Program Overview
The Maryland Department of Aging has
implemented a new statewide Caregiver Services Corps (CSC),
with the goal of enabling older adults to remain in their homes with the support systems in place to do
so.
The
objectives of the service include:
- Providing
back-up support to informal caregivers of older adults (family or friends)
who are unable to provide care due to their own illness, exposure to
COVID19, or other temporary constraint.
- Providing
access to volunteers who can assist older adults who, due to the impacts
of COVID19, have suddenly found they need help with everyday tasks.
- Preventing
hospitalizations of older adults that may be a result of lack of needed
care in their homes.
The service is designed to address pressing
needs that are temporary, such
as: an older adult determines they won’t have food to make it through the
end of the week, or a family member who cares for their elderly loved one
can’t check in on them the next day.
Older
adults and people who assist older adults with everyday tasks can access the
service by dialing 211. The 211 call specialists will transfer the caller to the CSC
call center.
The CSC
call center is staffed with trained specialists who are available 7
days a week and can quickly evaluate care needs for older adults and identify
volunteer caregivers and other the resources to deploy to their homes.
The CSC
can perform tasks such as, but not limited to:
Monitor individual’s self-administration of medications
Help with mobility needs in their home
Basic food preparation
Assisting with bathing and completing personal hygiene routines
Educating older adults on how to use video technologies to connect with loved ones or healthcare providers
Call 2-1-1 to be connected to the program:
A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP OLDER ADULTS
The Maryland
Department of Aging is asking healthy Marylanders to consider volunteering to
help older adults across the state. Sign up today by going
to the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) website. You do not need
to work in the healthcare industry in order to volunteer.
Marketing Toolkit:
We are looking for advocates to help spread the word about the Caregiver Services Corps for the purpose of informing those who are in need or may be able to benefit from the program, as well as the need for volunteers. Please find useful resources such as social posts, a sample email, and additional content. If you need any additional marketing materials, please email mdoa.socialmedia@maryland.gov
CSC Marketing Toolkit January 2021.pdf