Sagepoint Senior Services Foundation Gears Up for Our 2021 Golf Tournament

Sagepoint Foundation Co-Chairs Evie Hungerford and Sally Jameson

Foundation co-chairs Evie Hungerford and Sally Jameson invite you to join the fun during our 2021 Golf Tournament

Last year’s Inaugural Golf Tournament was a rousing success so we have decided to continue the fun for a second year! This year the golf tournament will take place on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Swan Point Yacht & Country Club. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with community leaders and make a difference for senior care in Southern Maryland.

Sagepoint is a nonprofit organization caring for seniors and people with disabilities in southern Maryland for nearly 50 years. Your support of the tournament allows us to continue providing vital programs and services for those who need it most.

Sponsorship opportunities have been selling quickly. With different levels available, sponsors make the tournament possible with their contributions and enjoy benefits such as logos on tournament signage and presence on digital and social media.

The Golf Tournament will include a full day of golfing with a captain’s choice scramble format, putting contests and an exclusive raffle for an opportunity to golf at Pinehurst No. 2. Registration for the main event has already sold out, with a waitlist on standby for any last-minute openings.

Luckily opportunities are still available for the Sip and Swing event. If you are new to golf or never golfed before, this is for you! From drinking wine to practicing yoga with just a little bit of beginner golf, you’re sure to have a fun and relaxed day on the course.

Register online today — the Sip and Swing package is listed under “Add-Ons/Extras” on our online registration site. Click here to learn more.

Sagepoint Assisted Living — A True Community

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Woman being embraced by another woman in an assisted living environment

Sagepoint’s philosophy is that assisted living is about more than services or a facility. It’s about a true sense of place, of fulfillment, of community. Sagepoint offers exactly that…a welcoming and friendly community, where real connections are made among our caregiving professionals and residents.

Each resident receives personalized help with activities of daily living, encouraging independence and interaction. Our staff gets to know each person’s special interests and preferences, and ongoing assessments support aging in place. Private rooms with bathrooms are complemented by nutritious, delectable, full-service dining in our dining room. “Comfort food” and alternative menu choices are also available. Recreational and therapeutic activities fill the calendar. And of course, Sagepoint provides carefully designed and monitored individual plans of care, including medication management, regular visits by physicians and nurses, and many other specialized care details.

We pride ourselves on creating a true home environment. Housekeeping, laundry services and even a full-service hair salon are all included.

Sagepoint also understands the importance of a vibrant social atmosphere. Our residents are provided regular opportunities to interact with neighbors in an engaging environment. Activities like gardening, games, art and music add daily fun in addition to regular interactions out and about each day. We’ve structured our program to center around fostering connection and giving a foundation for friendships to blossom.

To learn more about Sagepoint’s residential assisted living services, please call 301-934-0222 to arrange a personal consultation.

Called to Care: How One Caregiver Followed His Passion at Sagepoint

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Photos of doctors and assisted living professionals caring for people

There’s nothing quite like helping others. And for our Caregivers at Sagepoint, helping is only the start of what they do. Each GNA, or geriatric nursing assistant, comes to work ready to engage and support our seniors in new ways each day. No two Caregivers have the same story, but they all share a passion for what they do. This is how Duane Izlar found the field of Caregiving — and why Sagepoint has been the perfect fit for him.

From Construction Work to Caregiving

For Izlar, being a Caregiver wasn’t always in his plans. He actually switched career paths following experience in the construction industry. While this may seem like a big transition, it actually was more natural than you might expect.

Izlar’s brother had already been working as a Caregiver and had mentioned on many occasions that Izlar himself would be great at the job. Later on, when Izlar’s grandmother needed assistance, he began caring for her before looking to become a professional Caregiver.

“I’ve always liked helping people,” reflects Izlar. “It was meant to be.”

