2024 Sagepoint Golf Tournament: Swinging for a Cause, Driving Change

Our 2024 Sagepoint Golf Tournament was an incredible success, and we couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who participated and contributed to making the day so special. Held at the beautiful Swan Point Yacht & Country Club on October 2, the event brought together golfers, sponsors and supporters from across the region, all united by a shared goal—supporting the seniors in our community.

Coming Together for a Great Cause
Spirits were high as players teed off, kicking off a day filled with fun and rivalry on the greens. Attendees enjoyed not only the challenge of the course but also a fantastic array of local food and beverage offerings provided by our generous sponsors. Beyond the fun and camaraderie, the tournament was a powerful reminder of the immense support our community shows for Sagepoint and its mission.

Making a Difference Together
This year’s turnout was exceptional, with familiar faces and new participants coming together in a spirit of generosity and care. Thanks to this overwhelming support, we are proud to announce that we have made great strides toward our fundraising goals to support dementia care education as well as programs and services. These programs and services are critical in helping families navigate the challenges that come with dementia diagnoses, and we are so appreciative to have the continued backing of such a compassionate community.

Supporting Sagepoint’s Mission
While the day was filled with friendly competition, the true highlight was seeing how deeply our mission resonated with everyone involved. Your donations and participation are helping us further raise awareness about dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as the lasting impact these conditions have on families and communities. Every swing of the club and every contribution has helped to make a difference.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to all who made this year’s Sagepoint Golf Tournament such a success. From our sponsors and participants to the dedicated volunteers and staff, we couldn’t have done it without your enthusiasm and dedication. Your support is truly making a difference in the lives of seniors and their families, and we look forward to building on this success in the future.

We look forward to seeing you next year for another fantastic day of golf and community spirit on September 17, 2025!

Caring Hearts, Changing Lives: Support Sagepoint’s End-of-Year Campaign

Every day is filled with moments that define us—shared laughter, heartfelt conversations and quiet times with loved ones. But for many seniors in our community, these moments are becoming harder to hold onto as dementia and Alzheimer’s take their toll. At Sagepoint, we’re committed to ensuring that no one faces this journey alone, and this year, we’re calling on our community to help.

Through our “Caring Hearts” campaign, we aim to provide the specialized care and support needed to preserve dignity, joy and connection for seniors affected by memory loss. As we close out another year, your generosity can make a lasting difference in their lives.

A Growing Need for Compassionate Care
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are on the rise—every year there are nearly 10 million new cases. Here in Maryland, we’re expecting a nearly 20% increase in Alzheimer’s cases in the next few years. For families, the journey is emotionally overwhelming, and finding compassionate, reliable care can feel like an uphill battle. That’s where Sagepoint steps in.

At Sagepoint, we provide not only expert care for seniors but also much-needed support for their families. Whether through our Adult Day Services, Assisted Living or Memory Care programs, we focus on giving each individual the respect, attention and warmth they deserve.

The Power of Your Support
By donating to our “Caring Hearts” campaign, you are directly supporting seniors in need. Your contribution helps us expand our services and develop critical caregiver support programs that make a real difference for families. Every dollar you give ensures that more people in our community can access the help and care they need.

Help Us Make a Difference
As the year draws to a close, we invite you to join us in making a difference. Together, we can ensure that seniors in our community continue to live with dignity, joy and care. Donate today to our “Caring Hearts” campaign, and be part of something truly meaningful.

Navigating the Financial Impact of Caregiving: Understanding Sequence of Savings Risk

Written by: Christine Parker, CFP®, APMA®, CSRIC®

As a working family caregiver, balancing the demands of caring for an older parent or loved one with managing your career and financial security can be overwhelming. Many caregivers reduce their work hours or leave their careers early to provide care, significantly impacting their retirement savings and long-term economic health. One of the critical financial challenges caregivers face is the sequence of savings risk.

What is the Sequence of Savings Risk?

The sequence of savings risk refers to the financial challenges caregivers encounter when they are forced to reduce or pause retirement savings due to caregiving responsibilities. This can occur in several ways:

Reduced Contributions to Retirement Plans: When you cut back on work hours or leave the workforce, your retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, or IRAs, decrease, limiting your future savings.
Fewer Employer Matching Contributions: By reducing work hours or stepping away from work, you may miss out on employer matching contributions, which can substantially impact the growth of your retirement savings over time.
Lower Social Security Benefits: Social Security benefits are based on your top 35 years of earnings. Work fewer years or at a reduced income. Your Social Security benefits in retirement may be lower than if you had continued working full-time in your higher earning years.
Lower Pension Benefits: Defined benefit pensions are typically calculated based on years of service and average salary, so reduced earnings or time worked can decrease the total pension amount.

