May 2018 Edition

Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 04/30/2018 10:13 PM EDT
caregiver support program
May 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 how its partners help caregivers through support groups, information, and respite care. View this short video



For additional caregiver connections and to view past eNewsletters 
mull


Montgomery County Caregiver Program's - Community Outreach Events  -  May 2018

Every day as a caregiver you experience joys and challenges.
All caregivers benefit through: practical guidance, emotional support and as needed: connection with skilled providers.
Caregiver support is a vital part of our community.

These informal events are welcoming to all community members who provide care for their loved one.

Attendees can learn about:help and support
County resources for caregivers
Tools to navigate local supports
How care-givers can maintain a healthy mind, body and soul
Planning ahead as a caregiver
and much more
You are welcome to attend one or more of these events.

All events are free and non commercial.

RSVP is essential - click here to register

May Sessions

Wednesday May 9, 9am - 12.00pm
Longwood Community Centercaregiver hand
19300 Georgia Ave, Brookeville, Md 20833

Thursday May 10, 1pm - 3pm
White Oak Community Library
11701 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD, US 20904

Monday May 14, 9am - 12.00pm
Longwood Community Center
19300 Georgia Ave, Brookeville, Md 20833

Wednesday May 16, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Maggie Nightingale Library
19633 Fisher Avenue Poolesville, MD 20837

Thursday May 24, 3pm - 5pm
Bethesda Chevy Chase Regional Service Center
4805 Edgemoor Ln - 2nd Floor, Bethesda, MD 20814


Enrollment now open for special June program
Daughter to Daugher Series
In this three-session workshop, you will join other adult daughters who are or expect to be caregivers for their aging parents. We will use the sessions—and the safe space we create together to:  daughter to daughter
- Share experiences of caregiving and its challenges
- Explore more deeply feelings, inner conflicts, and the obstacles we face
- Develop some practical strategies for self-care, addressing personal needs, and keeping life in balance by gaining confidence in our own inner resources and wisdom
Dates: June 2, 9, 16 (participants attend all three workshops in this series)
Time: Saturday mornings, 10am-12 noon
Place: Conference Room.
There is free parking in the center’s lot; the Bethesda metro is a 10-minute walk (1/2 mile).

Facilitated by: Paula Stone—who cared for her aging mother—has had a lifelong interest in personal growth and healing modalities. She is the author of a commercially published self-help book; an award-winning playwright; an experienced support-group leader and trained facilitator; and a longtime practitioner of mindfulness meditation which has included completion of a yearlong mindfulness intensive. Her new play is about an adult daughter’s struggles—to balance her life, face loss and let go—as she cares for her failing mother. Paula is retired from the World Bank and has a PhD from MIT.
Registration Required, click here to sign up



CAREGIVER SPECIAL EVENTS

Saturday May 5, 9am – 2pm
Design for Life Showcase
design for life
The 2018 Design for Life Showcase is the only event that brings building professionals, designers, architects and product providers together with residents to demonstrate some of the best designs and products available to for accessible homes. Residents get a chance to   see accessible home designs and products and speak with the building professionals and find out about the Montgomery County Design for Life Property Tax Credit. Accessible homes for all ages and stages of life!

Location: Silver Spring Civic Building 1 Veterans Plaza Silver Spring, MD 20910
For more details visit click here


Sunday May 6, 12:30pm - 4:00pm
American Muslim Senior Society
Healthy Aging, Community Services, And Support Multi-Cultural Inaugural Event
This event presents health, wellness supports and valuable resources to maintain vibrancy irrespective of age.  AMSS

The American Muslim Senior Society (AMSS) promotes health and wellness by assisting diverse communities in the establishment of culturally and ethnically sensitive senior nutrition and recreational programs.
Location: Silver Spring Civic Building 1 Veterans Plaza Silver Spring, MD 20910
RSVP essential, click here: 

May 8, 10.30pm - 12 noon
Legal & Financial Planning: Alzheimer's
holy cross
For those who have received a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, the time for legal and financial planning has arrived. Topics included are:
* Legal plans to fit your needs
* Legal documents and what they mean
* Sources of legal and financial assistance
* Creating a practical long-term plan of care
* Using available tax deductions and credits
* Government assistance that may help pay for it.

Holy Cross Resource Center
Please call Sister Kathy Weber at 301-754-7152 for more information and to register.

