged to inquire. For more details contact info@afta.org.  


alzheimer's every minute countsEVERYTHING ELSE

PBS new documentary, Alzheimer's: Every Minute Counts

Dementia Friendly America, with the n4a co-chairs, has partnered with PBS on a new documentary, Alzheimer's: Every Minute Counts, a one-hour film that went live on 1/25/17. Described as "an urgent wake-up call about the national public health threat posed by Alzheimer's disease," the documentary weaves together expert commentary with personal stories filmed around the country. Today, there are over five million Americans with Alzheimer's disease, but this number is expected to nearly triple to 14 million by 2050. The documentary will be available for free online or you can purchase a DVD for $19.99.


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

If you are a family caregiver in Montgomery County and seek assistance, contact:

Alzheimer's Association - 1.800.272.3900

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Access information and resources through the Association's web site and free, professionally-staffed 24/7 Helpline, with translation services in more than 200 languages. Education programs and support groups are offered both in the community and online.


Holy Cross Caregiver Resource Center - 301-754-7152

Take advantage of many free services for caregivers including a helpline, support groups, library and newsletter. Caregiver support groups for spouses and adult children provide a place to share sorrows and successes, resources and solutions. Classes are available on topics ranging from health and wellness, in home care, handling a parent's finances and much more. The center's health information library provides caregivers access to books, DVDs, audiotapes and videotapes on caregiver issues and health-related topics, as well as listings of aging adult services in our community.

Upcoming Class - Falls: Steps to Reduce Fears & Risks
Practical Steps to Reduce Fears and Risks" The Alzheimer's Foundation of America created a dvd to help families prevent falls - a common life-threatening occurrence for people with dementia. Included are practical ways to overcome the fear of falling and reduce risk factors in the home. Location: Holy Cross Resource Center - To register, call: 301-754-7152. 2/14/17 - 10:30 AM-12:00 PM - No Fee


Montgomery County Police Autism/IDD/Alzheimer's Outreach Program - 240-773-6525

The Montgomery County Police Autism/IDD/Alzheimer's Outreach Program provides a layered approach to Alzheimer's/Autism/IDD safety and awareness through education, follow up, and response. 
Upon request, Montgomery County Police provide wearable ID bracelets to County residents at risk of wandering and getting lost. These can help first responders and others identify a family caregiver to contact in the event an individual becomes lost or needs medical help and cannot fully explain their situation.


Respite Services of Montgomery County - 301-816-9647

If you care for a frail older adult or person with a disability and need someone to stay with them on an occasional basis, respite care is available. Call Respite Services of Montgomery County to learn about providers that offer short-term relief and support. A sliding fee scale applies but financial subsidies are available for qualified individuals and families.


Aging and Disability Resource Unit (ADRU) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - 240.777.3000

The ADRU serves seniors and people with disabilities, and offers resources to help people to remain in the community safely and independently. Resources that may be discussed include but are not limited to: long term care planning; assistance with activities of daily living; adult day care; home health care; transportation options; File of Life; senior centers adult foster care; group homes; assisted living; nutrition and mental health options. The ADRU is also the entry point for customers for an intake for case management services, including Adult Protective Services (APS). The Office has workers to discuss caller concerns and situations and if needed, for any additional follow up.  Office hours are Monday and Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the office is open from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
ADRU has a designated bi-lingual Spanish specialist on staff.  All staff can also provide support through high-quality translation and interpretation, minimizing cultural and linguistic barriers.