Ryan Miner - Older Adult Advocate

02/05/2026

01/30/2026

An excellent resource!

‼ ALL OF THE BOXES HAVE BEEN HANDED OUT‼
Due to the large number of early arrivals and resulting traffic congestion on surrounding streets, we decided to open the gates earlier and distribute the boxes. We are grateful to have helped as many as we could.

EDIT: We wanted to clarify a few questions some may have! The boxes are first come first serve basis. Unfortunately we do not have the resources to do deliveries, but someone else can pick up on your behalf. Unfortunately you cannot go through the boxes, whatever you are unable to eat you can pass along to another friend. The area will be open until 3:00 or until we run out.

Due to the snow, a HelloFresh delivery truck wasn’t able to complete its route. Instead of letting the food go to waste, they generously donated all 22 pallets, and we’re excited to share it with our community! 🥕🥦

If you or someone you know would like a box, stop by 128 N Prospect St. and pick some up! The gate will open tomorrow morning at 8:30 am.

01/19/2026

A fantastic local business to support in Hagerstown!

Our restaurant is more than just a business—it’s our passion project, and you all are the heart of it. Thank you for choosing to spend your time and share your meals with us. Your support truly means the world!!!!

01/16/2026

Wonderful news!

Today we had the privilege to announce HomeGoods of Hagerstown as our very first Dementia Hero of Washington County.

Their employees immediately jumped into action when hearing an individual living with dementia was separated from their loved one in the store. They acted swiftly with compassion and were able to communicate quickly in order to reunite them. We are truly thankful for Homegoods of Hagerstown and their excellent response to this situation.

If you or your business is interested in our Dementia Friends training please send us a message.

12/30/2025

This is wonderful!

It's never too late to learn a musical instrument.

Our nation is deeply indebted to you, Staff Sergeant Dominick Critelli, and all military veterans. Thank you for all that you have done for our nation.

Decorated Staff Sergeant hears “USA” chants from fans after performance

11/14/2025

Thank you so much to SOAR (Supporting Older Adults Through Resources), especially Leslie Schultz, SOAR’s Founder/Executive Director, for hosting a hugely successful event yesterday evening, “A Toast to the Holidays,” in Thurmont!

Leslie started a Frederick nonprofit ten years ago to provide community resources and support for older adults in need who reside in Frederick County.

For over a decade, SOAR has provided life-changing resources for so many deserving older adults residing in Frederick County. The impact this organization has made is beyond quantifiable.

Thank you to all who planned this fantastic event and for carrying SOAR’s mission in your hearts.

Please check out SOAR at https://soarfrederick.org/.

We envision a world where older adults feel loved, respected, and recognized for all they have done for their families and our community. Until then, our mission is to do all we can to help and support them to live their lives with dignity.Read More...

08/25/2025

Confused about the Johns Hopkins–UnitedHealthcare fallout?

Marylanders are suddenly facing out-of-network doctors, canceled appointments, and skyrocketing bills.

That’s why I created a [Complete 2025 Action Guide] — a step-by-step resource that shows you exactly what to do now that UnitedHealthcare (UHC) will no longer offer services through Johns Hopkins Medicine (JHM) as in-network care and how to protect yourself!

Johns Hopkins OUT of the UnitedHealthcare network Aug 25! Don't panic - get continuity care or switch plans today! Click here for help today!

07/30/2025

An Open Letter to Fahrney Keedy Home & Village (Fahrney-Keedy Memory Care) in Boonsboro, Maryland.

When my 92-year-old grandmother passed away at Fahrney-Keedy Memory Care on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, not a single staff member called to offer condolences.

No acknowledgment.

No returned calls about her belongings.

Just silence.

This is my open letter to them — because families deserve to know how facilities treat residents after their final breath.

Memory care shouldn't end when the payments do.

A grandson's open letter about Fahrney-Keedy Memory Care's complete lack of compassion after his grandmother's death. A call for change.

07/14/2025

The pain of saying goodbye to my grandmother, Maureen.

A grandson reflects on the heartbreak, memories, and final moments beside his dying grandmother during her last days.

07/11/2025

A Major healthcare policy shift is coming to Maryland!

New analysis reveals that H.R. 1 will have a $2 billion annual impact on Maryland's healthcare system, the most significant federal policy change affecting state health programs in decades.

Key projections from state agencies:

- 420,000+ Marylanders could lose health coverage.

- $1.2 billion reduction in federal Medicaid funding.

- 17.1% average insurance rate increases for 2026.

- $572.5 million shifted to state taxpayers for food assistance.

What does this mean for Maryland?

- Work requirements for Medicaid take effect Dec. 31, 2026, with semi-annual eligibility reviews creating significant administrative complexity.

- Healthcare providers should begin preparing now for documentation requirements and potential increases in uninsured patients.

- Maryland's "trigger provision" requires legislative action if federal funding drops by $1B+ annually—a threshold likely to be met.

- For healthcare professionals, older adults, and families navigating these changes, preparation is critical.

- The implementation timeline spans 18 months, with the steepest impacts expected in early 2027.

Here is my complete analysis of Maryland state projections, healthcare provider preparation guides, and timeline details:

And here is a link to the article I wrote:

Over 420,000 Marylanders could lose health coverage as H.R. 1 triggers $2 billion in annual costs across Medicaid, SNAP, & insurance programs

11/20/2024

Ensure your healthcare wishes are honored.

Learn about Maryland’s surrogate decision-maker law and the importance of advance directives in The Senior Soup’s latest guide.

Learn how a Maryland surrogate decision maker can ensure your healthcare choices are respected when you're unable to speak for yourself.

08/15/2024

If you live in Maryland and you’re considering pursuing guardianship over a family member or loved one, you’ll want to consider a few less restrictive measures first, like a Durable Power of Attorney, an Advance Healthcare Directive, and/or a Revocable Living Trust.

Proper estate planning can help your loved ones avoid pursuing guardianship in a Maryland Circuit Court.

Check out The Senior Soup’s guide on Alternatives to Maryland Guardianship:

Avoid costly guardianship in Maryland with proper estate planning. Discover POAs, Advance Directives, and Living Trusts today.