The Senior Citizen’s guide to baltimore
Contents
Featured Articles
Quick Tips for Making Retirement Living Decisions.......................3
Free Phones........................................................................................5
Mob Town Defeats the Mobs
and Builds a Career Fire Department in the 19th Century...............7
Clinical Trials and Research Studies..............................................10
When a Friend is Ill.........................................................................14
Thumb Pain: A Common and Treatable Condition...........................16
What You Need to Know When Buying
Your First Set of Hearing Aids.........................................................18
Helpful Hints to “Rightsize” Your Home.........................................20
Alzheimer’s Disease 101..................................................................22
Boomers
Resource Guide
A License to Steal: Power of Attorney Abuse in Maryland............................................... 26
Exhausted? Ask the Expert........................................................................................... 28
When Someone You Know is Depressed....................................................................... 30
Adult Day Services...................................................................................................... 31
Planning Issues to Address Upon Retirement............................................................... 33
Resource Directory
Arts / Entertainment.......................................35
Adult Day Services........................................37
Advocacy / Referral Services.........................37
Assistive Devices...........................................38
Bus Tours.......................................................38
Cancer............................................................38
Caregivers’ Support.......................................38
Clinical Trials.................................................39
Crohn’s Disease / Colitis................................39
Dental.............................................................39
Diabetes ........................................................39
Depression / Mental Illness............................39
Elder Abuse....................................................39
Employment / Volunteerism...........................40
Eye Care.........................................................40
Financial / Insurance......................................40
Geriatric Care Management...........................40
Hearing...........................................................41
Home Healthcare...........................................41
Hospitals / Medical Centers...........................41
Independent Living........................................43
Kidney............................................................43
Legal Assistance.............................................43
Libraries.........................................................44
Lung Disease..................................................46
Mental Health.................................................46
Multiple Sclerosis..........................................46
Parkinson’s Disease.......................................46
Pharmaceuticals.............................................46
Research Studies............................................46
Senior Centers................................................47
Senior Living Options....................................48
Veteran Support..............................................48
SeniorCitizensGuide.com/baltimore
1
by Tricia Ourand
The Senior Citizen's Guide to
Baltimore is a bi-annual publication that
is released during the spring and fall.
To request copies of the guide please
e-mail info@spindlepub.com
The Senior Citizen’s Guide to Baltimore is a semi-annual
publication of Spindle Publishing Company, Inc. Every
effort has been made to include correct and current
information. However, the Senior Citizen’s Guide to
Baltimore or its publisher cannot accept any responsibility
for inaccuracies or omissions. Mention or editorial
inclusion of any organization or business does not
constitute endorsement. Mention of AARP or its website
does not constitute endorsement by AARP or its website.
Cover photo purchased from www.shutterstock.com
© Spindle Publishing Company, Inc.
Spindle Publishing Company, Inc.
2275 Swallow Hill Rd, Building 800
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Phone: 412-278-4900 • Fax: 412-278-4906
www.seniorcitizensguide.com
Publication Manager
Erin Schutt
Group Publication Manager
Jennifer Rogers
Publisher
Naresh Dewan
Administrator
Diane Koch
Creative Services
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Dalene Renner, Kristie Rae Sirakos, Erin Wolfe
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Home
Quick Tips for Making
Retirement Living Decisions
T
here are a lot of reasons seniors choose to live in a retirement
community: freedom from home maintenance and chores; a full
social life; a healthier lifestyle with well-balanced food and convenient
service; a helping hand when you need it.
Start Early to Research Your Options
If there’s one thing people continually tell us about making the
move to senior living, it’s that they wish they’d done it sooner. It is well
documented that reducing stress and tough-to-manage chores increases
well-being and enjoyment of life. Some communities have waiting lists
or may have health requirements for the kind of living you want. You’ll
want to give yourself plenty of time to look into your choices.
Some of the most important factors to consider when making this
decision are:
• The types of services that would be most helpful such as interior
and exterior maintenance or transportation
• The degree of physical assistance or care needed today or that
might be required in the future
• Proximity to one’s current cultural, religious, civic and religious
activities as well as doctors’ offices and other trusted medical care
providers
• Having the right mix of amenities and hospitality to fit your
personality and style.
The basic types of senior living communities are described below:
• Often offered as a monthly rental option with no large entrance
fee required, Independent Living is for active seniors looking to
maximize their independence and enjoy a service-rich, convenient
lifestyle that makes life easier and more fun.
• Also offering the benefits of Independent Living, a Continuing
Care Retirement Community additionally provides on-site
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Say You Saw It in the Senior Citizen’s Guide to Baltimore
SeniorCitizensGuide.com/baltimore
3
by Maryland Relay
skilled care if a resident or spouse has a change in health needs that
requires medical oversight. There is an entrance fee and a monthly
service fee.
Free Phones
• Assisted Living is for seniors who could benefit from assistance
with everyday living tasks, but do not need the medical attention of
a skilled nursing facility.
• Alzheimer’s Care provides comprehensive assisted living services,
with specialized care techniques and living areas adapted for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory limitations.
Education
M
Editorial provided by Tricia Ourand, Director of Marketing, Brightview Senior Living.
aybe, just maybe, you’ll read this and recognize someone you
know. You may have just hung up the phone after talking to
your mom or dad. Did you repeat yourself? Did she or he say, ‘What?’
every time you finished a sentence? Do you wonder how much of your
conversation she or he actually understood? Think long enough and you’ll
recognize someone who has a hearing loss.
For many people with hearing loss, using the telephone is a struggle
each and every time it rings. For them, mistaking words or misunderstanding conversations can make it seem like a hassle to use the phone at
all. Fortunately, solutions are available through new technology to make
life easier for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, or struggle to use a
standard phone due to any disability.
Maryland Accessible Telecommunications
(MAT), together
For an application and more
with Maryland Relay, has been
information about the MAT
providing free assistive phones in
program, please contact:
Maryland for over ten years. Amplified and captioned telephones, ring
Maryland Accessible
signalers, large button, hands-free
Telecommunications
and text telephones are just some
/ Maryland Relay
examples of what is available at no
301 W. Preston Street
cost to qualified Maryland residents.
Suite 1008A
The MAT program serves those who
Baltimore, MD 21201
are Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind,
P: 800-552-7724 (V/TTY/VP)
or have a cognitive, mobility, or
E: moreinfo@mdrelay.org
speech disability. It is the goal of the
W: www.mdrelay.org
MAT program to enable people who
(download a MAT Application
struggle to use a standard phone due
under ‘Free Equipment’ link)
to a disability of any kind to independently use a phone to stay connected to their world, their family and friends.
The MAT program provides free telephone assessments. Because
everyone’s ability is different, a variety of specialized telephones are
available to satisfy an individual’s communication needs. Six centers in
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Individual communities may offer different combinations of these
kinds of options. Check the communities near you to see the types of
senior living offered.
For adult children who are taking the lead in researching assisted living
options for their parents, starting the conversation is the first, and often
the most emotional, step in the process. If possible, bring the subject up
gradually over time. Give your parent(s) time to get used to the idea and
listen carefully to their concerns and fears. Include your parent(s) as much
as possible in the process of choosing a community. Visit the community
with them. And make sure you’re up to date on all of their financial assets, accounts and insurance policies. It’s also smart to have a durable
power of attorney in hand should you need to unexpectedly assist in the
management of your parents’ assets.
Evaluating a Community
Once you’ve decided which type of retirement community is best
for you or your parent(s), and narrowed your list of potential communities, you’ll want to visit each one, ask the right questions and talk to the
residents. If you really like one particular community, visit at different
times of the day to get a well-rounded impression of the community.
Make a list of your top three “must haves” and keep them in mind when
researching communities.
It’s also important to take notes every time you visit a community.
There’s a lot to take in during these visits and you’ll want to remember
everything you saw, thought and heard.
Starting early, staying informed about options, and making a plan for
evaluation can help make the research process easier and get the enjoyment of a stress-free lifestyle going sooner.
Say You Saw It in the Senior Citizen’s Guide to Baltimore
5
by Rob Williams
Maryland have phones for trial purposes where MAT customers (or anyone
interested in buying their own equipment) may visit and learn what works
best for them. As an added plus, when a customer receives a phone from
the MAT program, they may also receive free training and installation.
To be considered for the MAT program, applicants must:
• Be a Maryland resident and at least 5 years old;
• Be a recipient of SSI (Supplemental Security Income), SSDI (Social
Security Disability Insurance), TDAP (Temporary Disability Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families),
VA (Veterans), SSA (Social Security) benefits or Pharmacy, Medical,
Housing Assistance, or be able to prove a financial hardship;
• Be certified as having one of the following disabilities: mobility,
blind, low vision, cognitive, DeafBlind, speech, deaf or hard of
hearing, and have difficulty using a standard telephone;
• Have telephone service in the home or apply for phone service.
