The Caregiver Connection is a free publication of the Baltimore County Department of Aging. If you would like to subscribe, update, or cancel your e-subscription, you may do so online at http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/subscribe/caregiver. To read past editions of Caregiver Connection, view the online archives. ___________________________
Stories in this Issue: __________________________
Join in a free Mini-Conference presented by Baltimore County Department of Aging. Information session topics designed for family caregivers of older adults include: Resources and services for seniors and families Tips to deal with your role as “family caregiver” Answers to your challenging caregiving questions
When: Sunday, November 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. Where: Pikesville Senior Center, 1301 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, 21208 For more information, contact Senior Information and Assistance at 410-887-2594. Back to top ____________________________
I don’t have the time. I don’t have anyone to care for my loved one. I don’t want to hear other peoples’ problems. I work. I am too exhausted. I’m not a group person. I may cry. Things aren’t that bad yet. My loved one will have to use the restroom while I’m in the meeting. My loved one and I never do anything apart.
Written and submitted by Mary Faith Ferretto, LCSW-C, C-ASWCM, president of Ferretto Eldercare Consulting, Inc. at www.ferrettoeldercare.com, and 410-661-6720. Back to top ____________________________
Often the benefits of a caregiver support group are lost before it is even tried. One may need to take the time, in order to learn new ways of saving time. Tricks and tips are shared in support groups. Many groups offer respite care with skilled caregivers on-site that can assist loved ones during the meeting. Home care agencies with skilled aide services hired for a few hours is money well spent, and an investment in the long-term plan. Or, take a friend or neighbor up on an offer to help. Several hours of companionship and supervision of a loved one equals a refreshed caregiver, who can return home with a new perspective or a fresh idea. Support groups are not just a circle of people venting and expressing their woes, although sometimes that does happen. A skilled group leader can turn a difficult situation into a conversation of helpful solutions where imaginative problem solving takes place. There are group meetings during the day, in the evenings, on weekends. There are groups at all times and on all days of the week, and in all counties. Working caregivers can use a lunch time, take comp time, or make arrangements with the supervisor to work late, or make up time. Often times caregivers leave a support group with a higher step, a lighter load, and a better mood. It can give energy and hopefulness, and relieve depression. Some folks say they aren’t the sharing type. Try it. And try it again. Most stay, and look forward to meetings, as they can exhale, relax, and be understood by others who walk in their shoes. A lot of heads nod! Everything that is said in the room, stays in the room. And it is okay to show emotion. There is usually a box of tissues on the table. Expressing feelings is healthy, and normal, and healing. If crying happens, it is okay. Many times layers of denial take hold, until one hears from a peer. Common threads start to appear, and a caregiver realizes that others’ issues sound familiar. Education takes place in the groups. Learning about risks and realities is a big step toward planning for future and current needs. It is healthy to share about a loved one’s illness and daily challenges, and to offer support to others in similar situations. It is healthy for both caregiver and loved one to have separate activities and experiences at times. The majority of folks that attend a group for the first time say, “Why didn’t I do this years ago.” Condensed with permission from the writer, Mary Faith Ferretto, LCSW-C, C-ASWCM, president of Ferretto Eldercare Consulting, Inc. at www.ferrettoeldercare.com, and 410-661-6720. Back to top
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Come away awhile; let us care for you at Bon Secours Spiritual Center in Marriotsville. If you are a caregiver, often you are considered the pillar of strength in your particular situation. We understand the cost of that strength and the burdens of putting yourself at the service of another: the lack of personal time, and the lost energy for other roles. We want you to be well and will spend a “low key” morning or evening of personal sharing, answer seeking, being cared for and comforted. We will explore emotions and issues about grief and guilt and the joys and satisfactions connected with personal care giving. We will pray for you and your loved ones, and offer spiritual support to help you in your care efforts. Winter schedule: - Thursday, October 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday, November 7 from 9 to 11 a.m.
- Wednesday, November 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday, December 5 from 9 to 11 a.m.
- Wednesday, December 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 per session or free will offering for anyone whose personal situation does not permit the full payment. For more information or to register, contact Bon Secours Spiritual Center at 410-442-3120 and www.BonSecoursSpiritualCenter.org Back to top
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The U.S. Department of Labor has launched a redesigned www.Disability.gov to connect the more than 50 million Americans with disabilities to valuable resources. The site covers: Benefits Civil Rights Community life Education Emergency preparedness Employment Health Housing Technology Transportation
It also includes social media tools, such as a blog and Twitter feed, to encourage feedback and interaction among visitors. On the www.Disability.gov web site you can: Find a job Learn about disability laws Learn about transition services for youth Get help starting a small business Find health care Apply for disability benefits Apply for scholarships Find housing Learn about assistive technology Find federal government grants
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Today’s world offers many opportunities to improve your health and well being through medical advances and access to information through the internet. Throughout 2009, Baltimore County Department of Aging is offering 12 topics in all 19 senior centers to show how to optimize your quality of life and thus extend life’s warranty. Upcoming topics include: October is “Naturopathic Medicine: How It Works” by American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. November is “Exercise and Physical Activity” by Towson University Department of Health Services. December is “Vision Screening” by Maryland Society for Sight and Parris Castoro.
All presentations are open to the public and free of charge. For more information and a schedule, call Senior Information and Assistance at 410-887-2594. Back to top __________________________
Medicare Interactive, a free online quick-reference tool brought to you by the Medicare Rights Center, puts easy to understand answers about Medicare benefits and options right at your fingertips. At www.medicareinteractive.org learn about: Pharmaceutical assistance programs Medi-gaps How Medicare coordinates with Medicaid Printable checklists and charts Link to useful MD offices and agencies Real case examples Medicare-covered services Coordination of benefits The Prescription drug coverage gap And much more
Back to top _________________________ Revised October 9, 2009 | 
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