October 2018, edition

Montgomery County MD Caregiver Support Program eNewsletter

October 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 County MULL caregiver blog

 

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NEW MONTGOMERY COUNTY 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 Community Calendars

Keep up to date with County and community events through the County's exciting calendars.

Visit:
Montgomery County's Central Calendar: Click here to visit 
and
Montgomery County's Libraries Calendar: Click here to visit

 

You can search both calendars by region, age and category.

There are so many activities happening in Montgomery County Maryland including:
Book Clubs, Health and Wellness Events, Computer Classes, Leisure Activities, Access to County Officials and so much more.

Listings are added everyday, so visit often!

 

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY'S CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM 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.
Ca

regiver 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:

Stress Reduction
- 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.

   RSVP is appreciated, click here to visit the registration page

 

 

October Events

Thursday October 4, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Silver Spring Library
900 Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring MD 20910

Saturday October 6, 1pm-3pm
Davis Community Library
6400 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda MD 20817

Wednesday October 10, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Marilyn J Praisner Library
14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville MD 20866

Tuesday October 16, 2pm-4pm
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Service Center
2nd Floor, Norfolk Room
4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda MD 20814

Tuesday October 23, 10am-12noon
Olney Library
3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road
Olney MD 20832

 

November special 2 session event

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.

Facilitator 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 OPEN NOW - RSVP is rrequired!, click here 

 

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Montgomery County VILLAGES
3rd Annual Gathering

Monday, October, 22, 2018 • 9 am – 2 pmActivity Center at Bohrer Park
506 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Free and open to leaders, members and those interested in Montgomery County Villages.

The conference is intended for people organizing, operating and sustaining villages in the County (and those curious to get involved)

Workshops, resource sharing, networking with nonprofit providers and other villages
Click here to register

 

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COMMUNITY BASED CAREGIVER SUPPORT

Caregiver College - free dementia education seminar series
Featuring Guest Speaker Diane Vance, MA - Program & Services Manager
Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter

"Effective Communication Strategies" - Thursday October 11

"Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviours" - Thursday October 8

All events are: 10.30am - 11.30am

At: The Inter-Faith Chapel at Leisure World3680 S Leisure World Boulevard, Silver Spring MD 20906

Hosted by Arden Courts
RSVP 301-847-3051 or silverspring@arden-courts.com

 

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OASIS
Caregiver Support Group Series

Oasis Caregiver Series offers a place to learn from the experiences of others and to encourage those who are in similar circumstances.

The sessions are facilitated by compassionate professionals. Some sessions will spotlight expert guest speakers on a variety of topics to support you in your caregiving journey.

Most sessions will allow time for questions and group discussion.

Caregivers Support Group Series
Wednesday, September 26- November 14 (8 sessions total)

This group is strictly for those who are in a caregiver role. This series is sponsored by Family and Nursing Care. Registration is required. 

10:30am-12:00pm
Location: Washington Metro Oasis
Macy’s Home Store 7125 Democracy Blvd. Bethesda, MD 20817
Registration details:
301-469-6800 Press 1, then extension 211 (ask for class #310)
Fee: Free
Email: washingtonmetro@oasisnet.org
Click here to register online

 

Memory Café
Friday, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7

Alzheimer’s Association Memory Cafes offer a fun and relaxed way for people living with early-stage memory loss and their care partners to get connected with one another through social events that promote interaction and companionship. Participants say “meeting other people with the diagnosis helps you feel like you’re not alone.” Join us on the first Friday of each month for camaraderie, compassionate support and fun!

