PFNCA Parkinson's Pointers program tomorrow (Friday, 6/19) at 4:00 p.m.

Nearly 500 people are expected to log on and participate in the PFNCA Parkinson's Pointers program tomorrow (Friday, 6/19) at 4:00 p.m.

If you have not yet registered, please click below to join us. If you have already registered, please share this information with a friend.

The program will include a screening of the Parkinson’s related film Victory Swim and a question and answer session with Dr. Aviva Ellenstein of George Washington University. Dr. Ellenstein will be joined by her aunt Susan Scarlett, who is featured in this documentary that highlights the benefits of exercise for those with Parkinson's. Here is the film’s trailer: https://vimeo.com/330581348.

This is a story of love and perseverance as Susan Scarlett’s nephew attempts a record-setting 65-mile swim to honor and inspire her after she is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. The story inspires using universal themes of love, support, positive thinking, and personal transformation.

This program, part of PFNCA's Quarterly Lecture Series normally live-streamed to various community locations, will be available for viewing at home in response to COVID-19.

There is no cost to attend the lecture, but registration is required.


Those interested in participating may register by clicking Here.


Please note that your registration is per household and not per person.

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice. FREE film screening

Starting tonight the Brightfocus Foundation is hosting a Mind, Sight and Music event.
For one week only (from June 4) you are invited to a free screening of the documentary, Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice. The story of a legendary career shortened by a neurodegenerative disease.

Before the film, hear brief remarks from producer James Keach and four BrightFocus-funded scientists working to end diseases of mind and sight.

CLICK HERE to view the film

COVID-19 and Long-Term Care Facilities: How Maryland's Long Term Care Industry is Responding

The Alzheimer's Association invites you to a virtual public conversation on the impact of COVID-19 on Maryland's long term care industry and those they serve, featuring the leading executives of the Alzheimer's Association and Maryland's long-term care provider organizations.Understand how they have approached this unprecedented pandemic, and their response in areas such as: testing, reporting, surge capacity, and what additional actions are needed to support staff, individuals at their facilities, and family caregivers.

Tuesday, June 9, 2020
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT

You can join this webinar via telephone or computer, to register contact
24/7 Helpline: (800) 272-3900

or Click here for online signup


Featured Speakers:·Cass Naugle, Executive Director, Alzheimer's Association Greater Maryland
·Alison Cibrowski, President and CEO, LeadingAge of Maryland
·Joe DeMattos, President, Health Facilities Association of Maryland
·Kevin Heffner, President, LifeSpan Network

Ways Older Adults Can Stay Connected to the Community During COVID-19

New Flyer Highlights Ways Older Adults Can Stay Connected to the Community During COVID-19 Maintaining social connections is a key ingredient to reducing social isolation among older adults, particularly now during the COVID-19 national health crisis. As rising numbers of older adults adopt physical distancing practices, social isolation and loneliness are growing concerns for this segment of the population. This is why engAGED and the Eldercare Locator have partnered to produce a flyer describing ways older adults can stay connected to their communities—with and without technology. To help older adults who may not have access to or familiarity with technology, the flyer highlights activities that can help foster and enhance a broad range of social connections. Some of the activities highlighted in the flyer include making a phone call to a friend or family member, taking an online exercise class and attending a virtual concert—all from the comfort of home. To reach communities nationwide and offer access to local resources, the flyer can be customized with the local contact information, ensuring that older adults and caregivers know who to contact for social engagement and other aging services and supports in their community. This flyer is the first of several collaborations between engAGED and the Eldercare Locator. Stay tuned to this space to for additional blog posts expanding upon the information included in the flyer on ways to help older adults stay connected to the community during COVID-19. Both the Eldercare Locator and engAGED: The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults are administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging and funded by the Administration for Community Living.

Medstar Free* eVisits

See a Provider Online 24/7/365. Free for a limited time*.
MedStar eVisit makes it easy to connect with our trusted medical team from your smartphone, tablet, or computer 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Your provider will offer consultation, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. They’ll even send prescriptions to your pharmacy or help you with a referral, if appropriate.