Wednesday, May 16 at 2pm – 3pm
Montessori and Aging for Dementia Care
montessori
Free information Session
The National Center for Montessori and Aging brings elders with dementia, children, families and healthcare professionals together in a supportive learning environment where every generation is valued for their unique contributions?

Learn to shift your view of dementia care, prevent responsive behaviors, empower elders, and create an environment where people with dementia flourish.

jennifer brushYou will meet our program director and trainer, Jennifer Brush, MA,CCC/SLP, an award-winning dementia educator, researcher, and author. Jennifer serves on the Association Montessori International Advisory Board for Montessori for Aging and Dementia and is the author of five nationally recognized books on dementia.?

If you want a sneek preview of Jennifer's work, click here to view video
To learn more about Montessori and Aging, click here  

RSVP by May 11th to:
Christine Barbour - cbarbour@crossway-community.org
Crossway Community 3015 Upton Drive, Kensington, MD 20895 301.929.2505



SUPPORT GROUPS

OASIS May-June 2018 Caregiver Support Group
Our summer Caregiver Support Group series begins    oasis
Wednesday, May 9 10:30am-12pm. 8 Sessions
Dates: May 9,16, 23, 30 and June 6, 13, 23 & 30
Location: Washington Metropolitan OASIS
Macy’s Home Store
Westfield Montgomery Mall
7125 Democracy Boulevard
Bethesda, MD 20817

Phone: 301-469-6800 Press 1, then extension 211
Email: washingtonmetro@oasisnet.org


Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter
All classes, support groups and education programs are open to the public and do not require registration.

To view their May calendar of events click here to visit: 
Also offered in Montgomery County:   alz assoc
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.
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. 
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. 

Questions, please call Melissa Barber, Program Manager, Montgomery County-240-428-1342 or email Melissa at mebarber@alz.org


Holy Cross Resource Center
The Holy Cross Caregiver Resource Center is a wealth of information and supportive services for caregivers.
Caregiver Classes and Support Groups
To register for a Holy Cross Caregiver Resource Center class click here to visit their website  or call 301-754-7152    holy cross

Ongoing Support Group for Adult Children
Adult children of all ages who are caring for ill and/or aging parents are invited to discuss problems, share idea and benefit from the support of those who are traveling the same caregiving journey.
Location: Holy Cross Resource Center - Monday, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: Holy Cross Resource Center - Tuesday, 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Location: Holy Cross Resource Center - Thursday, 10:00am to 11:30am
Support Group for Caregivers of Seniors
This group is held upper Montgomery County and offers support for caregivers of all ill and/or aging seniors.
Location: Gaithersburg Upcounty Senior Center
1st/3rd Tuesday, 2:00pm 3:30pm
Support Group for Spouses
Spouses who are caring for ill and/or aging spouses maybe facing the loss of their life's partner, coping with role reversal in their marriage, and much,much more. Bonding within the groups sometimes even helps with the loneliness along the journey.
Location: Holy Cross Resource Center - Wednesday, 10:00am to 11:30pm
Location: Holy Cross Resource Center - Friday, 10:00am to 11:30pm
Location: Holy Cross Resource Center - Thursday, 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Telephone Support Group
Tuesday, 6pm to 7:30pm. Call 301-754-7152 in advance to obtain the access numbers.
This group was created for spouses and adult children who are unable to attend a group in person. Sharing problems and solutions as well as caregiver bonding still occurs.


CAREGIVERS - STAY CONNECTED AND LEARN - via trust telephone supports

Senior Center Without Walls
National Telephone Life-Long Learning and Supportive Groups  SSWW
Senior Center Without Walls is a phone and online-based program offering activities, education, friendly conversation, and an assortment of classes and support groups to older adult accessible from the comfort of your home. Based in California so the presentations start times etc have been translated into East Coast time.

To view the full program click here to visit their website or call 1 (877) 797 7299.
Pre-registration required


A few programs they offer, All times listed are EST:
LGBTQ Connect
  • 2nd and 4th Mondays, 5/14, 5/28, 6/11, 6/25    lgbt
  • 4:00pm - 5:00pm
  • This group is open to all LGBTQ seniors and is an opportunity to connect with
  • others socially in a supportive environment where participants can share
  • individual and collective experiences. We will create an inclusive place to
  • share our stories with each other and build a sense of community.

