Empowering Family Caregivers with Vital Resources 

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The Baltimore City Family Caregivers Program

The Baltimore City Family Caregivers Program, administered by the Baltimore City Health Department’s Division of Aging & Community Support, delivers federally funded services under the National Family Caregiver Support Program (Title III‑E of the Older Americans Act). The program offers individual counseling, support groups, respite care, and caregiver training, plus supplemental services like home repairs, medical supplies, and legal aid—especially for those caring for older adults (60 +), relative caregivers (55 + caring for minors or adults with disabilities), or anyone providing unpaid family care.

• Caregiver Events,
• Workshops and Training
• Resources for Family Caregivers
• Support Groups for Family Caregivers
• Small Grants and Financial Assistance for Caregivers

Emergency Contacts

• Maryland Access Point: 1-844-627-5465
• Alzheimer's Association: 800-272-3900
• Food, Housing & Utility Assistance: 211
• Mental Health Assistance: Pro Bono Counseling WARMLine 410-598- 0234
• Legal Assistance: Senior Legal Services - 410-396-1322
• Baltimore Family Caregivers Program: 410-396- 1337
• Emergency: 911 (for mental health emergency, ask for CIT certified officer)
• Behavioral Crisis (Mental Health): 988
• Adult Protective Services: 1-800-917-7383
• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Web Resources for Caregivers

• Charmcare- Find the Most Up to Date Baltimore City Resources
• VA Caregiver Support Program- Resources for Caregivers Supporting Veterans
• AARP Caregiver Resource Center
• MIMA- Resources for Caregivers in Immigrant Families
• MD Department of Human Services Respite Care Programs
• MD Office of Adult Services- Programs and Resources for Older, Disabled and Vulnerable Adults
• Alzheimer's Association- For Caregivers Supporting Loved Ones with Alzheimers and Dementia

Downloadable Documents for Caregivers

Family Caregivers Document Folder Insert.pdf

Baltimore City Caregivers Resource Guide.pdf

AARP PREPARE TO CARE.pdf

2025 Family Caregivers Program Grant Application.pdf

Senior Alliance Caregiver Planning Binder.pdf

Are You a Caregiver?

Many people don’t self-identify as caregivers because they see the support they provide—such as helping a loved one with daily tasks, medical needs, or emotional support—as simply part of their role as a spouse, parent, child, or friend. They may view caregiving as a formal or professional responsibility rather than something they do out of love or obligation. As a result, they may overlook the physical, emotional, and financial demands they face, missing out on resources and support available specifically for caregivers.

Caregiver Quiz

Do you do any of the following for an older adult or disabled loved one?

• Providing transportation to medical appointments, errands, or social outings
• Assisting with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Managing medications and ensuring proper dosage and timing
• Preparing meals and helping with feeding
• Managing finances, bills, and insurance paperwork
• Coordinating healthcare and communicating with doctors or specialists
• Assisting with mobility and using assistive devices
• Providing emotional support and companionship
• Handling household chores like cleaning, laundry, and shopping
• Advocating for the care recipient’s needs and rights
• Assisting with physical therapy or exercises as directed by a healthcare provider
• Monitoring changes in health and responding to emergencies

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then you are a family caregiver and there are resources available for you!

 

Myths and Facts About Family Caregivers

Myth: Caregivers always live with the person they care for.

Fact: Many caregivers support loved ones from a distance—coordinating care, handling finances, and providing emotional support without living under the same roof.

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Myth: You're no longer a caregiver if your loved one is in a facility or nursing home.

Fact: Family caregivers often stay actively involved, managing care decisions, advocating for their loved one, and offering ongoing emotional and practical support.

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Myth: Only older adults become caregivers.

Fact: People of all ages—including teens and young adults—can be caregivers to parents, grandparents, siblings, or others in need.

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Myth: Caregiving is always a full-time job.

Fact: Many caregivers provide care part-time, fitting it in around work, school, or other responsibilities.

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Myth: You have to provide hands-on medical care to be considered a caregiver.

