Free Screening of Turning Point - Aug 28

Wednesday August 28 from 6:30-8:30 p.m

BrightFocus Foundation and Leadership Montgomery is co-sponsoring a public event to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s and related dementia among the county’s private and public sector leaders, we will be screening a new documentary Turning Point, a film which follows scientists and clinical trial volunteers in the quest for a drug to slow or stop Alzheimer’s. The documentary is directed by James Keach, whose film I’ll Be Me chronicled Glen Campbell’s Alzheimer’s journey. BrightFocus is a presentation partner of Turning Point. 

The event will be held at Montgomery College’s Takoma Park campus on Wednesday August 28 

Click here for more information and to rsvp

Weekly Community (drop-in) discussion Group

Discussion Group: “Just My Two Cents!”
Wednesday's 10am

This time is designated for active adults age 55+ to come together and spark conversations on events, people, places, and things.

Your opinion is important and will be heard. (Volunteer Led David Wayne Rowland)

Held at:

Longwood Community Center
19300 Georgia Ave, Brookeville, MD 20833

Coping with Change Support Group

Thursdays at 11:00 am,
Free

Are you experience stress or strain, challenges caring for yourself or a loved one: this group is a trusted group to connect with other with an experienced facilitator.

Yasaman Alavi, from the Affiliated Santee Group, provides a drop-in support group, which focuses on both the support and development of coping skills to handle the changes that seniors experience as they age.

Held at:
Damascus Senior Center
9701 Main Street | Damascus | 20872

Women's Discussion Group

Held 2nd Tuesday of each month 10:30am - 12pm

 Sherry Starr, Facilitator

Sponsored by OASIS.
Come and be part of this welcoming group and share current events and what’s on your mind.

To register call 301-469- 6800 ext. 211.

Held at:
White Oak Senior Center
1700 April Lane | Silver Spring | 20904 |

Coping with Change Support Group

Tuesdays, 1pm – 2pm
Free
A supportive discussion group on dealing with life changes and positively coping with them. 

Call 301-741-7764 for more information. 

Location Schweinhaut Senior Center
1000 Forest Glen RD, Silver Spring, 20901

Spousal/Partner/Parent Loss Support Group

Monday's 1pm – 2:30pm
Free
This group provides bereavement support and understanding for people who have lost a spouse, partner, or parent. 

Sponsored by Caring Matters (non profit)

To register, please call Jim Rossi at 301-990-0854. 

Location Schweinhaut Senior Center
1000 Forest Glen Road | Silver Spring | 20901

Community Event - Opioid Education and Medication Take Back

Sponsored by Holiday Park Senior Inc.

Wednesday July 31, 6pm-8pm
Opioid Presentation : 6.30pm-7.30pm

FREE - All are welcome!

Join Dr. Gary Pushkin of the Maryland Patient Safety Center for an Opioids Education session that will enhance your understanding of the issue surrounding opioid use and abuse.

BRING ANY
Expired and unwanted medication to dispose of safely.
Courtesy of the Montgomery County Police Department

Held at:
Holiday Park Senior Center
3950 Ferrara Drive
Wheaton MD 20906

Phone 240-777-4999

Winter Growth Caregiver Support Group

4th Thursday of each month from 4:30pm to 6:00pm

Caregiver Support Groups give families the opportunity for emotional support, practical caregiving techniques, and education. Licensed social workers and guest speakers provide information related to disease progression, symptoms, treatments, and resources. Creative problem solving among caregivers themselves helps to ease the way for all. Sharing the pain, frustration and, often, guilt associated with being a caregiver is critical for mental health. A healthy dose of laughter at some of the situations caregivers experience is also healing to the spirits of those who have taken on an enormous task. Motivated by love, family caregivers face a daily roller coaster of sadness and joy as they reach out to their loved ones. Winter Growth, in turn, reaches out to caregivers to support them in their mission.

Please call Winter Growth’s main office at 301-774-7501 if you will be attending.

www.wintergrowthinc.org

18110 Prince Philip Drive, Olney, MD 20832 

Sibley Senior Association - Support Groups

Sibley offers a variety of support groups to Senior Association members and to the community.

Support groups are free, ongoing and open to new members. Call the numbers listed for more information and registration.

Click here to visit the Sibley Senior Association's website

Care Partner Support Group

This support group is for persons who are caring for someone who needs assistance. It may simply be the challenges of aging or chronic illness, such as Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, Cancer, Parkinson’s disease, or even because of mental health issues. You are also welcome if your loved one is long distance or in a care community. Group leader: Marianne Panke, M.A., L.M.T. This group meets the first and third Friday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Building D (Renaissance), Floor 1, Conference room 4. Registration required. Please call for more information and to register: 202-364-7602.

Bereavement Support for Widowed Persons

Widowed Person Outreach - Helping and Healing offers support groups for people who have been widowed two years or less. An ongoing group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 2 to 3:30 p.m. A 6-session program also meets twice annually. For grieving spouses and life partners under 70 years of age, a group meets evenings every 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Call 202-537-4942 for more information and to register and learn location. Registration required.

