Westminster, MD, Monday, April 5, 2021 – The Bureau of Aging & Disabilities will hold a week-long Virtual Open House to provide opportunities for residents to explore Carroll County’s Aging & Disabilities services through program presentations and featured speakers. Presentations are scheduled from 9am to 1pm daily, beginning Monday, April 19th.

Below is a summary of the virtual events planned for each day, please access the comprehensive agenda for each day HERE.

Monday, April 19 – Join us at 9am as we kick off our Open House with a welcome by Commissioner Stephen Wantz, followed by introductions to the Department of Citizen Services and Bureau of Aging & Disabilities by Director Celene Steckel and Bureau Chief Gina Valentine. At 9:15am, tag-along as we “tour” the various programs offered at the Bureau of Aging & Disabilities.

Tuesday, April 20 – We will feature topics of interest for caregivers, including an introduction to the National Family Caregiver Support Program in Carroll County; COVID Fatigue; Medical Cannabis; Battling Isolation; and Tips and Tools for Assisting Loved Ones with Dementia presented by the Alzheimer’s Association.

Wednesday, April 21 – At 9 am, we will explore our five local Senior & Community Centers and meet the center managers. In addition, participate in virtual class demonstrations and take a behind-the-scenes look at the nutrition program, caterer, and meal options. At 12:30 pm we will offer no-cost healthy snacks “Grab and Go” at each of the five Senior and Community Centers. Contact your local center to register or indicate your preference on the Open House online registration form.

Thursday, April 22 – We will highlight older relatives or grandparents who are raising their grandchildren, with a focus on Early Childhood Trauma; the legal processes of Adoption, Custody, and Guardianship; how to handle conflict; and a presentation on Virtual Learning and Social Media by Carroll County Public Schools.

Friday, April 23 – We will explore topics of interest for all older adults, featuring the AARP Safe Driving Program; Carroll County’s Housing Choice Voucher Program; Healthcare Decisions; and Tips and Tools to Prevent Falls.

Access our comprehensive agenda for each presentation by clicking HERE.  If the lack of technology holds you back from participating in this Virtual Open House, please contact Leslie Wagner at 410-386-3818 to determine eligibility for a new Wi-Fi-enabled tablet loan program.

All events are free to the public, please register online at https://carrollcountymd.gov/aging-and-disabilities or by clicking HERE. Registration for the event allows access to all presentations and speakers throughout the week. Once you are registered, you will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to access the presentations and the link to participate. Feel free to log in and out based on your schedule and interests. A call-in number will also be available for those who wish to participate by listening only. Call the Bureau of Aging & Disabilities at 410-386-3800 for more information. Recordings of the event will be available on the bureau’s website at a future date.