Program Information

The National Family Caregiver Support Program is a federally funded program requiring each state to provide a support program for caregivers. Passed as an amendment to the Older Americans Act in 2000, each state is required to have a program to meet the needs of caregivers. Note: There are no income requirements to receive assistance from this program. People who may benefit from this program:

• Caregivers who are caring for someone older than age 60. While many caregivers are family members, this program can also assist caregivers who are not related by blood or marriage. This program is also for caregivers of a person of any age with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder.
• Grandparents and other relative caregivers over the age of 55 who are caring for a child age 18 or under and grandparents or relative caregivers providing care for adult children with a disability who are between 19 - 59 years of age. The caregivers must be age 55 years and older and cannot be the child’s natural or adoptive parent.

Program Services

Education, Training, Referrals

• Monthly caregivers updates available via email or mail
• Education and training in coordination with other organizations in Frederick County
• Information, assistance, and referrals to local agencies and services that would be beneficial to the caregivers
• Resource library 

Respite and Supplemental Services

• Respite Services offer once a year assistance of up to $350 toward respite care
• Supplemental services are funds allocated to provide supplies to help with care provided by the caregiver such as specialized medical equipment, cost of medications and personal hygiene items 
• An in-home care provider registry listing individuals who provide care services in the home (i.e. companionship care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, hair care and styling, etc.) Note: Contact with staff is required to receive the registry. Please call or email the program coordinators for more information or if you or someone you know would like to be listed as a care provider.

Support Group

This group is for caregivers of people 60 years of age or older or with an early onset of dementia. It meets the last Wednesday of each month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Frederick Senior Center. It is facilitated by Edi Stewart, LCSW-C. Please contact the Caregiver Program Coordinators if you have questions. Can't make our support group? We are happy to provide a listing of other area groups. Please contact us for more information.

Circle of Friends - Memory Cafe & More

This program is designed to offer a safe and relaxed place where caregivers, the person for whom they care, families, friends, and health and social professionals, come together for a time of support, an activity, and good food. Join us for Circle of Friends at 11:30 a.m. on the 3rd Friday of each month (September-June). Thanks to the generous support of local sponsors this program is offered for free.

Music and Memory

We offer personalized music through Music and Memory to people with a wide range of cognitive and physical challenges to help improve quality of life.

Partners in the Arts

This program is designed to enhance the lives of individuals living with memory loss or other health related issues and their caregivers. The program is offered in 6-week cycles throughout the year. This early-stage social engagement program is a partnership between the Caregiver Support Program, Alzheimer's Association, and the Delaplaine Visual Art Center. Contact the Caregiver Program Coordinators for more information.

Caregiver e-book

The Working Family Caregiver is a free e-book offering quick, simple tips to help you manage two demanding roles that can complicate life.