Montgomery County MD Caregiver Support Program eNewsletter

September 2018, Caregiver eNewsletter

 

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 to view video

For additional caregiver connections and to view past eNewsletters, click here to view

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CAREGIVER SUPPORT TOOLKIT
Montgomery County's Caregiver Support program has developed a new tool-kit to help caregivers effectively identify elder care needs and recruit appropriate in-home care providers. These materials are easy to read, filled with practical guidance and include helpful checklists and other sample documents to ensure consumers have a better understanding of the paid care provider sector.  

The tool kit includes:
Hiring In-Home Elder Care Resource Guide (20 page, online only - print ready)
Features in depth information about how to identify elder care needs and practical advice on securing in-home elder care. Including: facts of care providers, local resources, sample application and position description and contract forms.

Elder Care Support Brochure (Two sided multi-fold document, available in print and print ready)

Excellent overview to caregiver options when hiring in-home elder care. Both of these documents are available on the Montgomery County's Caregiver web-page: click here to view

 

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Montgomery County Caregiver Outreach

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:
  Caregiver education
  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.

Saturday September 8
1.30pm - 4pm
American Muslim Senior Society
Healthy Aging, Community Services and Supports Dialogues
Montgomery County Muslim Community Center Muslim Community Center
15200 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring  

Monday September 9
9am - 1.30pm
Senior Community Resource Fair
Longwood Community Center
19300 Georgia Ave. Brookeville, Md 20833
Come and learn about a broad range of supports and resources in Montgomery County

Saturday September 15
10am - 1pm
Because She’s My Mother by Paula Stone
directed by Scott Sedar
…An adult daughter’s struggles—to balance her life, face loss, and let go—as she cares for her failing mother…

Location: Friendship Heights Village Center, 4433 South Park Ave Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Please plan to stay for a discussion with the playwright and cast after the reading.
Host: Friendship Heights Village Center.
RSVP: The Village Center asks that you register by calling 301-656-2797

 if you plan to attend.
Getting there: The Friendship Heights Village Center is an easy walk from the Friendship Heights Metro station (Red Line).
There is limited street parking; there is some commercial parking near local stores - click here to view on map

The County's Caregiver Support program is also offering a new Caregiver Workshop series facilitated by Paula Stone, registration is open now: Caring for our Aging Parent's two session workshop - Click here to learn more

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CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS

 

Alzheimer's Association  

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

September 4th, 2:00pm-3:00pm  - Effective Communication Strategies                                             

Learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.
Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center 13850 Travilah Rd, Rockville, MD 20850

September 12th, 5:00pm-6:30pm -  Healthy Living for your Brain and Body
How to optimize our physical and cognitive health as we age with research in the area of diet and nutrition. Montgomery County Employee and Retiree Services Center, Redwood Room, 4th fl.
45 Gude Dr, Rockville, MD 20850

September 13th, 10:30-11:00 am - Dementia Conversations
Tips on how to have honest and caring conversations with family members about issues related to Alzheimer’s. Address issues such as going to the Doctor, driving, and making legal and financial plans.
Inter-Faith Chapel, 3680 South Leisure World Blvd, Silver Spring, MD, 20906

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

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 Tara Davis-Rama, Program Manager, Montgomery County-240-428-1342 or email Tara Davis-Rama at tkrama@alz.org

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.

 

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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. Click here to view the Spring edition of their newsletter.

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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Misler Adult Day Center - Caregiver Support Group
September 17, 2018  
1:00 - 2:30PM
1801 East Jefferson Street (Terrace Level)
Rockville, Md 20852
Around back of Ring House
For more information: 301-468-1740

 

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Caregiver Connect
A Monthly Gathering for Caregivers — with Facilitator Leslie Mason, LCSW-C
2nd Monday of every month • 6:30-8:00pm • Light refreshments served

Location: Kensington Park Senior Living: 3620 Littledale Road Kensington, MD 20895 

Caregiver Connect offers the opportunity to connect with other caregivers and discuss common challenges in a welcoming, private setting. It also features educational topics, such as Juggling
Caregiving, Advanced Care Planning, and Coping with Loss.
Leslie Mason, LCSW-C, a Care Manager for Seabury Resourcesfor Aging, will lead the program. Leslie brings over 18 years of experience in care coordination, advocating for clients, and looking for opportunities to enhance their quality of life.
RSVP to 301-946-7700

 

