January 2018 edition

Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 12/29/2017 06:28 PM EST
caregiver support program
Montgomery County MD Caregiver Support Program eNewsletter
January 2018 edition 


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


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



Share
Do you have a caregiver "success story" that you are willing to share.
We are interested in hearing from caregivers who utilize County government or community organizations and have improved their well-being. Whether currently or in the past we would like to share with others how caregiver supports helped you (and loved one) It could be through a support group, senior program, respite, medical day center, recreation class etc.
Click here to contact me,  I look forward to connecting with you.



CAREGIVER SUPPORT FOR MEN

When we think of family caregivers, we tend to think of women.But the face of American caregiving is changing rapidly, according to "Breaking Stereotypes: Spotlight on Male Family Caregivers," a recent report from AARP. Eight years ago, just 34 percent of caregivers surveyed were men. Today, 40 percent of the 40 million Americans caring for a loved one are male.
Many people consider women to be the caregiver in a family. Yet evidence demonstrates that men are taking on increased caregiving responsibilities of their spouse or partner, parent, or another relative.         
male caregiver
Throughout this new role men are navigating the complex needs of their loved one. As with women while the "patient" is prone to flareups and mood swings, caregivers are more prone to develop their own health problems or depression than non-caregivers. Providing personal care (eating, bathing, dressing, going to the restroom, etc.), cooking, laundry, and child care can be things a new caregiver is not ready for. This makes it important – for male and female caregivers alike – to take care of themselves as much as they do for the patient and family.

The following Websites, Articles and Reports provide an introduction to the unique challenges experienced by male caregiver.


Article: The Hidden Males Caregiver
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2017/hidden-male-caregiver.html

Resource: Men as Primary Caregivers for Elderly Parents
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/men-as-primary-caregivers-for-elderly-parents-131310.htm
a
a
a
msm
mwm
a
a
Resource: Caregiver Stress Syndrome is Different for Men 
a
a
a
sam

a
a
Article: An Aging Population Means More Husbands, Sons Will Be Caregivers
a
a
a
MGF
    MCGWW
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
aa
a
a
Article: Celebrate Male Caregivers
a
a
a
CAREGIVING OVER THE HOLIDAYS

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 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.
a
a
a
2018NY
 
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.
Courtesy of AARP. The holiday season can be simple and uncomplicated
En español - Click here
English - click here  
From 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


From Aging Care - A thoughtful article by Carol Bradley Bursack click here


a
a
a
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS AND EDUCATION
MH
a
a
a
MONTGOMERY HOSPICE PRESENTS:    

Afternoon Grief Support Group
A six-week groups that meets each Tuesday for anyone grieving the death of a loved one
Starts January 16, 2018
Time 1:30-3:00 p.m
Location Faith United Methodist Church - 6810 Montrose Rd., Rockville 


EVENING GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
A six-week groups that meets each Wednesday for anyone grieving the death of a loved one
Starts January 17, 2018 (No meeting on Feb. 14.)
Time 6:30-8:00 p.m
Location Montgomery Hills Baptist Church, 9727 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring.


LOSS OF A CHILD SUPPORT GROUP
A six-week groups that meets each Wednesday, for parents grieving the death of a child of any age
Starts January 17, 2018 (No meeting on Feb. 14.)
Time 6:30-8:00 p.m
Location Montgomery Hospice offices at 1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville.


PARENT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
A six-week groups that meets each Thursday for adults who have experienced the death of one or both parents
Starts January 25, 2018
Time 6:30-8:00 p.m
Location Mother Seton Catholic Church, 19951 Father Hurley Blvd., Germantown.
Contact details: Linda Horenstein (or anyone in the bereavement department)


SAVE THE DATE - UPCOMING CLASS (registration open now)
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.
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018
Time 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
Click here to register via email
Visit website for more information: www.montgomeryhospice.org


OASIS February-March 2018 Caregiver Support Group 

Series begins on Wednesday, February 7 10:30am-12pm. 8 Sessions
Dates: February 7, 14, 21 & 28, March 7, 14, 21 & 28
Location: Washington Metropolitan OASIS        Oasis
Macy’s Home Store - Westfield Montgomery Mall
7125 Democracy Boulevard Bethesda, MD 20817
Registration Essential:
Phone: 301-469-6800 Press 1, then extension 211
Email: washingtonmetro@oasisnet.org

