The Alzheimer’s Association offers 24/7 (day and night) responses to any questions or concerns you are having dealing with the person you are caregiving.
Call: 800-272-3900 to get a social worker consultation on the 24/7 HELPLINE.
Montgomery County Support Group Programs
Proven to decrease family caregiver distress, burden and depression, while increasing caregivers’ sense of competence and confidence in their care role. Feel confident and competent in your role as a caregiver.
*************************************************************************** Holiday Park Offers Free Support Groups 💓
Coping with Change Thursdays from 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Yasaman Alavi, LCPC a therapist from Affiliated Sante Group, leads a support group to help participants overcome challenges of aging. For questions, call 301-332-0462.
Max You - Maximize the Quality-of-Life Tuesdays from 10:30 am to 11:25 am
Edie K. Mahlman, LCSW-C, facilitates a drop-in support group that confronts the challenges and options inherent in the process of aging.
Holiday Park provides a Spanish Speaking Support Group:
Superando los Cambios: Grupo de Apoyo Emocional
Revisaremos las características de las relaciones sanas y cómo mantenerlas. Vengan y conozcan a nuestro terapista de Santé Group José Hernández.
Todos los Martes : 11-11:50 am- Gratis
Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Drive, Silver Spring Phone: 240-777-4999
In addition, other Spanish speaking resources are:
Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/inicio Demencia y alzheimer | Español | Alzheimer’s Association www.lhiinfo.org
Latino Health Initiative 8630 Fenton St 10th Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (240) 777-3384
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Caregiving Support Groups ♥♥♥
Rockville Support Group | 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. | Carole Ashendorf csa9606@gmail.com, 281.216.0940 | RSVP Required. Contact the facilitator.
Holy Cross Resource Center | (Several groups for adult children and Caregiver Spouses) |Please contact: Sarah McKechnie: Email: mckecs@holycrosshealth.org
Leisure World on Georgia Avenue |1st and 3rd Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. | Sandy Levy smlevy54@gmail.com , 781.595.8732, Nina Helwig, ninahelwig5@gmail.com | RSVP Required. Contact the facilitator.
Café Latino (Spanish language) | 2nd Saturday at 10:00 am | Diana Backlund and Sarah Rodriguez, alz.cafelatinova@gmail.com | RSVP Required.
Iona Senior Services Contact the facilitators. Second and Fourth Wed at 6pm - for Adult Children who are caregivers -- Bill Ampt -- bamt@iona.org
Wintergrowth Adult Day Care- in-person support group
Days: Last Wednesday of each month
Time: 6pm - 7pm
Location: Winter Growth | 18110 Prince Philip Dr. - Olney, MD 20832
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Virtual Caregiver Support and Wellness Group
Share your stories, discover ways to feel better.
Facilitated by Olivia Allen, MSW, Geriatric Specialist
Co-Sponsored by Seniors Helping Seniors and Aging Network Services
There is no cost, and it is open to everyone.
Time: First Monday of Every Month from 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Register by calling: 301-895-0205 or online: info@shsbethesda.com
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The Kensington Bethesda in partnership with Corewood Care is beginning an
In-person Caregiver Support Group in 2025!
Join facilitator Pamela Mills of Corewood Care
Second Wednesday of every Month
Day: Wednesday, February 12
Time: 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Location: The Kensington Bethesda Welcome and Information Center
5272 River Road, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD 20816
RSVP: Brooke Orcino, Dir. Of Community Parnerships at:
BOrcino@KensingtonSL.com
Contact: 301-641-3253
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Sandwich Generation Support Groups- contact Group Leader for details:
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Sandwich Generation Fourth Wednesday 8pm Andrea Friedman -- ajfrie@gmail.com
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Sandwich Gen| 4th Thursday at 8pm | Linda Weitzman lcweitzman@gmail.com | Megna Guggari mvguggari@gmail.com
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Kensington’s Memory café: A Bi-Weekly Gathering for Caregivers & Loved Ones with Mild Memory Loss
https://thekensingtonbethesda.com/events/kensington-memory-cafe/
Join us for a welcoming space where caregivers and their loved ones can find comfort, connection, and support. Our Memory Café is a unique program fostering meaningful engagement for individuals with early signs of memory loss and their caregivers.