*MedStar eVisit brings care to you when you need it and is free for a limited time to manage the threat of COVID-19 and as a service to our community.

How it works: 

Sign Up: Create an account online in only a minute
Choose: Select from our list of available healthcare providers
Connect: Talk with a provider of your choice via secure video at home or on the go
Download the MedStar eVisit app or sign up at MedStarHealth.org/eVisit, so when you need care, you will be ready.

What is MedStar eVisits? 

MedStar eVisit gives you 24/7/365 video access to trusted medical providers, making it easy to get the care you need, anywhere, anytime.
You can connect with a medical provider via secured video from your smart phone, tablet, or computer for non-emergency medical conditions.

How does it work? Sign Up for free by creating an account–it takes only a minute. Download the MedStar eVisit app from your IOS or Android device or visit MedStarHealth.org/eVisit from your desktop.
Choose from our list of healthcare providers who are available for consultation.
Connect with a provider within minutes via secure video at home or on the go.
Your provider will offer consultation, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. They’ll even send prescriptions to your pharmacy of choice or help you with a referral, if appropriate.

What are the most common conditions MedStar eVisit can treat? 

Cold or flu-like symptoms
Seasonal allergies
Sore throat
Pink eye
Rash or hives
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Headaches or migraines
Constipation
Dry skin
Sinus infection
Joint or back pain
Minor cuts or burns
Urinary tract infection
Yeast infection
Tick-borne illness (Lyme)

When should I not use MedStar eVisit? 

If you are experiencing severe flu symptoms including: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, and/or flu-like symptoms that improve then worsen again
When you require an in-person evaluation
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department

Who can use MedStar eVisit?

Anyone can sign up and use MedStar eVisit! You do not need to be a MedStar Health employee or have MedStar Health insurance to use MedStar eVisit.

How much does MedStar eVisit cost?

MedStar eVisit is free for a limited time to manage the threat of COVID-19 and as a service to our community.

Senior Planet - Town Hall Meeting, June 3

CALLING ALL SENIORS!

JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL ZOOM TOWN HALL FOR SENIORS
WEDNESDAY JUNE 3, 2020, 6PM to 7PM

WITH COUNTY EXECUTIVE MARC ELRICH & COUNCIL PRESIDENT SIDNEY KATZ


You must register in advance for this meeting click here
Questions can be submitted ahead of time within the registration form.
Better yet, record yourself asking a question on video and submit to: mocoinfo@seniorplanet.org.

Senior Planet Montgomery is a technology training program designed for County learners
60 and older.

We are hosting a Virtual Senior Town Hall over Zoom, featuring County Executive
Marc Elrich and Council President Sidney Katz on:
Wednesday, June 3rd, from 6PM to 7PM, 

Town Hall will provide an opportunity for you to ask the County Executive and Council President about programs that benefit seniors and to address senior-specific COVID-19 issues.

NEW TO ZOOM?
Join the town hall early, at 5:30pm on Wednesday, June 3rd, for a drop-in "Zoom test". This
time will be provided so that you can test your connection and receive assistance on using
Zoom's features.

To learn how to use Zoom video conferencing click here to check out a handout created by
Senior Planet. Zoom works with iOS, Android, and Windows operating systems.
You can use Zoom in your browser, or you can download the app on your devices. You don’t
need a Zoom account to join the Town Hall.

June 3, 2020 6PM-7PM Town Hall Registration Confirmation Details
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from Senior Planet Montgomery
(no-reply@zoom.us) with the subject: “Montgomery County Virtual Senior Town Hall
Confirmation” containing information about joining the meeting.
Within this email, you will find a unique link for you labeled "Click here to join". Please check
your spam folder if you are not able to find it. If you did not receive this email, please reach out
to mocoinfo@seniorplanet.org

About Senior Planet Montgomery
Over the last two months, more than 3,600 participants have joined virtual programs hosted by
Senior Planet Montgomery. Sessions concentrate on user-friendly tools and resources and are
designed to enable older adults to learn to utilize technologies to improve their daily lives. The
program is supported by the County’s Department of Technology Services’ ultraMontgomery
program in partnership with nonprofit OATS (Older Adults Technology Services), as well as the
Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Recreation, and Montgomery
County Public Libraries, to provide classes at no charge to participants.

