Wednesday, August 14, 2019

A Workshop for Family Caregivers

Caring for Our Aging Parents—and Ourselves—with
Mindfulness: A Workshop for Adult Children


Saturday November 9, 2019
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Location: Jane Lawton Community Recreation Center
4301 Willow Ln, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Only for unpaid family caregivers of an aging parent 

Registration is Required: Click here

Description: Our ability to care for our aging parents is often complicated by layers of deeply held feelings, emotional reactivity, and inner conflicts, such as love, fear of loss, guilt, old resentments. These complications, in turn, can cause added stress and fatigue. In this experiential workshop, you will join other adult children—in the safe space we create together—to become more aware and understanding of the inner forces shaping your caregiving experience, develop some “mindful” strategies for taking care of yourself and your needs, and gain confidence in your inner resources and abilities to navigate caregiving with greater equanimity, wisdom and compassion.

Facilitated by: 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 which she now mentors. She currently leads workshops for adult-children—and facilitates family meetings—about parental caregiving; and her most recent full-length play Because She’s My Mother is about an adult daughter’s 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 serves on the steering committee of the retirees’ “Members Helping Members” program; she has a PhD from MIT.

Registration is Required: Click here



Monday, August 12, 2019

Hope Connections for Cancer Support - Caregivers groups

Hope Connections for Cancer Support is a non-profit organization. Our mission is to help 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 programs are provided free of charge to those that need our help. There are two support groups for Caregivers in Bethesda. The support group is for caregivers of individuals diagnosed with cancer, no matter where they are in the journey. We have both evening and daytime groups. We also offer Mind/Body programs to Caregivers to help them deal with stress and take care of themselves.

Time: Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8pm and every Thursday from noon-1:30pm.
Location of event: Hope Connections at FASEB, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814

Registration/RSVP’s: Participant must attend one time orientation and completed First-time visitor form which requires registration. 
No registration or rsvp’s needed afterwards to attend group.


For more details: please contact Hope Connections :
Phone: 301-634-7500
Email: info@hopeconnectionsforcancer.org
Website: www.hopeconnectionsforcancer.org

National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) is hosting a Health and Wellbeing Town Hall in Silver Spring, MD

Date: Wednesday September 18,  5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Silver Spring Civic Building, Silver Spring, MD
1 Veterans Pl, Silver Spring, MD 20910

To celebrate 50 years of improving the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families, and caregivers, the National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) is hosting its Health and Wellbeing Town Hall in Silver Spring, MD. During our Town Hall, we will reach and engage Latinos on topics, such as, Caregiving, Health Research, Safety Nets Programs, Reframing Aging, Smoking Cessation, and Aging in Latin American.

This year’s Town Hall will feature an open space to engage in education and advocate for themselves and other older adults to age in place and in the best possible health.

This Town Hall connects older adults, community leaders, and caregivers with local elected officials, providers, and stakeholders to ensure their needs and concerns are voiced in an attentive, receptive and culturally sensitive environment.

*The Town Hall will be conducted in English and Spanish.

For more information please contact NHCOA at (202) 347-9733 or email events@nhcoa.org.

Registration is important, click here

Español:
Fecha: miércoles Septiembre 18, 2019
Ubicación: Edificio Cívico de Silver Spring, Silver Spring, MD
1 Veterans Pl, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Para celebrar los 50 años de mejorar las vidas de los adultos mayores hispanos, sus familias y cuidadores, el Consejo Nacional Hispano sobre el Envejecimiento (NHCOA, por sus siglas en inglés) está organizando su Foro Comunitario de Salud y Bienestar en Silver Spring, MD. Durante el mismo, brindaremos información para la comunidad Hispana en temas como el Cuidado, la Investigación en Salud, los Programas de Redes de Seguridad, Replantamiento de la Vejez, Abandono del Hábito de Fumar y el Envejecimiento en América Latina.

El Foro Comunitario de este año contará con un espacio abierto para participar en la educación y abogar por sí mismos y otros adultos mayores para mejorar su calidad de vida.

Este foro conecta a adultos mayores, líderes comunitarios y cuidadores con funcionarios locales electos, proveedores y partes interesadas para garantizar que sus necesidades e inquietudes se expresen en un entorno atento, receptivo y culturalmente sensible.

*El Foro Comunitario será conducido en Inglés y Español.