Bi-Weekly- Wednesdays- February 12 and 26
Time: 10am to 11am
Where: The Kensington Bethesda Welcome & Information Center
5272 River Road, Suite 100, Bethesda MD 20816
https://thekensingtonbethesda.com/events/kensington-memory-cafe/
RSVP: Brooke Orcino- 301-641-3253 Director of Outreach TheKensingtonBethesda.com
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Selma Sweetbaum Senior Satellite Program: 👩❤️👩
WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays | 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM
February 5, 2025 – June 11, 2025
Where: Jewish Community Center, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD
Join us for The Selma Sweetbaum Senior Satellite Program lunch program! Wellness Wednesday is the perfect chance to participate in a great day of programming. Enjoy chair exercises, performances, lectures, and a nutritious Kosher lunch. The program strives to prevent isolation, improve nutrition, build community, and enable participants to age, in place, with appropriate connections to support services. Lunch – suggested $5 donation.
For more information, please contact Rachel Elazar at relazar@benderjccgw.org or (301) 348-3849.
All Bender JCC programs are open to everyone. Contact Kate Falls, Director of Inclusion, at kfalls@benderjccgw.org or 301.348.3767 to discuss support and accommodations.
SAMPLE PROGRAM SCHEDULE
· 10:00 – 11:00 AM: Chair Exercise
· 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM: Music, Speakers, Current Events!
· 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch (Suggested $5 donation)
SAMPLE MENUS
· Week 1: Fish, Noodle Pudding, Spinach Salad
· Week 2: Sweet/Sour Meatballs, Rice, Braised Cabbage
· Week 3: Mediterranean Chicken, Couscous, Mixed Veggies
· Week 4: Eggplant Parmesan, Pasta, Bean Vinaigrette
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ADULT DAY CARE PROGRAMS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY: 🌞
JCA Kensington Clubs (early onset)- call for information- 301-255-4204
Chinese Adult Day Care (CCACC)- call for information- 301-820-7167
Wintergrowth Adult Care- call for information- 301-774-7501
Ingleside Engaged: Call for information: 240-499-9024
Holy Cross Medical Adult Day Care Call for information- 301-754-7150
Easter Seals Adult Day Service Call for information- 301-588-8704
Rainbow Adult Day Call for information- 301-987-8889
Loving Care Adult Medical Day Care- 240-477-6199
For additional Adult Day Care program information call: 240-777-3000 or go to:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=08adff96ac8c4d18a97bf909162a2250
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Veterans: Contact for Help: ☎
Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families
David Skisano, Veterans Benefits Specialist II (VBS) Email: davidj.skisano@maryland.gov
Christina Williams, Veterans Benefits Specialist II (VBS) Email: christina.williams1@maryland.gov
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POWERFUL TOOLS FOR CAREGIVERS IN MARYLAND
Take care of yourself so you can take care of a loved one. If you are caring for a loved one and seeking ways to manage your life while being a caregiver, please attend the Powerful Tools for Caregivers workshop class.
This evidence-based education program offers caregivers self-care tools to reduce stress, manage emotions, and increase confidence in coping with caregiving demands. Originally developed for caregivers of adults with chronic conditions, the program has expanded to include parents of children with special needs.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Thu, Feb 6, 2025 6:00 PM - Thu, Mar 13, 2025 8:30 PM
Organizer: Susan Hall, info@mdlivingwell.org
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Hiring the Right Caregiver: Key Insights for Making the Best Decision
Presented by Kathleen M. McGuinness CDP/CHSS/CMP/EOL
KMM Consulting
Monday, February 10th 7pm on Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7771623920?pwd=NEdYUWRiaHdaVDFzSXZTSVRtdkdoUT09
Meeting ID: 777 162 3920 Password: 535850
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JCA L'Chaim Chorale 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎵🎵🎵🎵
(for people living with early dementia with youth volunteers) will give a free concert with audience participation encouraged.
Sunday, February 23rd
Ring House
1801 E. Jefferson St. Rockville, MD 20852
3-4pm
All are welcome.
Refreshments and Resources Available for Memory Loss Support
Sponsored by Aging Well Eldercare and SmithLife Homecare
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Montgomery County Recreation and the Caregiving Support Program present an in-person program: 💡
Senior Resources-Thrive- Get Support- Connect
East County CRC- Tuesday, Feb. 18- 1-2 p.m.
Praisner CRC- Wednesday, Feb. 19- 1-2 p.m.
Germantown CRC- Monday, Feb. 24- 10-11 a.m.
Speaker: Ruth Kershner, Caregiving Support Program Manager
For more information contact: 240-773-4827
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Dementia Friends Information Session: 💟
By 2025, the number of people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is estimated to reach 7.1 million. These numbers represent family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, clients and customers.
