Page 49 - May 2021 Issue.indd

Caroline Medical Adult Day Care Yet, as we age, many of us are alone more often than when

we were younger, leaving us vulnerable to social isolation
by Carole Friend LMSW
and loneliness, and related health problems such as cognitive
decline, depression, and heart disease. What is loneliness?
With great joy we are so excited to announce the reopening of
Loneliness is a lack of belonging, loneliness provokes despair,
the Caroline Medical Adult Day Care. Presently, the medical
becoming stuck. Research has linked social isolation and
day center is preparing for a Reopening sometime in late
spring which is just around the corner. As our community loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental
reopens we all continue to practice universal safety measures conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a
weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive
such a mask wearing, hand washing, and safe distancing.
decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death. Fortunately,
Caroline Medical Adult Day Care will assiduously continue
to practice the safest of measures for our participants, staff , there are ways to counteract these negative eff ects. Equally,
people who engage in meaningful, productive activities with
and community.
others tend to live longer, boost their mood, and have a sense
What a year it has been since the Medical Adult Day Center of purpose. These activities seem to help maintain their well-

received the temporary closure order from the State on March being and may improve their cognitive function, studies show.
13, 2020. If you are interested in the services Medical Adult
Day Care off ers, please contact the Center at 410-479-8065. Research found that being alone and loneliness are diff erent
The Medical Adult Day Center offers medical oversight, health but related. Social isolation is the objective physical separation

from other people (living alone), while loneliness is the
services, nutritional services, personal care services, social
subjective distressed feeling of being alone or separated. It’s
activities, and respite for caregivers and assistance with social
services.
Caregivers, we hope you are all doing well and remembering
Our
Our
to practice self-care. Remember, if you need help, call the Our
Community
Maryland 211 for assistance and resources. If you are in need Community
Community
of help with caregiving due to Covid-19, call the Maryland
NEEDS
NEEDS
Caregivers for Seniors Corp at 211 or 800-337-8958. Seniors NEEDS
or their loved ones may request assistance from the Caregiver YOU!
YOU!
YOU!
Services Corps if a friend or family member who typically
provides care becomes temporarily unavailable. Volunteers can
be deployed to seniors’ homes to provide assistance, including
with maintaining daily hygiene routines, preparing meals, YMCA CAROLINE MENTORING PROJECT
picking up groceries or medications, or connecting virtually Do you want a free MEMBERSHIP? Do you want to
with health care providers.
make a difference in our Community? Do you wish to
Those in need of assistance should call 211 to be connected impact the lives of our youth in a positive way? This is

with the Caregiver Services Corps Help Center. Trained staff your opportunity to change a life forever! Caroline
at the Call Center will triage the caller’s needs and help match Mentoring Project is looking for Mentors now!
them with a volunteer. The Call Center is available 7 days a

• Training and support for mentors is provided.
week and is capable of taking calls in many languages.
• Monthly outgoings are planned for the program.
Caregivers, keep in mind the Hotline phone number for AFA • Each mentor receives full membership from the
is 866-232-8484. In addition, visit the website for helpful YMCA of Chesapeake during the months of the
information and daily activity videos. Remember, the internet program (Sept-Aug).
is full of helpful resources; if you have internet access, please • Connection to community resources to help in the
utilize it and explore resources. relationship between mentor and mentee.
One thing we have learned throughout the pandemic is the For more information contact Angel Perez, Program
importance of human connection. The National Alliance Coordinator at 410-479-3060 or
on Mental Illness (NAMI) recognizes May as Mental Health carolineymcamentoring@ymcachesapeake.org.
Awareness month. Once more we are reminded from NAMI
that “we are not alone” in addition to the importance of CAROLINE COUNTY FAMILY YMCA
staying connected to our community. For much of our elder A Branch of the
community the feeling of being alone and isolation is a known YMCA of the Chesapeake
struggle. 46 Denton Plaza
Denton, MD 21629
NIH reminds us of how social isolation and loneliness pose
410.479.3060
health risks in older people. Human beings are social creatures.
www.ymcachesapeake.org
Our connection to others enables us to survive and thrive.
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