* El Foro Comunitario de NHCOA en Silver Spring, Maryland es un evento gratuito. Las donaciones son bienvenidas.

Para obtener más información, comuníquese con  (202) 347-9733 o envíe un correo electrónico a events@nhcoa.org.

El registro es importante, haga clic aquí.

Monday, August 5, 2019

Rebuilding Together Montgomery County

This amazing non profit organization provides small and large-scale home repairs, accessibility
modifications, and energy efficiency upgrades all at no cost to low-income homeowners in Montgomery County.

These services help our county’s most vulnerable residents live safely, securely and independently in their homes.

Applications welcome year round.
For more information about Rebuilding Together services, contact their Director of Program Services, Scot Weeks -  SWeeks@rebuildingtogethermc.org or via phone 301-947-9400 ext. 104.

Click here to view the Rebuilding Together website

Friday, August 2, 2019

University of California - Caregiver Videos

Introducing the UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Video series. This series was created by the
Multicampus Programs in Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology (MPGMG) at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. By watching these videos, you are taking an important step toward understanding and managing behaviors associated with dementia. These videos will provide you with practical tools you can use in a variety of settings to create a safe, comfortable environment both for the person with dementia and the caregiver.

The website contains seven brief video segments plus an introduction from Alzheimer’s activist Patti Davis, the daughter of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Each video features a problematic behavior with the following general format:
  • Behavior of person with dementia with the usual caregiver response
  • Expert analysis and explanation of behavior with tips to identify and eliminate triggers and suggestions for redirection
  • Response of caregiver showing tips in action
Click here to view the UCLA Health webpage and videos



MS Family Caregiver Support Group

National MS Society self-help groups focus on support, advocacy, education, wellness or may be
more social in nature. Some groups also serve specific populations, such as young adults, parents with MS, carepartners or African-Americans. Other groups may have a specific focus, such as physical activity, wellness or healthy living.

Self-help groups bring people together who share common life experiences for support, education and mutual aid. Benefits of participating in a self-help group include:
Learning new information and strategies for confronting problems.
Finding support from others.
The opportunity to help others.
Feeling empowered and more self-confident in coping with challenges.

People come together at self-help groups to lift each other up through personal struggles and encourage each other to try new things and live each day to its full potential. Learn more about the sense of community and the power of connection offered at National MS Society groups.
Find a group in your area here, or to talk to someone about establishing a group, contact an MS Navigator at 1-800-344-4867 or online.

Recurring Montgomery County MS Support GroupSecond Tuesday of the month, 6:45 - 8:15pm.
Location: Holy Cross Hospital1500 Forrest Glen Road
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Join other family caregivers of people with MS - spouses, partners, siblings, adult children, parents - to share concerns, stories, and resources. There is no fee for the group, but registration is required.
Kevin Dougherty Kevin.Dougherty@nmss.org  202-375-5606

Online Support GroupsMSconnection.org support groups have different purposes and serve specific populations, such as young adults, carepartners, or people who are newly diagnosed.
Click here to view MS online support groups

Thursday, August 1, 2019

City of Gaithersburg Senior Center

The Benjamin Gaither Center serves residents of Gaithersburg and the surrounding area by offering a
variety of classes, trips, special events, and activities, for those 55 years of age and older.

The Benjamin Gaither Center is open weekdays to all members. Annual memberships are available to all residents at a nominal fee. The annual membership fee is $50 for residents* of the City of Gaithersburg and $125 for nonresidents. Membership are valid for one year from date of sign-up or renewal.

Click here to visit The Benjamin Gaither Center website

The City of Gaithersburg's Recreation programs

The City of Gaithersburg's Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture provides quality parks, well-
planned sustainable facilities, and diverse cultural, artistic and recreational opportunities that promote the health and well-being of residents and visitors alike. We aspire to provide a high quality lifestyle and to promote wellness and diversity by fostering the physical, mental and social well-being of all. We are committed to actively fostering diversity, inclusion and cultural competency throughout our programmatic, research, development and operational efforts.