Fact: Caregiving includes many forms of support—like helping with meals, transportation, daily routines, or companionship—not just medical tasks.

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Myth: Caregiving doesn’t require special skills.

Fact: Caregiving often involves complex tasks, such as managing medications, navigating healthcare systems, and handling emotional needs—skills that require learning, patience, and adaptability.

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Myth: Good caregivers never get overwhelmed or frustrated.

Fact: It’s normal to feel stressed, tired, or even frustrated at times—especially when caring for someone you love. These feelings don’t make you a bad caregiver; they make you human.

 

Myth: Asking for help means you’re failing.

Fact: Reaching out for support—from family, friends, or professionals—is a sign of strength and a vital part of sustaining your own well-being as a caregiver.

The Importance of Respite Care

Burnout happens, and everyone needs a break!

Caring for a loved one can be emotionally, physically and spiritually exhausting. Feeling overwhelmed and frustrated does not mean that you are an unloving or unsupportive caregiver! Burnout is normal, natural, and something that all caregivers will experience at some point in their journey. Rather than allowing guilt and shame to come in, take these feelings as a sign that you should seek help and resources. Respite resources are available to give caregivers a safe place for their loved one to be taken care of, while they get a much-needed break.

What is respite care?

Respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers by offering short-term care services. This allows caregivers to take breaks, attend to personal needs, or simply rest and recharge.

Types of Respite Care

• In-home respite care
• Adult day care programs
• Overnight respite care
• Weekend respite programs
• Emergency respite care
• Recreational Respite Care

Preparing For Respite Care

To prepare for respite care, make a plan for the following items:

• Medications and medical equipment
• Personal Care Items
• Comfort Items
• Clothing
• Emergency Contact List
• Care Instructions

How to Access Respite Care

• Contact Baltimore City Family Caregivers: 410-396-1337
• Check with your insurance provider
• Contact local Area Agency on Aging
• Explore community-based organizations

Self Care for Caregivers

Caregiver health is important.

Healthy caregivers are better equipped—both physically and emotionally—to meet the complex needs of their loved ones. When caregivers neglect their own well-being, it can lead to burnout, stress, and health issues that ultimately compromise the quality of care they’re able to provide. Prioritizing mental and physical health is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. This includes getting regular medical check-ups, setting aside time for rest and self-care, seeking support when needed, and engaging in activities that promote emotional balance. When caregivers take care of themselves, they’re not only protecting their own health—they’re also ensuring they can continue to show up for their loved ones in a sustainable and compassionate way.

The Family Caregiver Program's Powerful Tools for Caregivers Workshop can help you with the tools you need to be your best self as a caregiver. Click here to learn more!

Signs you may need support:

• Feeling overwhelmed or stressed
• Difficulty sleeping
• Change in appetite
• Feeling isolated or alone
• Increased irritability
• Physical health problems
• Difficulty concentrating

Making a Self Care Plan

Make a plan for taking care of yourself before burnout happens! Use the questions below to guide you in forming your self-care plan.

• How do I know when I need a break? What do I feel in my body? How do I feel emotionally? 
• Who can I call for help? Who is my support person? Who is my backup support person? 
• What activities help me feel calm, grounded and refreshed?
• Who can I call to talk through tough feelings?
• Who can I call to help with chores or caregiving tasks? 
• Who can I call to take me out for a day to relax?
• What are some simple pleasures I can treat myself to?
• What are some times that I can set aside for myself  regularly (at least weekly) to take a break from caregiving and focus on myself?
• Are there any spiritual practices that help me through difficult moments?
• What tasks can I delegate or simplify (meals, errands, paperwork)?

Self Care Strategies

• Take breaks regularly
• Accept help from others
• Join a support group
• Maintain social connections
• Exercise regularly
• Eat nutritious meals
• Get adequate sleep
• Practice relaxation techniques
• Seek professional counseling
• Use respite care services
• Feeling guilty or inadequate
• Loss of interest in activities
• Financial stress

Common Caregiver Challenges

Sudden/Unexpected Caregiving Responsibilities

Anyone can become a caregiver at any time.

Anyone can become a caregiver at any moment—caregiving is not limited to a specific age, gender, or background. Disabilities, illnesses, and aging-related needs can arise suddenly and unexpectedly, transforming the lives of individuals and their families overnight. Whether it's caring for a parent, partner, child, or friend, the need for support can come without warning. At the same time, every person will likely require care at some point in their own life. Recognizing this shared human experience reminds us that caregiving is a universal issue, one that calls for compassion, preparation, and systems that support both caregivers and those they care for.

Feelings of Isolation

Community is important for caregivers.

Caregiving can often feel like a lonely journey, especially when the emotional, physical, and logistical demands go unseen by others. Despite the fact that millions of people are caregivers—providing essential support to aging parents, children with disabilities, or loved ones with chronic illness—this critical role often exists in the shadows, unrecognized as the vital labor it is. The isolation caregivers experience can take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being. That’s why caregiver support groups and services are so important: they offer a space to connect, share stories, exchange advice, and build a sense of community. Finding others who truly understand the experience helps caregivers feel less alone and more empowered in their role.

The Baltimore City Family Caregiver can help you find support groups and community for your caregiving journey! Click here to learn more.

Shifting Roles

Caregiving can shift roles in family dynamics, and sometimes that comes with friction.

Caregiving often brings unexpected shifts in family dynamics that can be emotionally complex for everyone involved. For example, when an adult child becomes the caregiver for a parent, both may struggle with the reversal of roles—parents may find it difficult to accept help or relinquish control, while children may feel overwhelmed or uncertain about stepping into a caretaker position. These shifts can lead to tension, frustration, or guilt on both sides. Navigating these changes with compassion, open communication, and mutual respect is essential. Offering grace, patience, and nonjudgmental support can ease the transition and help families adapt in a way that preserves dignity and strengthens their bonds.

Caregiver Allies- Support Caregivers in your Communities

Caregivers are essential to the health of communities. 

Caregivers are the backbone of our communities, providing essential, often invisible labor that sustains the health and wellbeing of countless individuals. Every day, caregivers deliver millions of dollars’ worth of unpaid services—managing medications, providing transportation, coordinating care, assisting with daily tasks—all of which ease the burden on hospitals, clinics, and social service systems. Without this critical support, our healthcare and long-term care infrastructure would be overwhelmed. The contributions of caregivers extend far beyond individual families; they strengthen the fabric of society, helping loved ones remain in their homes, preserving dignity, and fostering resilience across generations. Your work is not only compassionate—it’s vital.

 

Supporting Caregivers in Your Community

• Check in regularly — A simple “How are you really doing?” can mean a lot.
• Offer tangible help — Run errands, provide a meal, or give respite time.
• Be a good listener — Hold space without judgment or advice unless asked.
• Advocate for caregiver rights — Support workplace flexibility and community resources.
• Encourage self-care — Gently remind caregivers it’s okay to take time for themselves.
• Host an event- You or your organization can host a support group, educational event, or appreciation event!

 

Spread awareness — Share helpful resources like the ones on this website with friends, family, and social networks!

Inform Women, Transform Lives

A Partnership between the Baltimore City Family Caregiver's Program, the Baltimore City Women's Commission, and the Carter Center's Inform Women, Transform Lives Program.

The Project

In August 2023, the Baltimore City Women’s Commission received a $50,000 grant from the Carter Center. This grant is part of the Inform Women, Transform Lives (IWTL) program, a global campaign that promotes women’s right to information and access to city services. The Women’s Commission is partnering with the Baltimore City Health Department’s Family Caregivers Program to implement this initiative. The Family Caregivers Program is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of caregivers and their care recipients by increasing access to supplemental services, caregiver education, respite care, support groups, and engaging activities, including caregiver training. The overall goal of this initiative is to enhance the wellbeing of caregivers, their families, and their communities.

