December 2017 edition

Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 11/30/2017 02:40 PM EST
caregiver support program
Montgomery County MD Caregiver Support Program eNewsletter
December 2017 edition 

 
Share this e-newsletter and encourage others to subscribe, click here for signup link  
To stay in touch, visit the County's Caregiver Support webpage, click here to visit  

Learn more about County supports for caregivers, click here to view video
The Montgomery County Caregiver Support Program and its partners help caregivers through support groups, information, and respite care.

Share
Do you have a caregiver "success story" that you are willing to share.
We are interested in hearing from caregivers who have improved their well-being by utilizing County government or community organizations. Whether current or in the past, we would like to share with others how caregiver supports make a positive impact. It could be through a support group, senior program, respite, medical day center, recreation class etc.
I look forward to connecting with you.




CAREGIVER SUPPORT


Bipolar Disorder: Beyond the Basics - online program   You are not alone
For family caregivers and others with an interest in supporting someone with Bipolar Disorder
featuring Dr. Martha Tompson and Dr. Pata Suyemoto
DATE: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at 7 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
All too often bipolar disorder creates difficult and sometimes dangerous situations. Family caregivers need practical answers for dealing with these problems. This webinar builds on our basic bipolar disorder webinar, which covers diagnosis, treatment, and managing bipolar disorder. In this new webinar, we drill down to concrete solutions to challenges of providing appropriate support to a person with bipolar disorder.
To register click here 
Alzheimer's Association Presentations in Montgomery County
SPECIAL EVENTSAlz Assoc
Topic: Living with Alzheimer's for Caregivers - Early Stage, Part 3
DATE: Wednesday, Dec. 6th, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Brookdale Potomac, 11215 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD

Topic: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
DATE: Wednesday, Dec. 13th, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: Village of Friendship Heights, 4433 S. Park Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD

Topic: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
DATE: Sunday, January 3rd
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Willow Manor at Clopper's Mill, 18003 Mateny Rd, Germantown, MD

Topic: Know the Ten Signs
DATE: Tuesday, January 9th, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Lutheran Church of St Andrew, 15300 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD

To register for an Alzheimer's Association program, please call 1.800.272.3900 or email dvance@alz.org

Alzheimer's Association Support Groups
Peer-led groups for caregivers and others dealing with Alzheimer's disease. All support groups are facilitated by trained individuals. Many locations offer specialized groups for children, individuals with younger-onset specialized groups from children, individuals with younger-onset and early-stage Alzheimer's, adult caregivers and others with specific needs. To learn about our support groups and community presentations, please call our 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900 or visit our website at alz.org/nca.

Alzheimer's Association Care Consultation Services
Feel overwhelmed and confused after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or dementia? We're here to help. Our care consultation services are designed to provide you and family support in coping with dementia (form pre-diagnosis to end-of-life). You will receive one on one advice to better understand the disease, to manage care, and to make more informed treatment decisions. For more information, or to schedule a care consultation, please call 1.800.272.3900. This service is available at no charge thanks to our donors.

Alzheimer's Association Memory Cafes
Memory Cafes offer a fun and relaxed way for people living with early-stage memory loss to get connected with one another through social events that promote interaction and companionship. To learn about our meeting locations, please contact Diane Vance at 240.428.1342, dvance@alz.org.


lgbt ribbon
LGBT Caregiver Support
Montgomery County MD is blessed with a diverse community. Below are two organizations that conduct advocacy and provide support in Maryland.
If you participate in or know of LGBT support networks offered in Montgomery County please send us the information, click here

Maryland based LGBT Caregiver Support
The following information provides an overview of available resources in Maryland, click here 

SAGE - Advocacy and Services for LGBT Elders
SAGE Maryland is an excellent gateway for LGBT older adults, click here

aarp logo
AARP's Caregiver Support 
AARP has developed a online portal that provided support, education and   vital information for caregivers.
They have an excellent Prepare to Care online handouts available in English, Spanish, Chinese and adapted in English for the Asian American community. 