Editorial provided by Maryland Accessible Telecommunications/Maryland
Relay, www.mdrelay.org.
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Say You Saw It in the Senior Citizen’s Guide to Baltimore
Life
Mob Town Defeats the Mobs
and Builds a Career Fire Department in the 19th Century
I
n 1859, Baltimore citizens removed many corrupt politicians,
the American Party, and the volunteer fire companies who had
enormous power over the city. At the same time their efforts curbed the
street gangs who threatened to take control of the city.
While most volunteer companies provided protection from fire and
attacks by Native Americans and pirates in the early 1800s, several
independent volunteer companies became complicit in keeping the
gangs and politicians in power. By the 1840s, this minority of rowdy
fire companies that made up the Baltimore United Fire Department had
become so destructive to the culture and political structure of Baltimore
that citizens formed bipartisan reform groups to force much-needed
change. In the process, they created the current Baltimore City Fire
Department, which became a model department in the 20th century.
By the 1850s, Baltimore had earned its moniker “Mob Town” as it
grew into the 3rd largest city in the United States. Despite Baltimore’s
port, located near vastly productive farmlands, population growth and
the rapid cycles of prosperity and depression created uncertain futures
and a criminal underclass.
Street gangs with names like “the Foundation Rackers,” the “Cock
Robins”, the “Blood Tubs” and the notorious “Plug Uglies,” gained
power and attached themselves to a number of city fire houses. The
problems of the Baltimore United Fire Department and the gangs are
detailed in Clarence H. Forrest’s Official History of the Baltimore City
Fire Department (1898), J. Thomas Scharf’s The History of Baltimore
City and County… (1881), and The Hanging of Henry Gambrill: The
Violent Career of Baltimore's Plug Uglies, 1854-1860 by Tracy Matthew
Melton (2004).
Fire companies in major cities during the 1800s sprang up usually as
semi-independent volunteer organizations – usually in response to a major
fire. Volunteering gave men status and prestige in their neighborhoods
because the fire houses were like community centers today. Several
Baltimore fire houses even had lending libraries, held educational lectures
SeniorCitizensGuide.com/baltimore
7
for the working class, and provided space for dinners and celebrations.
In many ways, the volunteer companies were similar to organized sports
teams. The companies drilled their firemen and put on fierce competitions
to see who had the best equipment and strongest firemen.
When the alarm sounded, 60 to 100 volunteers raced through the streets
pulling their hand-pumped “enjines” to the fire. It took 60 men to pull
the heavy fire engines and required many more firemen to keep the water
flowing through the top-mounted nozzle. Up to 40 firemen, depending
on the engine, took turns thrashing the pump handles up and down, 60
to 90 times a minute. Other firemen stood ready to jump in while others
raced in to gather up belongings inside the house. This dazzling display
of bravery and strength drew in young males who hung around the fire
houses waiting for action. Often when a fire bell was rung, gang members,
who were attached to that company, would race ahead to fight off other
fire companies from hooking up to the hydrants. Scharf described, in
1881, the chaotic scene of firemen racing to the fire:
“The alarm of fire, we are told, sounded to the peaceful citizens as
a war-hoop, and the scene of conflagration was the scene of riot, if not
invariably bloodshed. Gangs of disorderly blackguards, adopting the
names of some of our fire companies, would marshal themselves under
ringleaders, and armed with bludgeons, knives, and even fire arms, fight
with each other like hordes of savages.”
The fighting escalated. Riots were common during fires and elections.
Companies battled each other and destroyed each other’s fire engines
and fire houses. Gangs became well-drilled armies who challenged rival
gangs for control of their neighborhood. Murder, assaults and destruction
of property were all too common.
At the same time, politicians used the gangs’ affiliation with the
volunteer fire companies to keep people in fear and themselves in
power. Politicians from both the anti-immigrant American Party and the
Democrat Party were backed by gangs who helped sway elections. The
gangs provided people who voted multiple times in different locations
and they intimidated legitimate voters. Gang members began infiltrating
city government and were running for the States Attorney’ office and the
Clerk of the Court.
Finally on October 8, 1858, New Market VFD brawled with a social
club inside Lexington Market, resulting in gunfire and several members
of the social club getting shot. Members of the social club retaliated and
vandalized New Market’s fire house. The public had had enough. After
Editorial and photography provided by Rob Williams, MA, History of American
Technology and Museum Studies, Assistant Director of the Fire Museum of Maryland.
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Say You Saw It in the Senior Citizen’s Guide to Baltimore
The 1849 John Rodgers hand-drawn pumper, owned by Baltimore’s Deptford Co., one of the more
rowdy fire companies that had affiliations with The Blood Tubs, according to writer Tracy Matthew
Melton, “The Hanging of Henry Gambrill: The Violent Career of Baltimore’s Plug Uglies,” 1854-1860
(2004). On exhibit at the Fire Museum of Maryland, Lutherville, MD.
years of reform attempts, a bipartisan committee organized rallies calling
for fair elections, and the ouster of American Party politicians and the
Baltimore United Fire Department.
The gangs were so incensed they held their own parade dressed in
outlandish costumes. They shouted threats of violence from a small
schooner mounted on a wagon while others struck hammers on a flaming
forge pulled on a wagon. The hammer blows rang through the night.
They threatened bloodshed at the polls should a democrat appear or if
the reformers pushed their agenda. The Blood Tubs marched in unison
behind a banner of a voter having his head pushed into a tub of blood.
At the same time, a reformed police department provided an armed
force that was able to go up against the gangs. In February 1859, city
government dissolved the Baltimore United Fire Department and the
modern Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) was inaugurated. Many
American Party candidates were defeated and by the Civil War the party
moved into obscurity.
Over the next 15 years, the BCFD fine-tuned their ordinances,
modeling their agency into the paramilitary career organization it is today.
Engine Company No. 8 on West Mulberry Street was one of the four
new stations built in 1871 as part of the reorganized BCFD. The façade
and first floor of the fire house have been reconstructed inside the Fire
Museum of Maryland in Lutherville.
9
Health
by Clinicaltrials.gov
Clinical Trials and Research Studies
Who can participate in a
clinical trial?
All clinical trials have guidelines about who can participate.
These criteria are based on such
factors as age, gender, the type
and stage of a disease, previous
treatment history, and other
medical conditions. Before
joining a clinical trial, a participant must qualify for the study.
Some research studies seek
participants with illnesses or
conditions to be studied in the
clinical trial, while others need healthy participants. It is important to
note that inclusion and exclusion criteria are not used to reject people
personally. Instead, the criteria are used to identify appropriate participants and keep them safe.
What are the benefits of participating in a clinical trial?
• Play an active role in your own health care.
• Gain access to new research treatments before they are widely
available and obtain expert medical care during the trial.
• Help others by contributing to medical research.
What are the risks of participating in a clinical trial?
• There may be unpleasant, serious or even life-threatening side effects.
• The experimental treatment may not be effective for the participant.
• The protocol may require more of their time and attention than
would a non-protocol treatment, including trips to the study site,
more treatments, hospital stays or complex dosage requirements.
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Say You Saw It in the Senior Citizen’s Guide to Baltimore
What is informed consent?
Informed consent is the process of learning the key facts about a clinical trial before deciding whether or not to participate. It is also a continuing process throughout the study to provide information for participants.
To help someone decide whether or not to participate, the doctors and
nurses involved in the trial explain the details of the study. Then the research team provides an informed consent document that includes details
about the study, such as its purpose, duration, required procedures, and
key contacts. Risks and potential benefits are explained in the informed
consent document.
How is the safety of the participant protected?
The ethical and legal codes that govern medical practice also apply to clinical trials. In addition, most clinical research is federally
regulated with built in safeguards to protect the participants. Every
clinical trial in the U.S. must be approved and monitored by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to make sure the risks are as low as
possible and are worth any potential benefits. An IRB is an independent committee of physicians, statisticians, community advocates,
and others that ensures that a clinical trial is ethical and the rights of
study participants are protected.
Can a participant leave a clinical trial after it has begun?
Yes. A participant can leave a clinical trial, at any time. When withdrawing from the trial, the participant should let the research team know
about it, and the reasons for leaving the study.
Who sponsors clinical trials?
Clinical trials are sponsored or funded by a variety of organizations
or individuals such as physicians, medical institutions, foundations,
voluntary groups, and pharmaceutical companies, in addition to federal
agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department
of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA). Trials
can take place in a variety of locations, such as hospitals, universities,
doctors’ offices, or community clinics.
