The Bureau of Aging & Disabilities is hosting a [VIRTUAL] Chronic Conditions Self-Management workshop series on Mondays from 9:00 to 11:30am beginning October 28th, 2024. This program is offered for free and is a community-based workshop to help people manage their chronic conditions. This workshop is open to the public and is recommended for adults who have chronic conditions, such as back pain, arthritis, headaches, and their caregivers. Workshops are highly participatory. Mutual support and success build participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives.  Each participant is guided to tailor the workshop content to their own needs.

What topics are covered?

• Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance
• Falls prevention
• Healthy eating
• Better breathing techniques
• Appropriate use of medication
• Working more effectively with health care providers
• Communicating with friends and family
• Communicating with oneself
• Communicating with the health care system
•  Action-planning, problem-solving, decision-making

Who can attend?

This interactive and participatory program is for adults who are living with chronic pain. Adult-age caregivers, family members, and other members of a support team are highly encouraged to attend.

Does the program replace existing programs or treatment?

The program does not replace any existing programs or treatment. In fact, the classes enhance those provided through accredited programs often provided in hospital settings. Treatment is not altered. For medical questions, participants are referred to their physicians. If the content of the course conflicts with instructions they receive elsewhere, they are advised to follow their physician’s orders and discuss discrepancies with the doctor.

What can I expect from the class?

Techniques to deal with symptoms of chronic conditions, such as fatigue, sleeplessness, stress, and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear, and frustration. Physicians, registered dietitians, occupational and physical therapists, and other health professionals have reviewed all workshop materials.

Details of the program

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) originally developed at the Stanford University Patient Education Research Center and is now part of the Self-Management Resource Center. Different subject matters are taught over the course of six weekly, 2 ½ hour sessions all focused to help each participant manage their diabetes. This program covers both the physical aspect of managing chronic pain as well as the emotional aspect.

Caregivers and support people are welcome at the workshops and are encouraged to participate as well. Workshops are led by two trained lay leaders and are for 8-12 individuals. Textbooks are provided at no cost for each participant to use as a resource throughout the workshop (voluntary donations are accepted, up to $25 – the cost of the book and relaxation CD).

The Bureau of Aging & Disabilities (BOAD) is pleased to offer this program virtually, at no cost to the public. If the lack of technology holds you back from participating, please contact Victoria Parks at 410-386-3800 for more information.

Participants are encouraged to attend all six sessions. Each session builds upon the previous session. Participants enjoy sharing experiences and provide mutual support to each other.

If you are interested in registering, please visit our webpage at https://carrollcountymd.gov/livinghealthy . Please call or EMAIL Victoria Parks with the Bureau of Aging and Disabilities with questions.

Click HERE to register for the [Virtual] Chronic Conditions Self-Management workshop series on Mondays from 9:00 to 11:30am beginning October 28th, 2024.