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2 | 2014-2015 SENIOR RESOURCE GUIDE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE GAZETTE & THE GAZETTE-STAR

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2014-2015 SENIOR RESOURCE GUIDE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE GAZETTE & GAZETTE-STAR | 3

Activities...................................................................Adult Day Care Centers.................................................Continuing Education....................................................Elder Abuse...............................................................Emergency Response Systems.........................................Employment...............................................................Financial Assistance.....................................................General Information......................................................Health......................................................................Home Care Services.....................................................Hospice and Palliative Care............................................Housing....................................................................Kinship Care..............................................................Legal.......................................................................Library Services..........................................................Nutritional Programs.....................................................Recreation and Leisure..................................................Transportation............................................................Volunteer Opportunities.................................................Youth Services............................................................More Resources..........................................................

Advertising DirectorDirector of Creative Services

Prepress Manager

Designer

2014-2015 PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

RESOURCE GUIDEfor Seniors & Family Caregivers

Prince George’s Office:13501 Virginia Manor Road, Laurel, MD 20707

Main Office:9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Cover photos:Top Row Left to Right: Jupiterimages/Stockbyte/Thinkstock, Jupiterimages/Stockbyte/Thinkstock,Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Thinkstock, Chad Baker/Jason Reed/Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Thinkstock

Middle Row Left to Right: Maria Teijeiro/DigitalVision/Thinkstock, Noel Hendrickson/Photodisc/Thinkstock

Bottom Row Left to Right: GeorgeDoyle/Valueline/Thinkstock, Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Thinkstock

Chauka ReidEllen PankakeJohn SchmitzLorraine Walker

FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES, CALL 240-473-7579.

The Gazette & Gazette-Star

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Special thanks to the Prince George’s County Aging and Disability ResourceCenter, which reviewed and/or updated the listings in this publication.

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Stop in anytime

2014 Five Star Senior Living

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ACTIVITIES

Senior CentersSenior centers in Prince George’s Countyoffer a wide range of services for those 60and older. Special events, recreation, classes,information and referrals are provided at thesefacilities. Tours and trips for seniors are alsooffered through these centers and transporta-tion and nutritious hot meals are available.

Bowie Senior Center14900 Health Center Dr., Bowie, MD 20716301-809-2300 • TTY 301-446-3402

Camp Springs Senior Activity Center6420 Allentown Road, Camp Springs, MD 20748301-449-0490 • TTY 301-446-3402

Evelyn Cole Senior Activity Center5720 Addison Road, Seat Pleasant, MD 20743301-386-5525 • TTY 301-446-3402

Greenbelt Senior Center15 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770301-397-2208 • TTY 301-446-3402

Gwendolyn Britt Senior Activity Center4009 Wallace Road, North Brentwood, MD 20772301-699-1238 • TTY 301-446-3402

John E. Howard Senior Activity Center4400 Shell Street, Capitol Heights, MD 20743301-735-2400 • TTY 301-446-3402

Langley Park Senior Activity Center1500 Merrimac Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20783301-408-4343 • TTY 301-446-3402

Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center7120 Contee Road, Laurel, MD 20707301-206-3350 • TTY 301-446-3402

ADULT DAY CARE CENTERS

Adult day care is a planned program of activi-ties designed to promote well-being thoughsocial and health related services. Adult daycare centers operate during daytime hours,Monday through Friday, providing a safe, sup-portive and cheerful environment. Nutritiousmeals that accommodate special diets are typ-ically included, along with an afternoon snack.Adult day care centers can be public or pri-vate, nonprofit or for-profit. The intent of anadult day center is twofold:

• To provide older adults an opportunity toget out of the house and receive both men-tal and social stimulation

• To give caregivers a much-needed breakto attend to personal needs, or simply restand relax

Adult day care centers are licensed, moni-tored group facilities that provide variousservices including medication management,various types of therapies and meals.

Crescent Ridge Adult Day Care7001 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745301-567-1885 • Medical Day Care

Golden Age Adult Day Care Center of Bowie, Inc.3112 Belair Drive, Bowie, Maryland301-262-3900 • Medical Day Care

Helping Hands Adult Day Care7121 Old Alexandria Ferry Road, Clinton, MD 20735301-856-5553 • Medical Day Care

Helping Hands Adult Day Care Riverdale Park4409 East West Highway, Riverdale, MD 20737301-277-3337 • Medical Day Care

Joseph A. Gilmore Senior Adult Day Care Center608 Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774301-808-9808 • Fax 301-808-1513Medical Day Care

Success is Yours15 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770301-534-3153 • Medical Day Care

We Care Adult Services, Inc.1717 Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774301-925-1515 • Medical Day Care

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Prince George’s Community CollegeSenior Program (SAGE)301-322-0787

Prince George’s Community College, Largo301-336-6000

Prince George’s Community College, Hyattsville301-277-5934

University of Maryland, College Park301-405-1000

Bowie State University301-860-4000

Lancaster Bible College301-552-1400

University of Maryland University College301-985-7000

Strayer University, Prince George’s Campus(Suitland)301-423-3600

TESST College of Technology301-937-8448

ELDER ABUSE

There are several types of abuse of olderpeople that are universally recognized.They include physical, psychological, financial,sexual, neglect, rights abuse and self-neglect.Through various agencies, Prince George’sCounty provides resources and information tohelp stop and prevent elder abuse.

Prince George’s County Department of FamilyServices, Administration on Aging ElderAbuse Outreach301-265-8454

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Department of Family Services Administrationon Aging Ombudsman Program(Nursing home and assisted living facility)301-265-8450

Crisis Response301-927-4500

Prince George’s County Sheriff’sDepartment Cell Phone Program301-780-8600

EMERGENCYRESPONSE SYSTEMS

Push Button Emergency Help301-216-2112

ADT Security Services, Inc.800-568-1216

Alert One570-321-5433

Automated Security Alert, Inc.800-338-7114

Lifeline1-800-797-4191

Life Alert1-800- 370-7635

EMPLOYMENT

Maryland Workforce Exchange301-618-8425(Prince George’s County One -StopCareer Center)

Senior Training and EmploymentProgram (STEP)301-265-8487

Prince George’s County Job Hotline301-883-6200

Maryland Unemployment InsuranceClaimant Information Service301-313-8000

Maryland State Department of Labor,Licensing and Regulation,Prince George’s County410-230-6001

Wider Opportunities for Women202-464-1596

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Health Care

Medicaid Home & Community BasedServices Waiver for Older Adults301-265-8450

Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid)301-856-9606

Medicare Social Security Administration1-800-772-1213

Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)301-265-8450

MedBank1-877-435-7755

Social Security Administration1-800-772-1213

Utility/Rental AssistanceThe Prince George’s County Departmentof Social Services’ Office of Home EnergyPrograms helps Prince George’s County’sfamilies pay their utility bills, minimizes heatingcrises and makes energy costs more afford-able. Contact the Prince George’s CountyDepartment of Social Services, EnergyAssistance Program at 301-909-6300.