Together, these factors create a savings gap that makes it more challenging to accumulate enough wealth to support a secure and comfortable retirement because Americans live longer and healthier lives.

The Impact of Caregiving on Financial Security

Research shows that many workers, including executives and professionals, leave to care for aging family members due to a lack of workplace flexibility and support services. This issue affects individuals across all income levels and career stages. The decision to leave the workforce for caregiving can lead to reduced income, stalled career advancement, and a growing wealth gap as retirement approaches.

Mitigating Sequence of Savings Risk

To protect your financial future while taking care of yourself, consider the following steps to minimize the sequence of savings risk:

Develop a Flexible Financial Plan: Create a plan that considers caregiving responsibilities and potential reductions in income while staying focused on your long-term financial goals. Work with a CFP® professional specializing in planning for individuals managing caregiving duties and who can help you navigate these complexities. To find a qualified CFP® professional, visit the CFP® Let’s Make a Plan website. [CFP® Let’s Make a Plan Website] (https://www.letsmakeaplan.org/find-a-cfp-professional).
Maximize Contributions When Possible: If you are still employed, contribute as much as possible to your retirement plan, mainly if your employer offers a matching program. This will help counterbalance future savings shortfalls.
Leverage Catch-Up Contributions: If you are over 50, take advantage of additional catch-up contributions to your retirement accounts to close the savings gaps created by caregiving-related work disruptions.
Build an Emergency Fund: A substantial emergency fund can prevent the need to withdraw from retirement savings during unexpected caregiving out-of-pocket expenses, preserving your long-term investments.
Consider Care Options: Professional care services like those offered by Sagepoint Senior Services can provide respite and ease some of caregiving’s emotional and financial burdens. Sagepoint offers services like adult day care, assisted living, and memory care, allowing you to continue working and contributing to your retirement savings while ensuring your loved one receives excellent care. Explore employee benefits programs and public and private support services for caregivers.

Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Program

In 2025, Maryland will launch the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, providing eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for themselves or a family member with a “serious health condition.” This includes caring for parents, stepparents, spouses, domestic partners, grandparents, and other family members. FAMLI offers partial wage replacement of up to $1,000, allowing caregivers to take time off without losing their income or sacrificing their employment status.

Starting in July 2025, employees will notice payroll deductions for FAMLI, and benefits will be available the following year. This program is a financial lifeline for caregivers, offering wage support that helps balance work, caregiving, and long-term financial goals.

The FAMLI program will also help alleviate the sequence of savings risk by allowing caregivers to maintain income and continue making retirement contributions while fulfilling caregiving responsibilities. For more information, visit [Maryland’s Paid Leave website](https://paidleave.maryland.gov/workers/Pages/home.aspx).

Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched the GUIDE Model this year. In limited areas, this new resource supports unpaid caregivers in navigating the complexities of Medicare services for older adults diagnosed with dementia.

Understanding Medicare coverage is crucial when managing the healthcare needs of a loved one with dementia, as it can help caregivers access essential services like hospital care, home health care, memory care, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care. The model program provides detailed guidance on Medicare benefits, enrollment periods, and eligibility, making identifying coverage for cognitive assessments, memory care, and long-term care needs easier.

For more information and to explore the range of services available, visit the official Medicare website at [Medicare.gov](https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide).

Maryland’s Family Caregiver Support Program

The Maryland Department of Aging administers the Maryland Family Caregiver Support program. It is a resource for family caregivers to care for older loved ones at home for as long as possible. Aging is a dynamic process that leads to new aspirations, abilities, and knowledge we can share with our communities. For more information, visit the [Maryland Department of Aging website] (https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/national-family-caregiver-support.aspx).

The Role of Sagepoint Senior Services

Nonprofit organizations like Sagepoint Senior Services are crucial in supporting family caregivers in rural communities. Sagepoint offers professional care services, including part-time adult day care, full-time assisted living, and memory care. These services provide high-quality care for aging loved ones while enabling caregivers to maintain financial security by continuing to work.

By utilizing services like those offered by Sagepoint, caregivers can reduce the stress of caregiving while still contributing to their retirement savings and safeguarding their future financial well-being.