We are an adaptive organization that serves our community with vigor, energy and compassion. Our character does count! Core Values include:
  • Health & Wellness – Promoting healthy and enriching lifestyles for all ages, abilities and incomes
  • Inclusiveness – Celebrating our diverse community
  • Community Engagement – Providing effective communications and opportunities for involvement
  • Stewardship – Preserving and conserving natural, cultural and historic resources
  • Excellence – Offering high-quality, innovative programs
  • Exemplary Customer Service – Delivering positive, responsive customer service
  • Safety – Operating safe facilities and programs
  • Life Long Learning – Offering engaging educational opportunities

City of Rockville - Recreation, Fall Guide



Adults 60+ Recreation and Services Fall 2019 Guide
Enjoy the fall as we gather together for smores and wine, travel to the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, or learn a variety of holiday cooking dishes. The Senior Center has over 100 classes, programs, special events, and trips where you’ll say “wow I can’t believe I haven’t joined before!”

Click here to view the program for 60+ residents

Registration for Senior Center members begins Tues., July 30 at 8:30 a.m.
General registration begins Thurs., Aug. 1 at 8:30 a.m.

SOAR - A Travel Program For Active Active Adults 55+

SOAR is Montgomery County Recreation’s “Senior Outdoor Adventures in Recreation” program;
designed for active adults, ages 55+. You'll rarely have a better time than one of the SOAR excursions to the performing arts, regional festivals, historic sites, guided tours, shopping venues and ballgames, among others.

Each activity or trip requires a substantial amount of walking and/or physical exertion. Program participants should be in good physical condition and consult with their physician if they have any concerns before registering or participating in an activity.

Every effort will be made to accommodate individuals with disabilities on each trip. However, due to the historic nature and outdoor adventure components of many trips, this might not always be possible. Please call the SOAR trip coordinator at 240-777-4926 to discuss your individual needs and concerns.


Click here to view the schedule

Montgomery County's Fall Recreation - Fall Enrollment

Be Active! Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Getting active is easier
than you may think. Try out our Exercise and Fitness Classes, Strength Training, Martial Arts PiYo, Yoga, and more! If you think some people are just born that way (and you’re not one of them), think again. We offer classes in painting, ceramics, pottery, guitar, piano, and performing arts… all ways to let your imagination soar!

Make new friends or bring your own group! We offer a variety of dance classes from hip hop, swing, ballroom, folk, tap, ballet and salsa. They are fast, easy, and fun! Learn to lead or follow in a few short classes! Step up to the challenge to learn a new skill! Cooking, fashion design, animation, gemology… go ahead… give it a try!

Click here to visit the Fall schedule

Montgomery County's Senior Recreation Programs

Montgomery County Recreation has many ways for independent adults, 55 and over to stay active
and healthy. Whether you are still working, semi-retired, or fully retired, we have a large variety of programs, activities, classes, and events for you to choose from. There are many opportunities for you to THRIVE in our programs. Take a look at what we have to offer and join us.
  • Travel programs-we travel both close and far throughout the mid-Atlantic region
  • Health and Wellness programs and services
  • Recreation programs - from Aerobics to Zumba and everything in between
  • Information and Referral Assistance - Need help? If we can’t help you, we’ll direct you to someone who can
  • Volunteer opportunities abound-talk to us about how we can put your talents to use
  • Exercise and fitness facilities, and educational programs to keep you feeling both physically and mentally fit and active

Check us out. If you don’t find anything here in the Senior section, check out the Aquatics, Classes, and/or SOAR/Day Tripper sections. There are programs in each section geared to those 55 and over. Oh, and did we mention fun? Be prepared to have a good time when you’re visiting with us. For more information, contact the Senior Center or Active Adult Program location nearest you.

Click here to visit the County's Senior Recreation Programs

City of Rockville - Life in Rockville Fall 2019 Recreation and Parks Activity Guide

The City of Rockville has big-city offerings with friendly customer service to make you feel at home.
You can join friends and neighbors on the field in our youth and adult sports leagues or learn a new skill in one of our specialty classes.

Life in Rockville Fall 2019 Recreation and Parks Activity Guide
Fall is packed full of programs and special events in Rockville. There’s something for everyone. Enroll in a sports activity or try out a fitness or pickleball class for yourself. Come out to Rocktobierfest, enjoy the Antique and Classic Car Show, or check out one of our many Halloween and fall festivals.
Click here to view the Fall 2019 Recreation and Parks Activity Guide

Registration for Senior Center members begins Tues., July 30 at 8:30 a.m.
General registration begins Thurs., Aug. 1 at 8:30 a.m.