American Red Cross1-866-438-4636

Bethel House301-372-1700

Catholic Charities202-772-4300

Community Ministries301-499-2319

Community Support Systems301-372-1491

2-1-1 Maryland1-800-492-0618

Help By Phone301-699-9009

Eviction Prevention301-909-6362

Maryland State Department of HumanResources Office of Home EnergyPrograms (OHEP)1-800-352-1446

Mission of Love301-333-4440

Salvation Army301-277-6103

UCAP(United Community Against Poverty)301-322-5700

Washington Area Fuel Fund301-277-6103

Laurel Advocacy301-776-0442

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FOOD

Bethel House301-372-1700

Bowie Community Pantry301-262-6765

Top Banana Home Delivery301-372-3663

The Jericho City of Praise Church301-333-0500

Counting All Children301-499-2319

Food Stamps Department of Social Services301-209-5000

UCAP301-322-5700

HOUSINGEmergency housing is provided through theHomeless Hotline. The hotline offers emer-gency referrals 24 hours a day, 365 days ayear for people experiencing homelessness.Individuals and families in need of emergencyshelter may call the hotline directly at888-731-0999 or 301-854-7140.

Department of Housingand Community Development9400 Peppercorn Place, Largo, MD 20774301-883–HOME (4663)

Department of Housing and CommunityDevelopment Home Ownership Center301-883–5501 or 301-883-5503

Department of Housing and CommunityDevelopment Foreclosure Prevention301-883–HOME (4663)

Department of Housing and CommunityDevelopment Home Rehabilitation ProgramNow run by nonprofit (RIP) 301-699-3835

Department of Housing and CommunityDevelopment Home WeatherizationAssistance Program301-883-5570

Department of Social Services,Eviction Prevention Program301-909-6362

Maryland Department of Housingand Community Development AccessibleHomes for Seniors Program1-800) 638-7781/410-514-7530

Maryland Homeowners Preserving Equity(HOPE) Hotline-Foreclosure AvoidanceCounseling Program877-462-7555

Community Ministriesof Prince George’s County301-499-2319

Family Crisis Centerof Prince George’s County301-731-1203

Family Emergency Shelter1-888-731-0999 or 301-864-7140

Help By Phone301-699-9009

Laurel Advocacy301-776-0442

Prince George’s County Department of SocialServices Emergency Services Unit301-209-5000

Homelessness PreventionHomelessness prevention is a programthat helps residents avoid eviction or fore-closure. You may be eligible to receivefinancial help to pay your rent or mortgagewhen faced with a one-time crisis. Contactthe Prince George’s County Department ofSocial Services at 301-909-9362.

Shelter Hotline1-888-731-0999

Victory House of Palmer Park301-341-4995

SOFEI Group1-888) 246-2006 ext. 0

Winter Haven301-776-0442

GENERAL INFORMATIONAND REFERRALS

AARP202-434-2277

Animal Management Division301-780-7200

Elder Care Locator Services1-800-677-1116

Board of Elections301-430-8020

Department of Family Services301-265-8401

Department of Social Services301-909-6000

Motor Vehicle Administration1-800-950-1682

Police-Non Emergency301-352-1200

Prince George’s County Health Department301-883-7879

Prince George’s CountyHuman Relations Commission301-883-6170

Prince George’s County Officeof Community Relations301-952-4729

American Red Cross1-866-438-4636

Register of Wills301-952-3250

Maryland Department of Aging1-800-243-3425

Veteran’s Administration202-273-74531-800- 827-4000

Vital Statistics Administration410-764-3038 (main number)

Environmental Resources

Bulky Trash301-952-7600

Leaf Collection311 or 301-952-7630

Empty Home/Grass Issues311

Public Works

General301-499-8520

Trash Removal301-499-8520

Downed Trees301-499-8520

Drainage Issues301-883-5600 or 5832

HEALTH

Prince George’s County Health Department301-856-9600

Division of Adult and GeriatricAdult Health Program301-883-3526

Office of Health Care Quality410-402-8217

Cancer

American Cancer Society301-933-9350

Cancer Care1-800) 813-4673

Maryland Leukemia and Lymphoma Society(443) 471-1600

DIGITAL VISION/PHOTODISC/THINKSTOCK


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ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer1-888-245-9455

Prince George’s County Health DepartmentDivision of Adult and Geriatric Health Breastand Cervical Cancer Program301-883-3525

Prostate Cancer Support301-877-5700 • 301-499-5567

Colorectal Cancer Program301-883-3524

Prince George’s County Health DepartmentCenter for Healthy Lifestyle Initiatives (CHLI)301-883-7879

Alzheimer’s Diseaseand Related Dementia

Alzheimer’s Association1-800) 272-3900

Alzheimer’s Associationof Greater Washington1-800) 272-3900

Alzheimer’s Support Groups

Bowie Senior Center14900 Health Center Dr., Bowie, MD301-809-2300

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center7503 Surratts Road, Clinton, MD301-868-8000

The Residence on Greenbelt9885 Greenbelt Road, Lanham, MD 20706301-486-1590

St. Mary of the Mills Church114 St. Mary’s Place, Laurel, MD301-725-3080

Crescent Ridge Adult Day Center7001 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD301-567-1885

Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church610 Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD301-808-1584

Arthritis

Arthritis Foundation MetropolitanWashington Chapter202-537-6800

Blind and VisionImpaired Industries

Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind240-737-5100

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland410-737-2600

Division of Rehabilitation301-306-3600

Cardiovascular Diseases

American Heart Association,Prince George’s County Division800-242-8721

American Red Cross1-866) 438-4636

Laurel Regional HospitalRehabilitation Sharing Group301-497-7901(for individuals who have had a stroke orother neurological conditions)

Mended Heart, Inc.202-544-8177(for individuals who are havingor have undergone heart surgery)

National Institutes of Health National Heart,Lung and Blood Institute Information Center301-592-8573

Prince George’s County Health DepartmentDivision of Adult and Geriatric HealthAdult Health Program301-883-3526

Prince George’s County Health DepartmentCenter for Health Lifestyle Initiatives (CHLI)301-883-7879

Diabetes

American Diabetes Association800-342-2383

Diabetes Self-Management Education Programat MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center301-877-5560

Prince George’s County Health DepartmentDivision of Adult and Geriatric HealthAdult Health Program301-883-3526

Prince George’s County Health DepartmentCenter for Healthy Lifestyle Initiatives (CHLI)301-883-7879

