June 2018 edition

caregiver support program
Montgomery County MD Caregiver Support Program eNewsletter
June 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 web page, click here to visit 

To learn more about County supports for caregivers we have produced an informative video, click here to view


For additional caregiver connections and to view past eNewsletters visit the County's Caregiver Blog, MULL, click here to visit 



Montgomery County's Caregiver Program - Community Outreach Events

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
  • 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 


Wednesday June 13, 10am - 1pm
Gaitherburg Senior Center (Benjamin Gaither Center)caregiver info graphic
80 Bureau Dr A, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Wednesday June 20, 10am - 1pm
White Oak Community Recreation Center
1700 April Lane, Silver Spring

Wednesday June 20, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Maggie Nightingale Library
19633 Fisher Avenue Poolesville, MD 20837




CAREGIVER SUPPORT


Education Programs - Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter  alz

June 8,  2:00-3:30pm
Effective Communication Strategies
Explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s
Location: Sunrise Senior Living-5555 Friendship Blvd, Chevy Chase

June 14, 6:30-8:00pm
Understand and Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors
Location: Gaithersburg Library 18330 Montgomery Village Ave, Gaithersburg

June 26, 4:30-6:00pm
Dementia Conversation
Tips on having the difficult conversations around Doctor visits, legal and financial issues and driving
Location: Germantown Community Center 18905 Kingsview Rd, Germantown, MD 20874

June 29, 12:00-1:30pm
Know the 10 Signs
Learn to recognize the 10 most common warning signs for Alzheimer’s and dementia
Location: Brookdale Potomac 11215 Seven Locks Rd Potomac MD


All classes are open to the public and do not require registration

crossword
Also offered in Montgomery County:
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 the support groups and community presentations, please call the 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900 or visit their 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. 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 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 meeting locations, please contact Diane Vance at 240.428.1342, dvance@alz.org.


Questions, please call Melissa Barber, Program Manager, Montgomery County-240-428-1342 or email Melissa Barber at mebarber@alz.org
You can also view the Montgomery Chapters full schedule of programs of their website, click here to view





HOLY CROSS CAREGIVER RESOURCE CENTER
The Holy Cross Caregiver Resource Center is a wealth of information and supportive services for caregivers.  hch

Caregiver Classes and Support Groups
To register for a Holy Cross Caregiver Resource Center class click here or call 301-754-7152
Please call Sister Kathy Weber at 301-754-7152 for more information and to register.

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. All held at the Holy Cross Resource Center.
Monday, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Tuesday, 3:00pm to 4:30pm
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. All held at the Holy Cross Resource Center
Wednesday, 10:00am to 11:30pm
Friday, 10:00am to 11:30pm
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.

LIFE LONG LEARNING
OASIS 
oasis
Caregiver Support Group
Dates: June 6, 13, 23 & 30  10:30am-12pm. 
Even when caring for a loved one is an acty of love, it still takes many new skills and a great deal of energy. It also raises a lot of questions. The Oasis Caregiver Series will offer a place to learn from the experiences of other and to encourage those who are in similir circumstances.

Leave the Driving to Someone Else!
Friday June 29, 10am-11.30am
Just because you no longer drive doesn't mean you need to be stuck at home. The Connect-A-Ride Transprotation Resource Center is a free service that helps older and disabled adults of all ages find the transportation they need. A representative from Connect-A-Ride will provide an overview of transportation options available in Montgomery County. Learn about public and private programs, volunteer organizatios, subsidized programs and more.

All Sessions 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





Senior Center Without Walls
SSWW

Senior Center Without Walls began in 2004 with the goal of providing a community for isolated seniors. What started with two groups and eight seniors has grown into a program that reaches approximately 1000 seniors throughout the United States. Seniors participate in groups via telephone and computer from the comfort of their own homes.
To see their full Spring program click here to visit their website
You can also listen to a archive program, click here

As part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Month, there are special education programs. Downloads of past programs available.
Week One: Prevention & Education - click here to view the course materials for this class 
Week Two: Adult Protective Services - click here to view the course materials for this class
Week Three: Law Enforcementclick here to view the course materials for this class
Week Four: Emotional Impact of Elder Abuse - click here to view the course materials for this class

HOW IT WORKS
Call (877) 797-7299 if you are new to Senior  Center Without Walls  (SCWW) and need information about how to access activities.  All activities can be joined using a telephone
Some activities are available online using a computer or any device you use to connect to the internet.

SCWW has a rich array of lifelong learning, pleasure, education, support and education classes. Here are just a few from their Spring catalog. To see their fulll class selection click  here 

All times shown in this eNewsletter are EST

LGBTQ Chat   
2nd and 4th Mondays, 6/11, 6/25 - 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.


