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.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Kensington Park, in partnership with Seabury, is offering two support groups that will be facilitated in person or virtually by Leslie Mason, LICSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Manager of Seabury Care Management. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, lean in for support, and draw comfort from others who know how it feels to be a caregiver for the people they care about.

A Virtual Support Group for Caregivers is offered the 2nd Monday of each month from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM. The next session will be offered July 8th.

An In-Person Support Group for Spousal Caregivers is offered the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM at Kensington Park. The next session will be July 17th.

In either the virtual and in-person session, join us to share time connecting with other caregivers and discussing common challenges in a welcoming, private setting. Both sessions are open to anyone in the community, and are free of charge.

To join either the in-person or the virtual group, please email Leslie Mason at LMason@SeaburyResources.org.

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP)

offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. The program’s mission is to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our Nation’s Veterans, through education, resources, support, and services. There is a CSP team CSP Team Locator located at every Veteran’s facility.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

New Caregiving Support Class Starting in August:

SAVVY CAREGIVERS IN MARYLAND  Proven to decrease family caregiver distress, burden and depression, while increasing caregivers’ sense of competence and confidence in their care role.  A 6-week Online Course Dates: Thursdays, August 22 through September 26 Time:  9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Participants will gain a better understanding of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. • Develop self-care strategies. • Learn skills and strategies to successfully provide daily activities of ‘Contented Involvement’ for the family member living with dementia. • Identify and engage family and other resources for care-related assistance and support.

Each participant is provided with a FREE book.

To Register for this free class, go to:

https://mdlivingwell.org/HUB  for these virtual workshops.

              *****************************************************

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Take a spin on the carousel, ride the RIO Express trackless train, and paddle around the picturesque lake in a paddleboat at rio in Gaithersburg, MD.

Bring a picnic basket and spend the afternoon at Glen Echo Park. Ride a restored 1921 Dentzel Carousel, attend a show at the Adventure Theatre MTC or The Puppet Company, or get an up-close experience at the Glen Echo Aquarium.

Take a ride on a historic streetcar—out into the woods—at the National Capital Trolley Museum.

If you are looking for a no pressure golf experience, head to Topgolf in Germantown. The facility features dozens of climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort with HDTVs in every bay and throughout our sports bar & restaurant.

******************************************************************************

Hot Weather Safety Tips

The following precautions will help residents remain safe and more comfortable during excessive heat days:

      Stay indoors, whenever possible. Keep in mind: Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they may not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a better way to cool off. Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.  Visit nearby air-conditioned buildings in your community if your home is not air-conditioned. County facilities, including libraries, swimming pools, recreation centers and senior centers are places to cool off during normal operating hours. Public locations such as indoor malls could also be utilized.

Signs of Heat Exposure

Knowing the signs of heat exposure can prevent a life-threatening situation. Should any of the following occur, get out of the heat, loosen any tight or heavy clothing and drink plenty of water:

• Heat cramps: symptoms include painful muscle spasms, usually involving the abdominal muscles or legs;
• Heat exhaustion: first signs are cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, dizziness, nausea, headache and weakness; 
• Heat stroke: the most serious sign of overexposure. Symptoms include red, hot, dry skin, weak pulse, rapid breathing and changes in consciousness. Seek medical attention by calling 9-1-1.

For More Information:

For general information about County programs and services, call 3-1-1. Sign up for the County's Alert Montgomery notification system at alert.montgomerycountymd.gov to receive emergency alerts regarding weather and other emergency information.

******************************************************************************

SPECIAL Information:

Aging Life Care (or geriatric) managers first assess the level of function and interview you to determine what care is needed at that time. They assess the overall picture to keep both you and your loved one safe and supported. They also assess your financial situation. They know the area and can find care options for your loved one. They can create a long-term plan. They can even be the "go-between" for family and caregivers. 

Aging Life Care Management does exist in Montgomery County! Some Home Care agencies offer care management services as well. Aging Well, a familiar agency in Montgomery County, compares it to being a Wedding Planner for the Aging. They can do as much or little as you need them to do. They each have individual private pay pricing packages. 

Some services may be covered by long term care insurance. 

Here are a few resources below:

Article:

What you need to know (aginglifecare.org)

Video:

Aging Life Care (and Geriatric Care Managers) Explained: Who They Are & Why Your Parent Needs One (youtube.com)

Video:

What you need to know (aginglifecare.org)

PowerPoint Presentation (montgomerycountymd.gov)

Montgomery County Aging Life Agencies below—schedule a 30 minute call to see if it's right for you! ​

--ANS   agingnetworkservices.com

--Aging Well    care-manager.com

--Geriatric Care Counseling    Geriatric Care Counseling (caring.com)

  ***********************************************************************                              ***********************************************

Smile for this month:

"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun." - Katharine Hepburn

                  ********************************************************************************

50+ Television- TUNE IN:

Katie Smith leads the show to share news and information of interest to older adults in Montgomery County.

Program airs at the following times: Sun - (7:30 pm, 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm) | Mon - (11:30 pm) | Tues - (1:00 am, 11:30 pm) | Wed - (9:45 am) | Thurs - (1:30 am, 2:30 am) | Fri - (9:15 am, 10:30 am) | Sat - (11:30 am, 1:00 pm)

Where to Watch:  Comcast channel 6, 996 (HD), RCN channel 6, 1056 (HD), Verizon channel 30; or On-Demand at the County's website by clicking here. 

           *************************************************************************

Age-Friendly Montgomery County is an initiative to enhance the County as a wonderfully diverse Community for a Lifetime-- a place where all residents can age, thrive to their full potential, and contribute as a powerful resource in making our County a better, stronger, more inclusive community for everyone.

Have Questions? Contact Us:

Age-Friendly Montgomery
Email: Shawn.Brennan@montgomerycountymd.gov

Vital Living Network
Email: Tina.PurserLangley@montgomerycountymd.gov

Visit the Commission on Aging or call 240-777-1120