Deaf and Hearing Impaired

Alexander Graham Bell Foundation202-337-5220

Family Service Foundation301-459-2121

Easter Seal Home and Community Therapy1-800) 886-3771

Gallaudet University202-651-5000

Publications and InformationDissemination Center202-651-5340

Maryland Relay800-735- 2259 (TTY) • 800-201-7165 (Voice)800-877-1264 (Spanish)

National Association of the Deaf301-587-1788 • TTY/TDD 301-587-1789

Hearing Loss Association of America301-657-2248 • TTY/TDD 301-657-2249

Telecommunications for the Deaf301-563-9112

Metropolitan Washington Ear, Inc.301-681-6636

Dental

Howard University Dental202-806-0440

Maryland University Dental Clinic410-706-7104

Greater Baden Medical Services301-888-2233

Health Clinics

Rachael H. Pemberton Senior Heath Center3601 Taylor Street, Brentwood, MD 20722301-927-4987

Dyer Health Center9314 Piscataway Road, Clinton, MD301-856-9490

Baden Health Clinic7450 Albert Road, Brandywine, MD 20613301-888-2233

Walker Mill Health Clinic1458 Addison Road SouthCapitol Heights, MD301-324-1500

Bowie Health Center15001 Health Center Drive, Bowie, MD 20716301-262-5511

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Hospitals - Medical Centers

Doctors Community Hospital301-552-8118

George Washington University Hospital202-715-4000

Georgetown University Hospital202-444-2000

United Medical Center202-574-6000

Holy Cross Hospital301-754-7000

Howard University Hospital202-865-6100

Laurel Regional Hospital301-725-4300

Prince George’s Hospital Center301-618-2000

Providence Hospital202-269-7000

Sibley Memorial Hospital202-537-4000

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center301-868-8000Home HealthClinton - 301-856-3192Leonardtown - 301-475-5016

Veteran’s Administration Hospital of D.C.202-745-8000

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center301-295-4611

Washington Adventist Hospital301-891-7600

Washington Hospital Center202-877-7000

Fort Washington Medical Center301-292-7000

Mental Health

Department of Family Services Mental Healthand Disabilities Administration301-265-8400

Department of Health and Mental Hygiene1-877) 463-3464

Mental Health Association301-699-2737

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Prince George’s County301-429-0970

Project Home301-909-2014

Physician Referral Medical Society(physician referral)301-386-5669

Maryland Medical Assistanceand Beneficiary Services1-800) 492-5231

HOME CARE SERVICES

Home care services are available to seniorswho may need assistance with activities ofdaily living. These services include assistancewith light chores, bathing, dressing, shop-ping and laundry. Many of these services areincome- and asset-based and may acceptMedicare/Medicaid.

Adult Evaluation and Review Services301-856-4730

Department of Family ServicesOlder Adult Medicaid Waiver Program301-265-8450

Senior Care Program301-856-4730

Department of Social ServicesIn Home Aide Services301-909-2228

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Quicker than a traditionalEmergency Room

Board certified doctors, with a reputation forexcellence

Caring and highly skillednursing staff

15001 Health Center Drive(Off Northview Drive across from Bowie Town Center)

Open 24 hours,Seven days a week

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Department of Social ServicesCHORE Services301-909-2228

Department of Social ServicesRespite Program301-909-2090

Department of Family ServicesFamily Caregiver Support Program301-265-8450

In-home Health Care Agencies*For a statewide listing of home health careAgencies, call the Department of Health andMental Hygiene, and Office of Health CareQuality at 410-402-8217 or 1-877-402-8220.The Home Heath Hotline is 1-800-492-6005.

HOSPICE ANDPALLIATIVE CARE

Hospice provides expert, compassionate, end-of-life care and assistance for the terminally illand their families.

Capital Hospice9200 Basil Court, Suite 200, Largo, MD 20774800-869-2136 • 301-883-0866 Office

Heartland Hospice12304 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705240-264-1692

Hospice of the Chesapeake9500 Arena Drive, Suite 250, Largo, MD240-487-1066

Maryland Community Hospice301-560-6000

National Hospiceand Palliative Care Organization1-800-658-8898

Visiting Nurses AssociationAdvanced Illness Program410-594-2600

HOUSING

Active Living Communities

Cameron Grove Adult Resort100 Cameron Grove Blvd.Upper Marlboro, MD301-249-3900

Central Park at Victoria Falls13701 Belle Chasse Blvd.Laurel, MD410-813-0090

Continuing Care Communities

Riderwood Village3140 Gracefield Road, Silver Spring, MD301-850-1536

Collington Episcopal Life Care Community, Inc.10450 Lottsford Road, Mitchellville, MD 20721301-925-9610

Department of Housingand Community Development301-883-5501

Subsidized GovernmentOwned Housing

The Housing Authorityof Prince George’s County301-883-5501

Cottage City Towers4142 Bunker Hill Road, Cottage City, MD 20772

Marlborough Towne1849 Tanow Place, District Heights, MD 20747

Owens Road1100 Owens Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Rollingcrest VillageSargent & Chillum Road, Chillum, MD 20782

Prince George’s CountyLow Income Subsidy Housing(Rent is approximately 30 percent of income)

Avondale Manor4915 Eastern Ave., Hyattsville, MD 20782301-853-7787

Bowie Common’s3909 New Haven Court, Bowie, MD 20716301-249-2575

Cheval Court2611 Luana Drive, Forestville, MD 20747301-736-0685

Chillum Oaks6305 Riggs Road, Hyattsville, MD 20783301-853-2755

Emerson House5999 Emerson Street, Bladensburg, MD 20710301-779-6196

Ft. Washington Adventist Apartments11316 Fort Washington RdFt. Washington, MD 20745301-203-7726

Friendship Arms5805 42nd Ave., Hyattsville, MD 20781301-779-6566

Gateway Village505 Suffolk Ave., Capitol Heights, MD 20743301-336-0141

Largo Landing Fellowship House1077 Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772301-249-2100

Manor Apartments4907 Eastern Ave., Hyattsville, MD 20782301-853-2900

Mrs. Philippines Home for Seniors, Inc6482 Bock Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745301-567-9537

Spellman House4711 Berwyn House Road, College Park, MD301-474-3435

Trinity Terrace6001 Fisher Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748301-630-7717

Victory House of Palmer Park7801 Barlowe Road, Landover, MD 20785301-341-4995

Privately Managed Senior HousingPrivately managed senior housing apartmentsare considered less than market rate but arenot considered low income. Property ownersset fees and prices.