The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Support Groups

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is at the forefront of the fight to cure cancer. 
LLS the largest nonprofit dedicated to creating a world without blood cancers. Since 1949, we’ve invested nearly $1.3 billion in groundbreaking research, pioneering many of today’s most innovative approaches.

If you’re providing regular assistance, you are a caregiver. Your loved one may only need support occasionally, or your loved one may need constant care. The kind of support needed will be different for each person and may also change over time. But if you're consistently providing care, you are a caregiver.

Click here to learn more about support groups in Maryland

LLS is offers online support groups, weekly online chats provide a friendly forum to share experiences and chat with others about anything from the initial phase of diagnosis to treatment and survivorship. Each chat is moderated by an oncology social worker. The role of the moderator/facilitator is to provide support and guide conversation, as needed, throughout the chats. The moderator's role is largely determined by the wants and needs of participants in each chat. The online chats are not a replacement for psychotherapy or support groups.

Well Connected

This award-winning program offers activities, education, support groups, and friendly conversation over the phone or online.

CONNECT FROM ANYWHEREWell Connected is a community made up of participants, staff, facilitators, presenters, and other volunteers who care about each other and who value being connected. All groups are accessible by phone from wherever you are at no cost to you.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONEWhether you like art or zoology, music or meditation, there is a program for you. Each Well Connected session offers groups and classes on a wide range of topics. You’re sure to find one that interests you. And Well Connected meets 365 days a year, so there’s always a chance to connect.

HOW DOES IT WORK?Well Connected members call in via a toll-free number at a set time each week, with some groups also offering the option to connect via computer, tablet, or mobile device. Most groups last 30 minutes to an hour with around 12 participants. Newcomers are always welcome! If you don’t feel like talking at first, you’re welcome to just listen as long as you’ve let the group know you’re there.

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”.

AUGUST programs
  • August 8, 2019, 1pm to 2pm
  • Compassionate Caring for Caregivers: Finding a Home Inside for the Part of You That Needs You the Most Learn how to create an internal climate in your mind and body that makes being a caregiver healthier for you.

  • August 15, 2019, 11:00am to 12:00noon
  • Dear Lucy with Lucy Barylak, MSWThis month she will discuss how to handle difficult behaviors when dealing with a loved one living with dementia. This is an interactive session where Dear Lucy will answer questions and have a conversation with caregivers regarding the issues they face in their caregiving journey.

  • August 21, 2019, 12:00noon to 1:00pm
  • LOLA – Loss of Life Advocates LOLA walks you through as a guide talking about all the things together. “I realized after losing my father in 2014 and then my husband shortly afterwards, there was no one to be a guide for me.- that is when I came up with Loss of Life Advocates, named after my mother, to help individuals, and families prepare.”

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 their 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
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 to access recorded sessions!

Live and Learn Bethesda, Fall classes coming soon!

Live & Learn Bethesda gives people a place to make connections, share interests, and enrich
themselves in a wide variety of classes. Our instructors are selected for their passion, depth of knowledge, and professional expertise in their chosen subject areas. Class registration is open to anyone, regardless of where you live! The average class fee is $15 - At that price, how can you not want to come out and learn something new! We look forward to seeing you at Live & Learn Bethesda.

Fall classes will be announced shortly, click here

Montgomery College's Life Long Learning Institute - Fall 2019 classes


Opportunities for 50+ Learners to Learn, Work, Engage
Lifelong Learning Institute is committed to creating and fostering a variety of intellectually stimulating educational opportunities for Montgomery County residents age 50 and over. However, adults of any age may register for these classes. Students age 60+ pay fee only for courses.There are more than 140 classes held throughout the county, either on a campus or at other facilities such as county libraries or high schools. Check the Lifelong Learning Brochure or the Schedule of Lifelong Learning classes to see which classes are offered this semester. Classes vary every semester. Want to learn more about classes and special events? Join the Lifelong Learning Mailing list and we will send you quarterly updates.

Click here to visit Montgomery College's Life Long Learning Institute program


OASIS Announces its Fall 2019 Classes

Find Your Oasis!