Club Memory

Club Memory is a supportive, social engagement group for people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), early-stage Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia and their care partners or family. Club Memory meets at multiple locations throughout DC. Registration required. Call 202-364-7602 for more information.

Diabetes Support

A series of classes are offered for individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. An individual appointment with the diabetes educator after attending class is encouraged for review and modification of a participant’s ongoing care. Individual appointments with the dietitian offer individual meal planning for each participant. A physician referral is required for all diabetes education class registrations. The referral should include the diagnosis, reason for attending classes and the name and date of birth of the participant and number of visits. Call the Diabetes Education office at 202-537-4145 to register. Medicare and insurance plans may cover the cost of diabetes education services. Services not covered by your insurance will be billed to you. This diabetes patient education program has been awarded Recognition by the American Diabetes Association in accordance with the National Standards for Diabetes Patient Education Programs. Diabetes support is led by Rose Oshinsky, MSN, RN, CDE, Diabetes Educator for Sibley Memorial Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine Diabetes Program. Please email her at roshins1@jhmi.edu for more information.

Lyme Disease Support

Group leaders are Monte Skall and Zena Wilder, R.N. Support group meetings are on the first Sunday of the month in Building A, Floor 1, Conference room 1 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Registration required. For more information about Lyme disease or the schedule for this free event, please call National Capital Lyme Disease Association 703-821-8833. For additional information, visit https://natcaplyme.org.

DC Area Myotonic Dystrophy Support

This social support group is for people with myotonic dystrophy. For more information please contact Pat Dinsmore at 202-361-1087 or by email at p.dinsmore@icloud.com.
Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Support

Parkinson's Support Group

For those living with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, their care partners and family members. Meets the 2nd Thursday of the month, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Grand Oaks Assisted Living (5901 MacArthur Boulevard, NW, DC). Group leader: Marti Bailey. Registration required. Please call 202-364-7602.

Stroke Support Group

Group leader: Jenni Knittig, R.N., Sibley stroke coordinator. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in Building A (Medical Building), Floor 2, Room 5. A light lunch is included. The Stroke Support Group offers survivors, their caregivers and other family members a chance to share concerns and support each other. Professionals from various disciplines provide advice, resources and timely updates and information about post stroke recovery in an informal setting. For more information, please contact Jenni Knittig at 202-660-7413 or JKnitti1@jhmi.edu.

PSP Support Group

CurePSP is the leading nonprofit organization working to improve awareness, education, care and cure for devastating prime of life neurodegenerative diseases. These include progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and others. Cure PSP will be offering a support group on the third Saturday of each month for individuals and their care partners as well as family members diagnosed with PSP, CBD and MSA. Members of our support group help provide emotional and practical support to those diagnosed and their loved ones, and reduce the sense of isolation associated with these rare brain diseases. 2 to 4 p.m., Building A, second floor, room 5. For more information and to register, contact Stephan Goldman at 301-330-6954 or Safia Al Sadoon at 646-546-8685.

Cancer Support Helpline

The Cancer Support Community’s TOLL-FREE Cancer Support Helpline is for anyone affected by

cancer.
Call 1-888-793-9355
Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. ET

Cancer Support Helpline®
The Cancer Support Helpline’s licensed counselors provide guidance, resources and support to cancer patients or their loved ones with a variety of needs—from getting information about cancer, identifying a local support group or just finding someone who is willing to listen. Counselors speak your language, providing supportive counseling in over 200 languages.

Additional Cancer Support Helpline services include:

• Connecting callers to local or national resources, including support groups, transportation services and other programs
• Short-term cancer counseling and emotional assistance
• Treatment decision planning
• Financial navigation and counseling regarding the costs of cancer and its treatments
• Specialized information in pediatric oncology, finances, clinical trials, and genetics/genomics
• Clinical trials navigation
• Access to an online distress screening program, CancerSupportSource®
• General information about the Cancer Support Community
• Supportive counseling available in over 200 languages

Stay Connected - Montgomery County Event Calendars

Every day in Montgomery County residents can participate in a range of programmed activities.

Ranging from: educational events, book readings, community fairs, meet your elected official, health and wellness classes, social activities and so much more. These events are published in the County's two public calendars (central and library).As a caregiver many of these events will be an ideal way to:

stay connected
ensure your voice is heard
learn about Montgomery County and Maryland resources
connect with neighbors
improve quality of life
enjoy cultural and social programs
and much more

Each Montgomery County calendar can be viewed and searched by your special interest, location, date and a range of other criteria.
Click to view central calendar
Click to view library calendar

See Me at the Smithsonian - Save the date

Individuals with dementia and their care partners are invited to participate in facilitated small group

discussions and engage with wonderful aspects of the Smithsonian art collection.

These special Smithsonian programs are FREE and allow care partners and their loved ones to enjoy a gallery experience led by specialist staff.