Clinton Manor8500 Mike Shapiro Dr., Clinton, MD 20735301-877-0444

Evergreen Senior Community3800 Enfield Chase Court, Bowie, MD 20716301-218-5150

Fort Washington Manor10800 Indian Head Hwy.Fort Washington, MD 20744301-203-7004

Laurel Lakes7901 Laurel Lakes Court, Laurel, MD 20707301-317-0500

Manor at Victoria Park3420 Rickey Ave., Temple Hills, MD 20748301-630-0096

Marwood Senior Apartments5605 South Marwood Blvd.Upper Marlboro, MD 20772301-599-1700

Parkview at Laurel9000 Briarcroft Lane, Laurel, MD 20708301-490-1526

Parkview at Bladensburg4202 58th Ave., Bladensburg, MD 20710301-699-9785

Rainier Manor3001 Queens Chapel Rd., Mt. Rainier, MD 20712301-699-9795



Rollingcrest Commons6060 Sargent Road, Chillum, MD 20782301-559-2225

Selbourne House of Laurel501 Main Street, Laurel, MD 20707301-604-2635

St. Paul Senior Living1207 Addison Road, Capitol Heights, MD 20743301-350-1100

Vista at Lake Largo500 Harry S. Truman, Landover, MD 20785301-350-4766

Windsor Crossing5000 Lydianna Lane, Suitland, MD 20746301-669-6540

Woodside Village6801 Bock Road, Fort Washington, MD301-839-2150

Pin Oak Village16010 Excalibur Road, Bowie, MD 20716301-464- 6830

Long-Term Care FacilitiesA nursing home is a long-term residentialfacility for those with chronic illnesses or dis-abilities, particularly older people who havemobility and eating problems. Nursing homefacilities may also offer respite care, rehabilita-tion and other services for a short time.

Bradford Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Center7520 Surratts Road, Clinton, MD 20735301-856-1660

Cherry Lane Convalescent& Rehabilitation Center9001 Cherry Lane, Laurel, MD 20708301-498-8558

Clinton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center9211 Stuart Lane, Clinton, MD 20735301-868-3600

Collington Episcopal Life Care Center10450 Lottsford Road, Mitchellville, MD 20721301-925-7706

Crescent Cities4409 East-West Highway, Riverdale, MD 20737301-699-2000

Forestville Nursing & Rehab7420 Marlboro Pike, Forestville, MD 20747301-736-0240

Fort Washington Nursing & Rehab12021 Livingston Rd., Ft. Washington, MD 20744301-292-0300

Patuxent River Nursing & Rehab14200 Laurel Park Road, Laurel, MD 20707301-953-7980

Heartland Health Care Center6500 Riggs Road, Hyattsville, MD 20783301-559-0300

Heartland Health Care Center1801 Metzerott Road, Adelphi, MD 20873301-434-0500

Hillhaven Nursing Center3210 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, MD 20783301-937-3939

Larkin Chase Nursing & Restorative Center15005 Health Care Drive, Bowie, MD 20716301-805-6070

Magnolia Center8200 Good Luck Road, Lanham, MD 20706301-552-2000

Manor Care Health Center600 Largo Road, Largo, MD 20774301-350-5555

Pineview Nursing & Rehab Center9106 Pineview Lane, Clinton, MD 20735301-856-2930

Riderwood Village3160 Gracefield Rd., Silver Spring, MD301-572-1300

Sacred Heart Home Inc.5805 Queens Chapel road, Hyattsville, MD 2078301-277-6500

NMS Health Care,St. Thomas More Nursing & Rehab Ctr.4922 LaSalle Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782301-864-2333

Medstar of Southern Maryland Hospital Center7503 Surratts Road, Clinton, MD 20735301-877-5886

Villa Rosa Nursing Home3800 Lottsford-Vista Road, Mitchellville, MD 20721301-459-4700

Prince George’s County Department of FamilyServices Area Agency on Aging Longterm CareOmbudsman Program6420 Allentown Road, Room 12Camp Springs, MD 20748301-265-8450

For survey/inspection results of skilled nurs-ing facilities: Nursing Home Compare atwww.medicare.gov and Nursing Home www.mhcc.state.md.us

Assisted-Living FacilitiesContact the Prince George’s County AgingServices Division for an updated list of facili-ties at 301-265-8450.

KINSHIP CARE

Kinship care is provided when close relativesor friends provide child care support in theirhomes, raising children of parents who areabsent or unable to care for them.

Progressive Life CenterUtani Kinship Care Program301-909-6824

Prince George’s County, Administration onAging Family Caregiving program301-265-8450

Temporary Cash Assistance (TEA)1-800 332-6347

Prince George’s County Administration forChildren, Youth and Families (ACYF)301-265-8446

Child Help USA800-422-4453

Prince George’s County Department of SocialServices Child Protective Services301-808-5624

After Hours Crisis Line301-699-8605

Children’s National Medical Center,Child and Adolescent Protection Center202-476-4950

Family Tree/Stress Line800-243-7337

National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth301-608-8098

Center for Child Protection and Family Support202-544-3144

Report Child Abuse and Neglect301-909-2450TDD 301-779-2179

Prince George’s County Department of SocialServices-Foster Care Program301-909-2000

LEGAL

Prince George’s County Circuit Court,Clerk of the Court301-952-3318

Prince George’s County Circuit Court301-952-3655

Prince George’s County District Court,Administrative Clerk301-298-4000

Prince George’s County District Court301-298-4200

Kinship care is when grandparentsor other close relatives provide full-time child care in their homes foranother relative’s child or children.The primary reason for providingthis support is because the parents ofthe children are absent or unable toproperly care for them. kinship care isthe fastest growing type of placementmethod for children in the country.Families and social service agenciesrealize that children greatly benefitwhen families are kept together. Liv-ing with a responsible adult relativesends a positive message to childrenthat they still belong and are loved. Italso helps them believe it is not theirfault their parents are not raisingthem. As a result, they grow up feel-ing stable and secure.The need for kinship care can come

about in a number of ways.• A grandparent observes that

grandchildren are always dirty, hun-gry and maybe even bruised. Theymay even suspect child abuse. Theycall Child Protective Services for as-sistance to initiate the removal ofabused children from the home, orthe offer to take care of them in theirown homes.• A relative dies, leaving children

orphaned. As the closest relative, youconsider caring for these children inyour home.

• A mother or father is contactedby an attorney, courts or social servic-es regarding the incarceration of theirchild who has children. The grand-parents or close relatives do not wantthe children going into foster care.• Drug and alcohol addiction pre-

vents a relative from responsibilitycaring for their own child or children,and they abandon them, leaving themwith you for weeks.If you are a grandparent 55 or older

and you have the primary responsibil-ity for the care of minor children, thePrince George’s County Administra-tion on Aging wants you to know youdon’t have to handle this alone. Callus for resource information at 301-265-8450.