Are you retired and looking for ways to get involved in the community?
2019 Summer Classes at Washington Oasis

Join OASIS for exciting classes and volunteer opportunities. From history to yoga to music and more, it's your time for a new adventure with Washington Metro OASIS.
Trip registration opens Tuesday, August 20 at 10:30am
Class registration opens Thursday, August 22 at 10:30am


Click here to view the Fall 2019 listings

Community Resources in City of Rockville

The City of Rockville has complied an excellent list of community based organizations that provide free supports for local residents.

This is an amazing document!

Features a broad range of local non profits that are available to provide assistance, include:
MobileMed Clinic, Culturally diverse community centers, Help with securing a home, food, clothing, paying bills and much more.


https://www.rockvillemd.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1670

Save the Date - Health and Housing Series

The Primary Care Coalition (PCC) to Host Health and Housing Series
Stable + Affordable:
Housing as a Foundation of Health

From environmental contaminants to the impact of housing costs on family medical budgets,
where people live matters for their health.
ev
This fall, the Primary Care Coalition is exploring the health and housing relationship in two parts – from the existing interventions that mitigate health/housing problems to big ideas for integrative solutions. Two informative half-day sessions will explore the impact of stable and affordable housing on health outcomes.

Mark your calendars for these two dates in the fall, September 17th and October 15th!
Session One
When:
September 17th, 9am - 1pm
Where: TBD

Keynote speaker, Peter Edelman, will walk us through his new book Not a Crime to Be Poor, in which he examines the socio-political influences that have led to the criminalization of poverty.
Following discussions will examine the challenges people living in poverty face and existing cross-sector interventions, including PCC’s own Food is Medicine program.




Session Two
When:
October 15th, 9am - 1pm
Where: One Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910

This session will explore the role quality, affordable housing plays in the health of residents and look at ways to form strategic links between housing and health systems. 

Grief Conversation Group (One-Time Session)

If you are mourning the death of a loved one…….

please feel free to join this small group discussion about grief and helpful ways to cope with it:

Evening session:
Tuesday, August 27 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Location: Montgomery Hospice,
1355 Piccard Dr., Rockville, MD 20850

For additional information and registration, please call: Montgomery Hospice Bereavement Team at 301-921-4400
All sessions are free and open to anyone who lives or works in Montgomery County. Registration is required.

Hydration and Nutrition Challenges in End of Life Care


Olney Assisted Living is hosting a special event that with the summer heat will help all cargivers.

Hydration and Nutrition Challenges in End of Life Care Caregiver Training by JSSA Hospice
Training addresses highly sensitive issue of why people stop eating at the end of life, and how to help residents, families and staff understand and accept this step in decline. Emphasis is placed on identifying what is important to the patient, and helping caregivers reframe the nurturing nature of feeding and eating.

Thursday, August 24, 2019
11:30 – 1:00pm
Location of event: Olney Assisted Living 16940 Georgia Avenue Olney Maryland 20832

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

Journaling and Grief Workshop

This is a two-week workshop that will focus on the use of journaling techniques as a way of
addressing grief issues. No previous experience with journaling necessary. Participants need to plan on attending both sessions.

Dates: August 13th, August 20th
Participants must sign up in advance. 

To register or for more information, please call: Montgomery Hospice Bereavement Care Staff, 301-921-4400
All workshops will take place at: 1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850

SUMMER 2019: A Conversation about Loss and Grief

If you are mourning the death of a loved one…….

please feel free to join one of these small group discussions about grief and helpful ways to cope with it:

Evening sessions:
Tuesday, August 13 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Tuesday, August 27 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Afternoon sessions:
Friday, July 26 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Friday, September 6 1:00 - 2:30 PM

Location:
Montgomery Hospice,
1355 Piccard Dr., Rockville 20850

For additional information and registration, please call: Montgomery Hospice Bereavement Team at 301-921-4400
All sessions are free and open to anyone who lives or works in Montgomery County. 
Registration is required.

For Men Only: Getting a Handle on Your Grief

A two-session workshop led by male counselors for men grieving the death of a loved one
(8/12, 8/19) 

To register or for more information, please call: Montgomery Hospice Bereavement Care Staff, 301-921-4400
Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville

Beyond Words: Expressing Grief through Art Making

In this three-session workshop, we will explore the grief journey through art making, learn new ways
to take care of ourselves, and memorialize our loved ones. You do not need any prior art experience to register.