Editorial excerpted from ClinicalTrials.gov, “Information on Clinical Trials and
Human Research.”
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Say You Saw It in the Senior Citizen’s Guide to Baltimore
Health
by Karen James, LCSW-C
When a Friend is Ill
Y
ou’ve just received the kind of phone call we all dread. A close
friend has been diagnosed with a serious illness. You’re shocked
and shaken. Maybe you’re thinking, “It can’t be,” or “What’s going to
happen now?” As upset as you feel, you are even more concerned for
your friend.
When someone we’re close to develops a serious illness, we may not
know what to say, or we fear we will say the wrong thing. There is also
a natural tendency to want to protect ourselves from the knowledge that
“this could happen to me, too.” When a dear one is ill, we are all afraid.
Brushes with mortality can be intimidating. These fears, however, rob
a friend of our loving support at the time when it is most needed. When
someone feels abandoned by health and good fortune, adding social
abandonment can really hurt. So, as friends, we can’t allow our fears to
be paralyzing.
None of us has the answers at times like this, but asking supportive
questions is the key. Here are some helpful hints, from the perspective
of the person who is ill. I’ve learned these by being on both sides of that
helping equation.
that you are there to follow my lead: ”You’ll let me know when
you’ve had enough, won’t you?” But the other maxim is: “Don’t
ask me every second if I am OK.” I need that balanced place
between caring and overwhelming.
• Sending a card means a lot. I can read it when I feel up to it, and I
can save it to remind me of your caring. Remember to keep phone
calls and visits brief. Let me ask for more!
Keeping my household running and getting to appointments are some
of my biggest worries. Informal scheduling of volunteer meals and rides is
a great help, but there are also free web tools (see ”Lotsa Helping Hands”
and “CareCalendar”) for organizing that help.
The old cliché, “A friend in need is a friend indeed,” takes on new
meaning when life presents us with the unexpected and unwelcome
challenge of illness. Remember that feeling your warmth and kindness
is healing for your friend. Keep your support simple and responsive to
the person who has the illness.
Editorial provided by Karen James, LCSW-C, Manager of Adult Therapy
Services and Jewish Community Services, Baltimore, MD.
• Don’t feel you have to make me or the situation better. Certainly
don’t give me advice on what I should be doing. Instead, be there for
me by expressing empathy: “I’m sorry you have to go through this.”
• Make sure that what you want to do for me is something I’d like to
have done! Check with me just by asking the question: “I’d like to
do a housecleaning for you. Would that be all right?”
• Give me the opportunity to talk about my illness by asking a simple question: “I hope you are holding up well. How is it going?” If
I feel like talking, you’ve opened the door--- but please don’t push
me through it. Sometimes I have to be me and not this illness.
• Because symptoms are often invisible, I may look better than I
feel. With illness, exhaustion can come on hard and fast. When
we go on an outing or work on a project, please reassure me
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Say You Saw It in the Senior Citizen’s Guide to Baltimore
SeniorCitizensGuide.com/baltimore
15
Health
by Dr. Michael S. Murphy
Thumb Pain
A Common and Treatable Condition
T
he human thumb is a complex structure involving multiple nerves,
tendons, muscles and joints. This unique joint is unlike any other
in the human body. It evolved over thousands of years as our ancestors
developed and allows for many varied tasks ranging from gross manual
grasp to a myriad of precise pinching tasks. Professional athletes and
concert musicians all depend on this fascinating appendage.
The thumb joint is shaped like a horse’s saddle, which allows for multiple
planes of motion. The “saddle” is covered with a smooth cartilage which is
nature’s shock absorber. With time, stress and injury the thumb’s cartilage
breaks down causing pain as raw bone contacts raw bone. Inflammation
and swelling results, and deformity of the thumb will become apparent.
This problem occurs most frequently in women over the age of 40.
Middle-aged men, however, often develop this condition. The exact cause
is unknown, but there is a strong association with gender, genetics, previous injury and ligament laxity.
Usually, the onset of pain progresses slowly. Patients experience increasing difficulty with gripping and pinching activities. Initially, the pain
often waxes and wanes with long, pain-free periods. With time, turning
a key, opening a jar and gripping a golf club all grow to be more and
more difficult. Next, a bump at the base of the thumb becomes apparent.
Weakness increases as dexterity decreases.
When seeking medical attention, patients complain about increasing pain
with gripping and pinching. An exam reveals swelling and a bump at the thumb
base. The physician usually compresses and shifts the thumb to elicit a pain
response. Decreasing grip and pinch strength is revealed and X-rays demonstrate joint changes. More sophisticated testing such as MRI is rarely necessary.
Non-surgical treatment consists of rest, anti-inflammatory medication
such as ibuprofen, and splinting. Limited use of cortisone injections may
provide varying degrees of relief. Alternative treatments such as Glucosamine-Chondroitin Sulfate, acupuncture and chiropractic manipulation
have all been tried with varying degrees of success.
When these measures fail, surgical reconstruction of the arthritic joint
is performed. A variety of procedures exist, but all involve removal of the
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Say You Saw It in the Senior Citizen’s Guide to Baltimore
arthritic surfaces and replacement with either tendon or synthetic substitutes.
In most cases, surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Regional
or general anesthesia is usually required. Patients experiencing varying degrees of discomfort often require a few days of oral prescription
pain relievers. Immobilization is usually needed for six to eight weeks.
Frequently, supervised physical therapy is needed for six weeks to aid in
the restoration of hand function. Patients typically require six months to
recover fully with some occasionally needing a full year.
Surgical patients uniformly recover with limited complications. To
date, traditional procedures involving tendon joint reconstructions have
demonstrated excellent long-term durability. Revision surgery is rarely
needed. Most patients find their quality of life greatly improved with
nearly all returning to previous work and leisure activities.
Pain at the base of the thumb is a common and disabling condition that
can be corrected. Non-invasive treatments often provide excellent pain relief.
When indicated, surgical reconstruction provides uniformly excellent results.
Editorial provided by Dr. Michael S. Murphy, Board Certified Surgeon with
Greater Chesapeake Hand Specialists, P.A.
SeniorCitizensGuide.com/baltimore
17
Health
by Kimberly Bank, Au.D
What You Need to Know When
Buying Your First Set of Hearing Aids
P
urchasing hearing aids
doesn’t have to be a
stressful event in your life. It
should be an exciting time when
the quality of your life improves;
however, the process can be
confusing and there are a few
steps you should take to ensure
that you are properly educated
prior to committing yourself to
any amplification system.
First of all, you should
undergo a comprehensive audiologic assessment and these results/recommendations should be
explained to you in a manner that is straight-forward and detailed.
Considering how your hearing loss affects you in your daily life and
expressing your expectations to your dispenser will help the section
process. Realistically, some of these expectations will be achievable
while some expectations may need to be modified and these are all things
your dispenser will be able to discuss with you. I would advise you to
contact your insurance company prior to your appointment with your
dispenser in order to determine if you have a benefit for hearing aid (s).
Most insurance plans do not cover hearing aids, but it is a good idea to
find out what is covered by your plan. You will need to consider if you
want to be fit with one hearing aid or two. In most cases, the dispenser
will recommend that you consider two hearing aids (one for each ear).
Two hearing aids are always preferred when the loss is symmetric and
equal between ears; however, there are some cases when only one hearing aid may be the preferred option.
Next, you will want to consider the styles of hearing aids that are
available: Some aids are custom fit, others sit over the back of the ear.
You will need to consider your manual dexterity when looking at the
different style options as you will have to be able to manipulate its
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Say You Saw It in the Senior Citizen’s Guide to Baltimore
small features. Of course, you
would want something cosmeti“Hearing aids open
cally appealing but it should also
the doors to better
be a style which is appropriate for
your degree of loss. Lastly, your
communication and
dispenser will review technology
options with you. Technology
ultimately improve the
options refer to the complexity
quality of life.“
of the device in terms of sound
processing and available features.
In general, the higher the level of technology, the more sophisticated the
device will be. Technology level is the strongest price driver wherein
the higher the technology the higher the price will typically be. Patients
should consider their lifestyle when considering technology options.
Pricing should be provided to you in writing and you should never
feel pressured to make the decision on that day. You should be able to
think it over for a few days and return with the same previously quoted
pricing. Remember to ask about warranties and trial periods as well. All
hearing aids come with a set warranty period. You will want to know how
long the warranty will last and what it will cover. Ask about extended
warranties and how much they cost? It’s a good idea to find out what
happens when your warranty ends and what types of fees occur if a hearing aid needs to be repaired once the warranty has expired? Federal law
mandates that when you buy a hearing aid you will have a minimum of
a 30-day trial period, but many offices will provide you with a longer
trial period. If you do decide to return one or both of you hearing aids
there is typically a restocking fee which will be subtracted from your
refund. You will want to know exactly how much this restocking fee is
(is it a flat rate or a percentage of the purchase price?).