Conclusion: Balancing Caregiving and Retirement

Caring for an aging loved one is a rewarding but challenging responsibility, often placing significant financial strain on families. Addressing the sequence of savings risks associated with caregiving is crucial to safeguarding your long-term financial health and wellness. Developing a comprehensive financial plan, leveraging government support resources, and exploring community services like those offered by Sagepoint can help mitigate these economic risks. Finding this balance allows you to fulfill your caregiving responsibilities without compromising your future financial security.

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Christine Parker, CFP®, APMA®, CSRIC®, is the sole practitioner and founder of Parker Financial, LLC, an independent fee-only Registered Investment Adviser based in Maryland. At Parker Financial, LLC, our Guardian Wealth Care services are designed to support high-earning professionals facing the physical, emotional, and financial complexities of family caregiving for older parents.

Christine holds multiple professional designations, including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor℠ (APMA®), and Chartered SRI Counselor℠ (CSRIC®). She is pursuing a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning at the College for Financial Planning and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Minor in Finance from the University of Maryland University College.

In addition to her professional work, Christine has held numerous leadership roles in community organizations, including past president of the Financial Planning Association of the National Capital Area and past chair of the Sagepoint Senior Services Foundation. She is also actively involved in several other nonprofit boards and committees. Please visit Parker Financial, LLC website for more information.

The Fifth Annual Sagepoint Golf Tournament Is Back

We are thrilled to announce the return of the Sagepoint Golf Tournament on Wednesday, September 18 at the beautiful Swan Point Yacht & Country Club. As we tee off for the fifth consecutive year, we invite you to join us for a day that promises not only great golf but also an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Tournament Details
The Fifth Annual Sagepoint Golf Tournament
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Swan Point Yacht & Country Club

Registration opens at 8:00am, Shotgun start at 9:00am
Early Bird Individual: $140 (End July 17)
Early Bird Foursome: $530 (End July 17)

Senior Individual: $125 (single player age 60 years of age or older)
Senior Foursome: $500 (four players age 60 years of age or older)

Standard Individual: $150
Standard Foursome: $600

Don’t miss your chance to compete in course contests like the Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, Chipping and Putting where both men’s and women’s top performers will be honored with prizes.

Sip & Swing Returns!
Back by popular demand, the Sip & Swing event is a perfect way to enjoy the festivities of the Sagepoint Golf Tournament, especially if you aren’t a seasoned golfer or just want to spend a fun day with friends. First, you’ll enjoy a laugh with a fun putting activity designed by a golf professional. Next, stretch those creative muscles and make a beautiful gift to take home. Wrap your fun day up with a delicious food and wine pairing from the Chef at Swan Point and a local winery.

Why Participate?
This year, all proceeds from the tournament will support Sagepoint’s Assisted Living and Memory Care programs. By joining us, you’re contributing to vital resources that enhance the lives of our seniors, including dementia education programs and expanded community outreach for senior care navigation. Whether you’re swinging a club or enjoying the relaxed pace of our Sip & Swing event, your participation directly benefits the well-being of older adults and their families throughout Southern Maryland.

Become a Sponsor
Are you looking to make a bigger impact? Consider becoming a sponsor. Our sponsorship opportunities offer various levels of engagement and visibility at the event, providing an excellent platform for showing your support for the community and our mission. Early sponsors get the pick of prime spots, so be sure to visit our sponsorship page soon, as these opportunities are filling up quickly. For questions about our sponsorship opportunities, email Joyce Riggs at JRiggs@SagepointCare.org.

How to Register
Registration is open! Don’t wait to secure your spot. You can register online for both the golf tournament and the Sip & Swing event. Whether you choose to compete on the greens or savor the day’s more relaxed activities, your participation is invaluable.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Reflections on Past Sage Advice Community Conversations Events Before Our Next Event

At Sagepoint Senior Living, we have always been dedicated to creating a community that not only caters to the physical well-being of our residents but also fosters mental and emotional support. One of the ways we achieve this is through our Sage Advice Community Conversations events, which aim to enlighten, empower and connect our community members. As we look back on some of our recent events, we are excited to share the enriching experiences we’ve had and remind you to keep an eye out for our next event.