Even when caring for a loved one is an act of love, it still takes many new skills and a great deal of energy. It also raises a lot of questions. Our Caregiver Series will offer a place to learn from the experiences of others and to encourage those who are in similar circumstances. The sessions will be facilitated by compassionate professionals. Some sessions will spotlight expert guest speakers on a variety of topics to support you in your caregiving journey. Most sessions will allow time for questions and group discussion. This group is strictly for those who are in a caregiver role.
This series is sponsored by Family and Nursing Care.
Limit: 18



Alzheimer's Association Presentations in Montgomery County:

Topic: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body                                    aLZ aSS
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
Tuesday, January 9th
Time: 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 Alzheimer's Association 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.


HOLY CROSS CAREGIVER RESOURCE CENTER
HCH
Topic: "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.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018 10:30 – 12:00
Holy Cross Caregiver Resource Center, 9805 Dameron Drive, Silver Spring, room 21
Please call 301-754-7152 for more information and to register.
a
a
a
CAREGIVER EVENTS

Just Us at the National Gallery of Art program    NGA
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, 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 - click here


CAREGIVERS AND EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT
JCA
Caregivers Support When Returning to the Workforce

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
a
a
a

SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday, March 7, 2018 | 10:30AM – 12:00PM
Discussion and meet the author
Refining Aging - a caregivers' guide to living your best life
Sponsored by: Johns Hopkins University and Suburban Hospital - Johns Hopkins Medicine
RAJH
Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming. Best-selling author Dr. Ann Kaiser Stearns couples findings from the latest research with powerful insights and problem-solving tips to help caregivers achieve the best life possible for those they care for – and themselves – as they age.
This presentation will cover:   
• How to resist the “stereotype threat” of ageism
• How to embrace fulfilling life experiences despite the fatigue and stress of caregiving
• How to distinguish between normal aging vs. the early signs of dementia
There will be a question and answer session with Dr. Stearns as well as book sales and signing.
Light Refreshments will be served

To learn more about Redefining Aging: A Caregiver’s Guide to Living Your Best Life, click here for the Johns Hopkins University Press page.

Location: Kenwood Golf & Country Club - 5601 River Road Bethesda, MD 20816
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
events.suburbanhospital.org or call 301-896-3939
a
a
a
CREATIVE AGING

Arts for the Aging  - AFTAAFTA
AFTA’s mission is to engage older adults in health improvement and life enhancement through regular participation in the arts. Our goal is to stimulate minds, bodies, spirits and imaginations.
"Do Not Go Gently" AFTA workshops are introduced in the national PBS documentary film about the power of imagination in aging. Click here to see the Do Not Go Gently video 


a
a
a
MONTGOMERY COUNTY CAREGIVER RESOURCES

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


Montgomery County Government's Aging and Disability Services 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) County's Area Agency on Aging MCG logo(AAA)
240-777-3000   
Click here for A&DS website 
The Aging and Disability Services (A&DS) 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 A&DS 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.

A&DS 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
Click here for the National Capital Area Chapter Caregiver Program Calendar

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 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 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. 


Montgomery County Police Autism/IDD/Alzheimer's Outreach Program
240-773-6525
montgomerycountymd.gov/lifesaver
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.

The Arc Montgomery County (Respite Program)
301-816-9647
http://thearcmontgomerycounty.org/what-we-do/respite/respite-seniors.html
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.
The 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
http://aahiinfo.org/
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.

Montgomery County's African American Health Program
African Americans and people of African descent in   AAHP
Montgomery County will be as healthy and safe as the rest of the population.
Upcoming Events   http://aahpmontgomerycounty.org/en/
Event: http://aahpmontgomerycounty.org/en/events
GOALS
  • Raise 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  LHI
Montgomery 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.
http://www.lhiinfo.org/es/
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.
 





This newsletter is produced by Montgomery County’s Caregiver Support Program, Department of Health and Human Services, Area Agency on Aging.
Program Facilitator: Lylie Fisher – lylie.fisher@montgomerycountymd.gov