Health Services

Social Work Services

Program Fee

With our excellent staff-to-participant ratio (we go above and beyond the requirements of the State of Maryland), the Misler Center provides the following services:

• Door-to-door, handicapped-accessible transportation to and from the Center

• A choice of activities designed to meet a range of interests, needs and abilities

• Health monitoring, observation and supervision by registered nurses: blood pressure, weight monitoring, medication administration, including insulin injections

• Certified geriatric aides

• Help with activities of daily living (such as mobility, incontinence care and assistance, showering, etc.)

• Social work services that include support for participants and families

• Secure, keypad-coded exits

• Physical, occupational and speech therapy (with doctor’s orders)

• On-site podiatry services

• A beauty parlor for men and women

• Nutritious snacks and a four-course hot lunch (kosher) with attention to special diets

• A program that is medically licensed by the State of Maryland

Program hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Extended hours are available. Some participants attend just two days a week, while others attend Monday through Friday.

Health Services

Our health staff is always here to help when help is needed. Registered nurses can administer and monitor medications and perform light treatments, while geriatric aides assist with activities of daily living, if needed. Our nurses also serve as health care coordinators, observing and assessing each participant’s health. They are often the first to notice physical or cognitive changes and can communicate with physicians and families, alerting them quickly to any problems.

Participants get to know and trust our nursing staff and feel confident bringing questions and concerns to them. Our nurses also lead monthly interactive discussion groups on relevant health and nutrition topics.

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Social Work Services

Our social workers are often the first staff members people talk to when they call the Misler Center, and they support families and participants beginning with that very first phone call. They personally guide participants and families through the initial process and ease the transition into the program. They have a broad knowledge of available community resources and can refer families to available services when necessary. They also provide support to our participants and lead our caregiver support groups twice a month. The Misler Center social workers can be reached at 301-468-1740.

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Transportation Services

Roundtrip, door-to-door transportation is provided for those participants who live within our pick-up area. (A call to one of our social workers at 301-468-1740 can let you know if your address is within that area.) Our buses are handicapped- and wheelchair- accessible.

Our professional, experienced drivers are sensitive to the needs of older adults and have excellent driving records. Like all of our staff, our drivers form bonds with their riders, getting to know the special needs and personalities of each.

Families may also choose to drive their loved one to and from the center. JCA can also help coordinate other transportation options for participants who are not in our pick-up area. Providing safe, reliable transportation to older adults has been an integral part of the Jewish Council for the Aging’s mission since its founding in 1973.

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Program Fee

As a nonprofit day program, the Misler Center provides a cost-effective alternative for people who need assistance and stimulation during the day, but who want to avoid additional in-home care, or to delay long-term care outside their home. The daily charge is based on a sliding fee scale, and families can expect to pay far less at Misler than for assisted living or equivalent hours of in-home care.

Many participants receive financial assistance through a Maryland Office of Health Services Grant, Medicaid, the Veteran’s Administration, Montgomery County Senior Care program, or the JCA Misler Opportunity Grant fund. A call to our social workers at 301-468-1740 can help you find out about our sliding fee scale. Most long-term care insurance policies cover all or some of the fee.

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