CAREGIVING OVER THE HOLIDAYS
candles
Providing care doesn't stop because it is the holiday period. Often caregivers experience additional stress due to disruption to the normal routine, visitors and often the desire to maintain "normal". We offer a range of articles and tips that have helped other caregivers. The following articles provide caregivers with ideas and supports to try out during the holidays.
AARP
It's easy for caregivers to get stressed out during the holiday season.
As caregivers, many of us are already overwhelmed with our daily responsibilities, leaving us vulnerable when the stress of the holidays arrives.
During this busy season, we can be tempted to increase unhealthy behavior — such as drinking more alcohol, eating more sweets, getting less sleep and exercising less. This in turn lowers our defenses and makes every experience — both positive and negative — seem magnified. Here are some tips to help you come through the holiday season with more joy and less stress.
In English and En español 
Caregiver Alliance
This national non profit organizations shares a range of tips and resources that are helpful for caregivers over the holiday period, click here

Aging Care
A thoughtful article by Carol Bradley Bursack. Click here


VETERANS & MILITARY CAREGIVING 
Providing care to a loved one who has served in the military has its own unique challenge.  Caregiver
This month we feature programs that are devoted to providing support to veterans and their caregivers. Some of these resources are organized by government agencies and others are offered non profit organizations. Caregiver programs includes community based (peer to peer) support through formal activities provided by health care professionals.


Virtual Caregiver Training
The caregiving team at Blue Star Families is evaluating how well an avatar-based training program can help military-connected caregivers improve their overall health and wellbeing and provide better care to their wounded warrior. If you’re a military-connected caregiver who is caring for a wounded warrior and over the age of 18, you’re invited to participate.
You will be asked to complete an online survey before attending the training and follow-up surveys at 3 and 6 months after the training. Your answers will remain confidential. Everyone who completes the evaluation, including attending the training and completing all three surveys, will be entered into a $100 gift card raffle!
Your participation in this training is completely voluntary.
To register for a virtual training, please click 
DATES:
Saturday, December 2nd from 9am-12pm EST
Monday, December 4th from 1pm-4pm EST
Friday, December 8th from 12:30pm-3:30pm EST


Veterans Affairs - Caregiver Support Program
Caregivers play an important role in the health and well-being of Veterans. The Caregiver Support Program offers training, educational resources, and multiple tools to help you succeed. Please contact our Caregiver Support Line for advice on being a caregiver. Click to learn more


Veteran and Caregiving
The Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 allows VA to provide benefits to eligible Caregivers (a parent, spouse, child, step-family member, extended family member, or an individual who lives with the Veteran, but is not a family member) who support the Veterans.  Click to learn more


Military Families and Caregiving
This information webpage has links to well known resources that are helpful for caregivers. Click to learn more


Support for Military Family Caregivers
Caregivers to military veterans face unique challenges. Most have no medical training or time to prepare for the responsibility. They may be living far from family and friends. Some caregivers put their own career or college plans on hold to make time for their spouse’s medical appointments and needs. If the service member is not able to continue in active duty, the family may also face a financial crisis. Together, these challenges can take an emotional, financial, and physical toll on veteran caregivers.
Luckily, the military spouse community is also full of supportive individuals who are willing to use their trials to help others and many programs designed to support military veteran caregivers and families. If you know a veteran caregiver, remind them that they are not alone. Offer to help and support them, even if it is by watching their children for an hour each week, or making them dinner on occasion. Then share this list of resources with them. Click to learn more


American Red Cross
Military and Veteran Caregiver Network provides and central resource data base of supports and resources.
Click to learn more 

Easter Seals
Caregiver Support Listings - click to learn more
and
Military Caregiving Education
hour-long on-demand educational sessions for all military caregivers, providing tips and tools on topics including depression, childcare, intimacy, hearing loss, caregiver self-care and home safety. Select webinars are available in Spanish. Click to learn more


Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community
The Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community (HHCC) is an online support group that offers a positive place for military caregivers of all eras to connect with one another. Moderated by caregivers, the HHCC is a welcoming environment for military caregivers to share their stories, seek advice, and find commonality in the challenges they face. Military caregivers can register and join the HHCC through our website, click here  and visit the Elizabeth Dole Foundation - click here


OPERATION FAMILY CAREGIVER
Operation Family Caregiver (OFC) coaches the families of newly returning service members and veterans to manage the difficulties they face when they come home. OFC is a personalized program, tailored specifically to the struggles of each family. Through proven methods, the program teaches military families how best to navigate their challenges, resulting in stronger and healthier families. Learn more about how OFC helps create strong and healthy families. Click here for the website
and
10 Tips for Caregivers Booklet - click here 

Hope for the Warriors Caregiver Support Services
Hope For The Warriors’ Caregiver Support Services are available to military and veteran caregivers of post-9/11 service members or veterans that have been physically or psychologically wounded. You are considered a caregiver if you provide physical care and/or emotional support to a wounded warrior. Caregivers can include spouses, parents, children, partners, siblings, and friends.
Hope For The Warriors feels it is essential that we devote more attention to providing support to our caregivers because of the negative impact their caregiving role could potentially have on their physical health and psychological well-being.
Caregiver Support Services offer a variety of virtual and regional opportunities for the military caregiver to engage in programs and services. Click here


Military Officers Association of America
This webpage provides caregiver support resources that partner with government and non profit organizations. Click here



CAREGIVER EVENTS

Bridging the Gap  -  Dementia Symposium 2017
Practical Solutions for Family and Professional Care Partners
Btg
FREE - REGISTER NOW!
When: Friday, December 15 - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where:  Ingleside at King Farm, Rockville MD     

Topics include:
  • Benefits of Caregiving
  • Research Update
  • Panel Discussion on Hot Topics and Common Challenges Care Partners Face
  • Eldercare/Resident Rights
  • Thoughts from a Neurologist
  • Care Partner Perspectives

 

Join Ingleside at King Farm, LeadingAge Maryland and LeadingAge DC for a discussion on practical considerations individuals living with dementia and their care partners face.

Presenters include:
Ana Nelson, Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area. Presentation by Alzheimer's Association: Alzheimer's - What We Know About the Disease and Promising Research (11:10 AM - 12:10 PM)
Barbara Resnick, PhD, MSN, BSN, University of Maryland School of Nursing and Roland Park Place
Pamela Mills, Ingleside at King Farm
Terry Ullman, LCSW-C, LICSW
Amy L. Griboff, The Law Firm of Amy L. Griboff
Susy Elder Murphy, Debra Levy Eldercare Associates and Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Aging Life Care Association
Dr. William Leahy
A couple living with early onset dementia

FREE FOR Family Caregivers- No charge, but please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to a local charity

REGISTER NOW!
Click here

Questions?
Contact Deborah Adler at dadler@leadingagemaryland.org
or Call 240-750-9925.

(Professionals-LeadingAge Maryland Members- $98; Nonmembers- $148. 5.0 Credit hours of CE offered for Social Workers )

Accessible Programs at the National Gallery of Art

Break away from the everyday!NGA
These programs provide interactive, discussion-based
experiences in the galleries for people with early-stage
dementia and those who are deaf, blind or vision imparted and their caregivers.
The theme changes for every session, so come often!
Space is limited and registration is required.
Call to register: (202) 842-6905

East Building Tours*
December 9, 23 and 27 at 1:00
(60 minutes)
East Building Atrium
Tours are led by deaf guides in American Sign Language with voice interpretation.
Please email asl@nga.gov to request more information on ASL programs at the Gallery.

This tour makes the collections more accessible to adult visitors with visual impairments. The basic teaching methodology employed is called intensive verbal description, although some tours may include tactile elements. Call (202) 842-6905.


