June e-newsletter

Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 06/03/2024 10:51 AM EDT

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MoCo Caregiver Support Program
whatisnew

June 2024

EXCITING NEW PROGRAMS....Navigating Caregiving 2024

Caregivers Support and Help

Nurturing Hearts, Healing Souls       

Facilitated by Ruth Kershner, LCSW-C

National Care Givers Support program

4-week series- FREE

Are you a caregiver affected by your loved one going through a challenging time in their lives? If so, join us and learn how to improve and understand caregiver needs.

Preregister or walk-ins are welcome: 240-777-8057

Date: Fridays, June 7, 14, 21 and 28

Time: 1:30pm-2:30pm

Location: Wheaton Community Center

                  11711 Georgia Avenue

                  Wheaton, MD 20902

Snacks and … surprise “gifts” will be available at the program.         

 

Support Groups

help and support

Montgomery County Support Group Programs

Alzheimer’s Association- call 240-844-3608 or lbbyer@alz.org

Peer-led groups for caregivers. All support groups are facilitated by trained volunteers. If you are considering attending a support group note that groups may meet over the phone, virtually or in-person. Please contact the facilitator listed to verify meeting information and receive meeting instructions.

Monthly LGBTQ Brain Health Support Group, which provides a space for LGBTQ folks diagnosed with or impacted by dementia to connect, share resources, discuss challenges, and find community and support with each other.

The group meets every third Friday of the month via zoom from 1:00pm to 2:15pm. Anyone who is interested in attending must complete a brief pre-screening, which I

is conducted over the phone. Potential participants can contact the leader directly at asmith@capitolhillvillage.org or (202) 543-1778. We also welcome referrals if you know of anyone who could benefit from this group.

List generated by Montgomery County Care Giving Program- 240-777-3515 (updated 3.7.24)

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SPECIAL EVENT:

Please join us as we Celebrate: PRIDE IN THE PLAZA

Date: Sunday, June 30

Time: 12:00pm to 8:00pm

Place: Veteran’s Plaza- Silver Spring

Ride on bus available; parking available in adjacent public parking lots

Montgomery County’s annual celebration of diverse LGBTQ+ is a day filled with fun and festivities. Pride in the Plaza is a space where everyone can come together to celebrate love, empower community and foster inclusivity.

The LGBTQ+ 50+ Montgomery County Care Giver’s committee will host a table with information for LTBTQ+ Seniors and Caregivers. Stop by and say hello.

Mark your calendars and join us for this exciting event!

Activity Announcement- SEX AND SENIORS....

Sparkleberry

Now that I have your attention:

The Power and Joy of Friendship and Laughter in Caregiving
Presented by Ruth Kershner, LCSW-C, National Caregiving Support Program Manager
Caregiving is like being a superhero- except, instead of fighting crime, you’re fighting stubborn pill bottles and runaway walkers. This presentation will share ways to enjoy your life. When intertwined with the role of caregiving friendship and laughter can take on a transformative power, nurturing hearts and bodies. We will discuss ways to make and sustain friends, cope with the responsibilities of being a caregiver and use humor to laugh as we learn.

 

Phone: 240-777-4999

Address: Holiday Park Senior Center

Day: Monday, June 10

Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm

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NEW PROGRAM TALK:

You are cordially Invited to:
Caring for Holocaust Survivors: A Discussion and
Resource Exchange for Families of Holocaust Survivors

Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Time: 7 pm to 8 pm
Place: Jewish Social Services located on: 6123 Montrose Road
Rockville MD 20852

Join us for a conversation about the unique needs of
loved ones caring for Holocaust survivors. We will
share insights and strategies as well as caregiving
resources and programs available for adult children
and other loved ones who support survivors in
Montgomery County, including those from the Former
Soviet Union. Ruth Kershner, LCSW-C, National
Family Caregiving Support Program Manager,
Montgomery County, Department of Health and
Human Services will facilitate the discussion.

Kindly RSVP no later than Friday, June 21

Questions? Please contact Deborah Adler at 240-673-1035

All are welcome.

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Learn Ways to Protect Yourself from Scams and other dangers:

14th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)

2024 Older Adult Safety Forum: A Longevity-Ready Community

When: Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Time: 10:00 am

Where: Holiday Park Senior Center

               3950 Ferrara Drive, Silver Spring, MD

Go to the website to Register:  https://WEAAD2024MC.eventbrite.com
*Sign up for boxed lunches at Holiday Park Senior Center or call 240-777-4999 during business hours.