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Montgomery Hospise   

Evening grief support group
Brief description Six-week support group for anyone grieving the death of a loved one. (Group is led by professional counselors.)
Mondays, starting 9/24/18
6:30-8:00 p.m
Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Drive, Rockville

Afternoon grief support group
Brief description Six-week support group for anyone grieving the death of a loved one. (Group is led by professional counselors.)
Tuesdays, starting 9/25/18
1:30-3:00 p.m
Trinity Lutheran Church, 11200 Old Georgetown Rd., N. Bethesda

Parent Loss support group
Six-week support group for adults who have experienced the death of one or both parents. (Group is led by professional counselors.)
Thursdays, starting 9/27/18
6:30-8:00 p.m
Hughes United Methodist Church, 10700 Georgia Ave., Wheaton

Child, Adolescent and Teenager Grief Support Group
Five-week support group for for children kindergarten through 12th grade who have experienced the death of a parent or sibling. (Group is led by professional counselors.)
Wednesdays, starting 9/26/18
6:00-7:30 p.m

To register contact: 301-921-4400
Email: LHorenstein@montgomeryhospice.org
website: www.montgomeryhospice.org

 

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PHONE BASED CAREGIVER SUPPORT

Senior Center Without Walls  

Click here - to learn more about this amazing organizations programs and to 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.

LGBTQ Chat 2nd and 4th Mondays - 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 Mind 2nd and 4th Sundays, 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 - 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, runs through 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, runs through 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 Sessions - 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!

Special Single Sessions- Tuesdays 2pm-3pm

Home Sharing: A Win-Win  - 9/11
Due to the current housing shortage in many cities, programs and residents have
set out to find creative solutions. Our panelists will discuss one way to meet the
need– home sharing through a formalized program. Each panelist will explain
their home sharing models, including the successes and challenges of managing
such a program. Be sure to bring your most interesting roommate story!

HOW IT WORKS - SCWW has a rich array of lifelong learning, pleasure, education, support and education classes. For more details call for their administration for free: (877) 797-7299

 

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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

09/05 - 2pm Living Alone with Dementia with Mike Splaine
09/10 - 3pm Finding Common Ground: Aikido Communication with Andy Crocker
09/13 - 1pm Lucy Barylak, MSW as “Dear Lucy”
09/18 - 4pm Mouth Health / Body Health with Sarah J Dirks, DDS
09/27 - 3pm Hospice Care with Dr. Heather Veeder, VITAS Healthcare

 

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EVENTS, EDUCATION AND RESOURCES

 

 

NAMI Montgomery County  

 

NAMI is offering a a range of supportive groups that meet weekly.

Peer-to-Peer class
This class will meet Thursdays, beginning September 13th, 2018. This 8-week course offered through NAMI Montgomery County. During this class you will learn about the major mental illnesses, bond with others, develop a personalized relapse prevention plan, and learn about and discuss issues such as relationships, addictions, spirituality, sleep patterns, medication, coping skiills, and emotions.

This class will be held from 7PM to 9:30PM at NAMI Montgomery County (11718 Parklawn Dr., Rockville, MD 20852).

For any further questions, do not hesitate emnet@namimc.org or call 301-949-5852.

Family-to-Family class
The classes will meet on Thursdays for 12 weeks beginning Thursday, September 27th, 2018 from 7pm - 9:30pm at Family Services Inc. - 610 East Diamond Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
The course will teach you the following:
• Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders
• Up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence
• Current research related to the biology of brain disorders and the evidence-based, most effective treatments to promote recovery
• Gaining empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness
• Learning in special workshops for problem solving, listening, and communication techniques
• Acquiring strategies for handling crises and relapse
• Focusing on care for the caregiver: coping with worry, stress, and emotional overload
• Guidance on locating appropriate supports and services within the community
• Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services
 
For any further questions, do not hesitate to contact megancapitelli@namimc.org or call 301-949-5852.

 

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SAVE THE DATE - Registration Open

Caring for Our Aging Parents: A Workshop for Adult Children

Thursdays November 8 and 15.
Jane Lawton Community Recreation Center
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Participants would attend both sessions.
FREE

Description: “Caring for Our Aging Parents: A Workshop for Adult Children”. In this two-session workshop, you will join other adult sons and 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: 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.

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 full-length play Because She’s My Mother is about an adult daughter’s bittersweet struggles—to balance her life, face loss, and let go—as she cares for her failing mother. Paula is retired from the World Bank, where she currently serves on the steering committee of the retirees’ “Members Helping Members” program; she has a PhD from MIT.