Just Us at the National Gallery of Art program
This provides interactive, discussion-based experiences in the galleries for people with early-stage memory loss and their care partners. Participants will explore two to three works of art during the 90-minute program. The takes place on the first and third Mondays of the month.
Monday, December 4 and 18 2:00-3:30
Monday, January 15, 2:00-3:30

To register call - 202-842-6905 or email l-bradford@nga.gov
Space is limited and registration is required


For additional Accessible Programs: at the National Gallery


CAREGIVER EDUCATION

Communication and Relationships with someone with Dementia. Screenings and discussion of two valuable videos     

DATE: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 10:30 – 12:00       HCH
"Communication" is a dvd designed to help families better understand why communication changes with dementia and new ways to improve our interactions. It includes techniques to make social visits more positive, doing things easier and dealing with distress safer and more effective

DATE: Tuesday, January 9, 2018 10:30 – 12:00
"Progression" is a dvd to help family members recognize symptoms that indicate the disease is progressing and identify the help that is most effective in each stage. It also provides suggestions to assist with future planning to meet these needs.

Location and Registraiton details for both:
Holy Cross Caregiver Resource Center, 9805 Dameron Drive, Silver Spring, room 21
Please call 301-754-7152 for more information and to register.




CAREGIVERS AND EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT

Caregivers Support When Returning to the WorkforceJCA

Need to land a job? JCA is your older worker expert.
Finding employment is one of the biggest challenges faced by many older adults, and JCA helps jobseekers in several ways.
JCA's Career Gateway! offers intensive training, take-home materials, a long-term mentor and individual attention for mid-level managers and other professionals who are seeking employment at age 50+.

Job Search Training for those who are 50+
Are you over age 50 and frustrated by your job search? JCA’s Career Gateway Program can help you perfect your resume, polish your networking and interviewing skills, use Internet job search resources more effectively, and turn your age and experience to your advantage.. Each session of the Career Gateway features 30 hours of small-group classroom instruction over five days, comprehensive take-home materials, practical exercises, and a long-term mentor – all for only $75! Sessions run from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.
Multiple 2017-2018 Sessions remain available:
Session III – January 22, 24, 26, 29, and 31
Session IV – March 5, 7, 9, 12, and 14
Session V – April 23, April 25, April 27, April 30, and May 2

For more information, call Jodie Rasch at 301-255-4215 or email her at jodie.rasch@accessjca.org



SAVE THE DATE - UPCOMING CLASS (registration open now)
Montgomery Hospice free class    Hospise
Forever Yours: A Valentine’s Day Workshop
A special workshop for widows, widowers and life partners who want to honor and remember their loved ones as a comfort before Valentine’s Day.
Date Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Drive, Rockville
Contact details: Linda Horenstein (or anyone in the bereavement department)
Phone: 301-921-4400
Email: LHorenstein@montgomeryhospice.org
For more info click here 



MONTGOMERY COUNTY CAREGIVER RESOURCES
If you are a caregiver in Montgomery County and seek assistance, contact:

Montgomery County Government's Aging and Disability Services Helpline
part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)    MCG logo
of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
240-777-3000
Click here to visit the ADRU website 

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.
 

Alzheimer’s Association
800-272-3900
alz.org
The National Capital Area Chapter Caregiver Class Calendar: https://sites.google.com/a/alz.org/nca-chapter-calendar/home
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
holycrosshealth.org/caregivers-resource-center
The Holy Cross Caregiver Resource Center is a wealth of information and supportive services for caregivers. If you’re living with aging parents, or caring for a loved one or friend, the center is your go-to resource for support, education and the latest on healthy aging, and disease diagnosis and treatment.
The center’s health information library is a complimentary service that provides caregivers access to books, DVDs, audiotapes and videotapes on caregiver issues and health-related topics, as well as pamphlets, AARP publications and reprints of health-related articles. Other caregiver resources of this hospital library include brochures from local resources, and listings of aging adult services in our community.
The center’s complimentary newsletter is published three times a year to provide you with tips, book reviews, resources, articles on care giving, and listings of the center’s upcoming seminars, lectures and support groups. View the latest issue of Caregiver News and sign up online or call 301-754-7152 to add your name to the  mailing list.
The center also hosts a Caregiver Telephone Helpline at 301-754-7152 to answer questions about services and resources for caregivers.
The senior resources’ center also hosts our caregiver support groups, where spouses and adult children can share sorrows and problems, joys and successes, resources and solutions. The center also periodically sponsors caregiver education classes featuring information on everything from handling your aging parent’s finances and first aid—to CPR. View caregiver classes and support group information.