We were grateful to host some impactful conversations at our past events. At Creative Approaches for Peaceful Caregiving, special guest Joan Foust shared invaluable insights on harmonious caregiving, offering practical strategies to enhance cooperation and reduce stress. With our Understanding Dementia conversation, we demystified dementia while providing a comprehensive overview and support for families navigating this challenge. We also hosted an event on Navigating Legal Options for Advanced Care Planning. This conversation focused on the legal aspects of end-of-life care, offering families the knowledge to make informed decisions, and underscoring our dedication to a holistic approach.

Providing this resource for our community has become essential to our goal of supporting caregivers, seniors and their families. One attendee, Phillip Carpselli, expressed the value of sharing his experiences with others who understand. Another attendee, Brenda Dyer, shared her appreciation for the educational and supportive nature of the Sage Advice series.

From feedback in the community, we see that these Sage Advice Community Conversations are more than just events; they are a vibrant expression of our commitment to lifelong learning and communal support. They represent the wisdom, compassion and shared experiences of our community that continually strengthen our support.

It’s resources like these that make your contributions to our fundraising efforts, like the Caring Hearts campaign, so important. We could not make these valuable community resources possible without your unwavering support.

Stay tuned for more details about our next Sage Advice event, and we look forward to welcoming you for another enriching experience. Together, we continue to thrive and grow as a community that values wisdom, compassion and shared learning.

If you’d like to donate to support the Sage Advice Community Conversations Series and other community resources that Sagepoint provides, go to https://sagepointcare.dm.networkforgood.com/campaigns/383368.

Swing into Fall: Sagepoint’s Fifth Annual Golf Tournament Returns

We are thrilled to announce the return of the Fifth Annual Sagepoint Golf Tournament on September 18 at the Swan Point Yacht & Country Club. This year promises to be another fantastic event filled with camaraderie, friendly competition and the much-anticipated Sip & Swing festivities.

After years of remarkable success, both in fundraising and creating unforgettable memories among our community on the fairway, we can’t wait to welcome you back for another incredible event. This year’s proceeds from the tournament will contribute to Sagepoint’s Assisted Living and Memory Care programs and services. Our goal is to raise funds to enhance dementia education programs for families and the community at large. Your participation will support initiatives like the Sage Advice Community Conversation Series, addressing crucial topics related to dementia each month. We are also dedicated to expanding community outreach efforts to provide more resources and support for senior care navigation for older adults and their families.

Back by popular demand, our Sip & Swing festivities add a unique and laid-back twist to the traditional tournament schedule. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking to enjoy a day of leisure, the Sip & Swing option allows you to revel in the festivities and catch up with some familiar faces from our community.

There are a few ways to get involved in the event. Whether you want to become a sponsor or simply attend the event for a day of fun, you’ll be contributing to a cause that makes a big impact in the lives of our seniors. Registration for the Sagepoint Golf Tournament opens on June 1. Mark your calendars and get ready to sign up for a day of golf, camaraderie and community support. Stay tuned for more details and announcements as we approach the registration date.

Another Successful Sagepoint Golf Tournament

Dear Sagepoint Community,

We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who participated in our Annual Sagepoint Golf Tournament this year. Returning for a fourth year, the Swan Point Yacht & Country Club was buzzing with excitement on September 20 as golfers and attendees made their way to the greens. From sponsors to golfers, attendees to contributors, we truly could not have put on this event without your support and enthusiasm. We are incredibly grateful for such a robust turnout and the immense generosity of the community towards our seniors.

Event attendees enjoyed an exciting day on the course while savoring delicious food and drinks from our sponsors. While it was amazing to see our community in full swing, the best part of the event was seeing the incredible support of everyone towards our cause.

We hope everyone who attended had a fun time supporting our cause for improving Sagepoint’s Assisted Living and Memory Care programs. Thanks to your help, we are well on our way to our goal of growing awareness of dementia and the effects it has on the person, the family and the community as a whole. We look forward to proceeding with our plans to expand community outreach efforts to develop caregiver support and training programs for those who care for loved ones with dementia and other long-term cognitive illnesses.

Sage Advice Community Conversation Series Begins in September

There are no easy answers when it comes to a loved one suffering from dementia. But, there are resources and tools to help you better understand this disease and feel more prepared when caring for someone with dementia.

In our newly launched Sage Advice Community Conversation Series, we aim to provide information and tools for families of those living with dementia and provide them with a greater understanding of the condition. Each series will address a specific topic related to dementia. At the events, presenters and experts will share resources and advice about a certain aspect of dementia to aid families in caring for their loved ones.

