March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 49 F

Caregiver Workshop Series To Begin

Diana MacNamara reads to children at Fort Brag...

Everyone has heard about caregiving, but what is available for the caregiver? A free series called “Caring for You” offers an opportunity for the caregivers to focus on themselves while handling their great responsibilities, too. Mary Fridley, registered nurse and founder of Gero-Resources, LLC, will conduct the series.

Offered in three parts, the Caring for You” series is presented by the National Family Caregiver Support Program at the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities. The series is scheduled at each of the county’s seven senior activity centers, with the first beginning on March 1.

The first workshop is called “Christmas in July?” Loved ones with dementia are trapped in the moment – there is no “before” or “after.” If these moments are boring, confusing, or frightening, they can result in challenging behaviors. Caregivers will learn how to identify and engage loved ones in meaningful activities to create joyful moments not only for their loved ones but for themselves, too.

The second workshop is called “Stop! I want to get off.” The caregiving experience is a roller coaster of emotions, and one wonders if the ride will ever end. Caregivers will learn about normal and not-so-normal emotions. They will learn how to effectively manage stress, understand something call the “Ah Ha!” moment, and learn essential coping skills to be able to enjoy the “ride.”

The third workshop is “Health is More than Physical.” Physical, emotional, and spiritual health are a package deal with one being dependent on the others. Caregivers will learn how to strengthen and maintain their “package deal” through good nutrition, setting and maintaining boundaries, and nurturing their spirits.

The series will be held:

  • Thursdays, March 1, 8, and 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the South County Senior Activity Center, 27 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater. The Elizabeth Cooney Care Network is sponsoring these workshops.
  • Mondays, March 12, 19, and 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the O’Malley Senior Activity Center, 1275 Odenton Road, Odenton. Kris-Leigh Assisted Living is sponsoring these workshops.
  • Thursdays, April 5, 12, and 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Arnold Senior Activity Center, 44 Church Road, Arnold.
  • Thursdays, May 3, 10, and 17, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Brooklyn Park Senior Activity Center, 202 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park.
  • Mondays, May 7, 14, and 21, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Annapolis Senior Activity Center, 119 S. Villa Ave., Annapolis. Home Instead Senior Care is sponsoring these workshops.
  • Tuesdays, May 15, 22, and 29, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Pascal Senior Activity Center, 125 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie. Fairfield Nursing and Rehabilitation is sponsoring these workshops.
  • Thursdays, June 14, 21, and 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Pasadena Senior Activity Center, 4103 Mountain Road, Pasadena.

While the Department of Aging and Disabilities is grateful to the sponsors, the Department does not endorse any particular vendor or business. Anne Arundel County reserves the right to approve or refuse potential sponsors.

Anyone needing accommodations must contact Mary Chaput, director of the National Family Caregiver Support Program, at 410-222-4464, Ext. 3045, or by e-mail at
[email protected] at least seven days in advance of the event. TTY users, please call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1-. All materials will be available in alternative formats upon request.

To register for the workshop series, call 410-222-4464, Ext. 3043, or register online at www.aacounty.org/aging and scroll down to the Caregiver section.

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