KINSHIP CARE PROGRAM

SEAN MURPHY/DIGITAL VISION/THINKSTOCK


Land Records301-952- 3352

Register of Wills301-952-3250

LIBRARY SERVICES

Prince George’s County Library301-699-3500

Library Service for Homebound301-336-4253

Volunteer Program301-699-3500

NUTRITIONAL PROGRAMS

Department of Family ServicesSenior Nutrition Program301-265-8475

Meals on Wheels301-265-8475

Meals on Wheels, Cheverly301-618-3930

Meals on Wheels, College Park301-474-1002

Meals on Wheels, Hyattsville301-927-5615

Meals on Wheels, Takoma Park301-434-1922

Meals on Wheels, Upper Marlboro301-627-4704

Top Banana Grocery301-372-3663(Delivers groceries to home)

Nutritional Sites

Bowie Senior Center14900 Health Center Drive, Bowie, MD 20716301-809-2355 or 2356 • 301-809-2300

Camp Springs Senior Activity Center6420 Allentown Road, Camp Springs, MD 20748301-449-0490

Council House Senior House3940 Bexley Place, Marlow Heights, MD 20746301-899-8445Resident Manager: 301-423-0228

Crescent Ridge Adult Center7001 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745301-567-1885

Crescent Cities Jaycees6907 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745301-567-7076

Evelyn Cole Senior Activity Center5720 Addison Road, Seat Pleasant, MD 20743301-386-5525

First United Methodist Church6201 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782301-927-6133

Glenarden Nutrition Site8600 Glenarden Parkway, Glenarden, MD 20706301-773-2104

Greenbelt Senior Center15 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770301-397-2208 • 301-397-2208

Greenridge House22 Ridge Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770301-474-7595

Gwendolyn Britt Senior Activity Center4009 Wallace Road, North Brentwood, MD301-699-1238

Highland Park Baptist Church6801 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD 20785301-773-6655

Jewish Community Centerof Greater Washington (JCC)6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852301-881-0100

Langley Park Senior Activity Center1500 Merrimac Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20785301-439-3056

Laurel-Beltsville Senior Center7120 Contee Road, Laurel, MD 20707301-206-3350

New Home Baptist Church8320 Landover Road, Landover, MD 20785301-773-0708 or 301-773-8100

Owens Road Nutrition Site1100 Owens Road, Main Post Office Unit 116Oxon Hill, MD 20745301-839-9488 (Monday and Wednesday only)

St. Paul’s Baptist Living1207 Addison Road, Capitol Heights, MD 20743301-350-1100

New Carrollton Nutrition6016 Princess Garden Pkwy., Lanham, MD 20706301-459-6103

RECREATION AND LEISURE

Maryland State Arts Council410-767-6555

YMCA Prince George’s County Program Center301-262-4342

YMCA Potomac Overlook301-203-2302

Maryland-National Capital Parkand Planning Commission301-699-2255

Sports and Learning Complex Center301-583-2400

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Prince George’s Tennisand Education Foundation240-460-5741 • www. pgtef.org

Prince George’s Running [email protected] • www.pgrc.org

Maryland Senior Olympics410-396-2920 • www.mdseniorolympics.org

Golf Courses

Bowie Golf & Country Club7420 Laurel-Bowie Road, Bowie, MD301-262-8141

Enterprise Golf Course2802 Enterprise Road, Mitchellville, MD301-249-2040

Glenn Dale Country Club11501 Old Prospect Hill, Glenn Dale, MD301-262-1166

Gunpowder Golf Club14300 Gunpowder Road, Laurel, MD301-725-4532

Henson Creek Golf Course7200 Sunnyside Lane, Fort Washington, MD301-567-4646

Lake Arbor Country Club1401 Golf Course Drive, Mitchellville, MD301-336-7771

Marlborough Country Club4750 John Rogers Blvd., Upper Marlboro, MD301-952-1350

Marlton Golf Club9413 Midland Turn, Upper Marlboro, MD301-856-7566

Paint Branch Golf Course4690 University Blvd., College Park, MD301-935-0330

Patuxent Greens Country Club14415 Greenview Drive, Laurel, MD301-776-5533

Potomac Ridge Golf Links15800 Sharpeville Road, Accokeek, MD301-372-1305

Prince George’s County YouthGolf Training Center2411 Pinebrook Ave., Landover, MD301-445-4512

University Of Maryland Golf CourseUniversity Blvd., College Park, MD301-314-4653

Indoor Pools and Aquatic Aerobics

Allentown Fitness and Splash Park301-499-5566 • 301-449-5567

Hamilton Pool301-779-8224 (summer) • 301-445-4500

J. Franklyn Bourne Memorial Pool301-350-4422 (summer) • 301-218-6700

Lane Manor Splash Park301-422-7284 (summer) • 301-445-4500

North Barnaby Pool301-894-1150 (summer) • 301-449-5566/7

Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex301-583-2400 • TTY 301-583-2483

Rollingcrest-Chillum Splash Pool301-853-9115

Glenarden/Theresa Banks Complex-Theresa Banks Memorial Pool301-772-3151

Senior Softball LeaguesBaltimore Beltway Senior Softball League,with participating teams from Bowie andGreenbelt, is open to all Prince George’sCounty residents.

Home Field:

Watkins Regional Park301 Watkins Park Dr., Upper Marlboro, MD 20744Montgomery County Senior Softball AssociationOpen to Bi-County residents.

Home Field:Fairland Sports and Aquatic Complex13950 Old Gunpowder Road, Laurel, MD 20707

Northern Area Seniors60 & Better ClubsThe Department of Parks and Recreation inPrince George’s County has exciting activi-ties for those 60 and older. Find a communitycenter near you and join the fun! Call to con-firm meeting dates and times. Schedules aresubject to change.

Beltsville Community Center3900 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705301-937-6613

Bladensburg Community Center4500 57th Ave., Bladensburg, MD 20710301-277-2124

College Park Community Center5051 Pierce St., College Park, MD 20740301-441-2647

Good Luck Community Center8601 Good Luck Road, Lanham, MD 20706301-552-1093

Kentland Community Center2411 Pinebrook Ave., Landover, MD 20785301-386-2278

North Brentwood Community Center4012 Webster St., North Brentwood, MD 20722301-864-0756

Prince George’s Plaza Community Center6600 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782301-864-1611

Rollingcrest-Chillum Community Center6120 Sargent Road, Chillum, MD 20782301-853-2005

Central Area Seniors60 & Better Clubs

Bowie Community Center3209 Stonybrook Dr., Bowie, MD 20715301-464-1737

Glenn Dale Community Center11901 Glenn Dale Blvd., Glenn Dale, MD 20769301-352-8983

Huntington Community Center13022 8th St., Bowie, MD 20720301-464-3725

John E. Howard Community Center4400 Shell St., Capitol Heights, MD 20743301-735-3340

Kettering/Largo Community Center431 Watkins Park Dr., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774301-390-8390