For more information about Senior Planet Montgomery and to view its virtual program offerings,
visit https://seniorplanet.org/Montgomery. The team can be contacted at 240-753-0676 or via
email at mocoinfo@seniorplanet.org.

To sign up for the Senior Planet Montgomery newsletter, which includes detailed information
about upcoming classes, go to https://seniorplanet.org/get-involved/newsletters/.

Supporting Family Caregivers in Faith-Based Communities Webinar

The American Muslim Senior Society invites you to join the Webinar (Supporting Family Caregivers

in Faith-Based Communities). In partnership with AARP and C-TAC

Date: June 17, 2020
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 PM EDT

Family caregivers are facing a new set of challenges as they care for their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now more important than ever to support caregivers during this time of increased stress and uncertainty. During this webinar, experts will discuss the challenges of caregiving during the pandemic and shed light on community-level efforts from faith organizations to connect family caregivers with essential tools and guidance. Attendees will also hear from family caregivers and clergy on the front lines and learn what AARP resources are available to assist caregivers in their journey.

This discussion will also highlight key elements from the AARP Prepare to Care Guide. To download the guide or to request that a printed copy be delivered to you.

To register for this event, please click here


Speakers:
- Janae Wheeler, Host - Elder Angela Overton, Senior Advisor to the Interfaith and Diversity Workgroup, C-TAC
- Mona Negm, President and Founder, American Muslim Senior Society (AMSS)
- Imam Faizul Khan, Founding Member, Islamic Society of Washington Area (Washington, D.C. Region)
- Dr. Dina A. Shazly, Professor of Dentistry and Family Caregiver
- Naffisa Turay, Healthcare Administration Professional and Caregiver
- Mary Remington, Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Care Development, Good Samaritan Hospital
- Katherine Brown¸ Senior Advisor, AARP.

Virtual Interactive Events for Alzheimer's Month

June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and a series of happy hours have been organized for caregivers.

Grab a cold drink and join one or more of these interactive events!
At each event we will dive into a different topic of interest related to healthy brain aging, caregiving, and Alzheimer’s disease.

WHERE: This event is virtual! You just need an internet or data connection.

On June 11, 18, 25 and 28.
7pm EST

Click here to view the flyer and registration details

DATES and TOPICS:
June 11: 
Nutrition and Your Brain – With a Cooking Demo!
June 18: 
Exercise for Your Body and Brain – With a Group Exercise!
June 25: 
Music and Alzheimer’s Disease – With Live Music!
June 28: 
A Session in Spanish – Nutrition, Exercise, and Music and your Brain

Each session will be one hour long and will include an interactive presentation from an expert on the topic of interest followed by questions and answers from the attendees. Time will be devoted to the unique aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing.


Questions? Email Mind-Crowd@arizona.edu or call 520-626-9621

Voice Your Choice - Advanced Care Planning

Advance care planning is the process of identifying and documenting your health care wishes and

values if you are unable to speak for yourself due to a serious illness or an emergency.

Advance care planning includes identifying and writing down your health care wishes and values, selecting a health care decision maker (called a health care agent) to speak for you and represent your wishes if you are unable to speak for yourself, and sharing those wishes with those who matter most and your health care providers.

​Advance care planning gives you the opportunity to understand your health care options, communicate your wishes and values, and make sure they are known. Without advance care planning, loved ones and health care providers may make decisions that don’t reflect your values and you could receive unwanted treatment or not receive the health care you want.

Learn how to fill out and submit an advance care plan. Register for an event: https://www.voiceyourchoice.org/events.html

For upcoming virtual workshops, click here

Free Caregiver Support Group - Virtual, through Oasis

Caregivers Support Group Series

Wednesday 05/06/20 - 06/24/20

10:30am - 12:00noon
Online Class

Even when caring for a loved one is an act of love, it still takes many new skills and a great deal of energy. It also raises a lot of questions. The Oasis Caregiver Series offers a place to learn from the experiences of others and to encourage those who are in similar circumstances.