Beginning in September, we invite anyone whose family has been affected by dementia to attend to gain more support and resources. Past participants have shared, “This series fills a need in the community for more information and resources about a disease that requires comprehensive support and affects so many families.”

On September 11, the topic, “What is Dementia?” will offer a broad overview of the condition, including causes, symptoms, stages, prevention and treatment. Next, on September 25, “A Walk in their Shoes: A Dementia Experience” will offer attendees a glimpse into the daily challenges of living with dementia through participating in hands-on activities.

Don’t miss this chance to better equip yourself with information and resources as you navigate the challenging journey of a loved one living with dementia.

For more information and to get your free ticket visit the links below. Space is limited, please make sure to register to secure your spot.

Monday, September 11 | 6-7:30pm

What is Dementia?

Monday, September 25 | 6-7:30pm

The Dementia Experience

Sagepoint Senior Living Services, Adult Day Services Building

10200 La Plata Rd, La Plata, MD 20646

Tee Up With Sagepoint In 2023

Any golfer will tell you that the only thing better than a round of golf is another round of golf! After an incredibly successful third-annual Sagepoint Golf Tournament, we’re teeing it back up and hitting the links again this year. The fourth-annual Sagepoint Golf Tournament is set for Wednesday, September 20, at Swan Point Yacht & Country Club. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with community leaders and make a difference in senior care in Southern Maryland.

The tournament will include a full day of golf with a captain’s choice scramble format, putting contests and exciting raffle opportunities. Returning this year are the very popular raffle for the Pinehurst Course #2 trip (the site of the 2024 US Open Golf Tournament!) and Mulligan Ball Raffle. New this year – Have a PGA pro hit your tee shot! More details to come!

Sagepoint Senior Living Services is a nonprofit organization caring for seniors and persons with disabilities in southern Maryland for nearly 50 years. This year, all proceeds will be put towards improving Sagepoint’s Assisted Living and Memory Care programs.

Our goal is to raise funds to help Sagepoint Senior Living Services grow awareness of dementia and the effects it has on the person, the family and the community as a whole. We plan to achieve this goal by expanding community outreach efforts to develop caregiver support and training programs for those who care for loved ones with dementia and other long-term cognitive illnesses.

Hurry and sign up today to beat the Early Bird Deadline by July 28, 2023! After July 28, the prices will increase. Sponsorship opportunities still remain, but they will go quickly. Email Joyce Riggs at JRiggs@SagepointCare.org for more information.

Assisted Living Manager, Yolanda Medley, Keeps Our Residents Active & Having Fun

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Study after study on seniors consistently reinforce that activity, engagement and interacting with others are good for the mind, body and soul of older individuals. As part of our commitment to providing high-quality care and creating an environment that enhances health and wellness for our residents, we strive to keep them as active and engaged as possible.

How do you keep seniors engaged and active when many of them face physical shortcomings or don’t feel like participating? That responsibility falls on our very own Yolanda Medley, Sagepoint’s Assisted Living and Memory Care Manager.

“I interview residents to learn what they want to do, what hobbies they had and what they would like to try. Engagement is really important, so I want to make sure we’re doing things that interest the residents,” said Yolanda when discussing how to connect with and motivate residents to participate in activities.

This work, while challenging at times, is incredibly rewarding to Yolanda, whose connection to providing care goes way back.

“When I was 13, my grandpa was diagnosed with cancer, and I helped my family care for him. Through that experience I became interested in being a caregiver. When I was starting my career, that seemed like a natural direction to go, so I was a caretaker for years before going to college to earn my degree in health care administration,” said Yolanda.

To help keep our residents interested and engaged in our activities, Yolanda is always ready to go the extra mile. She invites special guests, speakers and experts into the group activity events to make them more fun and unique for the residents. To ensure a variety of activities and an equal opportunity for those with disabilities to participate, she is always coming up with new ideas to keep things fun and fresh for residents.

“We recently had a Sip and Paint event that was a lot of fun. We gave the residents cranberry juice in fancy wine glasses, brought in easels for everyone to create their piece and even served hors d’oeuvres. Everyone really had a great time,” said Yolanda.

With the warmer months coming up, she’s looking forward to planning some outdoor activities. But no matter where the activities take place, she knows how important they are to the residents and their families.

“When I see a resident that didn’t want to participate and then they get into it and have fun, that is very rewarding. It also makes me feel good, and it’s a warm feeling when the residents tell their families about the activities.”