Lake Arbor Community Center10100 Lake Arbor Way, Mitchellville, MD 20721301-333-6561

Oakcrest Community Center1300 Capitol Heights Blvd.Capitol Heights301-736-5355 • TTY 301-218-6768

Palmer Park Community Center7720 Barlowe Road, Landover, MD 20785301-773-5665

Peppermill Community Center610 Hill Road, Hyattsville, MD 20785301-350-8410

Southern Area Seniors60 & Better Clubs

Camp Springs Senior Activity Center6420 Allentown Road, Camp Springs, MD 20748301-449-0490

Harmony Hall Community Center10701 Livingston Rd., Ft. Washington, MD 20744301-203-6040

Hillcrest Heights Community Center2300 Oxon Run Dr., Hillcrest Heights, MD 20748301-505-0896

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Marlow Heights Community Center2800 Saint Clair Dr., Marlow Heights, MD 20748301-423-0505

Suitland Community Center5600 Regency Lane, Forestville, MD 20747301-736-3518

In addition, classes and activities for seniors areoffered at M-NCPPC community centers and facilitiesthroughout Prince George’s County. Look on line atww.pgparks.com or pick up the GUIDE to Parks andRecreation.

QUESTIONS?Customer Service Help Desk301-699-CALL (2255) • 301-699-2544 TTY

COMMUNITY CENTER/FITNESS ROOM IDCARDS FOR SENIORS60 & BETTERSign up for your free SMARTlink account at anycommunity center in the county, and request aCommunity Center/Fitness Room ID card.Work out and enjoy exercising in a communitycenter fitness room; staff will be glad to helpyou get started.

Seniors 60 & Better AnnualCommunity Center and FitnessRoom ID Card Fees

Bi-County Resident/Prince George’s& Montgomery CountyCommunity Center ID Card - FREEFitness Room ID Card - FREEReplacement Card - FREEWeekly Pass - N/AThree Month Pass - N/A

Non Bi-County ResidentCommunity Center ID Card - $75Fitness Room ID Card - $250Replacement Card - $20Weekly Pass - $30Three Month Pass - $25

The Department of Parks and Recreation operates40 community centers throughout Prince George’sCounty. Each center offers a variety of recreationclasses, programs, drop-in activities and specialevents for people of all ages. Indoor and outdoorvenues vary by center and include features suchas gymnasiums, meeting rooms, kitchens, multi-purpose activity rooms, fitness rooms, outdoor playequipment, athletic fields, multipurpose courts,picnic areas and trails.Community Center/Fitness Room IDs cards are validfor use at all M-NCPPC community centers andsenior centers in Prince George’s County. Pleasenote: These ID cards are not for use at the PrinceGeorge’s Sports & Learning Complex, FairlandSports and Aquatics Complex, and other specialfacilities operated by M-NCPPC. Call these facilitiesdirectly for information about programs for seniors.To find out where community centers are located,to learn more about getting a SMARTlink accountor to get more information about community centerID cards and Fitness Room cards, visit www.pgparks.com or call the Customer Service HelpDesk at 301-699-2255; TTY 301-699-2544.

TRANSPORTATION

Metrobus Discount Fares:Discount fares are available to those 65 yearsor older and people with disabilities with aMetro Senior Citizen ID card. Persons withdisabilities who meet preset qualifications canobtain Metro Photo ID cards at the Metro salesoffices at 600 5th St., N.W., Washington, D.C.Call 202-962-1245 or TDD 202-628-8973.

Metrorail Senior/Disabled Farecards:Reduced Metrorail fares are available only toqualified seniors (65 or older) and people withdisabilities. Metro ID or Medicare cards arerequired for purchase. Call 202-962-1245 orTDD 202-628-8973.

MetroAccess:Provides curb-to-curb public transportationthat serves people who are unable to use thebus or rail system as a direct result of a physi-cal or mental disability. Eligible passengers maytravel anywhere in the Washington MetropolitanArea Transit Authority (WMATA) service area.Call 202-962-2700 for more information.

DEPARTMENT OFPUBLIC WORKS ANDTRANSPORTATION

Call-A-Bus301-499-8603 • TDD 800-735-2258(Maryland Relay)

Senior Transportation Services(STS) Medical Program301-499-8603

General Transportation Information301-883-5656

Call-A-Cab301-883-5656

TheBus301-883-5656 • 301-324-2877

Call-A-BusCall-A-Bus is a demand-response, curb-to-curb service available to all residents ofPrince George’s County who are not servedby or cannot use existing bus or rail services.Priority is given to senior and people withdissabilities. Those with disabilities mustprovide their own escorts if needed. Serviceanimals are allowed for the visually impaired.Reservations can be made up to 14 days inadvance by calling 301-499-8603 between 7:30a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday,excluding county holidays. Hours of serviceare 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday throughFriday, excluding county holidays. Same-dayrequests are accepted but are subject to avail-ability of resources. When reserving a trip,please indicate if you need special assistance,such as a wheelchair lift or escort. Once yourtrip is scheduled, you are required to callback the day before your trip to confirm yourreservation; otherwise, your reservation maybe canceled. Be ready for pickup 15 minutesprior to the scheduled time and be waiting ata location where you are visible to the driver.For more information, call 301-499-8603.



Riding Call-A-Bus:• Be ready in advance of scheduled pickup time.• Be courteous to passengers and the driver.• No eating, smoking or drinking while on the bus.• Electronic devices with earphones only.• Avoid changes in your trip. Drivers cannotwait more than 15 minutes because all tripsare scheduled for multiple pickups through-out the day.

Fares:Fares are based on one-way trips and pay-able upon boarding. Escorts ride free. Pleasehave exact change. Drivers do not change orhandle fares.Regular Fare: $1Seniors: FreePersons with disabilities: FreeNutrition and foster grandparents programs: FreeMedical and general transportation programs:50 cents.

Senior Transportation Services (STS):The STS program provides regularly sched-uled, curb-to-curb transportation throughoutPrince George’s County to senior and resi-dents with disablities in. Service is providedMonday through Friday, excluding countyholidays. Participants must provide their ownescorts, if needed.

Municipal Call-A-Bus Programs:In addition to Prince George’s County’s Call-A-Bus program, the following municipalities alsoprovide their own local Call-A-Bus service.

Contact your local community service at thetelephone numbers listed below for fares, daysof service and hours of operation.