The sessions will be facilitated by compassionate professionals. Some sessions will spotlight expert guest speakers on a variety of topics to support you in your caregiving journey. Most sessions will allow time for questions and group discussion. 

This group is strictly for those who are in a caregiver role. 

This series is sponsored by Family and Nursing Care. 

Instructor: Roberta Drucker, LCSW-C

NO COST
8 Session

Click here to register

Life Long Learning in Montgomery County - Goes Virtual

Life Long Learning in Montgomery County - Virtually!
During this time of social distancing the County wants to ensure you stay connected to helpful supports and maintain daily enjoyment. We are very pleased that Montgomery County providers and non-profit organizations throughout the US have done such an excellent job to present their programming online and via telephone.

Through the County's Caregiver Blog we provide updates on virtual happenings that will enhance the lives of caregivers and their loved ones. We feature: Engage@HOME and Podcast episodes, plus list programs that are low cost or freely available, whether you seek lifelong learning, health and wellness, support groups, fitness, access to our libraries and much more.

Click here to visit the County's Caregiver Blog


In response to Covid-19, Life Long Learning Center's have adapted their programs and are now offering virtual classes. Please visit each of the center's website to learn more.


MONTGOMERY COUNTY HAS FIVE LIFE LONG LEARNING CENTERS

Through academic research it has been proven there are significant benefits associated with learning and social engagement. During this time when many continue to stay indoors we are thrilled to see our local life long learning organizations adapt their programs to virtual sessions. Also, you may be caring for a loved one who will appreciate a "no stress" opportunity to keep engaged. No need to dress up either!

Everyone now can enjoy non academic classes through lifelong learning non profit centers in the region. Generally classes are offered as single sessions at affordable prices. Their programs includes classes in: computer training, fitness, topical events, languages, history, music, health, guidance on successful aging and caregiver support.

Click links for the website: Montgomery College, Oasis, Live and Learn Bethesda, Senior Planet and OLLI.

Click here

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The following article was originally published in the County's Caregiver Blog

Life Long Learning in Montgomery County

Written by: Anthony Phan
(originally published 11/5/2018)

In the previous installment of this series, we explored the numerous resources available to anyone who wishes to join Montgomery County Recreation. In this installment, we will explore a different way to join the community: education. Learning is a skill that you can apply to anything in life—you could say that life itself is a learning process. For National Caregiving Month, it is fitting to emphasize the significance of education, since caregivers are teachers in their own respect. Through tender care and endless generosity, caregivers lead by example and demonstrate the power of listening. Tending to the needs of others is a task that translates well to education. For the lesson is that listening is learning. As a caregiver, it is crucial for you to tend to your own needs as well. Education serves as a means for you to rediscover yourself through intellectual enrichment and self-fulfillment. Here in Montgomery County, there are plenty of educational resources. However, one of the more well-known resources is Montgomery College.

This public, open access community college is home to nearly 60,000 credit and noncredit students. Don’t let that number deter you, though. Montgomery College is dispersed across three campuses: Rockville, Germantown, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring. Regardless of campus location, the faculty and staff are “dedicated to academic excellence and committed to student success.” The premise of this fully accredited institution resides in the description: it is a community college. Thus, it exists as a learning place for all. Montgomery College offers a great variety of affordable credit degree and certificate programs, which you can read about here. If commuting is not a viable option for you, then you can look into online learning. Another option to consider is the institution’s Workforce Development & Continuing Education (WDCE). These noncredit educational offerings allow you to pursue personal knowledge and growth without the pressure of academic credit. If you worry about finding time to take classes, the institution provides flexibility & convenience to accommodate your schedule. No matter what program you invest in, Montgomery College “empowers [you] to achieve success and create meaningful change,” both of which are beneficial to effective caregiving.