At this point, you are ready to make your selection along with your
dispenser’s guidance. Remember to focus on your ultimate goal of
hearing better while considering other factors such as cosmetics and
pricing. Digital hearing aids will often require fine tuning during the
initial trial period. Don’t be surprised if you need to return to your
dispenser a few times for adjustments. Hearing aids open the doors to
better communication and ultimately improve the quality of life. Go
ahead and take the plunge into amplification.
Editorial provided by Kimberly Bank, Au.D., CCC/A , Clinical Audiologist, ENT
Associates/GBMC Consultant.
SeniorCitizensGuide.com/baltimore
19
Home
by Heather Murphy
Helpful Hints to
“Rightsize” Your Home
T
he idea of moving from the home you have lived in for 40 years,
to a smaller apartment or room in an assisted living, may seem
nearly impossible. You begin to think about all of the clothes, furniture,
pictures, and knick-knacks that are stored in your attic. You recall all of
the memories that have been made in the home, and the idea of leaving
becomes overwhelming.
Moving may not seem like an easy task, but if you plan and organize
your move, the transition can be seamless and stress-free. You first thought
may be “Where do I begin?”
Here are some helpful hints to help you “Rightsize,”
creating a clutter-free and simpler move.
1. Begin sorting through your things in small manageable sessions. Set realistic expectations. The home didn’t accumulate
40 years worth of “stuff” in a few days, so it won’t take a few
days to sort through it all. Pick one area at a time and get that
done before moving to the next. For example, sort through your
desk today and the bedroom closet tomorrow; 2-3 hour bursts
work best. Determine what to keep, gift, donate, and discard.
Discard and donate as you go, don’t keep it around and agonize
over the decision.
2. Rightsizing can be done at any time! But the best time is BEFORE your house is listed. This will help you cut the clutter to
make your home more marketable. Sort as you go. Don’t leave
sorting until the week prior to your move. It makes the process
of packing that much easier! Work with the end result in mind,
have a vision of how your current home should look, and how
your new home will look.
3. Don’t start packing months before your move, you will lose
track of your items and wind up taking too much! Sort and rightsize first, then begin packing 2 weeks prior to the move.
20
Say You Saw It in the Senior Citizen’s Guide to Baltimore
4. Ask yourself what you really want to take with you. Do you
really need 10 winter coats? Do you still have your jeans from
high school? Ladies – do you have a ton of heels that you won’t
be able to wear any longer? Gentlemen – how about your tie collection? Ask yourself, “Do I use it?” and “Do I love it?” If you
answer yes to these, then keep it. Another idea is to keep one or
two of a particular set of items and let the rest go.
5. Has your basement become the storage area for your children’s
old high school yearbooks? Ask your family members what
items they intend to keep. Give them a timeframe to claim these
items and stick to the deadline.
6. Don’t worry about your donation or sales plan right away. Finish
sorting first. Take a tour of your home, but look at your furniture
with a different eye. Are there any non-negotiables? For example, wherever I go, my great grandmother’s cedar chest will
go with me. It is a great piece for storage as well. Keep in mind
functionality and utility of each item you are planning on taking.
7. On the day of the move you should carry the personal items that
you will need for the next day or two leading up to and after the
move. Some necessities are address books, cell phones, keys,
and medications. Always carry your checkbook, credit cards,
and cash on you during the move, along with your eyeglasses
and any hearing devices. You should also pack an overnight bag
with at least 2 days worth of clothing, cosmetics, dental care, and
personal care items you will need on move day.
The most important piece of advice we can give you is to give yourself
permission to hire a professional Move Manager. It’s not a luxury, it’s an
investment. A professional will save you the headaches and backaches
of your move. They are there every step of the way and will make sure
your needs are met
We hope reading these tips have alleviated some of the stress you
have about moving. Remember, retirement is the time to care for yourself
and simplify your life: find that perfect maintenance-free lifestyle. With
the right planning, organizing, and with the help of a professional Move
Manager, you can be settled, stress-free, and enjoying your new home.
Editorial provided by Heather Murphy, Director of Move Management Services
with Abilities Network.
SeniorCitizensGuide.com/baltimore
21
Health
by Veronica Deza, MD
Alzheimer’s Disease 101
A
lzheimer’s disease is a scary thought for many as they
approach the “golden years.” This progressive brain illness can
profoundly affect not just the individual who develops it, but spouses
and entire families.
Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia among older
Americans. People who have dementia may have trouble with everyday activities such as eating, drinking, talking and walking. They may
act confused, have trouble understanding what is said to them or have
trouble communicating their own thoughts and needs. In addition to
Alzheimer’s, other things, like stroke, infection, illness and certain
drugs can cause dementia.
Researchers don’t yet know
the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease, but they have
identified risk factors that
increase the likelihood of
developing it. They include:
• Age. After age 65, the risk of
developing Alzheimer’s doubles
every five years.
• Gender. Research shows that
women are more than twice as
likely as men to develop
Alzheimer’s.
• Genetics. Although family
history is less of a risk factor, in
rare cases of “familial Alzheimer’s,”
the disease can develop at a much
younger age than 65.
22
“If you begin to experience
these symptoms, or notice
them in a family member or
friend, it is imperative to see
your healthcare provider.”
Say You Saw It in the Senior Citizen’s Guide to Baltimore
Of course, you can’t control your age, gender or
family history, but there are some steps you can
take to reduce your risk:
Protect Yourself from Injury.
Researchers have linked serious head injury and the future risk of developing Alzheimer’s. So buckle up whenever you’re in a vehicle, and wear a
helmet when appropriate such as while playing sports or riding a motorcycle.
Be Heart Smart
Brain health is strongly linked to heart health. Alzheimer’s risk can
be increased by conditions that damage heart or blood vessels, like high
blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol. Work
with your doctor to monitor and treat problems that arise.
Age Healthfully
Maintain a healthy weight, avoid tobacco and excess alcohol, stay
socially connected and keep your body and mind active.
How do you differentiate Alzheimer’s from normal forgetfulness?
Memory problems caused by Alzheimer’s will begin slowly, so at first,
you may think that they are a natural part of aging. It’s not unusual for
an older adult to forget having paid a bill or what was on the grocery list,
but with Alzheimer’s disease, these symptoms begin to happen more and
more often.
As the disease progresses, the person may forget how to do familiar
tasks. Even simple things like cooking a meal or balancing a checkbook
may become difficult. In later stages, people may even forget how to
comb their hair or brush their teeth.
If you begin to experience these symptoms, or notice them in a family
member or friend, it is imperative to see your healthcare provider. Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but medication and early treatment
can slow the progression of the disease.
Lastly, if you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, don’t let
yourself be consumed by your caretaker role. Remember to take time to
care for yourself and consider joining a support group where you can
share your experiences and learn from others who have been through
the same challenge.
Editorial provided by Veronica Deza, MD, Director of Community Medicine and
Geriatrics, Department of Family Medicine, Franklin Square Hospital Center.
SeniorCitizensGuide.com/baltimore
23
Boomers
Resource Guide
A License to Steal
Power of Attorney Abuse in Maryland
T
he abuse of a power of attorney
is one of the most widespread
financial problems of the elderly and
their families:
by financial institutions. The new law
helps to curb abuse by:
• Notarized and witnessed
• More parties authorized to demand an accounting or petition the
court to review
Manifestations of Power
of Attorney Abuse
Who?
Relatives, caregivers, and opportunistic strangers
• Compensation prohibited unless
specifically provided in POA
• Outlining the duties of an agent
Why?
Fraud in creating the document
or in using the document in unauthorized ways
• Don’t sign a POA without understanding its contents and risks.
• Don’t give another person control
over your ATM card.
• Agent must be trustworthy and
capable
What to Do if Financial
Abuse Occurs
• Notify family and financial institutions in writing to revoke
Call the Maryland Department
of Human Resources at 1-800-9177383. The Department will contact
Adult Protective Services in the
appropriate county to investigate.
You can also contact an attorney
of your choice for advice regarding
immediate steps to take to prevent
further abuse.
Ways to Reduce the Risk
of Other Forms
of Financial Abuse
• Review your bank statements
for unauthorized payments or
withdrawals.
• Use direct deposit
• Don’t re-title your assets to another
person or jointly with another person
Editorial provided
Snyder, Esq.
by
Jill
A.
Boomers
How?
• Modifiable duties: avoiding
a conflict of interest, acting
loyally, keeping all records,
and attempting to preserve the
principal’s estate plan.
