Information for Caregivers

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, as well as grandparents over age 55 with primary care responsibility for grandchildren. The program offers a variety of resources to help family caregivers provide good care for their relatives and take better care of themselves.

Upcoming Events

Please note that events are subject to postponement or cancellation as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. Please check often for updates, or contact the Caregivers Program.

Phone: 410-887-4724 or 410-887-1663
Email: caregivers@baltimorecountymd.gov

Virtual Resource Sessions

Learn about the many services and programs BCDA has to offer! These free sessions are also a great way to have your caregiving questions answered and connect with other caregivers.

• October 14 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• October 26 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• November 9 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• November 30 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• December 9 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• December 28 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Please call the Caregivers Program at 410-887-1663 or email caregivers@baltimorecountymd.gov for registration or questions. Registration is required to obtain the link to join the session.

Caregiver Support Network

This new program will launch on Wednesday, June 17, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will be held on the third Wednesday of each month. The goal of the Caregiver Support Network is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for caregivers to share their challenges and successes, while also learning effective strategies to enhance their caregiving. Each session will begin with a guest presenter and follow with the support network.

• September 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.—Presenter: Jennifer Mason, Johns Hopkins Memory Center
• October 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.—Presenter: Gilchrist Hospice, Advance Directives
• November 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.—Presenter to be determined
• December 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.—Presenter to be determined, Facilitating Difficult Conversations

Please call the Caregivers Program at 410-887-1663 or email caregivers@baltimorecountymd.gov for registration or questions. Registration is required to obtain the link to join the program.

Family Caregivers Conference

Family caregivers of older adults, as well as grandparent or kinship caregivers, are welcome to attend. Participants will enjoy valuable sessions on a variety of topics, including:

• Caregivers Belong at the Center of Every Healthcare Team
  Keynote Presenter: Dr. Nicole Rochester
  To learn about Dr. Rochester, visit yourgpsdoc.com.

• Advance Directives
  Alan D. Eason, Advance Directive and MOLST Trainer, Attorney at Law

• Other sessions on topics including:

  • Maryland Medical Orders For Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST)
  • Ask A Real Estate Agent
  • Caregiving Resources
  • A grandparent and kinship caregiver track

Date: Saturday, November 7
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: The conference is a virtual event. Access to a computer, laptop, tablet or internet-capable device is required to participate. Participants may call in using a phone, but will be unable to see the presentations.

Registration is required. Email caregivers@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-4724 to register.

Dealing with Dementia Workshops

Dealing with Dementia is a free, educational support program for caregivers of people living with dementia that includes a four-hour workshop for either family or professional caregivers of people living with dementia and the 300-page Dealing with Dementia Guidebook. The following workshops will be held virtually, internet and technology required.

• Wednesday, October 21 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• Thursday, December 3 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Please call the Caregivers Program at 410-887-1663 or email caregivers@baltimorecountymd.gov for registration or questions. Registration is required to obtain the link to join the program.

Outreach and Education

Outreach events, especially for family caregivers, are offered throughout Baltimore County in senior centers, the work place, houses of worship and area universities. To learn about upcoming events, contact Maryland Access Point (MAP) of Baltimore County by calling 410-887-2594.

Educational events focusing on people with disabilities are hosted by the Baltimore County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) member organizations. View the ADRC event calendar.

Guides and Resources

Family Caregiver's Booklet

Family Caregiving: The Art of Caring for Your Older Relative (PDF) is a 48-page guide developed and published by BCDA. This helpful resource offers tips, strategies and guidance to family members who are caring for their loved ones. Within the guide’s 20 chapters, readers will gain information and insight to guide and assist them with the challenges of caring for an older relative, while also taking care of themselves.

Quarterly Newsletter

Caregiver Connection is a free, quarterly newsletter filled with practical information, helpful strategies, event announcements and new resources for family caregivers of older adults. Subscribe online to receive the electronic version of the newsletter.

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.

Support Programs

Individual Consultations

BCDA Caregivers Program staff will offer free individual consultations to eligible family caregivers of older adults who would like support, guidance and resource suggestions regarding the care of their older relative. Limited financial assistance may be available to qualified families to pay for respite services. If your relative is over age 60 and lives in Baltimore County, call 410-887-4724 to arrange a Caregiver Consultation to review your options.

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. Contact the group you are interested in, for more information.

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.

Contact Information

For information and referrals, contact MAP by calling 410-887-2594 or by emailing aginginfo@baltimorecountymd.gov.