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

See Me at SAAM (Smithsonian American Art Museum)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2019, 2 – 3:30pm EDT
See Me at the Smithsonian American Art Museum is a gallery program to enhance the well-being of individuals with dementia and their care partners by experiencing and discussing art in a small group. Registration required, please e-mail access@si.edu or call (202) 633-2921.Categories
Gallery Talks & ToursBuilding

Event Location
Meet in the Kogod Courtyard

Accessibility at the Smithsonian (for caregivers and loved ones)

The Smithsonian strives to make all visitors feel welcome. Some accessibility features include:
Accessible facilities and at least one entrance that is accessible to visitors with limited mobility.

View the Accessibility Map (PDF) for accessible entrances, parking, and more.
Free manual wheelchair loans available at every museum in Washington, D.C., and the National Zoo on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are welcome to use their own mobility devices. Please note this does not include devices used strictly for recreational purposes. 

 
Open captioning of exhibition videos and audio description incorporated into some exhibitions.
Tactile elements included throughout the museums. Tactile and/or verbal description tours can be arranged by contacting a museum; two weeks advance notice is appreciated. For details, visit the museums' websites below.

Sign language interpretation for scheduled tours can be arranged by contacting the museum; two weeks advance notice is appreciated. 

For details, visit the museums' websites below.
Access services for public programs can be arranged by contacting the museum in advance. For details, visit the museums' websites below.

IMAX movies shown during regular museum hours of operation offer assistive listening devices, audio-descriptionand rear-window captioning. For details, view our IMAX Theater and Planetarium Accessibility FAQ.

The Smithsonian Guide and Map is available in Braille onsite at the museum information desks. A large print version (PDF) of the Guide and Map is available online and onsite at museum information desks.

Resources for visitors with cognitive or sensory processing disabilities are available online.

Museum-specific Information
African American History and Culture
African Art Museum
Air and Space Museum and its Udvar-Hazy Center
American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery
American History Museum
American Indian Museum
American Indian Museum's Heye Center (in New York)
Anacostia Community Museum
Cooper Hewitt (in New York)
Freer and Sackler Galleries
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Natural History Museum
Portrait Gallery
Postal Museum
National Zoo

Alzheimer’s Association - National Capital Area Chapter, Memory Cafes

Early-Stage Social Engagement Programs - Memory Cafes

Alzheimer’s Association 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.

Pre-registration required. Please contact Sheila Griffith at 240.428.1342 or sagriffith@alz.org

1st & 3rd Mondays, 12:00-1:00pm
Rockville Senior Center
1150 Carnation Dr, Rockville, MD 20850

Last Thursday of each month, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Leisure World of Maryland
3700 Rossmoor Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20906

2nd Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:30am 

White Oak Community Recreation Center
1700 April Lane, Silver Spring, MD, 20904

4th Wednesdays, 3:30-5:00pm 

Olney Library
3500 Olney Laytonsville Rd, Olney, MD 20832

1st Friday 2:00-3:30pm
Oasis at Macy’s Home Store
7125 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20817


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.

Questions: please call Sheila Griffith, Program Manager, Montgomery County-240-428-1342 or email: sagriffith@alz.org

Alzheimer’s Association - National Capital Area Chapter, 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.

1st and 3rd Friday at 11:45 a.m.
Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church | 6601 Bradley Boulevard, Bethesda, 20817
Contact: Elaine Byergo 301.906.2520, Lynn Meltzer 301.530.3551

2nd Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
Brighton Gardens of Friendship Heights | 5555 Friendship Blvd, Chevy Chase, 20815 |
Contact: Terri Adams and Nicoline Rademacher 301.656.1900

2nd and 4th Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
Gaithersburg Library | 18330 Montgomery Village Ave, Gaithersburg, MD, 20879
Contact: Kim Painter kim.alzassoc@gmail.com 301.467.2157, Joan Quinlan joan.alzassoc@gmail.com, 301.401.3145

1st Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Arden Courts of Kensington | 4301 Knowles Avenue, Kensington, 20895
Contract: Agnes Collins 301.598.4118

3rd Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Sunrise of Rockville | 8 Baltimore Rd, Rockville, 20850
Contact: Carole Ashendorf: csa9606@gmail.com 281.216.0940

3rd Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
Brooke Grove Rehab and Nursing | 18131 Slade School Road, Sandy Spring, 20860
Contact: Bill Neely 301.924.5176 ext 1312, Laura Rounds 301.260.2300

1st Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.
Arden Courts of Silver Spring | 2505 Musgrove Road, Silver Spring, 20904
Contract: Wendy Johnson 240.413.8690

Mondays at 6:00 p.m., Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m., Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.,
Holy Cross Resource Center | (Three groups for adult children) | 9805 Dameron Drive, Silver Spring, 20902
Contract: Sister Kathy Weber 301.754.7152

Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m., Thursdays at 3:00 p.m., Fridays at 10:00 a.m.
Holy Cross Resource Center | (Three groups for spouses) | 9805 Dameron Drive, Silver Spring, 20902
Contact: Sister Kathy Weber 301.754.7152

1st and 3rd Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.
Leisure World on Georgia Avenue | Interfaith Chapel Library, 3680 South Leisure World Boulevard, Silver Spring, 20906
Contract: Sunny Grunder 301.438.2446, Christina Green 301.570-0525


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.