 

Complete the Caregiver Commitment Pledge

 

The Carter Center

The Carter Center, in partnership with Emory University, is dedicated to human rights and reducing human suffering by promoting peace, democracy, and public health. Focused on action and measurable results, it tackles pressing global challenges through research-driven, innovative solutions. The Center works in difficult situations, embraces risk, and collaborates with governments and communities without duplicating existing efforts. Committed to nonpartisanship, it believes in empowering people with the skills, knowledge, and resources to improve their own lives.

Learn more about the Carter Center here.

Inform Women, Transform Lives

The fundamental right of access to information is critical for both governments and the people they serve and is particularly crucial for women. It provides for a more meaningful voice, enabling women to participate in public life, access public services, and make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Yet for many women, the power of information remains unreachable.

Women are less likely to demand and receive access to information, yet they are often responsible for earning income and caring for family; are more likely to be poor or illiterate; are less likely to participate or use their voices; are more susceptible to and affected by corruption; and are sometimes in danger of retribution in cultures dominated by men if they ask for information.

The Carter Center’s groundbreaking Inform Women, Transform Lives campaign is working to change that. Through the campaign, the Center partners with city leaders around the globe to raise awareness about women’s right to information and to help cities provide women with information about beneficial city services.

Learn more about the Inform Women, Transform Lives Program.

The Family Caregiver Program

The Baltimore City Family Caregiver Program, part of the National Family Caregiver Support Program, provides essential services to family caregivers who help older adults, children, or disabled individuals. This program offers resources such as counseling, support groups, respite care, and supplemental services like home repairs and medical supplies. Caregivers in Baltimore City can access financial grants for respite or other caregiving-related expenses, with assistance ranging from $300-$600 annually. The program is available to caregivers of individuals aged 60+ or grandparents/relative caregivers aged 55+ caring for children or disabled individuals. Services are designed to support caregivers in maintaining their roles while improving the quality of care for their loved ones.

Learn more about the Family Caregiver Program.

The Baltimore City Women's Commission

The Baltimore Commission for Women believes in a high quality of life and in equal rights, opportunities, and access to services for all women, women-identifying, non-binary, and/or assigned-female-at-birth individuals. The Commission develops information systems, provides advice and counsel, conducts research, hosts educational programming, analyzes policy, and advocates for women’s issues to improve the lives of and opportunities for all women, women-identifying, non-binary, and/or assigned-female-at-birth individuals in Baltimore.

Learn more about the Baltimore City Women's Commission.

Get Involved! 

Here are some ways you can support this effort:

Empower

• Identify, connect, and express gratitude to caregivers in your life. 

Amplify

• Spread the word via social media and word of mouth
• Donate advertising space
• Place informational materials in community spaces or businesses

Host

• Host a caregiver education class/support group/respite outing
• Teach or share expertise in a topic that touches caregivers

Advocate

• Volunteer or donate to a local caregiver support program
• Provide funding for caregivers and programs
• Advertise caregiving services on public transportation, online geofencing, social media and local media outlets
• Leverage Community Partnerships

Project Components

Information Campaign

Goal: Increase women's participation in caregiving programs in Baltimore by 15% by the end of September 2025 through a targeted education initiative. 

Goal target: Serve 842 new caregivers for an overall total of 6,454 by August 2025.

Campaign Components:

Host Caregiver Events Develop of Informational Video and Brochures

 

Caregivers are a Key Part of the Mayor's Action Plan

Mayor Brandon Scott’s Action Plan for Baltimore is a strategic roadmap focused on building a safer, healthier, and more equitable city.