Coffee Break
  • Wednesdays, 5/2 - 7/4 Sundays, 5/5 - 7/8
  • Wednesdays 1:00pm - 1:30am and Sundays 2:00pm - 2:30pm
  • Grab a cup of coffee or hot tea and enjoy a mid-morning opportunity to chat and
  • catch up with the SCWW community.

Mother’s Day Sunday, 5/13
  • 3:30pm - 4:00pm
  • Mother’s Day is a special time to reflect on and pay tribute to the women in our
  • lives, our mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins,
  • daughters, or friends. Please join us in recognizing these deserving women and
  • share your story.

Living with Chronic Pain
  • Thursdays, 5/3 - 7/5 (no groups on 5/10 & 5/17)
  • 5:00pm - 5:30pm
  • Those of us living with chronic pain know that it can affect every area of our
  • lives - disrupting our activities, our appetite, our personal relationships, and our
  • overall emotional health. Share your experiences, your challenges, and successes
  • with others dealing with chronic pain in a supportive, caring environment


CAREGIVER TELE-CONNECTION - Tele-Learning

The Caregiver Teleconnection is a free, bilingual, and confidential program that connects caregivers and family members to information and support through the telephone or “tele-learning”. The Caregiver Teleconnection provides learning sessions on a variety of useful topics, hosted over the phone by professional facilitators and experts. Family caregivers have the opportunity to connect and share with others in their situation during the sessions.
tele

There are two ways to register for a tele-learning session:

You can register via the website 24 hours a day, seven days per week, click here
You can call the Caregiver Teleconnection customer service line, Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm (CST) at 866-390-6491 or 210-871-7SOS (7767)


05/01/18, 10:00 am
Talking about Suicide: Overcoming the Taboo with Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW

05/10/18, 9:00 am
Lucy Barylak, MSW as “Dear Lucy”

05/14/18, 11:00 am
Maintaining Dignity in Dementia with Melissa Griffin ***Sponsored by the North Central Texas Caregiver Teleconnection***
4/14/18, 12noon
Validation Breakthrough with Naomi Fall, MSW ACSW
05/21/18, 11:00 am
Validation Breakthrough with Naomi Feil, M.S.W., A.C.S.W.
05/29/18 11:00 am Strategies for treating dementia-related sleep issues with Nancy A. Hodgson, RN, PhD

All times listed are EST

Caregiver Teleconnection On Demand
We realize that sometimes it’s difficult for caregivers to participate in our live sessions based on scheduling issues. We’ve made it easier for you to get the information you need by recording many of our live sessions. Click to access recorded sessions!



Smithsonian Museum's Art, Caregivers and Engagement

See Me at the National Museum of African Art - A message from lead Educator, Michelle Edwards…. The experience of looking closely allows us to appreciate beauty, exchange ideas, share memories or simply respond to the work in front of us. We invite individuals living with dementia, together with their family members or care partners, to join us for an interactive and multi-sensory tour of the museum.   african
This group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month.  Time: 2-3:30 pm 

May 29, 
Shot: Art and Selfie
June 26
Making a Splash: Water in African Art
July 24
Repurposed: Reduce, Reuse & Recycle Art
August 28
Dance Off:  African Art in Motion
Location:
50 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560
Pavilion, Ground floor access
Metro: Smithsonian Station
portrait

See Me at the National Portrait Gallery - The National Portrait Gallery tells the story of  America by portraying the people - including artists, politicians, scientists, inventors, activists, and performers - who shape the nation’s history, development and culture. 
This group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Time: 2-3:30 pm
Dates: May 8, June 12, July 10
Location/point of access: 8th & G St., NW
Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro
AAM

See Me at the Smithsonian American Art Museum - The Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection captures the aspirations, character, and imagination of the American people   throughout three centuries, revealing key aspects of America’s rich artistic and cultural history.
This group meets on the first Wednesday of each month (except for in July) Time: 2-3:30 pm
Dates: May 2, June 6, July 11
Location/point of access: 8th & G St., NW
Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro

See Me at the Freer|Sackler - The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery freer  preserve and share the treasures of Asia, making inspiring connections between Asia, America, and the world.
This group meets on the third Wednesdays of each month. Time: 2-3:30 pm
Dates: May 16, June 20, July 18
Location/point of access: 1050 Independence Ave SW
Metro: Smithsonian Institution

Entrance is free, however registration is required.
Participants may register by emailing access@si.edu or by calling 202-633-2921. For additional information such as group size or time concerns, please contact Ashley Grady, Program Specialist (GradyA@si.edu).