Montgomery County Police Autism/IDD/Alzheimer's Outreach Program
240-773-6525
Click here to visit website
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Outreach Unit IDD)
IDD info video: bit.ly/2hP80WQ
Police, Fire and Rescue info video’s: bit.ly/2hL0nR - and - bit.ly/2vr2H32

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
Click here to visit website
If you reside in Montgomery County and are an unpaid, live-in, primary caregiver for a frail senior citizen, you may apply for respite care from The Arc Montgomery County.

Our respite program can provide short-term relief for a few hours, a day, a weekend, or sometimes longer. However, respite care is not a substitute for ongoing care or adult day care. It's just a way to support families who take care of their loved ones at home. Families can choose from many respite care venues, including the family home, adult medical day programs, and approved respite facilities.
Respite may provide a subsidy to pay a Respite Care Provider (RCP), but it is not an entitlement. Eligibility for a subsidy does not guarantee funds for each respite occasion requested. There is limited funding for respite care and our goal is to assist as many families as possible each month.


MONTGOMERY COUNTY'S DIVERSITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Montgomery County's Asian American Health Initiative   AAHI
The mission of the Asian American Health Initiative is to identify the health care needs of Asian American communities, to develop culturally competent health care services, and to implement health education programs that are accessible and available for all Asian Americans in Montgomery County.
In support of this mission, AAHI works:
  • To conduct in-depth data collection, analysis, and reporting of the health status among the different ethnic groups in the Asian American community;
  • To expand and improve the existing health services available to Asian Americans;
  • To ensure the availability of quality health care directed to the specific needs of the different ethnic groups in the community;
  • To provide outreach programs to inform and educate different ethnic groups about the accessibility and the availability of health care services;
  • To remove barriers preventing all ethnic groups in the Asian American community from receiving a fair share of health services.
To learn more about this initiative click here


Montgomery County's African American Health ProgramAAHP
African Americans and people of African descent in Montgomery County will be as  healthy and safe as the rest of the population.
Goals
  • This program raises awareness in the Montgomery County community about key health disparities.
  • Integrate African American health concerns into existing services and programs.
  • Monitor health status data for African Americans in Montgomery County.
  • Implement and evaluate strategies to achieve specific health objectives.
Strategy
  • Bring together community partners and resources in a collaborative and effective manner to support AAHP goals.
  • AAHP focuses on six major health areas: infant mortality, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, oral health, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Services provided include outreach, health education, support groups, and nurse case management.
The program is staffed by registered nurses, health educators, and community outreach personnel.
Latino American Health Initiative
The mission of the LHI is to improve the quality of life of Latinos living in LAHIMontgomery County by contributing to the development and implementation of an integrated, coordinated, culturally and linguistically competent health wellness system that supports, values, and respects Latino families and communities.
Overall functions
  • Enhance coordination between existing health programs and services targeting Latinos.
  • Provide technical assistance to programs serving the Latino community.
  • Develop and support models of programs and services to adequately reach Latinos.
  • Advocate for policies and practices needed to effectively reach and serve Latinos.
Who is involved with the LHI?
  • The LHI is comprised of staff members from the Department of Health and Human Services and a group of volunteer professionals and community leaders. These individuals work as a team to inform the Latino community about the LHI and to collect feedback from them regarding their health concerns. In addition, this group acts as the planning body for the LHI and advocates to improve the health of Latino communities.
 






For more information visit:
Montgomery County MD's Caregiver Support Program http://montgomerycountymd.gov/senior/caregiver.html