Ruth Kershner, LCSW-C, National Caregiver Family Support Program will present an information session to help you recognize the signs of dementia and provide tips on the ways to communicate with someone living with dementia.
Objectives:
- Learn about Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.
- Recognize the signs of dementia.
- Discover tips for communicating and interacting with a person who has dementia.
- Establish tips for creating a dementia-friendly physical space.
This talk will help you learn about Dementia, the impact on the person with the disease, and its impact on those taking care of the person with the disease.
Place: Holiday Park Senior Center
Time: 10:30am to 11:30am
Date: Friday, February 21, 2025
Everyone is welcome to join this free information session.
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You Tube Episode with Ruth Kershner: 👧
Katie Smith hosts 50+ in Montgomery County. On this month’s 50+ In Montgomery County program, we talked with Ruth Kershner, Program Manager for the National Family Caregiver Support Program.
To see the 30-minute episode- go to:
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SENIOR PLANET in Montgomery County- OLDER ADULTS TECHNOLOGY SERVICES: 💻
Senior Planet helps seniors learn new computer skills, save money, get in shape and make new friends. Senior Planet’s courses, programs, and activities are changing the lives of older adults far beyond technology.
Senior Planet offers FREE virtual and FREE in-person programs.
Montgomery County contact hours are 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday
Call- (240-753-0676) ☎
Classes include Chrome Essentials-use your laptop, Commuter Essentials- using Windows PC, Exploring Smartphone Apps and many other topics.
Senior Planet offers free virtual 1-1 technology tutoring sessions! Sign up online to receive personalized help with your technology-related questions from Senior Planet volunteers. These sessions take place over Zoom.
https://seniorplanet.org/locations/montgomery-county/
If you need assistance booking an appointment, or don’t see your tech topic listed, please call the Senior Planet Hotline at 888-713-3495. Hotline hours are Monday-Friday- 9 am to 8pm and Saturday- 9am to 2 pm. 📞
Or call the Senior Planet in Montgomery County Hotline: 240-753-0676
Montgomery County contact hours are 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday (240-753-0676)
Impress your kids and grandkids with your new computer savvy skills! Sign up now.
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February 19 with the National Museum of Natural History 👨💻
See Me at the Smithsonian (See Me) is a free, virtual interactive program for adults with dementia and their care partners. During each event, pre-registered participants (12-15 people) explore some of the Smithsonian’s most beloved objects through small group discussions and multi-sensory activities. See Me programs provide intellectual engagement, socialization, and an opportunity for loved ones to spend time together in a relaxed setting. Programs rotate between Smithsonian museums and are offered virtually via Zoom.
Program held: Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 2:00p.m. to 3:00p.m. EST on Zoom. Please email: access.si@edu for registration and Zoom links.
Phone: 202-633-2921 (voice) Mailing Address: PO Box 37012 National Museum of American History, Room 1050, MRC 607 Washington, DC 20013
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Updated Dementia Tool Simplifies Brain-Related Health Care Screenings
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The Maryland Department of Aging has updated an Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia screening tool for individuals concerned about their memory or cognitive health and trained 150 counselors at Maryland Access Point (MAP) sites across the state on how to administer the revised tool. Known as AD8, the evidence-based screening tool is easy to use and can be self-administered or given by family members, loved ones, health care providers, or caregivers.
“It is our hope that the use of this free resource will become a normal part of health screenings, just like an eye exam or blood pressure check,” said Mark Tesoro, Maryland Department of Aging Behavioral Health Specialist. “It’s time to break the stigma around dementia and make brain health a priority.”
Tesoro notes that a variety of issues can mimic dementia, such as hearing and vision loss, poor attention and concentration, vitamin deficiencies (B12), ingestion of toxins, and other medical and environmental influences which is why identifying cognitive concerns early and following up with your physician is so important.
AD8 (Ascertain Dementia 8) asks users eight brief questions related to memory, orientation, judgement, and function to help identify signs of dementia or mild impairment. Available in multiple languages, the tool can detect early cognitive changes associated with several brain-related illnesses, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. When someone answers yes to two or more of the questions, further evaluation is suggested.
The updated AD8 tool was introduced as part of long-term care and dementia care legislation passed in 2023 that required better dementia screening opportunities for individuals concerned with memory function. The AD8 is a first-step screening tool, not a full diagnostic test. Following up with a primary care physician or specialist is recommended.
For assistance using this screening tool, call MAP at 1-844-MAP-LINK (1-844-627-5465). You can also access the tool online at https://marylandaccesspoint.211md.org/explore-my-options/alzheimers-disease-related-dementia/assessment/.