• Accounting to third party?
• Don’t sign blank checks for another person to fill in the amount.
• Non-Modifiable duties: acting
with care, competence, and diligence in accordance with the
principal’s expectations and
best interest, and acting within
the scope of authority granted
by the principal.
Non-Statutory Ways to
Reduce the Potential for
Power of Attorney Abuse
• Hire an attorney: assesses
capacity and undue influence,
helps select appropriate agents,
explains safeguards to reduce the
risk of abuse, can educate agent,
and can physically hold POA until
it needs to be utilized.
Efforts in Maryland to Curb
Power of Attorney Abuse
Maryland General and Limited
Power of Attorney Act in 2010 (Loretta’s
Law) increases accountability of agents
and acceptance of powers of attorney
26
• Notify your family members and
financial institutions re: POA.
• Include provision re: gifts, commingling funds, changing beneficiary
w w w.BoomersResourceGuide.com
Boomers Resource Guide • 2012
Resource Guide.com
Broad decision-making authority, no
oversight, or unintentional.
designations, personally benefitting, and receiving compensation.
27
Boomers
Resource Guide
When Someone You Know
is Depressed
Exhausted?
Ask the Expert
Dear Aging Expert,
My mother is a very private and
independent woman who still cares for
her own household at the age of 88.
Recently, she has been falling and has
landed in the hospital five times in the
last year. She refuses to use a cane or
walker, even in the house. She goes out
only with me or another family member.
She has had some physical therapy, but
as soon as it ends, she is back to feeling
weak and falling. How can I convince
her to use a walker or to accept other
services? I am exhausted.
28
Editorial provided by Rona S. Bartelstone,
LCSW, MSW, CMC, Senior Vice President
of Care Management, SeniorBridge.
w w w.BoomersResourceGuide.com
as someone ever confided
feelings of depression to you?
This is not uncommon. But when those
feelings persist and impact a person’s
health and well-being, it may be necessary to seek help. As a concerned friend
or family member, you may wonder how
serious the depression is, and you may
feel the need to encourage the person
to seek treatment. But often that is not
easy to do.
The National Alliance on Mental
Health reports that depression affects
more than 6.5 million adults. This illness can impact a person’s physical
and emotional health, employment,
family, and friendships. Depression
can be tricky. Many of the symptoms
can be misinterpreted or mistaken for
other things. For example, have you
had a friend who began to cancel on
you repeatedly at the last minute?
Have you worked with someone who
started calling in sick frequently and
was doing less and less when in the
office? Perhaps you have a friend who
is always complaining about an ache
or a pain. All of these behaviors may
be attributed to depression.
It can take some time before friends
and family recognize that someone they
care about is depressed. It can take
even longer for the depressed person
to find the strength and courage to
seek help.
According to doctors at the Mayo
Clinic, depression can be identified
when the symptoms persist for more
than two weeks and include feelings of sadness, irritability, a loss
of interest in activities, insomnia or
excessive sleeping. A person may
think more slowly, move more slowly,
Boomers Resource Guide • 2012
Depression is a serious illness.
Recognizing that someone you
care about needs help, and
having the courage to discuss
your concerns, may just be the
push needed for a person to
acknowledge the depression
and seek help.
be indecisive, and experience decreased concentration. In severe
cases there may be thoughts of
suicide or self harm.
What can you do as a friend
or loved one to encourage
the person affected by
depression to get help?
Xaviar Amador, a clinical psychologist offers these suggestions:
• Be gentle and remember that a
person who is depressed feels
very vulnerable. It is probably
not helpful to tell the person
29
Boomers
I wonder what your mother would
say if she knew how worried and exhausted you are. Most parents, despite
their pride, don’t want to be a “burden”
to their children. Very often, parents do
not take advice from their kids. Even my
own mother, used to remind me that
although she wasn’t well that she (not
me) was still the mother!
So often the best way to help parents
move toward acceptance of a more realistic plan is to have an objective outsider,
such as their physician, a care manager
or some other “expert” discuss the options for meeting their needs. Not only
H
Resource Guide.com
Dear Exhausted,
with the outside professional be able to
respect your mother’s privacy and her
independence, but will help her to meet
her own goals of staying at home and
as functional as possible.
The way that you introduce the
“expert” can be by speaking with the
physician ahead of a visit and expressing your concerns or asking him/her to
recommend a geriatric care manager in
your area. This way you can say that, “the
doctor wants you to meet this individual to
assure that you can stay independent and
in your own home.” It will then be the job
of the care manager to earn your mother’s
trust, help her to feel safe in her own home
and demonstrate respect for her wishes.
If your mother has always been
demanding and you have been at her
“beckon call” then you need help for
yourself to know where to draw the
line and how to offer her alternatives
to your caring.
Neither of these options is easy,
but both can be done with the help of
a professional such as a care manager.
You can ask your doctor for a referral.
Boomers
Resource Guide
to “get a grip” or “pull yourself
together” because he or she may
not able to do so at that time. It
is okay to share your own vulnerabilities. This will help to reduce
any shame the person may feel
about being ill.
• Do not try to reason with the person. Focus on a part of the problem that he can see and ask him
to get help for that. For example,
if the person is having difficulty
sleeping or problems concentrating, ask if he will seek help for
those problems.
Editorial provided by Donna Kane, MA
of Community Liaison, Access Services,
and Jewish Community Services in
Baltimore, MD.
w w w.BoomersResourceGuide.com
W
hen you are at work, you are
trying to concentrate on the
business at hand, but your attention is
divided with questions that are uppermost in your mind: Is my elderly parent
safe at home? Did my mom turn on the
stove and accidently set a fire? Did my
dad get lost because he wandered out
of the house?
According to the National Family
Caregivers Association, more than 65
million Americans take care of elders,
and for many of them, keeping their
loved ones at home for as long as possible, despite frail their health, is their
main goal. Adult day services can be a
seamless solution to help families postpone or avoid having to ask themselves
if nursing home care is the best option
for someone who can’t live entirely
independently but who does not need
around the clock supervision. It can
offer families in that situation a way to
make sure an elder spends the day in
a stimulating, safe place while giving
a caregiver peace of mind and time to
work, run errands or just relax.
There are many adult day care
centers across the country, so it can be
a daunting task to find the best one for
your spouse or parent; a good program
strives to become an extension of the
home environment with caring, personalized attention for every individual
participant. Right away, make sure the
basics that your loved one needs are
available. These can include everything
from medical treatment, to assistance
with daily tasks of living, to a lot of social
interaction. For instance, depending
on the facility you choose, participants
with special medical needs such as
diabetes, hypertension and post-stroke
Boomers Resource Guide • 2012
disabilities can be given their medications as often as necessary by medically trained staff members. It is also
a plus when vital signs, such as blood
pressure, are monitored, treatments are
performed and other nursing services
are available. Additionally, seniors with
mental health challenges, such as
dementia, confusion and Alzheimer's
disease, can take part in activities
especially designed to help them with
their memory recall.
Another thing to ask about is
what kind of help is offered with personal grooming, bathing and toileting
throughout the day. It is encouraged to
visit the adult day center that you are
considering for a loved one. Make an
appointment to meet the staff to see
for yourself the activities going on and
the atmosphere of the center. If you are
able, it is a good idea to drop by without
an appointment for added insight.
Another important thing to consider
when choosing an adult day care center is that each participant has his or
her own comprehensive, coordinated
treatment plan, which ideally should
be developed in consultation with the
participant's private doctor. Something
else to remember is that just because a
person ages does not mean that he or
31
Boomers
30
Depression is a serious illness.
Recognizing that someone you care
about needs help, and having the
courage to discuss your concerns,
may just be the push needed for a
person to acknowledge the depression and seek help. The good news
is that depression can be treated,
often through a combination of
medication and psychotherapy. The
earlier it is diagnosed and treated,
the sooner the person can begin
to recover.
Adult Day Services
Resource Guide.com
• Ask the person to get help for
your sake, because you are
concerned and you want her to
feel better. Amador suggests
that if the person will not seek
help despite your concern,
maybe you can convince her to
do so based on the strength of
your relationship.
Boomers
Resource Guide
• A respite from 24-hour
responsibility
• An alternative to expensive
in-home care
• The ability to keep a loved one
at home longer
• The serenity that a loved one
is being well taken care of.
Editorial provided by Michelle Mills,
Director of Levindale Adult Day Services,
a LifeBridge Health Center.
w w w.BoomersResourceGuide.com
Planning Issues to
Address Upon Retirement
A
new retiree would be well
served to pay particular attention to these ten financial considerations that are so often overlooked
at retirement.