Dates: August 7th, August 14th, August 21st
Participants must sign up in advance. 

To register or for more information, please call: Montgomery Hospice Bereavement Care Staff, 301-921-4400
All workshops will take place at: 1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850

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

LGBTQIA+ Health and Supports

Montgomery County has establish an LGBTQIA+ Advisory Group to better identify needs of support for caregivers (and many more important topics).


A key goal is to stimulate local organizations to provide LGBTQIA+ Caregivers trusted programs.  In the meantime there are a number of regional not for profit organizations that provide consistent LGBT support.
(This list is not exhaustive and will continue to grow)

LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton Health Care
Providing LGBTQ individuals and their families with welcoming access to expert health information and resources that will enhance wellness and quality of life.

The health care system has been slow to offer comfortable and affirming health services to LGBT communities - in fact, Chase Brexton was founded for this reason. And, through the years, Chase Brexton has grown – but continues to uphold LGBT history: equal, expert, and affirming health care.

Whether you are questioning, bisexual, queer, transgender, gay, lesbian, or unsure where you fit, the LGBT Health Resource Center is here for you. Our amazing team is ready to work with you and do all we can to help you live your healthiest possible life!


Whitman Walker Health  (WWH)
In the words of WWH "At Whitman-Walker, we see you. To us this means that regardless of how or why you came to us, we will welcome you with open arms and treat you with the dignity, respect and love that you deserve.

Since 1973, Whitman-Walker has been a place where people can just be themselves without fear of judgement or retribution. We have provided care with patience, kindness, humility and as much empathy as humanly possible.

Each day, we recommit to those principles and to you.
We stand by your side. We See You".


Iona's LGBT Support and Services
You are an older adult who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ), Iona believes no one should have barriers to their positive aging. Iona;s LGBTQ-inclusive aging services provide spaces for you to find and build community and tap into our 40+ years of expertise navigating complex aging challenges. We help you think about your future and start planning now. How to find in-home care. How to afford services you need. How to prepare for a move.
Iona’s wide range of eldercare services are open to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. Through presentations, fitness classes, support groups, care management, and more, Iona helps older adults and their family caregivers thrive in the community.
https://www.iona.org/services/lgbtq-programming/


TransHealthCare MD
Trans Healthcare MD aims to unify the transgender community of Maryland for the purpose of extending accessible, competent and comprehensive affirming healthcare to everyone in the state and improving the lives of all trans, nonbinary and gender expansive Marylanders.
https://www.transhealthcaremd.org/what-we-do





MoCo Pride Center (in development)    
The center's goal is to provide advocacy and outreach activities that build, support, and advocate for a stronger and more diverse LGBTQ community in Montgomery County, MD.




Seabury Resources on Aging - LGBT "Out and About" programs
Through transportation, housing, volunteer services, and more, Seabury Resources for Aging supports older adults and people with disabilities of all sexual and gender identities and expressions.
Out and About connects DC LGBTQ older adults through wellness programs, cultural events and conversations designed to address the concerns within the community. It is our mission to better understand the growing needs of LGBTQ older adults through listening, creating, and delivering programming with sensitivity, knowledge, and pride.

Caregiver Support Group, Ingleside at King Farm

The Care Partner Support Group meets every 1st and 3rd Thursdays from 6:30pm – 8:00pm at Ingleside at King Farm (701 King Farm Blvd., Rockville).

This group is available to residents and community members who are caring for loved ones with cognitive decline. The purpose of the group is to provide a space for members to:
  • Exchange practical information on caregiving challenges and possible solutions
  • Share feelings, needs and concerns in a supportive, non-threatening, non-judgmental atmosphere
  • Develop realistic expectations of themselves and their cognitively impaired loved ones and to understand the impact of the disease on family dynamics
  • Provide social contact for caregivers who feel isolated due to the demands of caregiving
  • Familiarize people with resources available within the IKF and the greater community

The group has been facilitated by Pamela Mills, Director of Memory Care Programs and Joan Rosenstein. Both Pam and Joan will continue to assist with the group but Anne Ellestad, Interim Chaplain, will take over as facilitator. 
 
For more information please contact Anne Ellestad at ext. 4072 or Pamela Mills at 301-407-2047.Mills


Phone: 301-407-2047

Email: pmills@inglesideonline.org

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)


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
  • 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 Platform
Facilitators: 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

Caregivers Support Group, Suburban Hospital - Bethesda

Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Free

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 


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

For more information, call 301-896-3939.