Registration Essential: click here

 

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Smithsonian Museum's Art and Engagement

Just Us at the National Gallery of Art 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. This program takes place on the first and third Mondays of the month.

Just Us at the National Gallery of Art
East Building Tours
September 17 from 2:00 to 3:30

Upcoming Dates: (October 1 and 15, November 5 and 19, and December 3 and 17). For full details click here.

Space is limited and registration is required.
Call to register: (202) 842-6905

 

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September is Falls Prevention Awareness month
GROWS (Grassroots Organization for the Well Being of Seniors) has partnered with a range of Montgomery County organizations and are sponsoring their annual falls prevention awareness campaign. Click here to view the listing of these free event. 

The County has also published an excellent education brochure about Falls Prevention, click here to view

 

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People 65 and older can now sign up to join Maryland Senior Call Check

Maryland is the first state in the country to start a free, opt-in, telephonic service to check on Maryland’s older residents. Seniors can enroll online or over the phone. Anyone 65 or older with a landline or a cell phone can specify one time per day to receive an automated call. If the senior does not answer after 3 attempts, the program will call an alternative person who is selected by the senior during program registration. The details are in the attached brochure.

Click here to register online or call the Maryland Department of Aging at 410-767-3738.

 

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County's African American Health Program Making Strides Towards 2030

 

The African American Health Program (AAHP) invites you to an evening of conversation as we undertake strides towards a healthier future by 2030. Guests will present a weatlh of information highlighting the disposition of black health in Montgomery County. Please join us!

Enjoy complimentary light refreshments and social networking.

The African American Health Program is funded and administered by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and implemented by McFarland and Associates, Inc. This material may be reproduced.

To RSVP your attendance for this event, click here

 

Meeting Accessibility Policy: Montgomery County will provide sign language interpreters and other auxiliary aids or services upon request – with as much notice as possible, preferably within at least three (3) business days before the event. Contact Ms. Arlee Wallace, Program Manager for the African American Health Program at (240) 777-1451 or send a request to arlee.wallace@montgomerycountymd.gov. Taking these steps will help us have sufficient time to best meet your needs.

 

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Escorted Transportation Options in Montgomery County

There are times when traveling alone just isn’t safe. Fortunately for older adults and adults with disabilities in Montgomery County, escorted transportation is available.

Some communities come together to assist their neighbors as they age in place in their homes. Organizations with this purpose are called “villages.” Many of the villages located in Montgomery County recruit volunteers to provide escorted rides using
volunteer driver their own personal vehicles. Some villages require fees to join, some offer scholarships, and still others are completely free.

To find out if you live in an area served by a village, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/village or call Connect-A-Ride at 301-738-3252.

A non-profit organization called The Senior Connection offers free transportation for medical appointments to County residents over the age of 60. Rides are based on the availability of volunteer drivers. For more information, call 301-962-0820.

Occasionally, volunteer organizations cannot meet every need for escorted transportation. Residents may need to hire private fee-based providers. For information about these providers, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/tnd and search under “Escorted Transportation,” or call Connect-A-Ride at 301-738-3252.

 

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Montgomery Parks Celebrates Active Aging Week

Montgomery Parks is participating in ACTIVE AGING WEEK, September 23-29, 2018.

This program is an international effort that promotes the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle by inspiring adults, ages 50 and better, to experience various activities in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere. This year’s theme is “Inspiring Wellness”. Agencies and organizations throughout Montgomery County are sponsoring a variety of events and programs that showcase diverse opportunities available for older adults. Montgomery Parks is “Changing the Way We Age!”

- Honey Harvest Festival Sun, September 23 12-4PM Brookside Nature Center
- Open Tennis Sun, September 23 3-5PM Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Courts
South Germantown Driving Range Tues, September 25 1-7PM South Germantown Driving Range
- Monarch Waystations: Creating a Butterfly Garden Wed, September 26 1-3PM Brookside Gardens
- Here's to Your Health Walk! Thurs, September 27 12-1PM Brookside Nature Center
- Paddle in the Park Thurs, September 27 10AM-12PM Little Seneca Lake @ Black Hill Regional Park
- Pontoon Boat Tour Fri, September 28 12-1PM Little Seneca Lake @ Black Hill Regional Park

Visit the Montgomery Parks website for more info, click here

 

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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