Caregiver Connection: October, November, December 2024

The Caregiver Connection Newsletter is a free publication of the Baltimore County Department of Aging (BCDA).

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

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STORIES IN THIS ISSUE:

ANNUAL CAREGIVER CONFERENCE

Join Baltimore County Department of Aging Caregiver Support Program for the Annual Caregiver Conference. This year’s topic is “You Have a Voice: Navigating Difficult Conversations in Caregiving.” During your caregiving journey, you might be tasked with initiating and navigating conversations that are stressful, uncomfortable, and even undesirable. Although difficult, these conversations are necessary to cultivate a healthier relationship with your care partner and support network that could consist of partners, siblings, other family, and healthcare professionals. This year’s conference will be hosted at Parkville Senior Center on Thursday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Doors open at 9:15 a.m.

The keynote will be: The Conversation Project—How to talk about wishes for care through the end of life. Kate DeBartolo, Senior Director of The Conversation Project, Institute for Healthcare Improvement, strives to help everyone talk about their wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. Join this session to learn ice breakers, tips and tricks, and messaging ideas for how to have these conversations with the important people in your life. "How to Talk about Wishes for Care Through the End of Life" with Kate DeBartolo, Senior Director of The Conversation Project, Institute for Healthcare Improvement, strives to help everyone talk about their wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. Join this session to learn ice breakers, tips and tricks, and messaging ideas for how to have these conversations with the important people in your life.

Breakout sessions will include:

  • “Navigating Challenging Conversations in the Healthcare Setting” with MedStar Good Samaritan Physician, Dr. Hennawi and Geriatric Social Worker, Margi Lenz, LCSW-C
  • “Should I? Could I? Yes I Can! Having that First Conversation about Cognitive Challenges” with Lisa Clerman, CTRS, CDP, CADDCT, CMCM Memory Care Resource Coordinator at Edenwald
  • "Legal Planning Conversations" with Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

A small continental breakfast and lunch will be provided at no cost. The attendance limit is 90. Registration is required for attendance. All fields must be filled in to register.

Register online

Health literacy

October is Health Literacy Month. According to the Center for Disease Control, health literacy is defined as one’s ability to use health information rather than just understand it to then make “well-informed” decisions rather than “appropriate” ones. From an individual standpoint, health literacy begins by advocating for yourself to receive what you believe is quality care. Advocacy can look be asking questions when you do not understand what is occurring within your or care partner’s care plan, familiarizing yourself with patient navigators and liaisons on the health care team for a more seamless experience, and being prepared to admit that you need more assistance with your situation. If you or your care partner are preparing for a medical procedure, consider writing down a list of questions in preparation such as:

  • What is the name of the surgical procedure?
  • Why do I need this surgery?
  • What result should I expect from the surgery?
  • Are there any non-surgical options?
  • How can I find out the cost of the surgery?
  • What kind of preparation is needed for the surgery?
  • What complications might be done as a result of the surgery?

To learn more ways to have important conversations with your healthcare team, join us at the Annual Conference.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Health Literacy

dental hygiene

As a caregiver for an older adult and for yourself, it is important to note that gum disease is linked to stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and other serious health problems. Good oral hygiene and a healthy mouth not only helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, it allows people to eat more easily, experience less tooth pain and loss and gives one more confidence in their smile.

In addition to the tips below about dental care, be sure that your care partner visits a dentist for regularly for appointments. Under normal circumstances, people should visit the dentist twice throughout the year. Only a dentist can evaluate the condition of the person’s mouth and provide a thorough teeth cleaning or denture analysis.

Dental Care Tips for Caregivers

  • Establish a routine. Having an established routine can reduce anxiety and increase compliance. Make it part of their routine to brush teeth after having breakfast and before going to bed.
  • Use a power toothbrush. A power toothbrush requires less dexterity and could be easier for individuals to use if they have difficulty holding a thin toothbrush.
  • Floss daily.
  • Rinse dentures after every meal.
  • Remove and clean dentures daily.
  • Swish with water or mouthwash.

Source: Coast Dental, Dental Care Tips for Caregivers

national caregiver month—thank you

Caregiving is often times a 24/7 job. Whether you are providing physical care, making doctor’s appointments, getting prescriptions filled or delivering groceries. No task is too small. The Baltimore County Department of Aging’s Caregiver Support Program would like to say that we recognize your hard work, dedication and selflessness which goes into being a caregiver. This month we would like to recognize, thank and applaud you for taking on your caregiving role.

gratitude: Self-care tips during the holidays

The holidays can be a time of mixed emotions and extra stress for caregivers. There are happy celebrations, special traditions, and wonderful memories. But there can also be unpleasant family members, grief for those who have passed, and an overwhelming to-do list. In the midst of all of this, try practicing gratitude, which is a proven stress reliever. It changes your perspective and helps you see that there is always some good in life, even in tough times. To help you focus on the positive moments, jot down three things you’re grateful for, do a quick gratitude exercise found in "The Gratitude Journal: Prompts, PDFs and Worksheets" on positivepsychology.com or tell someone why you’re grateful for them.

Balancing Mental Health Through Dance

Many consider dancing to be fun and a way to celebrate during joyous occasions, but evidence also suggests it can be a powerful tool for boosting mental health and well-being. Researchers have found that dancing can improve mood, combat depression, boost brain function, foster happiness, and even improve relationships. It can also improve psychological coping and overall well-being. Additionally, different forms of dance can affect mental health in different ways. Synchronized dance enables people to feel closer to one another whereas free-flowing dance can give people more confidence and compassion (Very Well Mind, 2024).

If you never considered dancing due or shy away from it due to self-consciousness, you are not alone. Consider taking lessons or practicing with a friend if you want to increase your confidence. Remember that most people are too focused on their own dancing and having a good time. Once you get on the dance floor, you might realize what you’ve been missing out on! Check out the Baltimore County Senior Centers and Wellness Programs for a dance class, if you are over 55, and have a ball!

Source: Very Well Mind, How Dancing Helps Your Mental Health

trualta website

Coming Soon to the Caregiver Support Program is the Trualta website. This website will provide a virtual caregiver engagement platform to help families build skills, increase confidence and feel less alone in their caregiving journey. Access to Trualta will provide you with videos, support groups, eLearning content and much more, all from the comfort of your home. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months!  

The book nook

"Four Essential Keys to Effective Communication in Love, Life, Work—Anywhere!" by Bento C. Leal III

This 'how-to guide' teaches some of the key skills that can help identify and overcome communication barriers. Since healthy communication is at the center of all great relationships, it is important to create and maintain that foundation with your loved ones. This guide contains self-review questions, and action items at the end of several of the chapters for an interactive reading experience. The skills learned in this book can help you to listen with greater empathy, avoid listening blocks to effective communication, manage conflicts calmly and more.

PAST EDITIONS OF CAREGIVER CONNECTION

Read past editions of the Caregiver Connection newsletter: