Long-term services for the aging community
It can be difficult to watch our loved ones age, but even more difficult when they need long-term care to perform ever yday activities. The Aging and Human Ser vices Division, within the Department of Community Ser vices, is your resource for learning about the long-term care options available to you or your loved ones.
Our staff can provide you with lists of state licensed, assisted living facilities; nursing care facilities; and in-home care ser vices, such as personal care and housekeeping services. Our staff can also assist with Medicaid waiver ser vices, which are state medical assistance programs that provide financial assistance for community-based care to individuals who would otherwise require a nursing home. Individuals must meet both medical and financial criteria to receive a waiver for assisted living or in-home care.
Proper nutrition is important for senior health and wellness. All individuals aged 60 and older are eligible for the senior nutrition programs. One of these programs is congregate meals at senior centers. Senior citizens can visit one of the centers — Richard R. Clark (1210 Charles St., La Plata), Indian Head (100 Cornwallis Square, Indian Head), Nanjemoy (4375 Port Tobacco Road, Nanjemoy), or Waldorf (3090 Crain Highway, Waldorf) — and socialize as they eat a nutritious lunch. Seniors and their spouses who are homebound due to illness or disability, and unable to prepare meals may be eligible for the Meals-On-Wheels program. Referrals can also be made for food pantries or other emergency food ser vices; private-pay ser vices; and independent contractors who may be hired by families to provide other supportive in-home care services.
If you have an elderly loved one living alone, it might be time to get them a personal emergency response system. This ser vice allows you to call for emergency help with the touch of a button. Our staff can help you find out which ser vices might be best for you.
It can be difficult caring for an elderly adult without assistance or support. The Aging Division is a designated agency in the National Family Caregivers Support Program. Through the program, you can receive caregiver training, support groups, and supplemental services. Support groups meet on the last Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. at the Richard R. Clark Senior Center. Call the center at 301-934-5423 for details. There are also outof-the-home respite options, such as Adult Day Care and Senior Center Plus, that offer super vision and socialization for seniors, while providing a break for their caregiver. Fees are charged by day and transportation may be included in daily fee.
The Aging and Human Ser vices Division is the lead agency for the Mar yland Access Point for Charles County. To learn more about long-term care services, call our staff at 301-934-0103 or toll free at 1-855-843-9725. For more information about our aging community offerings, visit www. CharlesCountyMD.gov/cs/ aging/aging-and-senior-programs. We look for ward to speaking with you and helping you discover options that fit your long-term care needs.
Dina Barclay is the acting director of Charles County Department of Community Services.