The Wellness Event for November was all about getting to know the IMAGE Center’s Out and About Program. First let’s pull back the curtain and see who is the extraordinary team that is working so hard for the Out and About Program. First the leader of our team program manager Crystal Brockington. Options Counselor Tiffany Martin, Peer Outreach and Support Specialists Shiffon Gray, Sandra Myster, and myself Keyonna Mayo.
During the virtual event we discussed The Out and About Program, other community resources and ideas to not be lonely over the holidays. The Out and About Program follows the guidelines of Money Follows the Person Program, some people refer to it by the Medicaid Wavier Program. Our Out & About Program helps people get OUT of Nursing Facilities and ABOUT life in the community. People eligible for this program are residents in Long Term Care Nursing Facilities.
Here are the initial steps the Social Work will send the resident that is interested in the wavier program to one of the Peer Outreach and Support Specialists and their will put in the referral. Then the Options Counselor will reach out to the resident or their family member to give them more information about the program and if they want to move forward they will have them with application assistant.
After that a Peer Outreach and Support Specialists could help the resident with other community resources sure as MTA Mobility, housing options if they person is looking for their own place. Maryland Accessible Telecommunication, Maryland Department of Disabilities Assistive Technology Program, Meals on Wheels. We help connect the resident to whatever resources they need.
Ideas and Activities to do if you are feeling alone
- Virtual support group (see resources above)
- Video chat/phone call with friend
- Create a group video chat centering on a topic or theme such as a book, tv show/movie, self-care
- Set a day/time to play a phone game with a friend like “Words With Friends” or other mobile games
- Call a WarmLine (non-emergency, emotional support line; see resources above)
- Write someone you care about a card or letter
- Have a virtual dinner date or party!!!
- Do something nice for someone you know
- Check on loved ones who live alone or have kids (or ask others to check in on you)
- Do a positive and safe challenge on social media and then share it with friends to complete with you (draw something, express gratitude, share a picture)
- Interview a friend and aim to find out something you did not know about them
- Join in on a social media conversation
- Tune in to a live stream such as religious service or a performance
- Participate in a class or webinar on Eventbrite (Qigong/meditation, art classes, academic seminars. Some classes available for purchase, however several are free)
For more information about the Out and About Program
Please contact outabout@imagemd.org or call 443-219-7407 for information!