2:00-3:30pm
Location: Washington Metro Oasis Macy’s Home Store  7125 Democracy Blvd. Bethesda, MD 20817
Registration details:
301-469-6800 Press 1, then extension 211 (ask for class #503)
Fee: Free
Email: washingtonmetro@oasisnet.org
Click here to register online

 

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Managing Grief in the Age of 24-Hour News & Social Media

Join CaringMatters for a FREE Workshop (previously Hospice Caring)

Thursday, October 11, 2018 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
CaringMatters, 518 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD

Watching, reading and listening to the news and reactions of disasters or tragedies gives many people pause and a sense of empathy for those affected. For those coping with grief, these news and social media stories penetrate much closer to home. Grieving is hard enough without the constant reminders and bombardment of sad and tragic streams of media.
This program is designed for mental health workers, educators, parents, and anyone concerned about the impact of social media when facing loss and grief.
The workshop will discuss:
how media exposure can complicate the grieving process
ways to cope or help others cope with the stream of the 24-hour news and communication cycles
skills and strategies for those grieving
finding the balance between living in our current world and engaging in the support and self-care needed following a loss.

For more information, contact Leigh Bluestein at
leighb@caringmatters.org or 301-990-7927
Light refreshments provided.

 

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Caregivers’ Café D
October 19, 2018, 6-7:30pm

Montgomery College and Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter
Henry Nash, Maryland Elder Law and Probate Attorney will speak about legal and financial matters concerning people living with Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia.
Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, MD 20850, Phone: 240-567-5000; TTY 301-294-9672 Science Building (SC), Room #125
http://media.montgomerycollege.edu/communications/maps/Rockville_Campus.pdf
Registration details – Admission is free; to reserve a seat contact:

Debbie Juneja at 240-567-5678 or email: debbie.juneja@montgomerycollege.edu

 

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Caregiver Support Group
September 17, 2018
1:00 - 2:30pm

Misler Adult Day Center
1801 East Jefferson Street (Terrace Level - Around back of Ring House)
Rockville, Md 20852
For more information: 301-468-1740

 

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Alzheimer’s Association - National Capital Area Chapter
Education Programs

• October 10th 7:00 pm -8:00pm 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.
• October 11th 10:30am-11:30am 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.
    Inter-Faith Chapel, 3680 S Leisure World Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20906, USA
• October 21st 2:00pm to 4:30 pm The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer's
  
  • Learn about detection, causes, risk factors, stages and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
    Closed group
• October 23th, 4:30pm-6:00pm Living with Alzheimer's: For Caregivers - Early Stage
  In the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, families face new questions as they adjust.                           
  • This three-part program provides practical answers to the questions that arise in the early stage.
    Germantown Community Center, 18905 Kingsview Rd, Germantown, MD 20874, USA
• October 25th, 1:00pm-2:00pm Living with Alzheimer's: For Caregivers - Early Stage
  In the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, families face new questions as they adjust.                         
  • This three-part program provides practical answers to the questions that arise in the early stage.
    Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center, 1000 Forest Glen Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20901, USA
• October 27th, 9:00 am–2:00 pm Colesville United Methodist Church Health and Wellness Fair,           
  • 52 Randolph Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA
    
    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
Feeling 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

 

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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.

Save the Date - Alzheimer's Awareness Seminar
Increase your understanding of Alzheimer's Disease and related Dementias, including symptoms, diagnosis progression and strategies to cope.
November 8, 2018 11am - 12noon
Location: Senior Source 8580 Second Avenue, Silver Spring MD 20910

 

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.

 

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

 

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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

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 Resources for 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

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

• Light refreshments served

 

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Montgomery Hospice

BEREAVEMENT WORKSHOP: WINTER BLUES: BALANCING SORROW AND CELEBRATION WHILE GRIEVING
Offered to anyone grieving the death of a loved one
(Workshop is led by professional counselors.)
November 28, 2018
6:30-8:00 p.m


MONTGOMERY HOSPICE DROP-IN DISCUSSION ABOUT GRIEF AND HEALING
Offered to anyone grieving the death of a loved one
(Workshop is led by professional counselors.)
December 5, 2018
6:30-8:00 p.m

