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. ___________________________
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have launched an initiative to begin a conversation with people who provide care for a loved one, friend or neighbor. The Ask Medicare initiative will provide information, tools and materials to assist the caregiver and their loved ones in making informed healthcare decisions. There are over 44.4 million Americans, more than one in five adults, who provide unpaid care to a loved one valued at a staggering $350 billion (in 2006) each year. It is important to raise national awareness of the critical service provided by caregivers in communities across the country. CMS hopes to help these caregivers navigate through the tools that can significantly improve their life and that of their loved one. Medicare's newly designed web page is www.medicare.gov/caregiver . The web tools provide information about what the Medicare program covers and how to access other important resources to help in care through links directly to the organizations. A bi-monthly e-newsletter will provide information on important dates (i.e. open enrollment), changes in the programs (i.e. changes in coverage of certain services), and general basic information to caregivers about the Medicare program. Through the web site and electronic newsletter CMS would like to build a relationship with caregivers to help streamline caring for Medicare beneficiaries and hopefully, lighten the load of caregiving. |
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Changes are certain in later life. Changes require individuals to make choices. People may choose to accept, adapt, or otherwise take action to positively deal with change. Stress is a natural response to change. Common categories of changes and challenges associated with aging include: Managing time Managing health Responding to pain or disability Negotiating new systems Relationship resolutions/development Social adjustments Self regard and esteem Bereavement, grief and loss Professional identity Functional ability Financial resources Physical attributes Cultural status Home environment
These categories represent significant aspects of life. Changes that are unexpected, unwanted or otherwise challenging may cause too much stress and have negative consequences, no matter how hard we try to stay positive. It is a good idea to monitor stress levels and to take action to get help when changes and challenges feel overwhelming or too difficult. Getting support for life changes is a positive step to maintain good mental health. Contact Baltimore County Department of Aging Senior Information and Assistance at 410-887-2594 for resources to deal with the challenges associated with aging, for yourself or for a loved one or friend. Used with permission. Maryland Coalition on Mental Health & Aging at 410-235-1178 and at www.mdaging.org. Back to top ____________________________ Maintain a connection with your aging relative by using the five senses. Touch: holding hands, brushing hair, or offering gentle massage are ways to reassure your loved one of your presence. Smell and Taste: a fragrant flower or delicious food can help your family member experience simple pleasures. Vision: relaxing videos with soothing music can offer a quiet diversion. Hearing: reading poems or books using a soft and soothing tone can be comforting.
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Caregiver Question: I thought the Medicaid Waiver Program paid families to care for their loved ones. Isn’t that true? Answer: The goal of Medicaid’s Home and Community Based Services waiver is to enable older adults to remain in a community setting even though their advanced age or disability would warrant placement in a long-term care facility. Services covered by Medicaid Waiver for Older Adults include assisted living facilities, personal care services, accessibility adaptations, assistive devices, short term respite care services, emergency response systems, home delivered meals, training, and home visits with consultants and/or case managers. Those who are interested in waiver services must put their name on the Waiver Services Registry by calling toll free 1-866-417-3480. When waiver slots are available, individuals must meet medical, financial, and technical guidelines to be eligible for waiver services. For eligible clients, the State will pay for covered services to enable them to stay in the community. Some family members may be able to apply to the State and become approved providers of personal care services. Contact Maryland Department of Aging Medicaid Waiver at 410-767-1118. Back to top
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Do you have an adult loved one who has severe developmental disabilities? And, is your family is need of respite care? Maryland’s State Residential Centers (SRC) are here for you and your family’s respite care needs. Maryland law HB475 (2004) and SB920 (2007) requires that there be reservable space at the state residential centers for families needing respite care. Holly Center in Salisbury, MD at 410-572-6200 Potomac Center in Hagerstown, MD at 240-313-3500 Brandenburg Center in Cumberland, MD at 301-777-2250
This information was provided by MCAR (Maryland Coalition of Advocates for individuals with Retardation). MCAR is a statewide coordinating coalition that seeks to advocate for individuals with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities (MR/DD) and work for accountability, choice and quality in a wide range of services for those individuals and their families. Learn more at http://www.mcar.info. Back to top
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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: January: Attitude of Gratitude by The Mental Health Association of MD. February: Vitamins, Herbs and Natural Remedies by Rebecca Snow, MS, CNS, RH (AGH). March: Better Living Through Chemistry by Baltimore County Department of Health.
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 __________________________
A Caregiver Stress Management Cruise© (C.S.M. Cruise) is a travel package designed to offer much needed respite, relaxation, entertainment, fun, and educational support for family and professional caregivers. The activities designed for the C.S.M. Cruise are for caregivers only, coordinated by a Geriatric Social Worker with over 20 years experience. Activities can include facilitated support group meetings, simple meditation exercises, and short workshops with guest speakers. The Cruises promote interaction with other caregivers onboard, sharing stories and helpful strategies for optimizing caregiving at home. Townsend, Toal & Taft, Openseas Travel, LLC is a member of the Ticket to Travel Group with their main office in Durham, North Carolina. You must book with them to participate in the Caregiver Stress Management Cruise©. Mark your calendars, cruises are now being booked for February and September 2010. View a video on the web site to better understand what they offer at www.caregivercruises.com . Call Openseas Travel at 919-402-8900. Editor's note: This is provided for your information only. Baltimore County Department of Aging does not specifically endorse this or any travel service. Back to top _________________________ Revised March 24, 2009 | 
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