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Caregiver Support Program
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.
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 materials
Respite and Supplemental Services
- Respite Services offer once a year assistance of up to $1000 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
Help with Daily Living
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) is a six week program for caregivers that focuses on the caregiver and providing problem solving strategies and tools to help empower caregivers to manage stress and problem solve more confidently and competently. Fall 2023 Program Information (PDF)
Dementia Live Training
Looking for a deeper understanding into the lives of people with dementia? Join us for one of our Dementia Live training offered throughout the county. This simulation is aimed at helping us all develop more awareness, sensitivity and better communication and care practices.
Fall 2023 Schedule (PDF)
Frederick County 2023 Memory Cafes
This program offers a fun and relaxing way for people living with memory loss and their care partners to get connected with one another through social events that promote interaction and companionship. 2023 Schedule (PDF)
Support Group
The Caregiver Support Group meets two times per month, one offering is in-person at 1440 Taney Avenue, Frederick, and the other offering is virtual. The in-person meeting is held on the last Friday of the month from 11:00 a.m.-Noon. The virtual meeting is held on the second Thursday of the month from 6:00-7:00 p.m. These groups are for caregivers of people 60 years of age or older or with an early onset of dementia. Please contact the Caregiver Program Coordinators at 301-600-1234 for information on how to participate or if you have questions. Caregiver Support Groups (PDF)
Can’t make our support groups? We are happy to provide a listing of other area groups. Please contact us for more information.
Partners in the Arts (program is temporarily suspended)
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.
Caregiving in the U.S.: Business Challenges and Opportunities
This video is a short glimpse into the world of a working caregiver with its unique challenges and rewards. The video is a collaboration made possible by the Frederick County Business Task Force.
Special thanks to Kathryn Nicolato and Scott Betts.
Caregiving Cost to Business (PDF)
- Administration on Aging
- Alzheimer's Association
- Alzheimer's Association - Greater Maryland Chapter
- Arthritis Foundation Maryland Chapter
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services - Information
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services - Nursing Home Compare Surveys
- Department of Social Services (DSS)
- Maryland 2-1-1 Information and Referral Crisis Intervention
- Maryland Advance Directive: Planning for Future Health Care Decisions
- Maryland Department of Aging (MDoA)
- Maryland MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)
- Medical Assistance for Nursing Home Care
- National Alliance for Caregiving
- National Council on Aging
- National Institute on Aging
- Nursing Homes: What you need to know