While classroom learning is a wonderful way to stimulate yourself intellectually, there are other ways to learn at Montgomery College. The institution offers a wide range of clubs & organizations, as well as athletic programs. To learn more about how to apply and register for classes, you can follow this link. For more information on paying for your education, read here. In addition to the aforementioned resources, Montgomery College provides quality counseling and advising services to help you succeed. If you have any additional questions, please contact the institution at (240) 567-5000, or response@montgomerycollege.edu.

In learning about others, we often learn more about ourselves. It is in doing so that we are able to flourish in society and radiate inspiration. As a caregiver, it behooves you to care for others as yourself. So accept this opportunity as our way of saying “thank you” during National Caregiving Month, and remember, to listen is to learn. As always, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below! Until next time.

Montgomery College is also home to the very popular LifeLong Learning Institute. 

Click here

Education, Advocacy & Shelter ELDERSAFE™ CENTER

The ElderSAFE Center is the first program of its kind in the Washington, DC metropolitan area to

provide safe temporary shelter to older adults experiencing elder abuse.

ElderSAFE has just released its ElderSAFE Community Resource Guide: click here to read and download it.

ElderSAFE Safeguarding seniors from abuse.
Our commitment to caring for older adults reaches beyond our campus. As an organization that is mission-driven and inspired by Jewish values, Charles E. Smith Life Communities has established the ElderSAFE Center, the first program of its kind in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, to provide safe temporary shelter, to coordinate and provide community referrals and to increase public awareness and education about elder abuse.

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse is the mistreatment of older adults in one or more of the following ways:

Physical: Use of force such as hitting or pushing; causing pain, harm, or physical injury; and inappropriate use of medications or physical restraints.
Sexual: Any type of non-consensual sexual contact.
Psychological: Mistreatment that affects emotional or mental health, including intimidation, threats, harassment, humiliation, belittlement, or isolation.
Neglect: Willful deprivation of basic needs including food, clothing, shelter, medicine, or personal hygiene.
Financial exploitation: Misuse of the older adult’s money, property, or resources.

ElderSAFE Center services
Safe, temporary shelter
Holistic therapy program
Confidential counseling
Medical services
Spiritual support
Physical and/or psychological therapy services
Safe discharge
Legal referrals
Community referrals and coordination with partner agencies
Local Resources

For emergencies, dial 9-1-1
Adult Protective Services

Montgomery County 240-777-3000
Other MD counties 1-800-332-6347
DC 202-541-3950
Virginia 1-888-832-3858

NAMI MC - Virtual Support Groups

Our scheduled online offerings for this week are BELOW. We require registration for each group you are interested in attending. To find out more about our groups on Zoom, visit namimc.org/zoom.    [PARENT] Family Support Group We have added a virtual NAMI Family Support Group specifically for parents and caregivers of individuals age 26 and under. Please only register for this group if your loved one with a mental health condition is age 26 or under. This new group will meet every other Tuesday at 7:00 PM beginning May 19th.    "Late Arrival" Policy Our groups "open" about 30 minutes before the official start time to allow for troubleshooting. If you are familiar with Zoom and do not need time prior to the meeting to adjust your settings, please join about 5 minutes before the official start time.    If you join AFTER the official start time, you are not guaranteed entry into the group. Our facilitators will not allow late arrivals past the initial "check-in" round which falls between 5-10 minutes after the start time.   Group Size & Waitlist NAMI MC limits our groups on Zoom to 16 registered participants. We ask that you please: ·         Only register for groups that you know you are able to attend. ·         Only register for groups that actually apply to you (for example, if you are seeking a Family Group, please do not register for a Connections Group).  ·         Notify NAMI MC of your pending absence if you are registered for a group and then become unable to attend. If you have questions about our Zoom groups, please contact NAMI MC's Program Team at programs@namimc.org. We look forward to - virtually - seeing you!

Get in touch! NAMI Montgomery County 9210 Corporate Blvd Rockville, Maryland 20850 (301) 949-5852 info@namimc.org Follow Us