MAP is Maryland’s No Wrong Door Aging and Disability Resource Center, where Marylanders can seek information on long-term community supports and services. Maryland’s 20 local MAP sites aim to assist consumers in navigating the complex system of services through individual, person-centered counseling.
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Contact: Colleen Doyle
colleen.doyle@maryland.gov |
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Montgomery County Recreation’s RecFit passes will continue to be free for Montgomery County residents in 2025. ⚾🎱⛳🎾🏸🏓
The free RecFit pass provides access to fully equipped fitness rooms, open gym (drop-in) activities and game rooms at any community recreation center during regularly scheduled hours.
Current RecFit passes will be extended through June 30, 2025. During the first six months of 2025, residents will be able to renew their pass for a full year by visiting the front desk at any center. Proof of residency will need to be confirmed.
“I’m proud to announce that for the third year in a row, one of our most popular services, the RecFit memberships will continue to be free,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Free and equitable access to our fitness and recreation facilities helps residents improve health outcomes without costly gym memberships. I encourage all County residents to visit a Montgomery County Recreation Center in 2025 to sign up for your free membership.”
With a valid pass residents can work out with equipment in the fitness rooms, as well as enjoy table tennis in the game rooms, drop-in pickleball, volleyball, basketball and more.
Residents can sign up for the pass in-person at any County recreation center during regular business hours. The pass can then be used at any of the County’s recreation centers.
Proof of residency (a valid photo ID with an address or a photo ID with a current utility bill) must be provided by County residents to receive the free pass, and for annual renewal. Passholders must also have a photo on file.
The free RecFit pass does not include access to Recreation’s aquatic centers. For aquatic center pass information and prices, visit the website.
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FOR TRANSLATION HELP: Contact the Montgomery County Patient Navigator Program:
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance in accessing a Montgomery County health service, contact the Patient Navigator Program today. Information specialists are available to assist callers in Chinese, Dari, Hindi, Korean, Vietnamese, other Asian languages, and English.
(301) 760 – 4991– Chinese Navigation
(301) 760 – 4992– Vietnamese Navigation
(301) 760 – 4571– Hindi Navigation
(301) 760 – 7058– Korean Navigation
(240) 396 – 2191– Dari Navigation
(301) 760 – 7051 – For other languages press 0 to speak with the operator.
For More Information about Montgomery County programs: 🌞
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.
For help with caregiving referrals and services call: 240-777-3000.
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Aging is better with SAGE: 🏳🌈
SAGE is a national advocacy and services organization that’s been looking out for LGBTQ+ elders since 1978. SAGE builds welcoming communities and keeps senior issues in the national conversation to ensure a fulfilling future for all LGBTQ+ people.
HearMe, an LGBTQ+ founded company, is an on-demand mental wellness app that allows you to text one-on-one with trained empathetic listeners to get things off your chest, be seen, heard, and validated. SAGE x HearMe is compassionate support at your fingertips.
The app provides a safe and inclusive space to talk with a real person when you’re feeling lonely, stressed, anxious or just need someone to talk with about your day. Choose from several topics such as: I Just Want to Talk; Friends, Family and Relationships; Emotional Support; and Physical Health and Mental Well-being. There is no wait or scheduling – receive instantaneous support the moment you need it. HearMe is always confidential and anonymous. Empathetic listeners are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For more information about SAGE the organization or to sign up for SAGE X HEARME go to the website:
www.sageusa.org
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COMING IN MARCH SAVE THE DATES: March 19th- 5pm Virtual Program- Deliberate Discussions- Grandparents- how to talk to your LGBTQ+ grandchildren
March 30th- 2pm- Movie afternoon at Ingleside- need to pre-register- caregivers watch a movie, your loved ones enjoy a social interaction
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Montgomery County Website now has all the Caregiving E-Newsletters!
Start at MontgomeryCountymd.gov
In the Search Tool- type- Caregiving- that sends you to the page below:
Caregiving Support
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. In Montgomery County there are helpful supports available through government, non-profit organizations and private businesses.
Caregiver support is a vital part of our community.
On this page
Click on the last line-Newsletters and Blogs-it takes you to this next page:
Newsletters and Blogs
Click on the second line- View all caregiving Support Program Newsletters then you will see all the previously published Caregivers e-newsletters.
2024
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Montgomery County - Department of Health and Human Services - Aging and Disability Services - Caregiver Program (montgomerycountymd.gov)
Contact Montgomery County and ask for Caregiver services. We are here to help you-
Call 240-777-3000
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