Caregiver Support Program

Through a grant from the National Family Caregivers Support Program (NFCSP), the Baltimore County Department of Aging (BCDA) Caregivers Program serves family caregivers of Baltimore County residents over age 60, older relatives over age 55 with primary care responsibility for individuals under 18 as well as adults aged 18-59 with disabilities. The program offers a variety of resources to help family caregivers provide good care for their care recipients and to take better care of themselves.

OUTREACH AND EDUCATION

• Outreach Events for Family Caregivers—Offered throughout Baltimore County in senior centers and virtually via Webex. Educational programs include topics such as self-care, fall prevention, chronic disease management, grief, how to select an assisted living and more. Evidence-based programs include topics such as Dealing with Dementia, Building Better Caregivers and Dementia LIVE. A Spring Mini-Conference and an Annual Conference in November are held to celebrate National Caregivers Month. To learn more, call 410-887-4724.
• Community Resource Guide—An annual regional directory of services and resources for seniors and people with disabilities, the Community Resources Guide is available online and in paper version at your local senior center and public library.

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF OLDER ADULTS

Caregiver Connection is a free, quarterly newsletter filled with practical information, helpful strategies, event announcements and new resources for family caregivers of older adults. Read past editions of the Caregiver Connection newsletter.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

SUPPORT PROGRAMS

INDIVIDUAL CAREGIVER CONSULTATIONS

If you are the family caregiver of a relative who is over age 60 and resides in Baltimore County, you can take advantage of a one-time, one-hour private consultation with a Baltimore County Department of Aging (BCDA) Caregiver Specialist who will review your caregiving situation and offer specific guidance and resource suggestions.

During the Caregiver Consultation, the Specialist will provide materials and information to help you provide good care for your older relative, while also taking better care of yourself. The consultation is designed to be an introduction to various programs and resources that could assist your older relative at home in the community.

To arrange a Caregiver Consultation, complete an intake with the Caregivers Program by calling 410-887-4724. There is no charge for this service nor the consultation.

Financial Support

Through the National Family Caregivers Support Program, the County is given a grant to support caregivers financially. The stipend varies yearly and there may be a wait list. The stipend can support respite care by providing funding for someone to stay at the home while you are away or for them to stay at a nursing home for a night or two. The stipend can support the purchase of medical supplies such as incontinence supplies not covered under Medicare. Contact the Caregiver Support Program for more information.

LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS

Local support groups are an important resource for caregivers to talk with others about problems and solutions. Some support groups are general and others are specific to a certain disease or condition. For more information, contact the group you are interested in.

CENTER CONNECTION

The Center Connection Program is designed for individuals who need supportive services to participate in Senior Center programs, but do not need physical assistance or close supervision. Eight of the 21 senior center currently support this program. See Center Connection on the Baltimore County Department of Aging website. 

Dementia Friendly 

 The Dementia Friendly program helps increase awareness, provides innovative programming and resources to help support persons living with dementia, memory challenges, Alzheimer’s and their care partners, so that they can continue to create and experience meaningful lives.