MONTGOMERY HOSPICE BEREAVEMENT WORKSHOP: WINTER BLUES: BALANCING SORROW AND CELEBRATION WHILE GRIEVING
Offered to anyone grieving the death of a loved one
(Workshop is led by professional counselors.)
December 10, 2018
1:00-2:30 p.m

MONTGOMERY HOSPICE DROP-IN DISCUSSION ABOUT GRIEF AND HEALING
Offered to anyone grieving the death of a loved one
(Workshop is led by professional counselors.)
January 3, 2019
1:00-2:30 p.m

All Events Are Held at: Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Drive, Rockville
Linda Horenstein (or anyone in the bereavement department)

To register contact: 301-921-4400
Email: LHorenstein@montgomeryhospice.org
For more details click here

 

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PHONE BASED CAREGIVER SUPPORT

 

Senior Call Check

Maryland Department of Aging is asking your help in identifying and registering people who would like to receive an automated wellness call daily.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Every day an automated telephone call will be placed to a participant at a regularly scheduled time. These calls will take place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. as close as possible to the one-hour time block pre-selected by the participant. If the participant does not answer their first call, they will be tried two more times. If those calls go unanswered, additional calls will be made to notify an alternative person who is selected by the participant during program enrollment. This could be an adult child, a neighbor, or another loved one. The alternate will then be encouraged to check on the older adult program participant.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Any Maryland resident who is 65 years of age or older who has a landline phone or cell phone. The participant and alternates should not have automated call blocking technology (or they should disable that phone feature for this program).

For more information click here, you may call the toll-free number to register by phone: 1-800-243-3425

 

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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

Sessions are one hour in length

• 10/8/18 at 3:00 pm  - Medications and Older Adults with Daniel Min, PharmD
• 10/9/18 1:00 pm  - ¿Será posible que la depresión en la madurez de la vida esté relacionada con el deterioro cognitivo o incluso la demencia? con el Dr. Néstor H. Praderio
• 10/11/18 1:00 pm - Lucy Barylak, MSW as “Dear Lucy”
  
• 10/17/18 2:00 pm - Addressing common issues family caregivers face with Spencer Brown, MSG, LNFA, CMC, Care Manager
  
• 10/23/18 2:00 pm - “The Care Key Conversation” with Dr. Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, CAP, CFT
  
• 10/30/18 3:00 pm - The difference between men and women in caregiving with Barry Jacobs

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 this link below to access recorded sessions!

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Without Walls Network

As a caregiver you may not always have the time or ability to leave the house to participate in lifelong learning and other leisure activities. Also, you may be caring for a loved one who may appreciate the "no stress" opportunity to keep engaged. 

Thankfully there are organizations that offer excellent telephone based classes and conversation groups.  Take the time to visit each of the organizations listed below, learn about their programs and classes. Most importantly take the plunge and register for a class. No need to dress up either!

Without Walls Network is a network of programs providing for older adults with endless opportunities to participate in activities and classes over the phone. All programs are hosted by non for profits and/or local government.

Older adults across the United States are welcome to join the wonderful programs. For more information, please contact each program directly.

• Senior Center Without Walls
  • Based out of San Francisco, founded in 2004 and going strong Click here for website 
• DOROT University Without Walls
  • Based out of New York City and provide sessions in English and Russian. Click here for website
• Lifetime Connections Without Walls
  • Based out of Austin Texas. Click here for website
• Mather Lifeways
  
  • Based out of Chicago Illinois.Click here for website

 

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EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

 

Sparking Memories with Poetry
with Gary Glazer, New York based poet and Founder and Executive Director, the Alzheimer’s Poetry Project

Thursday, October 25th from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

A free Dementia Education Seminar for Caregivers and Professionals
Attendees will learn:

• How to use art to engage people in group discussions that lead to the creation of new poetry, stories, or song.
• How to or dance. perform and create new poetry with people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.
• How to use poetry to help people laugh or sign over a remembered love or dance.