Starting a New Career at Sagepoint

After a decade in the Caregiving industry, Izlar knew of Sagepoint’s stellar reputation. In preparation to start a career here, Izlar took part in a free course that Sagepoint offers to interested Caregivers. Over the span of several weeks, these lessons offered intensive training in all areas needed to become a successful Caregiver. This includes review of relevant health care practices as well as Sagepoint-specific protocols. At the end of the training course, each individual takes a test through the Maryland Board of Nursing to earn their certification.

What Everyday Life is Like for a Caregiver

In his four years at Sagepoint, Izlar has come to appreciate that no two days will ever be the same. He often starts his days checking in on his patients, making sure they feel good and are taking all of their prescribed medications.

“We’re first in line when they have questions or need care,” says Izlar, who notes that he works closely with the full team of nurses to meet the needs of each person. Izlar works specifically with the Rehabilitation team, which can serve both long- and shorter-term patients. He says he values the conversations shared with them throughout the day.

Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In March 2020, the world turned upside down as everyone began scrambling to combat the COVID-19 virus. Izlar remembers this time vividly, noting, “it was scary for everybody.”

Despite the initial confusion and panic faced in medical facilities across the globe, the team at Sagepoint “came together” through it all. Even when medical equipment seemed scarce, there was always some available for Caregivers — and every person on staff was careful to follow updated CDC recommended protocol as new measures were announced.

While the experiences of the past year were sobering for everyone in our community, Izlar and his fellow Caregivers are the biggest reason we were able to come out on the other side. And Izlar himself can see the difference he makes in the lives of his patients, saying “At the end of the day you’re actually helping people — and that’s something I’m proud of.”

For Every Stage of Senior Care, There’s Sagepoint

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Care for an aging loved one can take many stages. For family members and primary caregivers, the decisions about what type of care is right at what point in time can feel overwhelming. But the professionals of Sagepoint Senior Living Services have more than 40 years of experience serving families in Southern Maryland through all stages of aging. When the time is right to seek the best care — and successive levels of care — Sagepoint is the trusted source.

Adult Day Services

Sagepoint’s specially-trained day service providers provide help with daily activities from simple assistance to total care. Services range from administering medications and monitoring of physical conditions to nutrition consulting, weight management and other daily health oversights. Even accompaniment to social outings when family members cannot attend can be provided. We can alleviate many of the everyday worries that families and friends face for aging loved ones.

Home Care

A helping hand, a companion, a confidante. The Home Care professionals at Sagepoint can fulfill all of these roles in the comfort and security of your loved one’s own home. The challenges of daily housekeeping, laundry, cooking, errands, shopping and other everyday activities that most people take for granted can be attended to by our visiting in-home service providers. We get started with a comprehensive needs assessment by our Registered Nurse Case Manager. Depending on case by case needs, our home care professionals can provide bathing and grooming assistance, toileting and ambulation help and feeding assistance. Of course, the simple comfort of daily companionship that people of all ages need is equally important. All of these heartfelt services and more are available from Sagepoint.

Assisted Living and Memory Care

Life is to be enjoyed, at every stage. Everyone at Sagepoint holds that ideal in high esteem, and it guides our care services for your aging loved ones who need a residential setting that truly meets their changing needs and focuses on their safety, security and happiness. Sagepoint’s progressive in-residence care services — including assisted living and memory care — address every family’s concerns and needs on a personal level.

To gain more knowledge about Sagepoint Senior Living Services, please phone 301-934-0222 to arrange a personal tour.

Meet the People Whose Lives Are Made Better By Your Generosity

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We know that there are many worthy causes out there.

We also know that you can’t give to support them all.

But we would be honored and grateful if you would consider a tax-deductible, year-end gift to support Sagepoint.

Watch the videos below to hear from our patients and their families. And to get a glimpse of the difference your donation can make right here in Charles County.

These are the people you’re supporting. These are the lives you’re changing.

It feels so good to give, and it only takes a few moments and a few clicks.

Thank you from the bottom of our grateful hearts.