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THE ARC MONTGOMERY COUNTY'S SENIOR RESPITE COORDINATION PROGRAM

Did you know that you may be eligible for FREE respite home care through The Arc Montgomery County?

Complimentary Event courtesy of Griswold Home Care, approved respite provider, 301-949-3824 Caregiving is a demanding job. If you are an unpaid, live-in, primary caregiver for a frail senior citizen, there are resources to help you take a break.

Julia "Julz" Abate, Respite Administrator, will share more information about The Arc Montgomery County's Senior Respite Program, how to apply, and how respite services can help you.

 Live Stream Series: Wednesday, June 26 12:00-1:00 PM

REGISTER FOR THIS PROGRAM AT:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkduysrzsoGtcb6gbevNPPhL1rOOhLmlG5

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Sunflowers

Giving Care can Effect Your Health

Giving Care is HARD! We are here to help guide you through all the difficult phases of caregiving. The valuable information that follows is to provide help for you to recognize the signs of a stroke and understand the steps you can take to prevent it.

Know the Signs: Act F.A.S.T.

When it comes to a stroke, every minute counts. The sooner you detect the signs and seek medical help, the better the chances for recovery. Remember the acronym F.A.S.T. to recognize the symptoms quickly:

Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?

Time: If you observe any of these signs, call emergency services immediately.

Lifestyle Changes for Stroke Prevention

Making some lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of stroke:

Maintain a healthy diet: Focus on a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit intake of sodium, trans fats, and cholesterol.

Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week.

Quit smoking: Smoking accelerates clot formation by thickening your blood, and increases the amount of plaque buildup in arteries.

Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake increases your risk of stroke. Limit yourself to no more than one drink per day if you're a woman or two drinks per day if you're a man.

Regular Health Screenings

Frequent check-ups can catch potential health problems before they become severe. Be sure to:

Monitor your blood pressure: High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for stroke.

Check for diabetes: Managing your blood sugar levels can help prevent complications that lead to stroke.

Control your cholesterol: High cholesterol can clog arteries and lead to a stroke. Eating a healthy diet and regular exercise can help keep your cholesterol levels in check.

Support and Recovery

If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke, it's crucial to have the right support during recovery:

Rehabilitation services: These can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, depending on the effects of the stroke.

Home modifications: Consider installing grab bars, ramps, and other modifications to make your living space more accessible and safer.

For resources and information on getting social service help call: 240-777-3000

Remember- Self-Care is important too.

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MARYLAND LIVING WELL- Center for Excellence (MAC)- Go on-line to sign up at

 Home page - Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence (mdlivingwell.org)

WHAT IS THE CLASS?

This class series is an excellent resource for caregivers. The community-based workshop is highly participatory, where mutual support and success build your confidence in your ability to manage caregiving tasks and maintain a fulfilling life.

Classes are led by trained individuals, many of whom have been or are caregivers for people with dementia, using an evidenced-based program. Thousands of caregivers have benefited from this class.

This interactive workshop is designed for people who are family caregivers of people with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), dementia such as Alzheimer’s, and any other conditions that affect memory. 

 

**Tablets are available to loan if you do not have access to an ipad or computer.

 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

Building Better Caregivers topics include:

·       Caregiver Stress

·       Care Partner’s Difficult Behaviors

·       Getting Help

·       Making Decisions About Treatment, Housing, etc.

·       Communicating Effectively With Family, Friends, And Health Professionals

·       Dealing With Caregiver And Care Partner Emotions

·       Planning For Future Needs

·       Legal Issues Related To Caregiving

·       Action Planning and Problem Solving

The class meets every week at the same day and time over Zoom. Every participant is sent a free E-book to the email they provided in their registration. (Should you wish to have a hard copy, contact your trainer to purchase). To learn more, visit the Mac. Inc Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence website.

 

Grant funds from the Maryland Department of Aging and the Maryland Department of Health assisted in the development of this material. Points of view or opinion contained herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Maryland Department of Aging or the Maryland Department of Health.

 

 

 

Virtual location

You will receive a confirmation email with a URL.

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