ARTICLES, NEWS, REPORTS


Be on the Lookout for New Medicare Cards (and New Card-Related Scams)
The federal government is issuing new Medicare cards to all Medicare beneficiaries. To prevent fraud and fight identity theft, the new cards will no longer have beneficiaries' Social Security numbers on them.  medicare card

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is replacing each beneficiary's Social Security number with a unique identification number, called a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI). Each MBI will consist of a combination of 11 randomly generated numbers and upper case letters. The characters are "non-intelligent," which means they don't have any hidden or special meaning. The MBI is confidential like the Social Security number and should be kept similarly private.

The CMS will begin mailing the cards in April 2018 in phases based on the state the beneficiary lives in. The new cards should be completely distributed by April 2019. If your mailing address is not up to date, call 800-772-1213, visit www.ssa.gov, or go to a local Social Security office to update it.

The changeover is attracting scammers who are using the introduction of the new cards as a fresh opportunity to separate Medicare beneficiaries from their money. According to Kaiser Health News, the scams to look out for include phone calls with callers:
claiming to be from Medicare looking for your direct deposit number and using the new cards as an excuse, asking for your Social Security number to verify information,
claiming Medicare recipients need to pay money to receive a temporary card, or
threatening to cancel your insurance if you don't give out your card number.

There is no cost for the new cards. It is important to know that Medicare will never call, email or visit you unless you ask them to, nor will they ask you for money or for your Medicare number. If you receive any calls that seem suspicious, don't give out any personal information and hang up.
You should call 1-800-MEDICARE to report the activity or you can contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). To contact your SMP, call 877-808-2468 or visit www.smpresource.org.


Beacon Celebration of the Arts
Calling artists, photographers, poets and more!   beacon arts
Do you paint or draw? Perhaps you make pottery, jewelry or sculpt. Or do you enjoy digital photography or poetry?
In whichever of these arts you shine, you are invited to enter your best works in the Celebration of the Arts — a competition for amateur artists 50 and over who live in Maryland, D.C. or Virginia.
Winners will receive awards, cash prizes (up to $100), as well as the opportunity to exhibit in one or more area galleries. In addition, photos of all artists and their works will be published in a special “Celebration of the Arts” section to be printed in the Beacon this fall.

The online competition opens April 1 and runs through June 29, 2018. For complete rules and more information, click visit the competition website or call (301) 949-9766. 



SAVE THE DATE

CAREGIVER EVENTS
2018 Montgomery County’s Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Tuesday, June 14, 2016, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where: Holiday Park Senior Center
3950 Ferrara Drive, Wheaton, MD 20906

Speakers & Exhibitors:
  • Senior Technology Safety Class & Lab   WEABD
  • Elder Abuse / Exploitation Seminar & Exhibits
  • Emergency Preparedness / Home Safety
  • Resources in Montgomery County for Seniors
  • Demonstrations & Services:
  • MCPD K-9 Unit & Project Lifesaver
  • Fire and Rescue
  •  Blood Pressure Checks

FREE LUNCHES (While supplies last)
Door Prizes & Refreshments

Proudly Sponsored by
The Montgomery County Elder / Vulnerable Adult Abuse Task Force: MC Police DeptMontgomery County Police Department, State Attorney's OfficeState’s Attorney’s Office, Health & Human Services

Join us for an afternoon of important information and fun!