A Brief Guide to Medicare and Understanding Your Options

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By Sharon Wagner, SeniorFriendly.info

Medicare is a blessing to many seniors, but navigating all of your options and deciding on a plan can be extremely overwhelming. How are you supposed to know which plan you need, which insurance companies to trust, and how to enroll? There are many things to consider when choosing your plan and nearly endless options when you look beyond the basic federal program. Hopefully, this guide can clear up a few things and point you in the right direction.

Finding Plans in Your Area

To start, it’s important to know what kinds of Medicare plans are available in your area. The government website Medicare.gov provides a handy search tool for finding Medicare Part C and Part D plans. This can help you narrow down your choices based on certain criteria, such as whether you need drug coverage and which pharmacies you would like included in your plan. Take a look at this useful step-by-step guide for help using the search tool.

Learning About Basic Medicare

Original Medicare, also called Medicare Part A and B, is the most basic coverage provided by the government for seniors 65 and older. Original Medicare covers things like hospital stays and outpatient doctor’s services. Most people will not have to pay anything for Part A, but everyone must pay a monthly premium for Part B. It’s also important to understand that Original Medicare will not pay for 100 percent of the services it covers; you will still have out-of-pocket costs from deductibles and copayments. This is why many people supplement their Medicare plans.

Understanding Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and are similar to health insurance plans you may have signed up for in the past. In addition to everything covered by Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare Advantage plans offer additional coverage for things like hearing, vision, and dental. These plans may also include daily living assistance and lifestyle support, such as transportation or meal delivery services. US News explains the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage based on different criteria you may have.

You’ll notice that many Medicare Advantage plans have no premiums. These can be a good option for people who are healthy and looking to save money while still being protected from large medical expenses. These zero-premium plans typically have high deductibles, meaning you’ll have to pay more for your services before your plan will cover the rest. Choosing a plan with a higher premium may be a better option if you have a chronic condition or some other reason to require regular medical care.

Medicare Part D for Drug Coverage

Medicare Part D, which is also offered by private insurance companies, covers prescription drugs. You can add Part D to your Original Medicare plan. However, the majority of Medicare Advantage plans include Part D. According to Investopedia, the costs associated with Medicare Part D are fairly similar to the premiums, deductibles, and copayments of any standard medical insurance plan. Before picking a plan, it’s important to consider the particular drugs you need to be covered since certain plans cover different drugs. Using the Medicare.gov search tool mentioned above can help you find Part D plans that will cover your prescriptions.

Considering Medigap

Finally, Medigap is yet another option for supplementary coverage offered by private insurance companies. Medigap specifically covers the gaps in Original Medicare. This can be beneficial for people who anticipate future chronic conditions and are worried about expensive healthcare needs. There are several Medigap plans to choose from, so think carefully about the kind of coverage you need most. Some plans have coverage for travel emergencies, whereas others are better for covering the deductibles and copayments from your Original Medicare plan.

Getting the most out of Medicare means taking the time to learn about your plans and coverage options. Continue to do your research and check out some of the resources mentioned here. Although it will take some serious planning to evaluate your choices, consider your criteria, and anticipate your future care needs, this will help you secure your health for the future.

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Sagepoint Launches Fourth Annual Photo Contest

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We are excited to announce our fourth annual Images of Aging Photo Contest and hope you will enter! To enter, submit a photo of a senior(s) and their favorite pet. During the first week of March, you and everyone else can vote for your favorite entries. You can even share your uploaded photos with your friends to boost your votes. The winning photo recreation, as determined via Facebook/Instagram (likes), will receive $200 (USD) in the form of a gift card. Two additional winners, as determined via the Sagepoint Community and Sagepoint Staff, will each receive $50 (USD) in the form of a gift card. Entries must be submitted electronically via our submission form below. There is no entry fee, however individuals may only submit one (1) entry into the contest. The contest ends Wednesday, February 28, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. EST (U.S.).