Town of Berwyn Heights301-474-5000

City of Greenbelt301-474-4100

City of Bowie301-809-2300

City of Hyattsville301-985-5020

Town of Capitol Heights301-336-0626

City of College Park301-345-8100

City of Mount Rainier301-985-6586

City of District Heights301-336-1402

City of New Carrollton301-459-6103

Town of Fairmount Heights301-925-8585

City of Seat Pleasant301-336-8678

City of Glenarden301-773-2100

Town of University Park301-927-4262

Port Towns of Bladensburg,Cottage City, and Colmar Manor301-277-4920

TheBus:Prince George’s County TheBus operates26 fixed-service routes. Service is providedMonday through Friday, excluding major holi-days. For schedule information, call 301-324-2877; TDD 800-735-2258. Those 60 and olderand customers with disabilities ride free.

Call-A-Cab:Call-A-Cab is a transportation service thatprovides mobility at a reduced cost for PrinceGeorge’s County residents 60 and older andresidents with disabilities. For additional infor-mation, see the Call-A-Cab application andinformation sheet located in this guide.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESPrince George’s County Department of FamilyServices RSVP Program301-265-8486

Foster Grandparents301-265-8450

** A copy of your Medicaid card, MetroAccess card, Social Security Disabilitystatement or doctor’s note may be used as proof of disability.

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BRAND X PICTURES/STOCKBYTE/THINKSTOCK


Prince George’ County Departmentof Family Service Administrationon Aging Ombudsman Program301-265-8450

Prince George’s County LibraryVolunteer Program301-699-3500

Voter Registration Volunteer301-430-8020

YOUTH SERVICES

Big Brothers/Big Sistersof the National Capital Area301-794-9170

Bowie Youth and Family Services301-262-6200 • 301-809-3033

College Park Youth Service Bureau301-474-1210

Department of Juvenile Justice301-952-2580

Department of Family Services, Commissionfor Children, Youth & Families301-265-8446


District Heights Family & Youth Services301-336-7600

Family Service Foundation301-459-2121 • 888- 333-7505

Girls and Boys Town National Hotline800-448-3000

Greenbelt Cares Youth Services301-345-6660

Laurel Adolescent and Family Service Center301-498-4500

Oasis: Laurel-Beltsville301-498-4500

Prince George’s County Public Schools301-298-4000 • 301-952-6366

Health Teen Center301-324-5141

Teen Help1-800) 840-5704

FREQUENTLYCALLED NUMBERS

Senior Information and Assistance301-265-8450

Aging Division301-265-8450

Assisted Living Subsidy301-265-8450

Elder Abuse

301-265-8450

Employment for Seniors301-265-8487

Foster Grandparents301-265-8450

Health Insurance Counseling Program301-265-8450

Nursing Home Ombudsman301-265-8450

Retired Senior Volunteer Program301-265-8450

Maryland Relay410-260-3838

RESOURCES FOR SENIORS

Prince George’s County Department of FamilyServices Administration on Aging6420 Allentown Rd., Camp Springs, MD 20748301-265-8450www.princegeorge’scountymd.gov/dfsThe Administration on Aging provides a widerange of services and programs to enrichthe lives of older adults in order to help themmaintain the highest quality of life with inde-pendence and dignity. Services and programsare provided that support aging in place,offer consumer choice, and promote dignityand respect. There are also special programs

designed to support adult children caring fortheir aging parents and relatives.

Maryland Access Point (MAP)Maryland Access Point is a new initiative thatlinks older people and adults with disabilitiesfrom all income levels to local health and sup-port services. It is the single point-of-entry toaccess resources for lifelong independence.Whether the question is about understandingMedicare, where to find leisure activities, howto care for a frail older relative or how to locatesenior housing, assisted living or a nursinghome, MAP is the place to start.

Health Promotion-Living WellThis program offers seniors a series ofworkshops to help them with diagnosedor self-diagnosed chronic conditions whilelearning skills to manage the symptoms andget the most out of life. Topics covered in theworkshops include: medicines, nutrition andphysical activity; skills for communicatingwith your health care team; handling frustra-tion and problem-solving; planning for thefuture; and relaxation methods.

Senior Nutrition ProgramProvides nutritious meals at senior centers andnutrition sites throughout the county and deliv-ers meals to homebound seniors as needed.

Family Caregiver ProgramThis program provides assistance and sup-port to people caring for their aging parents,relatives or friends and those that are involvedwith long distance caregiving. Services include

information and referrals, assistance services,supportive counseling, emergency assistance,respite care and community education.

Money Follows the Person (MFP)Money Follows the Person will help peopletransition from an institution to communityliving in an apartment, private home or smallgroup setting. The program initiatives increaseoutreach to individuals in institutions anddecrease barriers to transition. Money Followsthe Person provides peer mentoring, enhancedtransition assistance, improved informationtechnology, housing assistance, flexible transi-tion funds and the addition of waiver servicesto existing waivers.

Senior Health Insurance ProgramThe program provides comprehensive healthinsurance counseling and assistance toseniors, persons with disabilities and theircaregivers.

Senior Community ServiceEmployment Program (SCSEP)The program helps older adults find employ-ment by building skills and confidence throughpaid community service positions. Participantsmust be 55 or older and meet income eligibilitycriteria.

Senior Assisted Living Subsidy ProgramThis program provides financial assistanceto qualified low- to moderate-income seniorsresiding in assisted living facilities throughoutthe county. This program helps to defray thehigh cost of this service and delays or pre-vents nursing home placement.

Elder Abuse Prevention ProjectThis project provides public education to thecommunity and professionals serving olderadults in an effort to prevent neglect andelder abuse.

Ombudsman ProgramThis program promotes the highest quality oflife and care possible for nursing home resi-dents. The ombudsman investigates and seeksresolution of problems that affect residents’rights, health, care, safety and welfare.

Public Guardianship ProgramThe program assures the ongoing safety andwell-being of the elderly by professional casemanagers when the Area Agency on Aginghas been appointed public guardian by PrinceGeorge’s County Circuit Court.

Telephone Reassurance ProgramVolunteers place daily reassuring calls tohomebound and isolated seniors in PrinceGeorge’s County.

Foster Grandparent ProgramThis program provides resources for older vol-unteers to work with physically, mentally andemotionally challenged children in centers andschools throughout Prince George’s County.

Retired and Senior Volunteer ProgramThe program provides volunteer opportunitiesfor those 55 and older. More than 600 volun-teers serve at more than 65 nonprofit organiza-tions and government agencies.

The Home and Community Based ServicesWaiver for Older Adults

JUPITERIMAGES/PHOTOS.COM/THINKSTOCK


This program enables adults to remain in acommunity setting even though their advancedage or disability would warrant placement ina long-term care facility. The waiver allowsservices typically covered by Medicaid in along-term care facility to be provided to eli-gible persons in their homes or in assistedliving facilities.

