In 2018, 110,000 Maryland residents had dementia. This number is projected to increase over the next decade as Baby Boomers age. More than 294,000 Maryland caregivers provided 334,000,000 hours of unpaid care in 2017. Caregiving can be exhausting, rewarding, and sometimes both at the same time. With the right resources, caregiving can feel less overwhelming. Here are the best dementia resources in central Maryland.
1. Long-Term Planning
There’s no way to predict the course of dementia, so it’s important to have a plan in place for every contingency. The following resources can help you develop a plan:
- Maryland’s Area Agencies on Aging offer a wide range of support services. Contact the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence for help connecting to local resources.
- Get legal advice and help from the National Academy of Elder Lawyers.
- Connect to a local elder law expert by contacting the Maryland Bar Association.
2. Healthcare Support
As your loved one’s healthcare needs change and evolve, navigating the healthcare system can be challenging. These resources may help:
- Maryland’s State Plan on Aging offers statistics and projections for the future, as well as information about state resources.
- The Senior Health Insurance Program offers advice and assistance to seniors on Medicare and Medicaid.
- The Maryland Department of Aging’s Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention services provide a wealth of insights on common age-related health conditions.
- MAP Information and Assistance is a comprehensive guide to various aging and long-term care resources. If you’re not sure what you need or where to find it, MAP is your best bet for starting the process.
3. Caregiver Support
It’s not enough to just take care of your loved one. You also have to take care of yourself. A number of caregiver resources can help you maintain your sanity and feel less alone:
- Join the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Maryland for in-person and online support, as well as access to fundraisers and Alzheimer’s awareness events.
- Attend caregiver support groups every second Saturday at Bethany United Methodist Church.
- Join Geisinger Health’s weekly expert-facilitated Beyond Alzheimer’s support group and roundtable.
- Connect to Howard County’s Caregiver Support Program, which offers access to support groups, information on dementia, and help navigating the long-term care system.
4. Finding Senior Care Options
The dizzying array of senior care options—in-home care, adult daycare, residential senior living, and more—can feel overwhelming. Here are some resources that can help you find the right option for your loved one:
- Search for long-term care options, including nursing care, senior living, adult daycare, and more, on the Maryland Health Care Commision site.
- Sign up for Howard County’s Congregate Lunch Program, which offers quality nutrition to seniors who live at home.
- Visit the Maryland Department of Public Health’s list of medical daycares.
- Learn about Maryland’s fall prevention program, which can help your loved one stay in their home longer.
- Get help from the Senior Call Check Program, which calls seniors daily to check on them.
Residential senior living offers all-in-one care that includes gourmet meals, plenty of activities, and help when your loved one needs it. Arbor has served Maryland seniors for 30 years. We know how to help seniors of all ages and ability levels shape the retirement of their dreams. Give us a call to learn more!