Sagepoint Selected As 2019 Best of Senior Living Winner

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Families’ Online Reviews Rank the Best of the Best of North American Senior Care

Sagepoint Senior Living Services was selected as a 2019 Best of Senior Living Award winner by SeniorAdvisor.com. The Best of 2019 Awards celebrate the communities and agencies that have consistently received outstanding feedback from families on the SeniorAdvisor.com website. Of the nearly 45,000 communities currently listed on SeniorAdvisor.com, just over 1,600 were recognized with this prestigious award. This exclusive designation places the winners in the top one percent of senior care providers according to those who matter most – their families.

President/CEO Andrea Dwyer remarks, “We are very honored to be recognized for our quality care. We certainly extend this recognition to all our wonderful employees who work hard each and every day to ensure that our residents receive the best service. As the only community recognized in Southern Maryland, we are very pleased by this acknowledgement.”

Winners of the SeniorAdvisor.com Best of 2019 Awards are located all over the country and represent the top tier of in-home care, assisted living, and other senior living providers in the country. The award places winners in the top one percent of senior care providers nationwide. Similar to over half of the winners, Sagepoint offers more than one type of care. Care options offered include: Home Care, Adult Day Services, Rehabilitation, Assisted Living, Long-term Care, and Memory Care.

Resident Adoption Tree Now Up

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Help Us Make the Holidays Even Merrier For Our Residents

LA PLATA, MD (November 19, 2018)

Sagepoint Senior Living Services is excited to announce that our Resident Adoption Tree is now up! We strive to make all occasions extra special for our residents and the Adoption Tree is a simple way to spread joy among our facility this Holiday Season. The program helps us ensure that every single resident will have something for them under the Christmas tree. The wish lists were developed by the residents themselves or with their needs in mind. Adopt a resident today and help us brighten their holiday this season!

Activities Director Erin Johnson remarks, “Our adoption tree is a fun way for members of the community to help seniors in need. It is the generosity of the members of our community that allow us to grant each resident a wish during the holidays. If you are able, we ask that you consider adopting one of our residents this year from our Resident Adoption Tree. We promise, it’s a fun way to give back!”

If you are interested in adopting a resident for the holidays, come in and select a resident off the Resident Adoption Tree or email Erin Johnson, Activities Director, at ejohnson@sagepointcare.org. Upon adopting a resident, you will receive the Resident’s Wish List and we ask that you return gifts wrapped in gift bags by Friday, December 14, 2018. The gifts will be delivered during our Annual Christmas Party.

In addition to resident adoptions, supplemental donations are also needed to ensure equality among the gifts received by each resident. These include personal items, bathroom accessories, and comfort and room decor. A full list can be found below.

Core Receives State Recognition for Board Service

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Sagepoint Board Chair Recognized for Significant Board Service and Contributions

La Plata, MD (October 23, 2018) – The Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism hosted the 35th Annual Governor’s Service Awards on Tuesday, October 16^th, to celebrate the outstanding volunteer contributions of Maryland residents and organizations. This year, 170 nominations were submitted. We are proud to announce that our very own board chair, Carolyn Core, was recognized for her significant contributions to our organization! Carolyn’s service to both Sagepoint and the community we serve has gone above and beyond her board commitment and we are so very appreciative of her continual selfless service.

Since her time as chair of the board, Carolyn has initiated Sagepoint’s Advisory Committee; started an annual review of the performance of the board; increased the board’s diversity; prepared for the transition of the organization’s CEO; and taken the lead in orchestrating contact between Sagepoint and The University of Maryland’s Charles Regional Medical Center to implement effective relationships so that each individual in Sagepoint’s care is ensured the highest quality of care. Carolyn also played a vital role in the development of Sagepoint’s new assisted living community, the expansion of its existing rehabilitation center, and the recent kick-off of a philanthropy program.

“We are overjoyed to see Carolyne Core recognized for her board service that goes far above and beyond what is expected of our board members,” remarked Andrea Dwyer, Sagepoint Senior Living Services President and CEO. “In fact, Sagepoint is fortunate to have a team of many supremely dedicated board members and we are very grateful for all of their service; they are truly invaluable assets to this organization!”

For more information on the Governor’s Service Awards, visit: www.gosv.maryland.gov/governors–service-awards-recipients-2018.