Social Security Choices
Electing to receive Social Security
benefits prior to reaching the "normal
retirement age" can result in a reduction
in benefits payable if earned income
exceeds allowable limits for those years.
The rude awakening for many will be that
the "normal retirement age" becomes
a moving target for persons born after
1942. Baby boomers should not assume
that at age 65, earned income could
be unlimited. That age limit is creeping
up to age 67. A consultation with an
experienced Social Security advisor will
give the retiree insight into issues such
as: (1) whether working a couple more
years would increase the Social Security
benefit materially; (2) coordinating the
claiming of benefits for husband and
wife; and (3) deferring the start of the
benefit beyond normal retirement age
because of income tax considerations
or due to anticipated longevity.
mate beneficiaries are much younger,
the tax-free compounding continues for
decades while they withdraw minimal
amounts during their lifetimes.
Re-thinking Life Insurance
Continuing to maintain a life insurance policy is often ill advised when the
underlying basis for purchasing the insurance is no longer applicable. Policies
that have a cash surrender value may
be more valuable to the insured as an
investment rather than locked in a policy
with continuing premiums. An expert in
analyzing life policies could evaluate
the policy and warn the insured whether
maintaining the policy is a bad idea.
Long-term Care Insurance.
Retirees making their budgets
should always factor in an affordable
amount for premiums on a long term
care insurance policy. Purchasers of
these policies generally don’t view the
policy as “nursing home” insurance, but
rather as a “stay out of a nursing home”
policy. Such policies can pay for home
health aides who will help postpone
or avert that nursing home admission.
Conversion to a Roth IRA
Asset Restructuring
For wealthier retirees, serious consideration should be given to converting
a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. The
conversion will generate income tax
and be costly on the front end, but the
ultimate savings to the family can be
significant on the back end. A Roth IRA
is not subject to the “required minimum
distribution rules” so it can continue to
compound tax-free during the remaining life of the account holder. If the ulti-
Retirees spend a lifetime accumulating a plethora of different assets that
become all scattered about. A goal in
retirement should be to reduce the
amount of time and attention necessary to maintain these assets. This will
ultimately reduce probate costs and
headaches for the family. Shed "nuisance" assets such as time-shares,
undeveloped lots, smallholdings of
stock certificates, and collectibles.
Boomers Resource Guide • 2012
33
Boomers
32
see if transportation to and from a
participant’s front door to and from
the center is provided with specially
equipped vans for the handicapped.
Finally, with all of this planning, do
not forget that a good adult day services program not only benefits a participant but his or her family members
as well. Some of those advantages
include giving caregivers:
Resource Guide.com
she does not enjoy life’s pleasures just
like the rest of us. That is why it is vital
that there are therapeutic recreation
specialists or activities’ coordinators
who lead dynamic programs.
Current events sessions, arts and
crafts, intergenerational opportunities, music, cooking classes, exercise
classes, movies, discussion groups,
live entertainment and trips into the
community are just a few of the variety
of activities that facilities often include in
their curriculum. Don’t forget that these
kinds of goings-on are good for socialization and encouraging friendships.
The few more things to keep in
mind are the meals and snacks that
are served, that they taste good, and
that they are nutritious. Assistance
with feeding should be provided as
needed, and special dietary requirements should be accommodated.
With all of the running around that
caregivers do these days, check to
Boomers
Resource Guide
Fixed Income Vs. Total Return
Retirees become fixated on fixed
income. Myopically focusing on just
the annual yield of an investment fails
to consider the total return that could be
realized. Equities, such as stocks, may
provide a smaller fixed income from
dividends, but there may be an overall
better gain when factoring growth in
the equation. A savvy investment advisor would help balance a portfolio to
maximize return.
Preparing for Incapacity
Sadly, persons with diminished
mental capacity often lose a substantial sum because they succumb to
others taking advantage of their mental
state or inability to plan. Using such
tools as a power of attorney, revocable
living trust or setting up joint accounts
can enable a trusted family member to
perform an oversight function with asset protection. Simple first steps such
as having duplicate bank statements
sent to that child or enabling a child
to view an account through Internet
access can add a policing element to
the estate plan.
Beyond Estate Planning
Document Preparation
Just as important as having the
will, power of attorney, and advance
directive prepared is communicating
34
with appropriate family members as
to the existence and content of these
documents. Family members should
be given easy access to these documents in the event of emergency.
Attorneys can serve this function
as well.
Revamping Beneficiary
Designations
Once beneficiary designations are
made on retirement accounts, annuities, and life insurance policies, they
are often ignored for decades. Since
these designations “trump” the terms
of a will, it is important to consider
whether the beneficiary designation
goes far enough with contingency
planning. For example, if a child
predeceases a parent, does the beneficiary designation specify correctly
where that child's share of the account
should pass?
Income Tax Review
The strategies for reducing income
taxes can be entirely different in retirement. The tax code is infamous for
making apparent deductions disappear
when certain phase-out percentages
are applied.
Editorial provided by Kevin F. Bress,
Esq., managing member of the Towson
firm of Hodes, Pessin and Katz, P.A.
w w w.BoomersResourceGuide.com
arts / entertainment
ATTRACTIONS
Baltimore ClayWorks.........................................................410-578-1919
Harborplace and the Gallery at Harborplace......................410-332-4191
Ladew Topiary Gardens.....................................................410-557-9466
Lexington Market, Inc........................................................410-685-6169
Mahogany Exchange/Out of Africa Gallery III..................410-752-5808
Maryland Art Place.............................................................410-962-8565
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.........................................410-396-7102
Top of the World Observation Level..................................410-837-8439
teams
Baltimore Orioles Baseball................................................410-685-9800
Baltimore Ravens Football.................................................410-261-7283
MUSEUMS
Antique Toy Museum.........................................................410-230-0580
American Visionary Art Museum.......................................410-244-1900
B & O Railroad Museum....................................................410-752-2490
Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum....................................410-727-1539
Baltimore Museum of Art...................................................443-573-1700
Baltimore Museum of Industry..........................................410-727-4808
Baltimore Streetcar Museum, Inc.......................................410-547-0264
Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum...................................410-396-7932
Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute & Cultural Center......410-225-3130
Fire Museum of Maryland..................................................410-321-7500
Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum....................410-686-6122
Great Blacks in Wax Museum............................................410-563-3404
Historic Ships in Baltimore................................................410-539-1797
Homewood Museum..........................................................410-516-5589
Irish Shrine and Railroad Workers Museum......................410-669-8154
The James E. Lewis Museum of Art..................................443-885-3030
Jewish Museum of Maryland.............................................410-732-6400
Maryland Historical Society Museum................................410-685-3750
Maryland Museum of African Art......................................301-490-6070
Maryland Science Center...................................................410-685-5225
Mount Clare Museum House.............................................410-837-3262
National Aquarium in Baltimore........................................410-576-3800
SeniorCitizensGuide.com/baltimore
35
National Museum of Dentistry...........................................410-706-0600
Port Discovery, The Kid-Powered Museum . ....................410-727-8120
Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland...........................443-263-1800
Star-Spangled Banner Flag House & 1812 Museum.........410-837-1793
The Walters Art Museum....................................................410-547-9000
The Washington Monument and Museum.........................410-396-1049
historical monuments
Evergreen House................................................................410-516-0341
Fort McHenry National Monument....................................410-962-4290
Hampton National Historic Site.........................................410-823-1309
The Phoenix Shot Tower....................................................410-605-2964
The Preservation Society/Robert Long House...................410-675-6750
Project Liberty Ship, Inc....................................................410-558-0646
St. Alphonsus Shrine..........................................................410-685-6090
U.S. Naval Academy – Armel –Leftwich Visitor Center.....410-293-8687
Hippodrome Theatre...........................................................410-837-7400
Jim Rouse Theater..............................................................410-997-1317
Kraushaar Auditorium at Goucher College........................410-337-6000
Lyric Opera House..............................................................410-685-5086
Maryland Stage Company..................................................410-455-2917
McManus Theater at Loyola College.................................410-617-5024
Merriweather Post Pavilion................................................410-715-5550
Midatlantic Center for the Performing Arts.......................443-438-4525
Olney Theatre Center for the Arts......................................301-924-3400
Rep Stage at Howard Community College........................443-518-1500
Theatre Hopkins.................................................................410-516-7159
Vagabond Players...............................................................410-563-9135
adult day services
Maryland Association of Adult Day Services............ www.maads.org
Visit their website to use the adult day services facility finder.
walking tours
Berrywine Plantations/Linganore Winecellars...................410-795-6432
Boordy Vineyards...............................................................410-592-5015
Baltimore Ghost Tours.......................................................410-357-1186
Herr Foods, Inc...................................................................410-796-0042
on the water
Harbor Cruises....................................................................800-695-5239
Sail Baltimore.....................................................................410-522-7300
MUSIC & THEATRE
Arena Players, Inc..............................................................410-728-6500
The Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre..........................410-752-1225
Bach Society of Baltimore.................................................410-521-0209
Baltimore Center Stage......................................................410-332-0033
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.........................................410-783-8000
Baltimore Theatre Project..................................................410-752-8558
Chesapeake Arts Center......................................................410-636-6597
Everyman Theatre..............................................................410-752-2208
Fells Point Corner Theatre.................................................410-276-7837
Gordon Center for the Performing Arts..............................410-356-7469
36
Say You Saw It in the Senior Citizen’s Guide to Baltimore
advocacy / referral services
Agencies on Aging
Offering information, services, and referral to senior living options, senior centers, nutrition programs, health insurance options, transportation,
respite care, and much, much more for seniors and their family members.