Other Useful Numbers:

Adult Protective Services301-909-2228

Alzheimer’s Association1-866-259-0042

AARP202-434-2277

Department of Family Services301-265-8401


Elder Care Locater Services1-800-677-1116

Health Department, Adult Healthand Geriatric Services301 856-4730

Maryland Energy Assistance Program301-909-6300

Maryland Older Adult Medical Waiver Registry1-866-417-3480

Prince George’s Community CollegeSenior Program301-322-0882

Department of Social Services,Respite Care Program301-909-2090

Senior Health Clinic301-927-4987

Senior Law Project, Legal Aide301-927-6800

Senior Transportation301-499-8603

Social Security Administration1-800-772-1213

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! CLIP AND MAIL

DIGITAL VISION/PHOTODISC/THINKSTOCK


hether you’re settling into your 60s orheading into your ninth decade, youshould be extra careful when taking

prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Andif you’re caring for older loved ones, you shouldhelp them stay safe.The older you get, the more likely you are to

use additional medicines, which can increase thechance of harmful drug interactions. And, as weage, body changes can affect the way medicinesare absorbed, leading to potential complications.For instance, your liver and kidneys might not

work as well, which affects how a drug breaksdown and leaves your body. And changes in yourdigestive system can affect how fast drugs get toyour bloodstream.“There is no question that physiology chang-

es as we age. Many chronic medical conditionsdon’t even appear until our later years,” ex-plained Sandra L. Kweder, M.D., deputy directorof the Food and Drug Administration’s Office ofNew Drugs. “It’s not that people are falling topieces; some changes are just part of the normalaging process.”

TAKEMEDICINE AS PRESCRIBEDTake your medicine regularly and according to

your health care provider’s instructions. Don’tskip doses or stop taking medication withoutfirst consulting with your provider. This holdstrue even if you’re feeling better or if you thinkthe medicine isn’t working.“Medication can’t work unless you take it,”

Kweder said. “For instance, medications that treatchronic conditions such as high blood pressure anddiabetes typically only work when taken regularlyand as directed. You have to take them continu-ously to maintain control over your condition.”

WJUPITERIMAGES/STOCKBYTE/THINKSTOCK


Dosing for medications is based on clinical trials,which the FDA reviews. “Every medicine is really dif-ferent and is dosed according to what’s been tested,”said Kweder, which is one reason why you shouldn’tselect a dose yourself.If you’re having bothersome side effects or have other

questions, talk to your health care provider.

KEEP AMEDICATION LISTWrite down what you’re taking and keep the list with

you. Consider giving a copy to a friend or loved onewhom you trust—an important step especially in caseof emergency and when you’re traveling.Record the medicine’s brand name, if applicable,

and generic name. Also write down how often andwhat dosage you take. (For instance, one pill daily,300 milligrams.)Finally, note when you take each drug. “You should

know your medicines better than the doctor does,”said Kweder.

BE AWARE OF POTENTIAL INTERACTIONSRemember, as you age, you’re at higher risk for drug

interactions.Interactions can occur when:• One drug affects how another drug works;• A medical condition you have makes a certain drug

potentially harmful;

• A food or non-alcoholic drink reacts with a drug;• A medicine interacts with an alcoholic drink.Your task? Learn which interactions are possible.

You can do this by carefully reading drug facts labels onover-the-counter drugs and the information that comeswith your prescription medications, and by reviewingany special instructions with your health care provider.For instance, nitroglycerin, which treats angina (chestpain related to heart disease), should not be taken withmany erectile dysfunction drugs, including Viagra andCialis, because serious interactions can occur. And somedrugs should not be taken with alcohol, as symptomssuch as loss of coordination andmemory loss can result.If you’re seeing multiple health care providers, tell

each one about all of your medications and supple-

ments. You also can ask your pharmacist about poten-tial interactions.

REVIEWMEDICATIONSWITHYOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

Schedule at least one annual review of your medica-tions with your health care provider to confirm whichmedications are still necessary and which, if any, youcan stop taking.If a certain medication seems out of your budget, ask

your health care provider whether there is a cheaper,and still effective, alternative.This review can help you avoid interactions and

can lessen costs. Sometimes, especially if you’re seeingmultiple providers, certain questions can fall throughthe cracks, said Kweder. But, she said, there is no suchthing as a stupid question about medicine.“As a society, we have become reliant on pharmaceu-

ticals to help us attain a longer and higher-quality life.It’s a wonderful success of Western medicine,” she said.“The goal should be for each of us to access that benefitbut respect that medicines are serious business. To getthe most out of them, you should take them with greatcare and according to directions.”

-U.S. Food and Drug Administration

“There is no question that physiologychanges as we age. Many chronic

medical conditions don’t even appearuntil our later years”

- Sandra L. Kweder, M.D., deputy director of theFood and Drug Administration’s Office of New Drugs.


BANANASTOCK/THINKSTOCK


hronic pain is a growing prob-lem among older Americans.Understanding the causes of this

pain, the special medical needs of the el-derly, and the role of pain self-manage-ment can help seniors reduce or eliminatethis condition.As the U.S. evolves into a nation with

an older population, greater attention isbeing paid to health care problems morecommon among seniors. Research hasshown that 50 percent of older adultswho live on their own and 75 to 85percent of seniors in care facilities suf-fer from chronic pain. Yet, pain amongolder adults is largely undertreated andcan have serious consequences, such asdepression, anxiety, decreased mobility,social isolation and poor sleep.There are natural changes that occur

with aging that affect pain—sleep pat-terns change, muscles and joints gradu-ally become more rigid, and energy de-creases. Frequently, older people don’treport their pain because they don’tknow that it can be treated, or they be-lieve it will lead to expensive tests ormore medications. And there can be con-ditions, such as vision or hearing loss ordementia, that can limit communicationabout pain.To help overcome these barriers, treat-

ment of chronic pain may involve a teamof different painmanagement specialists—including a physician, nurse practitioner,physician assistant, pharmacist and otherswho specialize in pain management.Treating pain in older adults requires

special care because nutritional problemsor multiple medical problems—diabetes,heart disease, arthritis—are common.Helping seniors self-manage their pain isan important part of reducing or elimi-nating that pain.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURHEALTH CARE PROVIDER

Communication with your caregiveror care team is the best way to help youmanage or end your chronic pain. Askthese questions:• What is causing my pain? What can

I do about it?• What is the name of the pain medi-

cine I will be taking?• How long will it take for the medi-

cine to work?• What side effects should I expect?• If I forget to take the pain medicine,

what should I do?• When should I take the pain medi-

cine—on a regular schedule? Before,with, or after meals? At bedtime?• Are there any dangers to taking this

pain medicine I should know about?• Will this pain medicine cause prob-

lems with any other prescription drugs orover-the-counter medicines I am taking?

-NIH MedlinePlus

Research has shown that 50 percent of older adultswho live on their own and 75 to 85 percent

of seniors in care facilities sufferfrom chronic pain.

BANANASTOCK/THINKSTOCK

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