August 2018, edition

TUESDAY, AUG 7 - 6:30 PM
Connie Morella (Bethesda) Library
7400 Arlington Road
Bethesda, MD 20814

THURSDAY, AUG 9 - 6:30 PM
Marilyn J. Praisner (Burtonsville) Library
14910 Old Columbia Pike
Burtonsville, MD 20866

MONDAY, AUG 13 - 6:30 PM
White Oak Library
11701 New Hampshire Avenue
White Oak, MD 20904

 

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CAREGIVER SUPPORT

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 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. 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 our meeting locations, please contact Diane Vance at 240.428.1342, dvance@alz.org.

Questions, please call Montgomery County-240-428-1342 or email

 

 

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Holy Cross Caregiver Resource Center  

The Holy Cross Caregiver Resource Center is a wealth of information and supportive services for caregivers.

Caregiver College 2018
All session are offered 10:00 am to 11:30 am

Saturday, August 4th - “Success with Activities of Daily Living” - with Peggy Bred
Arden Courts of Kensington
4301 Knowles Avenue
Kensington, MD 20895

Saturday, August 18th - “Surviving the Discharge Planning Process” - with Kathleen Williams
Arden Courts of Kensington
4301 Knowles Avenue
Kensington, MD 20895

RSVP by calling (301) 493-7881 or e-mailing Kensington@arden-courts.com


Ongoing Caregiver Classes and Support Groups
To register for a Holy Cross Caregiver Resource Center class visit: http://www.holycrosshealth.org/caregiversupport 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.
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 diverse elders

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 lonliness 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.

 

 

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

 

JCA - Jewish Council for the Aging and Alzheimer's Association

Free Dementia Education Classes
Taught by Programs and Services Manager, Melissa Barber, Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter.
Registration required-call
Melissa Barber, 240-428-1342
All classes held in the conference room at: Germantown Community Recreation Center ​18905 Kingsview Drive Germantown 20874

Tuesday, August 28 4:30 - 6:00 pm - Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors

For more information and to inquire about supervised caregiving for your loved one during
the program, please contact, Karen Miller, CTRS, Jewish Council for the Aging, Thome Kensington Club: ​202.735.3464 or by email: karen.miller@accessjca.org

 

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Montgomery Hospise

 

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.
August 7, 2018 (and August 14 and August 21)
6:30-8:00 p.m

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
August 13 and August 20, 2018
6:30-8:00 p.m

All sessions held at:
1355 Piccard Drive, Rockville
To register contact: 301-921-4400
Email: LHorenstein@montgomeryhospice.org 

website: www.montgomeryhospice.org

 

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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. This group meets:

Time: 2-3:30 pm
August 28
Dance Off:  African Art in Motion

Location:
50 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560
Pavilion, Ground floor access
Metro: Smithsonian Station

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).

 

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PHONE BASED CAREGIVER SUPPORT

 

Senior Center Without Walls

Click here - to learn more about the programs and register
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.
You can also listen to a archive program: https://www.seniorcenterwithoutwalls.org/about/

 

just a few of these classes:

LGBTQ Chat

2nd and 4th Mondays - 8/13, 8/27, 9/10, 9/24
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.

Conversations for Eclectic Minds
2nd and 4th Sundays, 7/22, 8/12, 8/26, 9/9, 9/23
7:30pm - 8:15pm
Join us for stimulating, interesting conversations on a diverse range of topics:
everything under the sun, including intellectual, holistic, and fun subjects. We will
discuss and explore the impact of these issues on our personal development and
lives. At the end of each call, we will learn the topic for the next call. Be prepared to
think, analyze, reflect, and share.

Socrates Café
Mondays - 8/20, 9/17
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Around the world, people of diverse backgrounds gather to think and discuss
philosophical questions with one another at the Socrates Café. “What is beauty?”,
“Is it ever okay to lie?”, or “Who deserves happiness?” may be some of the
questions to ponder.

Keys to Joy
Saturdays & Sundays, 7/14 - 10/7
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.

Picture My World
Sundays, 7/15 - 9/16
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Join us as we continue to reminisce through poetry and exploration of our
creativity. Using simple materials, each person will explore their inner view
of the world through creative and verbal participation. Our goal is to view
our lives as a whole and to appreciate what each of us has experienced and
accomplished in our lifetime. No experience required; adaptations included
for those with vision loss.