Baltimore City Commission on Aging................................410-396-4932
Baltimore County Department of Aging.............................410-887-2594
Maryland Department of Aging.........................................410-767-1100
Montgomery County Area Agency on Aging......................240-777-3000
Prince George’s County Department of Family Services.....301-265-8750
Answers For the Aging.........................410-646-0100 or 888-502-7587
Baltimore County Dept. of Health..................................410-887-2243
MD Attorney General’s Office-Consumer Protection Division
Deceptive Business Practices.............................................410-528-8662
Health Advocacy................................................................410-528-1840
Securities Division.............................................................410-576-6360
(For complaints against financial planners/brokers)
SeniorCitizensGuide.com/baltimore
37
MD Medical Assistance Beneficiary Services
& Pharmacy Access Hotline............................................800-492-5231
Medicare Helpline, Center for Medicare
& Medicaid Services.........................................................800-633-4227
United Way of Central Maryland, Inc.
First Call for Help............................................................410-547-8000
assistive devices
Maryland Relay Service............................................. See page 6
301 West Preston St., Suite 1008A • Baltimore, MD 21201
800-552-7724 • www.mdrelay.org • moreinfo@mdrelay.org
Trained telephone operators transmit conversations between people using
a standard voice telephone with persons using a text telephone.
bus tours
megabus.com
See page 2
Toll Free: 1-877-GO2-MEGA (1-877-462-6342)
Luxury double deckers offer free wi-fi, power outlets, panoramic windows and a green alternative way to travel. Megabus.com customers also
receive special “megadeals” on hotels, sightseeing, Broadway shows,
box lunches and more! Service between Baltimore and 10 cities!
American Cancer Society
clinical trials
Parexel - Healthy Volunteers Study....................... See page 11
3001 South Hanover St., 7th Floor • Baltimore, MD 21225
877-617-8839 • www.baltimoretrials.com • study.Baltimore@parexel.com
The PAREXEL Research Unit, located at Harbor Hospital in Baltimore,
is currently seeking volunteers who are interested in participation in
clinical research trials with investigational medications. We are looking
to enroll healthy Males and Females 18 and older. Depending on the
study, participants could receive compensation ranging from $1,200 to
$6,000 upon completion.
crohn’s disease / colitis
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America.......................... 443-276-0861
(Maryland/South Delaware Chapter)
dental
Baltimore County Oral Health Services.........................410-396-4501
Provides preventive and urgent dental care services to low-income,
uninsured and Medicaid-eligible residents of Baltimore City.
diabetes
American Diabetes Association ........410-265-0075 / 888-DIABETES
cancer
depression / mental illness
Gambrills Office . ....................................................................... 410-721-4304
White Marsh Office .....................................................................410-931-6850
American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry.............301-654-7850
HopeWell Cancer Support...............................................410-832-2719
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).......866-542-8163
Prostate Cancer Network.................................................410-465-0368
caregivers’ support
(Maryland Office)
elder abuse
Family and Children’s Services of Central
Maryland Elder Services ................................................410-366-1980
Baltimore County Department
of Social Services, Adult Protective Services..................410-853-3000
National Association of Professional Geriatric Caregivers
Mid Atlantic Chapter ............................................www.gcmonline.org
National Eldercare Institute on Elder Abuse
and State Long Term Care Ombudsman Services........302-831-3525
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39
employment / volunteerism
Job Corps – Woodstock................................................410-461-1100
Provides over 300 on-going volunteer opportunities and one-time events
to choose from in over 200 non-profit organizations and local agencies.
Retired Senior Volunteer Program.............................. 410-361-9400
Senior Community Service Employment Program.......410-767-1276
Community service employment opportunities for eligible low-income
Baltimore County residents age 55 and over.
Senior Employment and Housing Services Office...... 410-887-4006
Senior Expo Job Bank Hotline.................................... 410-887-2279
Seniors seeking employment can call 24 hours a day to hear a current
listing of positions.
Senior Information Assistance..................................... 410-887-2584
eye care
Baltimore Association of the Deaf-Blind (BADB).........410-247-5045
Lighthouse National Center for Vision and Aging........... 800-829-0500
National Federation for the Blind (Baltimore)..............410-659-9314
Prevent Blindness (Mid-Atlantic)....................................... 888-790-2020
financial / insurance
Internal Revue Service.....................................................800-829-1040
Free Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). Home-bound tax payers can ask for a volunteer home visit.
Maryland Insurance Administration..............................800-492-6116
geriatric care management
hearing
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf,
Maryland Chapter............................................................410-602-1634
Maryland Relay Service............................................. See page 6
301 West Preston St., Suite 1008A • Baltimore, MD 21201
800-552-7724 • www.mdrelay.org • moreinfo@mdrelay.org
Trained telephone operators transmit conversations between people
using a standard voice telephone with persons using a text telephone.
Maryland Speech-Language-Hearing Association........410-239-7770
National Association of the Deaf.....................................301-587-1788
home healthcare
WeCare Private Duty Services....... See Outside Back Cover
1852 Reisterstown Road, Suite 209 • Pikesville, MD 21208
410-602-3993 • TTY Dial: 7-1-1 • www.wecarepds.com
WeCare Private Duty Services, Inc., is a Nursing Referral and Residential
Services Agency dedicated to serving those who need and desire assistance within the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Our services
range from Skilled Nursing Care to assistance with Activities of Daily
Living. WeCare has earned a stellar reputation-which speaks for itself-by
providing the solutions that improve the quality of life for our clients.
hospitals / medical centers
Bayview Medical Center..................................................410-550-0100
4940 Eastern Avenue • Baltimore 21224
Bon Secours, Baltimore Health System..........................410-362-3000
2000 West Baltimore Street • Baltimore 21223
Franklin Square Hospital Center...................................443-777-7000
9000 Franklin Square Drive • Baltimore 21237
GBMC HealthCare...........................................................443-849-2000
6701 North Charles Street • Towson 21204
National Association of Professional
Geriatric Care Managers..................................................... 520-881-8008
Good Samaritan Hospital................................................443-444-4000
5601 Loch Raven Blvd. • Baltimore 21239
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41
Harbor Hospital & Harbor Hospital LifeResource Ctr.... 410-350-3200
3001 S. Hanover Street • Baltimore 21225
Johns Hopkins Hospital...................................................410-955-5000
600 North Wolfe Street • Baltimore 21287
Kernan Hospital...............................................................410-448-2500
2200 Kernan Drive • Baltimore 21207
Levindale Hebrew Specialty Geriatric Ctr & Hospital..... 410-466-8700
2434 W. Belvedere Avenue • Baltimore 21215
Maryland General Hospital.............................................410-225-8000
827 Linden Avenue • Baltimore 21201
Mercy Medical Center.....................................................410-332-9000
301 Saint Paul Place • Baltimore 21202
Northwest Hospital Center..............................................410-521-2200
5401 Old Court Road • Randallstown 21133
St. Agnes Hospital.............................................................410-368-6000
900 Caton Road • Baltimore 21229
St. Joseph Medical Center...............................................410-337-1110
7601 Osler Drive, Towson
Sinai Hospital....................................................................410-601-9000
2401 W. Belvedere Avenue • Baltimore 21215
independent living
Baltimore Neighborhoods, Inc........................................410-243-6007
Tenant landlord, fair housing, and discrimination complaints.
Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)...........410-962-2520
Information on public housing, rental assistance, and fair housing.
Park View..............................................See Inside Front Cover
Apartment Homes for Seniors
410-246-7499 • SeniorLiving@sheltergrp.com
www.thesheltergroup.com
See advertisement for individual locations.