Questions: please call Sheila Griffith, Program Manager, Montgomery County-240-428-1342 or email: sagriffith@alz.org

Caregivers Support Group, Suburban Hospital - Bethesda

This ongoing, monthly group is open to all cancer caregivers. Join us for an evening of learning,

conversation, companionship, and a healthy snack. Guest speakers will discuss relevant topics, such as coping with diagnosis, working with employers, health insurance issues, disability claims,estate planning, financial matters, intimacy and respite and stress management for the caregiver. Sponsored by Suburban Hospital and HCI Volunteer Helping Hands. 

Registration required; contact Barbara Doherty, MS, RN at 301-896-6782 or at bdohert4@jhmi.edu


Johns Hopkins Health Care and Surgery Center
6420 Rockledge Drive Suite 1200, Bethesda, MD 20817


Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Free

Registration may not be required for this event. See event description above. 

For more information, call 301-896-3939.

Washington DC VA Medical Center

New Clinic in Montgomery County

The Montgomery County Clinic offers primary care, women’s health, mental health and social work services and more.

Veterans in and around Montgomery County, Maryland county now have a closer-to-home option for their health care. The new Montgomery County Community Base Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), located on 15810 Gaither Drive in Gaithersburg, Maryland, provides Veterans with primary care, women’s health, mental health and social work services, as well as nutrition counseling, pharmacy consultations, audiology device fittings and specialty care via clinical telehealth technology. VA community partners will also be on-site to offer access to community resources.

Vietnam Veteran Wayne Miller who serves as the Silver Spring Vet Center Director attended last week’s ribbon cutting and is very happy to see the new clinic near his home. “It’s beautiful and I drove straight here in like 12 minutes. I was like, ‘No way. Let me go home and make sure I woke up this morning.’”

Mr. Miller is not the only one excited about the new CBOC. According to the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s Acting Medical Center Director, Dr. Charles Faselis, the new Montgomery County CBOC is a welcome addition to the DC VA Medical Center’s care system. The medical center currently operates community clinics in Southeast D.C.; Ft. Belvoir, VA; Charlotte Hall and Camp Springs, Maryland; as well as the VA Community Resource and Referral Center in Northeast D.C.

Renovations of the 11,600-square foot space began in September 2016 and represents years of planning and community partnership. The CBOC is designed to Leadership in Engineering and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and energy conservation specifications. It is also the first VA CBOC to install DIRTT movable wall partitions, made of recycled and recyclable content, that are easily repositioned without creating construction dust or material waste.

The new CBOC location offers ample parking and is conveniently located to the Shady Grove Metro Station and the Ride On (Bus #63).

Veterans who live in the Montgomery County area can schedule an appointment at the new clinic by calling the medical center’s Patient Service Center, 202-745-8000, option 2.

Sibley Senior Association

A Wellness Program for Those Over Fifty

The Sibley Senior Association provides a broad range of services and supports for older adults.

If you are 50 years or older, Sibley Memorial Hospital invites you to become a member of an association that will help you maintain your good health. They have over 7,000 members.

Services they offer are:

• Periodic health screenings
• Free seminars and events
• Support groups
• Exercise classes
• AARP Smart Driver course
• Access to our spousal bereavement program Widowed Persons Outreach: Helping and Healing
• Access to Club Memory, a supportive social group for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early stage dementia and their care partners

Sibley Senior NewsletterTo learn more about the Sibley Senior Association read their quarterly publication "Sibley Senior".
Sibley Senior Second Quarter 2019
Sibley Senior First Quarter 2019

Sibley Memorial Hospital
Attention: Sibley Senior Association
5255 Loughboro Road, N.W.
Washington, DC 20016

Phone: 202-364-7602
Email: SibleySenior@jhmi.edu

Click here to visit the Sibley Senior Association website

Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind

Since 1900, Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind has been dedicated to helping the blind or visually

impaired population of the greater Washington region overcome the challenges of vision loss. Our work enables people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired to remain independent, active and productive in society.

Programs and services offered at the Silver Spring facility include assistive technology training; career services; a low vision clinic; instruction in Braille, typing, keyboarding, independent living skills and safe travel techniques; a children’s summer camp; counseling; and social and cultural activities.

Over the years, the organization’s mission of promoting independence for people who are blind or visually impaired has remained the same, but how it achieves that goal has changed. In today’s increasingly technological society, greater emphasis is placed on technology training in order to better prepare people who are blind or visually impaired for the job market.

In addition, Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind has expanded its services to include people who have low vision. Contrary to popular belief, more than half of those who receive services from the Columbia Lighthouse have some useable vision. As a result, a full-time clinic, directed by a doctor of optometry who specializes in low vision care, offers individuals an opportunity to receive examinations and prescriptions for low vision aids.

Today, Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind is the only organization in the region that provides the comprehensive range of programs and services for the nearly 180,000 people living in Maryland, DC, and Virginia who are blind or visually impaired. These programs and services are provided to people of all ages and regardless of an individual’s ability to pay.