Montgomery Hospice
MONTGOMERY HOSPICE DROP-IN DISCUSSION ABOUT GRIEF AND HEALING
A workshop led by Montgomery Hospice professional counselors for anyone grieving the death of a loved one
Date Starts July 27, 2018    montgomery hospice
Time 1:00-2:30 p.m

MONTGOMERY HOSPICE: WORKSHOP ON GRIEF FOR THE LGBTQI COMMUNITY
Brief description A two-session workshop for members of the LGBTQI community led by Montgomery Hospice professional counselors who are in the LGBTQI community
Date Starts July 16 and July 23, 2018
Time 6:30-8:00 p.m

MONTGOMERY HOSPICE GRIEF SUPPORT: BEYOND WORDS; EXPRESSING GRIEF THROUGH ART MAKING
Brief description A three-session workshop led by Montgomery Hospice professional counselors for anyone grieving the death of a loved one.
Date Starts August 7, 2018 (and August 14 and August 21)
Time 6:30-8:00 p.m

MONTGOMERY HOSPICE: FOR MEN ONLY: GETTING A HANDLE ON YOUR GRIEF
Brief description A two-session workshop led by Montgomery Hospice professional male counselors for men grieving the death of a loved one
Date Starts August 13 and August 20, 2018
Time 6:30-8:00 p.m
Location for all sessions and registration details :
1355 Piccard Drive, Rockville
Contact details: Linda Horenstein (or anyone in the bereavement department)
Phone: 301-921-4400
Email: LHorenstein@montgomeryhospice.org
www.montgomeryhospice.org



NON PROFIT MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

NAMI Montgomery County
https://namimc.org/
The families and members of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Montgomery County, MD (NAMI MC) are here to help! NAMI offers understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and the treatment of mental illness.
Mental illnesses are brain disorders that are biologically based medical problems. Untreated, they can cause severe disturbances in thinking, feeling and relating. This results in substantially diminished capacity for dealing with the ordinary demands of life. Mental illness can affect persons of any age and occur in any family. They are not caused by bad parenting and are not evidence of weakness of character.   nami

NAMI's programs include:
Family Support Groups meet monthly. Intended to encourage, support and empower family members and caregivers of individuals with mental illness
NAMI Basics is the new signature education program for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illnesses. The NAMI Basics course is taught by trained teachers who are the parent or other caregivers of individuals who developed the symptoms of mental illness prior to the age of 13 years.
Peer-to-Peer is a unique, experiential learning program for people with any serious mental illness who are interested in establishing and maintaining their wellness and recovery.
NAMI Connection is a recovery support group program for adults living with mental illness that meets monthly, twice a month, or weekly, depending on location. These groups provide a place that offers respect, understanding, encouragement, and hope. NAMI Connection groups offer a casual and relaxed approach to sharing the challenges and successes of coping with mental illness.
In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a unique public education program developed by NAMI, in which two trained consumer speakers share compelling personal stories about living with mental illness and achieving recovery.

NAMI's Support Group calendar, click here

Everymind
https://www.every-mind.org/
When most people hear the words mental health – what they think of is mental illness – but that is only part of the story. Mental health is our ability to realize our capabilities. Mental health is the foundation of healthy families, workplaces and communities. EveryMind is committed to strengthening our communities by providing programs and services that comfort, empower, help, and heal. We are helping to remove the barriers that keep people from achieving optimal mental health and wholeness. Because every mind needs support, attention, and care.

Some of Everymind's services include:
Montgomery County Housing Initiative Program (HIP), EveryMind provides the service coordination to connect clients to needed advocacy, education, and connection to resources so clients can remain stably housed and maintain self-sufficiency.  everymind
SOAR is a program designed to increase access to Supplemental Security Income / Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI) for eligible adults who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness and have a mental illness, medical impairment, and/or co-occurring substance use disorder.

Individual and family counseling is provided in a community based setting – to increase self-esteem, improve relationships with family and friends, and develop positive coping skills.
Friendly Visitor provides friendship and emotional support to older adults who are homebound, isolated, and lonely – to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, help individuals remain in the community, and maintain a safe home environment.
Representative Payee provides money management services to individuals with a disability or mental illness who are unable to manage their own finances – to ensure clients have enough funding for food, clothing, shelter, medication, and other needs.

To connect with Everymind 301.424.0656 info@Every-Mind.org




MONTGOMERY COUNTY CAREGIVER RESOURCES
If you are a family 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 (AAA)
240-777-3000
Click here to visit the website   mcg
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    alz assoc
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.  holy cross

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


IDD info video: bit.ly/2hP80WQidd
Police, Fire and Rescue info video: 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.  arc

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.

http://aahiinfo.org/


Montgomery County's African American Health Program
African Americans and people of African descent in Montgomery County will be as healthy and safe as the rest of the population.
http://aahpmontgomerycounty.org/en/    aahp

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 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/  lahi

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