Father’s Day Sunday
6/17 - 7:00pm - 7:30pm
Join us to share recollections and stories about your father or other important
male influences in your life.

Coffee Break
Wednesdays, run till 7/4 Sundays, runs till 7/8
1:00pm - 1:30pm and Sunday 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.

Keys to Joy
Saturdays & Sundays, 4/14 - 7/8 - 8:00pm - 9:00pm
Each day we will take a topic from the fields of psychology, spirituality, or
philosophy geared to increase our happiness. We come not as “experts” but as
fellow seekers wishing to warm ourselves at each others’ fires.

Writers Read Friday
6/22 - 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Writers Read showcases SCWW writers reading personal selections from the
past session. Poetry, short stories, and more! Join to listen and enjoy the many
talents within the SCWW community, or share your original work. To share
your story, contact the SCWW office at (877) 797-7299.





CAREGIVER TELECONNECTION
careiver teleconnetion
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.
Some of the topics included in the tele-learning sessions are:

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

You can register via our website 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Register now.
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)
Why should I join the Caregiver Teleconnection?
Participation in the Caregiver Tele-Connection helps prevent caregiver burnout, depression and anxiety, social isolation and other problems that threaten your health. The program can help you gain a greater sense of control and improve your quality of life.

Click here for full details and registration

All sessions are listed in this eNewsletter as EST

Caregiving for the Visually Impaired with Nancy Gawlik
06/06/18 12:00 noon
Self-Compassion: Why it Matters While Caring for Others with Sharon Gayle, MA, LPC, LCDC
06/11/18 1:00 pm
Untangling Dementia with Tam Cummings, PhD
06/14/18 12:00 noon
Caregiving and Family Dynamics with Dr. Yvonne Lozano
06/27/18 2:00 pm


Caregiver Teleconnection On Demand
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

Smithsonian Museum's Art 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 liviaamng with dementia, together with their family members or care partners, to join us for an interactive and multi-sensory tour of the museum. This group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
Time: 2-3:30 pm 
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


See Me at the National Portrait Gallery - The National Portrait GPGallery 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: June 12, July 10
Location/point of access: 8th & G St., NW
Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro


See Me at the Smithsonian American Art Museum - The Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection captures the aspirationsAAM, 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: 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 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 ASIAN
Dates: 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).







COMMUNITY EVENTS
Fourteenth Annual Health Freedom Walk
Saturday, June 9

Montgomery County’s African American Health Program (AAHP), in collaboration with Health Freedom, Inc., and Maryland National Capital Park and Planning’s Montgomery Parks, will host the 14th Annual Health Freedom Celebration Walk: A Path to Wellness Walk and following the three-mile walk there will be vendors with health and wellness information, interactive activities for children, and crafts and living history demonstrations with Josiah Henson and Samuel Green reenactors. Walk participants will also have free entry to the visitor’s center, which includes multimedia exhibits.

For more details, online and mail-in registration information, visit www.healthfreedominc.org or contact Elsa Kombet at 240-777-3806 or elsa.kombet@montgomerycountymd.gov
Registration at 8:00am, walk starts at 9:00am
Start location: Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
16501 Norwood Road, Silver Spring


World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
WEEAD
Building Strong Support for Elders - Senior Safety Forum
Thursday June 14 - 10am - 1pm
Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Drive, Silver Spring MD

Join a fun day filled with resources and information to prevent elder abuse, and oppoortunties to build connections for Senior Safety in Age-Friendly Montgomery County.

Exhibitors and presentations, raffle prized, musical entertainment and free box lunch.





SAVE THE DATE
CAREGIVER EVENTS
MH
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 Time 1:00-2:30 p.m



MONTGOMERY HOSPICE: WORKSHOP ON GRIEF FOR THE LGBTQI COMMUNITY
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
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
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

All sessions held at: 1355 Piccard Drive, Rockville
Contact details: Linda Horenstein (or anyone in the bereavement department)
Phone: 301-921-4400
Email: LHorenstein@montgomeryhospice.org
To learn more about these and other programs click here




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
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
alz
800-272-3900
alz.org
The National Capital Area Chapter Caregiver Class Calendar - click here
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
Click here to visit the websitehch
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
IDD

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Outreach Unit IDD)
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.



The Arc Montgomery County (Respite Program)
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.



Montgomery County's African American Health Program
AAHPAfrican Americans and people of African descent in Montgomery County will be as healthy and safe as the rest of the population.
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
LHIThe 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.

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