For more information about CLB, please call (202) 454-6400.

Click here for to visit the Columbia Lighthouse for Blind website

Metropolitan Washington Ear

Metropolitan Washington Ear (MWE) provides free multi-media audio information service for blind,

visually-impaired, and physically disabled individuals.

They have provided non profit support for over 40 years.

MWE provides over 5,000 people in Maryland, Virginia and DC rely on MWE for news and information for daily living. The need for their services is growing as the population ages and people live longer. More and more people have challenges which impact their ability to use ordinary print media, or to enjoy TV, films theater, museums, and exhibits that sighted people take for granted. Our services help reduce isolation and depression and empower people to remain independent.

Anyone who is unable to effectively read ordinary print because of visual or physical limitations is eligible for free services.

If you, or someone you know, would like to learn more about any of our services, please contact us:
Phone 301-681-6636
Email: information@washear.org
Online: washingtonear.org

ALS Association - Support Groups

The ALS Montgomery County, MD Association offers Support Groups for caregivers of a loved one who is living with ALS.

Reminder: Before attending your first resource support group, please contact the group's leader

2019 Meeting Schedule for CAREGIVER ONLY Support Group
Day: Typically 1st Saturday of Month
Time: 10:30am - 12:30 pm

Upcoming Dates

• July 6
• August 3
• September 7
• October 5
• November 2
• December 7

Location: 30 W. Gude Drive- Suite 150
Rockville, MD 20850

To learn more and inquire about these groups.
Facilitator: Joan Deye
Email: deyejoan@yahoo.com
Telephone: 301-938-1598

ALS VIRTUAL Support Groups

Reminder: Before attending your first resource support group, please contact the group's leader
2019 Scheduled Meetings for People with ALS and Caregivers
Scheduled the 2nd Thursday of every month.
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: "Join Me" Virtual PlatformFacilitators: Ellen Cochrane & Kendra Campbell, M.D.
To learn more and join the group: email: DRaneri@alsinfo.org
Telephone: 301-741-8810

Upcoming Dates

• August 8
• September 12
• October 10
• November 14
• December 12

Click here to visit the ALS Association webpage

End of Life Community Supports - Caring Matters

CaringMatters (founded as Hospice Caring in 1989) serves children, adults and families facing life-

threatening illness and experiencing the death of a loved one. CaringMatters also increases community awareness and advocacy about end-of-life concerns, advance care planning and grief. CaringMatters serves the culturally and economically diverse residents of Montgomery County, Maryland.

Their small staff and a large volunteer community provide adult and child bereavement and caregiving direct services. All volunteers are screened and have completed at least three full days of specialized training; ongoing training and support are given. Programs are regularly evaluated for their impact on people CaringMatters serves.

All services are delivered free-of-charge; none are covered by Medicare or other public or private insurances.

Caring Matters has a range of hands on help and support groups:

Hospice Care
CaringMatters is licensed by the state of Maryland as a limited hospice care program. While they do not provide medical services, there trained volunteers supplement medical hospice and support patients who are still pursuing curative treatment. All services are free of charge.

Services include but are not limited to:
Companionship and socialization
Emotional support
Respite for family caregivers
Limited transportation within Montgomery County, MD
Errands, meal preparation and other household tasks
Accompaniment on outings with ambulatory clients

Support Groups
Surviving the death of a loved one can be challenging emotionally and on a practical level. The pain and distress of grief is often misunderstood by those around us, adding to our sense of uncertainty at a vulnerable time in our life.
Support groups that are accepting new members:

Spousal/Partner Loss, Age 50-70, Gaithersburg, Monday Evening
Spousal/Partner Loss Age 50+, Gaithersburg, Monday Evening
Spousal/Partner Loss, Chevy Chase, Thursday Daytime
Spousal/Partner Loss, Silver Spring, Monday Daytime
Spousal/Partner Loss, Wheaton, Thursday Daytime
Spousal/Partner Loss, Leisure World, Alternate Tuesdays Daytime
Spousal/Partner Loss, Leisure World, Alternate Thursdays Daytime
Suicide Loss, Gaithersburg, Tuesday Evening
Parent Loss, Gaithersburg, Thursday EveningClick here to learn more about CaringMatters and its community based supports

Email: caring@caringmatters.org
Phone: 301-869-HOPE (4673)

Holy Cross Caregiver 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 caregiver resource center hosts caregiver support groups, where spouses and adult children can share sorrows and problems, joys and successes, resources and solutions. The center also sponsors caregiver education classes featuring information on everything from handling your aging parent’s finances and first aid—to CPR. View caregiver classes and support group information.

The center also hosts a Caregiver Telephone Helpline at 301-754-7152 to answer questions about services and resources for caregivers.

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 library include brochures from local resources, and listings of aging adult services in our community.

The center’s complimentary newsletter, Caregiver News, is published three times a year to provide you with tips, book reviews, resources, articles on care giving, and listings of the center’s upcoming seminars, lectures and support groups.