SPECIAL SINGLE SESSION PROGRAMS - Fridays | 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Surprised by Dying - 8/3
The members of last session’s Living Through Dying group invite
everyone to join a facilitated discussion around what has surprised
you during the experience of having a terminal illness or how
you might react if you received such a diagnosis. Through candid
discussions with each other in this group, participants found a
theme – there are lots of surprises on this journey!

The CogWheels of Brain Health - 8/17
Discover and explore the Essential CogWheels of Brain Health,
the interdependent elements needed for our mature minds to
establish and maintain positive neuroplastic growth. Not sure
what neuroplastic growth is? Hint: It can lead to optimal brain
health! Join us to learn more about how to keep your brain in
tip-top shape as you age.

Tales of Change - 8/24
Join us for a storytelling performance and guided discussion
around the topic of change. Ellen will weave together personal
stories and pieces from a masterful play, Angels in America by Tony
Kushner. Though this play was written 25 years ago, the tales of
change surely remain constant and relevant for today’s times.

 

HOW IT WORKS
Call (877) 797-7299 if:
You are new to SCWW
You need a calendar with information about how
to access activities
You want handouts for selected 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 catalogue. To see their full selection visit: https://www.seniorcenterwithoutwalls.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2018/04/Spring-2018-Catalog.pdf

 

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Caregiver Tele-Connection

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)

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: http://caregiversos.org/caregiver-teleconnection/

August Sessions

08/01/18 3:00 pm Compassion Fatigue with Amy Cunningham
08/09/18 1:00 Pm Lucy Barylack, MSW as “Dear Lucy”
08/13/18 3:00 pm Anxiety and Depression Medication in the Geriatric Population with rich Rayl, R.Phd
08/20/18 2:00 pm Developing a Care Plan: Know your future Now with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
08/28/18 2:00 pm Dementia: Effective Communication Strategies with Russell Gainer, LCSW

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 the link below to access recorded sessions!
link http://caregiversos.org/caregiver-teleconnection/caregiver-teleconnection-on-demand/

 

 

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RESOURCES

 

 

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National Alliance for Caregiving

Established in 1996, the National Alliance for Caregiving is a non-profit coalition of national organizations focusing on advancing family caregiving through research, innovation, and advocacy. The Alliance conducts research, does policy analysis, develops national best-practice programs, and works to increase public awareness of family caregiving issues.
The National Alliance for Caregiving partners with other caregiving associations and groups to provide additional resources to help family caregivers address and cope with the challenges of caring for a loved one.
http://www.caregiving.org/resources/general-caregiving/

Learning Center

Take the time and visit the FCA Learning Center, an online learning community offering information, training, classes and more on your schedule. We have consolidated our information across print, audio and video to make it easier to find and use our educational resources.
Some caregivers find it difficult to attend an educational event so we brought the classroom to you by taking our most popular education programs and putting them online. The FCA Learning Center will be continually adding classes, training videos and materials. With your FCA Learning Center registration, we can notify you when new materials, classes and webinars are added.
https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-learning-center

Caregiver Webinars
Family caregiver webinars are for family members, partners, and friends caring for a loved one living with a chronic or disabling health condition. They are listed under the following categories:
https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-learning-center

 

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How Can We Get Mom to Exercise?

A new study links a sedentary lifestyle with 14 fatal conditions. This should motivate us all to get off the couch, and to help senior loved ones do the same.
Click here to read the study

 

 

 

 

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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 for the 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.
 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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Montgomery County Police Autism/IDD/Alzheimer's Outreach Program

240-773-6525

montgomerycountymd.gov/lifesaver
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Outreach Unit IDD)

Click here to view IDD and Dementia Friendly info video
Click here for Dementia Friendly Police, Fire and Rescue info video
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.

 

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County's Respite Program - The Arc Montgomery County 

301-816-9647
Click here to visit the Arc 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.

 

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY'S DIVERSITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Montgomery County's Asian American Health Initiative

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/

 

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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/ Upcoming Events 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.

 

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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/

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.
 

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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