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.

Partners on the Path - Caregiver Support and Self Care Videos

Claim Your Caregiver Role

You may not usually think of yourself as a family caregiver, even though you do provide much support for a loved one…it’s just something you do! But you are a “family caregiver” if you:
Support a relative or friend who is ill, elderly, disabled or a special-needs child
Provide physical or emotional support, or if you assist with household of personal affairs
Offer aid in person, or from a distance; hands-on help, advice, problem-solving or encouragement.

You are not alone. Various studies estimate that there are between 45-85 million Americans who are family caregivers. With the aging of our population, these numbers are sure to rise.

Within our families, neighborhoods, faith communities, workplaces, health care organizations and circles of friends, we all know people who are caregivers. Some are among the 14 million professionals whose job it is to care for others.

Others are among the nearly 85 million who help their family, friends or neighbors. In the words of Rosalyn Carter, “Caregiving is universal. There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers

This PA organization has produced a number of videos that speak directly to the need of family/friend caregivers.

Click here to view their Family Caregiver Videos



Johns Hopkins Medicine - Caregiver Videos - Caring for someone with cancer

Caregivers Video Series: Walking on Eggshells

This ten part video series talks directly with caregivers and provides practical support for a range of circumstances.

Patients and their loved ones often experience feelings of shock and disbelief when they learn that they have a life-limiting disease. Individuals are busy going about their normal, everyday lives, when they are blindsided with this information and nothing will ever be the same again. 

In the video series, “Walking On Eggshells”, clinical social worker Amy Sales, a trained grief counselor with over twenty years of experience, creates a caregivers guide to practical, real life direction on what to do and what to say when faced with these words.

Each short video provides generous support and fact based guidance.
  • Segment One: Finding your voice
  • Segment Two: Who To Tell What and When
  • Segment Three: Preparing for Medical Appointments
  • Segment Four: Finances
  • Segment Five: Taking Care of Yourself
  • Segment Six: Preparing for Hospitalizations
  • Segment Seven: Preparing for End Of Life
  • Segment Eight: Picking Up the Pieces After Your Loved One Dies
  • Segment Nine: Talking To Your Children
  • Segment Ten: Preparing Children for the Loss of a Loved One

AARP, Caregiver Support - Inspirational stories of caregiving in various communities

Caregiving “is not something you think about — it just happens,” says Richard Lui, an NBC/MSNBC anchor, advising others to be more prepared. He flies weekly from New York City to San Francisco to take care of his father, Stephen Liu, 82, who has dementia. The Lius’ and two other Chinese-American families’ caregiving stories are featured in the new AARP short documentary, Caregiving: The Circle of Love, which depicts how caring for their elders is a cultural expectation.

“The film is meant to serve as a catalyst to start caregiving conversations in our communities,” says Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President for Multicultural Markets.

AARP has also produced Caregiving Dahil Mahal Kita (Because I Love You, presenting Filipino-Americans’ family caregiving stories), and Stepping up: Stories of Jazz and Caregiving featuring African American, New Orleans-based jazz artists who are caregivers.

See these documentaries below. Find caregiving resources at aarp.org/caregiving.

Click here for the full stories

Medstar Health - Care for the Caregivers Program

The Care for the Caregiver (CCG) team provides 24 hour care to you, the associates and physicians at
MedStar Health. If you are experiencing a stressful event or outcome during patient care or due to your work environment, we can help.

What is Care for the Caregiver?The CCG team is comprised of volunteers from a variety of disciplines who have been trained in crisis support and stress management. The team includes physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers and chaplains.

Ways to Cope with Stress
  • Remind yourself that it is OK that you are experiencing expected reactions to a stressful event.
  • Keep your life as routine as possible.
  • Physical exercise, along with relaxation, will help alleviate some physical reactions to stress.
  • Do something nice for yourself.

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center Deborah Perry
301-570-7663
dperry@medstarmontgomery.org

MedStar St. Mary’s HospitalMichelle Lundegard
301-877-4247
michelle.lundegard@medstar.net


Click here to view the Medstar website and other locations

Suburban Hospital's "All Cancer" Caregiver Support Group

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

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