View Recent issues of Caregiver News
Fall 2018 Issue
Spring 2018 Issue
Winter 2018 Issue
Fall 2017 Issue

If you would like to receive Caregiver News, please sign up online or call 301-754-7152 to add your name to their mailing list.

NAMI - Support Groups

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides outstanding support groups throughout the
County.

These FREE programs will be helpful for caregivers, and those they care for.
Get in touch with NAMI!
(301) 949-5852 info@namimc.org

Click here to learn more about all of NAMI's programs


Monday's
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (Meets every Monday)
Connection Recovery Support Group MEDSTAR MONTGOMERY HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER BUILDING
Ground Level (below lobby) Conf Room A/B
18101 Prince Philip Dr., Olney, MD 20832

Tuesday's
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (Meets every Tuesday)
Connection Recovery Support GroupNAMI MC PROGRAM OFFICE
11718 Parklawn Dr., Rockville, MD 20850

Thursday's
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (Meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the Month)
Parent Family Support GroupST. ANDREW LUTHERAN CHURCH
LOWER LEVEL PRAYER ROOM 109
15300 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20905

Thursday's
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (Meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the Month)
Connections Recovery Support GroupMC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES, SILVER SPRING CENTER
Child & Adolescent Health Services,
Woodside Room, 1st fl 8818 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910
*By Ballard St., free parking in lot*

Friday's
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (Meets the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month) Spouse Family Support Group
NAMI MC PROGRAM OFFICE
11718 Parklawn Dr., Rockville, MD 20852

Saturday's
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (Meets the 1st Saturday of every month)Family Support Group
NAMI MC PROGRAM OFFICE
11718 Parklawn Dr., Rockville, MD 20850


Connection Recovery Support Groups are for individuals who are living with mental illness. Family Support Groups are for individuals who have a loved one living with mental illness. All Support Groups hosted by NAMI are FREE and NO REGISTRATION is required.

Hope Connections for Cancer Support

Hope Connections for Cancer Support helps people with cancer and their loved ones deal with the emotional and physical impact of cancer through professionally facilitated programs of emotional support, education, wellness and hope – all provided free of charge.

Their Montgomery County program is located in a historic home in Bethesda where people affected by cancer can escape the clinical environment to connect with and learn from each other.
Their second “home” is located in Landover.

At both locations they provide support groups for people with cancer and for caregivers, educational workshops that provide learning opportunities and mind/body classes that help to rebuild core strength and reduce the high level of stress that comes with a cancer diagnosis.

Their programs are available to anyone affected by cancer, regardless of their cancer diagnosis, stage of disease, age, economic status, race, religion, sex or where they receive their medical care. Our overarching goal is for no one in the Washington, DC metro area to have to face cancer alone.

Click here to learn more about Hope Connections for Cancer Support and their programs.

Montgomery Hospice: A Workshop on Grief for the LGBTQI Community

Be part this two session workshop, professionally facilitated by members of the LGBTQI community,

and share your grief about the death of a loved one as well as learn about coping strategies

Monday, July 15 and 22, 2019
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Location:
Montgomery Hospice Offices, 1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850

Participants should be at least 3 months from the time of their loss.

Free and Registration Required.
Open to anyone living or working in Montgomery County.

For more information or registration, please call: Montgomery Hospice, Bereavement Care:

301-921-4400

Click here for Montgomery Hospice website

Caregiver Support Group, Ingleside at King Farm

Ingleside at King Farm hosts its regular Caregiver Support group.

Supporting and discussing the needs and experiences of family or spouse caregivers of persons with dementia. Group is inclusive of all types and stages of dementia-related diseases, including early on-set.

Meets: Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.
6:30pm to 8pm

Location of event: Ingleside at King Farm, Derwood Room (ask for location on arrival).

Registration/RSVP’s: None required

Contact details: Pamela Mills
Phone: 301-407-2047
Email: pmills@inglesideonline.org

A Guide to Caregiver Supports - in Montgomery County - new publication

Montgomery County Cares about Caregivers

Caregivers are a vital part of the community - they are unpaid family, friends, partners, colleagues, neighbors, members of faith communities and volunteers. Research has proven when caregivers receive support, they can better maintain their own health and be more effective as a care partner.

Montgomery County's Caregiver Support Program's "A Guide to Caregiver Supports - in Montgomery County", presents a range of practical resources for caregivers. County and community-based services are available to help caregivers, these include: support groups; in-home assistance; relief with day to day chores; enrichment activities; education and connection with other caregivers.



Click here to view "A Guide to Caregiver Supports - in Montgomery County", 16 page booklet.

Share Your Caregiver Story

On Saturday June 15, Montgomery County hosted the inaugural Care for the Caregiver Event.  

This special day for unpaid caregivers featured six workshops, a Resource Fair and culminated with a Listening Session.

At the event we invited attendees to share their "caregiver story", at the Listening Session, or on hand written cards.

We take this opportunity to invite everyone who registered to this event to privately "Share Your Caregiver Story" with us.

Your answers shall remain private and will assist Montgomery County better understand the needs of local caregivers and develop future events.

