Howard County Resource Guide 2018

O F F I C E O N A G I N G A N D I N D E P E N D E N C E P R O G R A M S 50 H OWA R D C O U N T Y R E S O U R C E G U I D E 2 0 1 7 Kindred Spirits Social Club When a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another disorder that significantly affects one’s memory, the immediate response from the individual and his or her family/ caregiver may be,“Now what?”Howard County worked with the Greater Maryland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association to create a wonderful response to this question.The response is the Kindred Spirits Social Club. Purpose of the group The purpose of the Kindred Spirits Social Club, a fee for service program, is to provide a place for people diagnosed with early stage memory problems to interact with others walking the same journey. In the early stages of memory impairment there are many changes through which the individual will go. Kindred Spirits provides a place to work through those issues with others who are also navigating this emotional time. The Club provides educational, supportive and social opportunities in a small group setting. Offerings include speakers, music, art, exercise, yoga, outings, and more. The Social Club does not replace any medical treatment plan or program.The Club meets Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to 1pm at the Glenwood Senior Center Plus site at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD 21723 and Tuesdays and Thursdays at the North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel, MD 20723. Who can benefit from Kindred Spirits Social Club? An initial screening and interview are completed to ensure the individual’s ability to benefit from the social club. • Members must have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related memory disorder, be aware of the diagnosis and acknowledge his/her memory loss. • Members must understand the purpose of the Social Club and be interested and willing to participate. • Members must be able and willing to discuss feelings and experiences related to the illness in a small group setting. • Members may not have serious conditions that might put him/her or others in the Club at risk. It’s a transition program Kindred Spirits Social Club is a transition group. Members remain active as long as they can participate fully in the day-to-day activities of the program. In order to insure that the group is meeting the needs of all the participants, members are re-evaluated every six months, or sooner if the staff observes a change in the person’s ability to function in the Club. Changes that may require re-evaluation are: • Inability to understand or contribute to group discussion in a meaningful way • Inability to stay on task • Difficulty sitting in the group during the day • Disruptive behavior • Incontinence requiring assistance with toileting on a regular basis Information about changes is shared with the caregiver. The caregiver and the member are encouraged to visit with a health care practitioner about any concerns noted before a transition decision is made. The staff works with the family and the member to ensure a smooth transition to an appropriate program consistent with the care plan. The member and caregiver are also provided with community resource information and assistance. Goal The goal of the Club is to provide a fun, entertaining and safe place to share the good and the bad of each day one lives with memory issues. It is a place to laugh; to create; to entertain and be entertained; to work through losses and challenges; and to thrive. To learn more and to apply to the program, please call the Social Club Facilitator at 410-313- 5441. It’s a name and a feeling

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