Respite care will be available with advanced notice

Hosted by: Arden Courts of Kensington
4301 Knowles Avenue
Kensington, MD 20895
RSVP by calling (301) 493-7881 or e-mailing Kensington@arden-courts.com

 

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Flu Season Is Coming – Get Vaccinated!

Montgomery County Health officials announced the dates for the annual flu vaccination campaign and urged residents to get a flu vaccination. Vaccination is the best way to protect against illness during flu season. Seasonal flu will also be circulating in the fall and winter and can cause serious illness.

Seasonal flu vaccinations will be readily available through private health providers, as well as at retail locations throughout the community.

County sponsored seasonal flu vaccination clinics will be held beginning in late October.

Check the County’s flu website, click here, for information on flu vaccination

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Smithsonian Museum's Art and Engagement

 

See Me at the Smithsonian American Art Museum 

The 1st Wednesday of each month - Time 2-3:30 pm
The Smithsonian American Art Museum, the nation’s first collection of American art, is an unparalleled record of the American experience. The collection captures the aspirations, character, and imagination of the American people throughout three centuries. Its artworks reveal key aspects of America’s rich artistic and cultural history from the colonial period to today.

• October 3: Second Glances—Myth and Metaphor
• November 7: Downtown Living—All Work and All Play
• December 5: Americana Legends—Roger Shimomura (Collaborative program with the National Portrait Gallery)

Location/point of access: 8th & G ST NW, Washington, DC
Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown Station

 

See Me at the National Portrait Gallery  

The 2nd Tuesday of the month - Time 2-3:30 pm
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.

• October 9: Unseen: Forgotten Stories in American History
• November 13: The Art of the Silhouette: Then and Now
• December 5: Americana Legends—Roger Shimomura (Collaborative program with the Smithsonian American Art Museum)

Location/point of access: 8th & G ST NW, Washington, DC
Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown Station

 

See Me at the Freer|Sackler 

The 3rd Wednesday of the month - Time 2-3:30pm
The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery together form the Smithsonian's national museums of Asian art. Together these two galleries preserve and share the treasures of Asia, making inspiring connections between Asia, America, and the world.

• October 17: Ornate Expressions: Buddhism in China
• November: No Program
• December 19: Modern Muses: Women in American Art

Location/point of access: 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC
Metro: Smithsonian Station

 

See Me at the National Museum of African Art  

The 4th Tuesday of the month - Time 2-3:30 pm
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.

• October 23rd: Tickling the Ivories
• November 27th: Good As Gold
• December 18th: Heavy Metal

Location/point of access: 950 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC
Metro: Smithsonian Station

 

ALL SESSION ARE FREE

Space is limited. Registration is required
access@si.edu | 202.633.2921

 

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The Beacon’s 50+ Expo

Sunday, October 14, Noon – 4 p.m.

Location: Silver Spring Civic Center

Free annual event featuring expert speakers, health screenings, flu shots, informative resources and entertainment for older adults and their families.

For more information click here 

More than 100 exhibitors – including government agencies, nonprofits and local businesses – will offer information and answer questions about retirement communities, home remodeling, financial planning, healthcare, travel, fitness, senior services and more. Free health screenings, including blood pressure, osteoporosis, balance, vascular and glaucoma screenings, and flu vaccines, free with a Medicare card.

 

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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, visit this website 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, click here to visit the website and search under “Escorted Transportation,” or call Connect-A-Ride at 301-738-3252.

 

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY CAREGIVER RESOURCES

If you are providing care for a loved one 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
Click here for the National Capital Area Chapter Caregiver Class Calendar
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Access information and resources through the Association's web site and free, professionally-staffed 24/7 Helpline, with translation services in more than 200 languages. Education programs and support groups are offered both in the community and online.

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Holy Cross Caregiver Resource Center

301-754-7152
Click here for website

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 Care 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.

Click here for website

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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.

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.

Click here for website

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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.

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.

Click here for website

 

 

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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