Click here to Share Your Caregiver Story

Asian American Health Initiative - Photo Novel for Caregivers

The Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI) is excited to share the newest volume of their mental

health photonovel series! This afternoon, AAHI, along with a number of Asian American community leaders, their Steering Committee, their Mental Health Ambassadors, and their photonovel actors came together to launch their fifth mental health photonovel, Mental Health: Social Connections - A Resource for Caregivers!

Since 2015, AAHI has developed several multilingual mental health photonovels to address the unique mental health challenges that face Asian Americans and to dismantle the stigma of mental health in Asian American communities.

This volume of the mental health photonovel addresses the issue of loneliness and social isolation in older adults and also provides local resources meant to facilitate and encourage social connectedness. AAHI developed this photonovel with support from their Steering Committee and their Mental Health Ambassadors, a group of advocates and professionals who volunteered their time to guide this photonovel project. 

We invite you to view the photonovels, which are available in English, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, and Vietnamese, Click here to view the photo novels  and share them with your friends and neighbors!

Template versions of the photonovels in Microsoft Publisher formats are also available so communities can create their own photonovels!

Ride On Flex App Now Available for Download

On-Demand Service to Begin June 26

Ride On Flex, the mobile phone app that will power Montgomery County’s first microtransit service, is now available for free download from the Apple or Google store. Ride On Flex is an on-demand transit pilot program that will operate in Rockville and Glenmont/Wheaton service areas. While residents cannot book rides until service begins on June 26, they can download the app now to familiarize themselves with the interface and how to book rides.

Flex will offer transit on demand: riders can request trips from a designated pick up location to a drop off location within the same served zone using the app. An 11-passenger bus will provide service within the pre-defined geographical zones at specific times of the day. Riders will be given an estimated time for pick up and drop off and directed to a nearby virtual bus stop. Flex will operate in the Rockville zone from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and in the Glenmont/Wheaton zone during peak periods (6:00 – 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 – 7:00 p.m.). The zones offer connections between households, transit hubs, commercial centers and public services.

“We’re excited to be one step closer to launch of this innovative service,” said MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh. “In a little more than a week, Flex will begin to reshape the way residents think about getting around in the served areas.”

Riders will pay no more than $2 for the service, as current Ride On fares will apply. While users will book a ride using the app, they will pay the fare as they board the bus just as with any Ride On service.

The no-fixed-route, no-fixed-schedule service will be the first of its kind in the county. Learn more.

Registration Open Now for Free Senior Planet Montgomery Classes Starting July 8

Registration is open now for Senior Planet Montgomery summer classes starting Monday, July 8.

Senior Planet’s free technology classes meet twice a week over the course of five or 10 weeks, depending on the course.

Designed for learners age 60 and older, these courses train participants to confidently use technology to improve their financial security and health; open a new business; improve their ability to live independently; or just use the internet for better daily living.

Summer, courses will take place at the following locations: Gaithersburg Library; Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center; Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center in Wheaton; and Long Branch Library. Montgomery County offers course instruction, books, and devices to use in class at no charge to participants. Classes meet two times per week for 10 weeks, unless otherwise noted. To register for a course, call the number associated with a site below.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 9 – Aug. 8 

1pm – 2:15 p.m. iPad Essentials* (5-week) 

Long Branch Library: 240-777-0910; 8800 Garland Ave. Silver Spring

Mondays and Wednesdays, July 8 – Sept. 16 

11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. Connecting in the Digital Age Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center: 240-777-4940; 11002 Veirs Mill Rd, Ste 506, Wheaton
10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Más allá de los conceptos básicos (Beyond the Basics taught in Spanish)

Mondays and Wednesdays, July 8 – Sept. 16 

2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Work!
4 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Beyond the Basics 
Gaithersburg Library: 240-773-9490; 18330 Montgomery Village Ave. Gaithersburg

Tuesdays and Fridays, July 9 – Sept. 20

10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. Connecting in the Digital Age* 

12:45 p.m. – 2 p.m. iPad Basics* 
Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center: 240-777-8085; 1000 Forest Glen Rd. Silver Spring


* Designates course taught on an iPad provided as part of the class

DESCRIPTION OF CLASSES:

Beyond the Basics: learn to use the Internet as a resource for practical and enriching activities, from social networking and online shopping to online banking, health management, entertainment, and more. 

Connecting in the Digital Age: learn about popular social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter and how technology is changing the way we read news, manage our health information, and connect with the world around us.

iPad Basics: learn the basics of operating the Apple iPad, using email, internet searching, downloading apps, connecting with others, and so much more.

iPad Essentials: (5-week) learn the essentials of how to use the Apple iPad, how to navigate the internet, and how to send and receive email.

Más allá de los conceptos básicos (Beyond the Basics taught in Spanish): aprenderá sobre una variedad de temas: desde redes sociales y banca en línea, compras en línea, gestión de su salud, entretenimiento, y más.

Work!: learn how to age-proof your resume, write a modern resume and cover letter using Google docs templates, gain essential email skills, and use job search websites.

