Aging and Geriatrics

The following outside websites also have helpful information on aging and geriatrics:

AGS Foundation for Health in Aging

Alzheimer's Association

American Geriatrics Society

Baltimore City Health Department: Aging Services

Dept of Housing and Urban Development: Housing Resources for Seniors: Maryland

Maryland Department of Aging

• Area Agencies on Aging
• Area Agency on Aging (AAA) List in PDF
• Programs and Services

Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland Programs

Medicare Website

National Institute on Aging: News and health information

The Gerontological Society of America

The following outside websites have helpful information on helping at a difficult time:

Light A Candle

Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland

Community Grief Resources and Support (CGRAS)

StoryCorps

GoodTherapy

Coping with Grief During the Holidays

"Grief is a journey we must each take in our own way and time."

Decisions, Decisions...

• Do we want to put up decorations or send cards?
• Will we exchange gifts?
• Are there new ways to honor our loved one during the holidays?
• Will we attend religious services?
• Do we plan to attend or host a holiday dinner?
• Who do we want to spend this special time with?

"When we lose a parent, we grieve the loss of our past; when we lose a spouse, we grieve the loss of our present; and when we lose a child, we grieve the loss of our future."

The Weight of Grief

It's normal to feel some dread, fear, and increased grief as holidays approach. Pushing ourselves to do more than we have the energy to do to keep the peace can lead to exhaustion and emotional fatigue. Don't be surprised if feelings of envy or jealousy arise by seeing what others have.

Coping Skills

Ways to remember our loved ones and care for ourselves:

• Take time to connect with other individuals through grief groups and social events.
• Actively ask for and accept help.
• Do something in their memory — volunteer, donate, go to a special dinner, or send cards.
• Make healthy choices for yourself — eat right, exercise, and participate in activities you enjoy.
• Don't judge your feelings — they are simply that, feelings, and are neither right nor wrong.
• Create a scrapbook or journal about the person.
• Focus on setting small goals and solving immediate problems.
• Acknowledge you are in the grieving process.
• Give yourself grace. It is okay to do some things differently this year. Traditions can survive a break.

Some Grief Resources

• AARP Grief and Loss Program
• Hopewell Cancer Support
• Roberta's House
• Wendt Center for Loss & Healing