The Shelter Group’s Park View communities serve seniors whose income is too high to permit government assistance but too low to support entry into many conventional retirement centers. By combining
private debt, equity raised using the federal tax credit program, and
financing support from local government agencies, The Shelter Group
is able to keep rents within the reach of our residents while offering a
physical plant, amenities, and services to equal those provided in far
more costly facilities.
kidney
National Kidney Foundation of Maryland.................... 410-494-8545
Union Memorial Hospital................................................410-554-2000
201 E. University Parkway • Baltimore 21218
University of MD Medical Center...................................410-328-8667
22 S. Greene Street • Baltimore 21201
legal assistance
The Law Office of Jill A. Snyder, LLC.................. See page 27
Office Locations in Baltimore and Towson, MD
410-864-8788 • www.snyder-law.net
My practice is concentrated on trust and estate planning, probate, and
small business advisory services. I provide individuals and families with
comprehensive and compassionate estate planning services, including
the preparation of various estate planning documents, strategies to reduce or eliminate estate tax liability, and recommendations regarding
asset titling, life insurance, and beneficiary designations.
Legal Aid Bureau............................................................. 410-296-6705
Assists individuals with certain legal problems at no cost. Must meet
income guidelines.
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Say You Saw It in the Senior Citizen’s Guide to Baltimore
SeniorCitizensGuide.com/baltimore
43
Maryland Legal Aid
Baltimore City..............................................................................410-951-7777
Baltimore County.........................................................................410-427-1800
Provides a full range of civil legal services to financially qualified Marylanders and people over 60 from 13 offices around the state.
Maryland Senior Legal Hotline.......................................800-896-4213
Provides free legal assistance, consultation and/or representation to seniors
age 60 or over for specific types of cases.
State of Maryland Office of Attorney General..............410-576-6300
Send complaints in writing to the division about unfair and deceptive
business procedures and practices for investigation.
libraries
Patterson Park
158 N. Linwood Avenue
410-396-0983
Essex Library
1110 Eastern Blvd.
410-887-0295
Pennsylvania Avenue
1531 W. North Avenue
410-396-0399
Hereford Library
16940 York Road
410-887-1919
Reisterstown Road
6310 Reisterstown Road
410-396-0948
Loch Raven Mini Library
1046 Taylor Avenue
410-887-4444
Roland Park
5108 Roland Avenue
410-396-6099
Parkville-Carney Library
9509 Harford Road
410-887-1234
Southeast Anchor Library
3601 Eastern Avenue
410-396-1580
Perry Hall Library
9440 Belair Road
410-887-5195
Walbrook
3203 W. North Avenue
410-396-0935
Pikesville Library
1301 Reisterstown Road
410-887-1245
Washington Village
856 Washington Boulevard
410-396-1099
Randallstown Library
8604 Liberty Road
410-887-0770
Waverly
400 E. 33rd Street
410-396-6053
Reisterstown Library
21 Cockeys Mill Road
410-887-1165
Brooklyn
300 E. Patapsco Avenue
410-396-1120
Hamilton
5910 Harford Road
410-396-6088
Canton
1030 S. Ellwood Avenue
410-396-8548
Hampden
3641 Falls Road
410-396-6043
Cherry Hill
606 Cherry Hill Road
410-396-1168
Herring Run
3801 Erdman Avenue
410-396-0996
Clifton
2001 N. Wolfe Street
410-396-0984
Highlandtown
3323 Eastern Avenue
410-396-1580
Edmondson Avenue
4330 Edmondson Avenue
410-396-0946
Light Street
1251 Light Street
410-396-1096
BALTIMORE COUNTY
Arbutus Library
855 Sulphur Spring Rd. Ste. 105
410-887-1451
Forest Park
3023 Garrison Boulevard
410-396-0942
Northwood
4420 Loch Raven Boulevard
410-396-6076
Catonsville Library
1100 Frederick Road
410-887-0951
Govans Branch
5714 Bellona Avenue
410-396-6098
Orleans Branch
1303 Orleans Street
410-396-0979
Cockeysville Library
9833 Greenside Drive
410-887-7750
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Say You Saw It in the Senior Citizen’s Guide to Baltimore
Towson Library
320 York Road
410-887-6100
White Marsh Branch Library
8133 Sandpiper Circle
410-887-5097
Woodlawn Library
1811 Woodlawn Drive
410-887-1336
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45
American Lung Association
lung disease
Maryland......................................................................................443-451-4950
National.......................................................................................202-785-3355
mental health
Mental Health Association of MD...................................410-235-1178
Information and education programs
Maryland Coalition on Mental Health and Aging.........410-235-1178
Support, education, and advocacy for families coping with mental illness.
multiple sclerosis
National Multiple Sclerosis
(MS) Society (Maryland Chapter)..................................443-641-1200
parkinson’s disease
American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA).......... 800-223-2732
pharmaceuticals
BenefitsCheckUp and BenefitsCheckUpRx........www.benefitscheckup.org
Maryland Medicaid Pharmacy Program.......................800-226-2142
Medicare/Drug Discount Cards......................................800-633-4227
Medbank of Maryland
Baltimore City or County ..................................................410-821-9262
research studies
Parexel - Healthy Volunteers Study..................... See page 11
3001 South Hanover St., 7th Floor • Baltimore, MD 21225
877-617-8839 • study.baltimore@parexel.com • www.baltimoretrials.com
The PAREXEL Research Unit, located at Harbor Hospital in Baltimore,
is currently seeking volunteers who are interested in participation in
clinical research trials with investigational medications. We are looking
to enroll healthy Males and Females 18 and older. Depending on the
study, participants could receive compensation ranging from $1,200 to
$6,000 upon completion.
46
Say You Saw It in the Senior Citizen’s Guide to Baltimore
BALTIMORE CITY /
BALTIMORE COUNTY
A.I.M./Action in Maturity
410-889-7915
3900 Roland Avenue
Allen Center for Senior Citizens
410-685-6224
1404 S. Charles Street
Ateaze Senior Center
410-887-7233
7401 Holabird Avenue
Booth Senior Center
410-396-9202
229 1/2 South Eaton Street
Bykota Senior Center
410-887-3094
611 Central Avenue
Catonsville Senior Center
410-887-0900
501 N. Rolling Road
Cherry Hill Senior Life Center
410-354-5101
606 Cherry Hill Road Suite 201
senior centers
410-887-7225
641 Main Street
Forest Park Senior Center
410-466-2124
4801 Liberty Heights Avenue
Greenmount Senior Center
410-396-3552
425 E. Federal Street
Harford Center for
Senior Citizens
410-426-4009
4920 Harford Road
Hatton Senior Center
410-396-9025
2825 Fait Avenue
Jacksonville Senior Center
410-887-8209
3605A Sweet Air Road
Liberty Senior Center
410-887-0780
3525 Resource Drive
Edgemere Senior Center
410-887-7530
6600 North Point Road
Mt. Carmel/Prettyboy
Senior Center
410-887-1923
17038 Prettyboy Dam Rd.
Edward Myerberg Center
410-358-6856
3101 Fallstaff Road
Oliver Senior Center
410-396-3861
1701 North Gay Street
Essex Senior Center
410-687-5113
600 Dorsey Avenue
Overlea/Fullerton Senior Center
410-887-5220
4314 Fullerton Avenue
Fleming Senior Center
Parkville Senior Center
SeniorCitizensGuide.com/baltimore
47
410-887-5338
8601 Harford Road
Pikesville Senior Center
410-887-1245
1301 Reisterstown Road
Reisterstown Senior Center
410-887-1143
12035 Reisterstown Road
Sandtown-Winchester
Senior Center
410-728-5300
1601 Baker Street
Seven Oaks Senior Center
410-887-5192
9210 Seven Courts Drive
Southwest Senior Center
410-566-1311
1200 W. Baltimore Street
Victory Villa Senior Center
410-887-0235
403 Compass Road
Waxter Center for Senior Citizens
410-396-1324
1000 Cathedral Street
Senior Network of N. Baltimore
410-323-7131
5828 York Road
senior living options
Park View..............................................See Inside Front Cover
Apartment Homes for Seniors
410-246-7499 • SeniorLiving@sheltergrp.com
www.thesheltergroup.com
See advertisement for individual locations.
The Shelter Group’s Park View communities serve seniors whose income
is too high to permit government assistance but too low to support entry
into many conventional retirement centers. By combining private debt,
equity raised using the federal tax credit program, and financing support
from local government agencies, The Shelter Group is able to keep rents
within the reach of our residents while offering a physical plant, amenities, and services to equal those provided in far more costly facilities.
Maryland Department of Veteran Affairs
veteran support
Outreach & Advocacy Program.................................................. 410-260-3838
Veterans Service & Benefits Program......................................... 410-230-4444
Veterans Home Program............................................................. 301-884-8171
Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Programs................................. 410-354-3550
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Say You Saw It in the Senior Citizen’s Guide to Baltimore