In addition to multi-week courses, Senior Planet Montgomery offers lectures on popular tech topics and a special summer social media workshop series throughout the County. Visit Senior Planet Montgomery’s website to find a lecture or workshop of interest near you.

For more information about Senior Planet Montgomery, to sign-up for the newsletter, or to view summer offerings, visit seniorplanet.org/montgomery, or contact the team at: 240-753-0676 or via email at mocoinfo@seniorplanet.org.

Successful Transitions Workshops

Hosted by: Olney Assisted Living 

Thursday, July 18, 2019 - 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Transitions for someone with Dementia are often difficult. This presentation discusses the changes in the brain that make transitions so difficult and how we can use the active parts of the brain to ease a person into a transition, the family's roles, and how to work cooperatively with the community to improve the transition experience.

Held at: Olney Assisted Living 16940 Georgia Avenue Olney Maryland 20832

Presenter: Nikki Firor, M.S., is a Gerontologist, dementia consultant, and president of Trovato, LLC. She provides education, training, and non-pharmacological behavior intervention solutions to professionals and care partners of those with dementia regarding neurological impact, safety, communication, and management of behaviors to encourage a healthy, successful, and independent life with a diagnosis of dementia.

Registration/RSVP’s: olney@olneymemorycare.com
Contact details: Barbara Seay - 301-570-0525
Email: Olney@olneymemorycare.com
Website: www.olneymemorycare.com

Understanding the Hospice Benefit

Montgomery Hospice Center for Learning presents

Wednesday, July 24, 2019
09:00 AM - 10:00 AM

The Village at Rockville
9701 Veirs Drive, Rockville, MD 20850

Presented by Victoria Gudeman, MSW, LCSW-C

Objectives

• Define and understand how hospice and palliative care can differ
• Learn how the hospice benefit can help patients and families facing life-limiting disease
• Describe what services are included in the hospice benefit
• Determine when a patient is eligible for hospice care
• Learn how hospice care is paid for

Click here to register

Questions, contact: Meghna Taneja - mtaneja@montgomeryhospice.org 

or 301-527-4072

Continuing Education
1.0 contact hour for nurses, social workers, and nursing home administrators/assisted living managers (through NAB)
This program counts towards the Montgomery Hospice Certificate in End-of-Life Care (mandatory)

The Truth About Opioid Usage at the End of Life

Montgomery Hospice Center for Learning presents

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

12:00pm - 1:00pm

Presented by Nicole Christenson, RN, BSN, MSN, CRNP-F

Objectives

• Identify barriers to adequate pain relief
• List components of pain assessment
• Describe pharmacological therapies to relieve pain
• Identify common myths about narcotics

Click here to register

Questions:
Contact Meghna Tanej

MTaneja@montgomeryhospice.org   or  301-527-4072.

Continuing Education
*1 contact hour for nurses, social workers, assisted living managers and nursing home administrators (through NAB)
*This program counts towards Montgomery Hospice's Certificate in End-of-Life Care (mandatory)

This continuing nursing education activity was approved by the Maryland Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Senior Forum and Resource Fair - Sept 5

SAVE THE DATE

Montgomery County's Council Vice President Sidney Katz and Councilmember Andrew Friedson invite you to attend the this: 

Senior Forum and Resource Fair 

September 5

9.30am - 12.30am

To be held at: Potomac Community Recreation Center 

11315 Falls Road | Potomac | 20854

For more information contact:

Councilmember.Katz@montgomerycountymd.gov 

or
Councilmember.Friedson@montgomerycountymd.gov

Come and learn about:

Wellness and Brain Fitness: Reduce the Risk of Dementia
Detecting and Avoiding Financial Abuse

Expert Speakers will present on:

• 10 Ways to Prevent a Fall
• Aging in Place
• Community Engagement
• Elder Abuse & Scam
• Prevention
• Fire Prevention & Public Safety

A Resource Fair will feature providers offering information on:
Healthy Hearing, Lifelong Learning, Mental Wellness, Transportation, and more....

A light breakfast will be served

Aging Well in Australia

As the editor of this blog I admit I have an Australia bias, yet with genuine enthusiasm share the

following articles recently published by AARP.

A Sociable Solution From Down Under
Retired men in the United States (and some retired women) are beginning to gather in Aussie-style “Men’s Sheds.” By doing so, they get out of the house, work together to tackle community projects and make connections that lead to healthier, happier lives.

8 Livability Lessons From Down Under
Once dismissed as “dead,” Melbourne, Australia, is now celebrated as among the world’s most livable cities.

Click here to read

July 2019 Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area submission for MoCo Caregivers

The Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area invites caregivers to the Rockville – Early

Onset PD Support Group (Younger than 60).

It meets the second Monday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Washington Art Works, 12276 Wilkins Ave. Rockville, MD 20852. For more information contact Stephanie Stull at (240)888-7106 or stulls62@gmail.com.

For information on PFNCA’s support groups in Bethesda, Sandy Spring, Chevy Chase Rockville and Silver Spring, please visit www.parkinsonfoundation.org.