The 2010 Session of the General Assembly has been convened for a month.  This past month has been filled with briefings, status reports from Governor O’Malley’s administration on needed State initiatives, and many bills from my fellow legislators concerning a broad spectrum of issues.

Most committees suspended their public hearings last week due to the severe snow we suffered. This week hearings started anew, and the bill hearings scheduled for last week have been rescheduled. Like most of you, I spent most of the week digging out of the snow and being without power for part of the week.

One of the highlights of the session for me is to meet with constituents to hear their views and concerns.  When the United Seniors were in Annapolis on January 19th, I was approached by several people about what services that might be available to someone who cares for a senior.  I realize that this is becoming more of a concern so I thought it might be helpful to provide more information.

I contacted the Department of Human Resources to see who administered programs for seniors.  I soon got a call from Felicia French at the Department of Aging about a program called the National Family Caregiver Support Program which is housed in the 19 local Area Agencies on Aging throughout the State of Maryland.  It also supports Grandparent caregivers who are taking care of their grandchildren.  The following is the information she provided.

National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)

In 2000, the Administration on Aging established the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) to provide information and services to family caregivers in support of the work that they do to care for their loved ones.  Caregivers of any age may benefit from the program.  This program is administered by the Maryland Department of Aging through its network of 19 Area Agencies on Aging.

There are two categories of caregivers who can take advantage of services:

  • Caregivers who are caring for someone older than age 60. While many caregivers are family members, this program also includes caregivers who are not related by blood or marriage.
  • Grandparents and other relative caregivers over the age of 55 who are caring for a child age 18 or under and Grandparent or relative caregivers, providing care for adult children with a disability between 19 and 59 years of age.  The caregivers must be age 55 years and older and cannot be the child’s natural or adoptive parent.
  • This program is also for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder.   The caregiver should be at least 18 years of age and can be caring for anyone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia-related illness at any age.

The priority population includes those with greatest social and economic need with particular attention to low-income older individuals.

The NFCSP provides assistance to caregivers in five categories of services:

  • Information to caregivers about available services from aging and other resources
  • Assistance to caregivers in gaining access to services, including case management
  • Education, Training, & Supports – individual counseling, organization of support groups, and caregiver training, educational presentations, & support groups
  • Respite Care – to enable caregivers to be temporarily relieved from their care giving responsibilities.  Services can be provided in-home, including personal care and chore services, out-of-home, e.g., assisted living or nursing home, and in day care situations
  • Supplemental Services – to complement the care provided by caregivers.  Examples include medical supplies, transportation, and other items needed by families

For more information about this program or to request information or services, contact our local Area Agency on Aging.  The number in Charles County is 301-934-9305.

The next week I noticed in the Maryland Independent that Chesapeake-Potomac Home Health (CPHHA) offers an elder care provider referral service.  By calling 877-770-1847, seniors and caregivers can obtain resource and contact information for many elder care issues.

SeniorLink is a free service offered by CPHHA to tri-county residents and provides information on topics from health care to legal advice, from financial assistance to finding affordable meal solutions.

I wanted to send this information to you as many of you are experiencing stress finding help to care for senior members of your family.  This points out that these same situations affect many of our neighbors and we are not alone.  I hope this helps.

Thank you for keeping me informed and trusting me to help get the answers you need.  I intend to send out these news updates throughout the session as appropriate.  If you get a chance and want to see more about how I spend my days in Annapolis, please visit my website at www.delegatepetermurphy.com.  Thank you for electing me to represent you in District 28.

If you have friends who would like to receive my updates and newsletters –  please have them e-mail me at peter.murphy@house.state.md.us and we will add them to our list.