Pillar 3: Clean and Healthy Communities Supporting family caregivers helps prevent housing insecurity and homelessness by enabling older adults and individuals with disabilities to remain safely in their homes. Caregiver support programs improve overall community health by reducing stress and burnout, leading to better physical and mental health outcomes for both caregivers and care recipients.   Pillar 5: Responsible Stewardship of City Resources Supporting family caregivers reduces strain on emergency services, hospitals, and long-term care facilities, leading to cost savings for the city. Improved caregiver support fosters better coordination between city agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations, enhancing government efficiency and service delivery. Investing in caregiver resources demonstrates accountability and commitment to sustainable, long-term community well-being.   Pillar 4: Equitable Neighborhood Development

Providing resources for caregivers ensures a more equitable recovery from COVID-19 by addressing ongoing health disparities and economic hardships faced by families. Strengthening caregiver support helps seniors age in place, preserving Baltimore’s legacy residents and stabilizing communities. Investing in caregiving infrastructure makes Baltimore more attractive to Black middle-income and immigrant families, who often rely on strong intergenerational support systems.

Supporting Caregivers Advances Equity

Supporting family caregivers ensures that unpaid care work, often performed by women and low-income individuals, is recognized and valued, reducing economic disparities. Providing resources and respite for caregivers allows them to maintain employment and financial stability, helping to break cycles of poverty. Increased access to caregiver education and support improves health outcomes for both caregivers and care recipients, reducing strain on the healthcare system. Equipping caregivers with resources helps prevent burnout and mental health struggles, promoting overall community well-being. Strengthening caregiver support programs fosters a more inclusive and equitable Baltimore by addressing systemic barriers to healthcare, employment, and social services.

 

Family Caregivers Often Go Unrecognized  

Many caregivers don’t self-identify: Most family members who assist loved ones with daily tasks don’t realize they are caregivers. Caregiving includes many tasks: Driving to appointments, managing finances, arranging home care, and handling household chores all qualify as caregiving. Someone who does any one of these tasks is a caregiver and deserves support!  Significant unpaid labor: Family caregivers provide an estimated $5.2 billion in unreimbursed care. Maryland has a large caregiver population: Over 770,000 people care for aging loved ones, allowing them to stay in their homes. Most caregivers are women: Many juggle caregiving with full-time (66%) or part-time (23%) jobs, while 24% are retired. Aging caregivers will soon need care: Over 80% of caregivers are 50+, and nearly 25% are 65 or older. Caregiving is complex: Many caregivers assist with basic needs like eating and dressing, but others handle medical tasks like medication management and wound care.

 

Why Family Caregivers?

Family caregivers play a vital role in keeping Baltimore communities strong by providing essential care to children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. Their unpaid labor reduces the burden on hospitals, nursing homes, and social services, allowing these systems to function more efficiently. By supporting loved ones at home, caregivers help maintain stable households, which strengthens neighborhoods and promotes community well-being. Caregivers also contribute to the local economy by enabling family members to remain in the workforce and reducing long-term healthcare costs. Their dedication fosters a culture of compassion and support, making Baltimore a more resilient and connected city. Caregivers play a crucial role in supporting our disabled veterans, ensuring they receive the care, assistance, and dignity they deserve.

Project Contacts

Jill Muth

Chief of the Women's and Veterans' Commissions

The City of Baltimore

Office of Equity and Civil Rights

7 E. Redwood Street, 9th Floor

Baltimore, MD  21202

(410) 746-4095

Jill.Muth@baltimorecity.gov

 

Linda M. Stewart, MPA

Family Caregivers Program Manager

Baltimore City Health Department, Division of Aging and Community Support

417 E. Fayette Street,  6th floor

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

FCP Office: 410-396-1337

Email: linda.m.stewart@baltimorecity.gov

 

Learn more about the Family Caregiver Program.

 

Press Inquiries

Jasmine Gibson

External Affairs­—Public Relations Officer

(667) 203-2865

jasmine.gibson@baltimorecity.gov 

The City of Baltimore’s

Office of Equity and Civil Rights
7 E. Redwood Street, 9^th Floor

Baltimore, MD  21202

 

John Milton Wesley

Public Information Officer

410-207-0408

john.wesley@baltimorecity.gov

The City of Baltimore

Office of Equity and Civil Rights
7 E. Redwood Street, 9^th Floor

Baltimore, MD  21202

 

Blair Adams

Director of Communications
(443)-690-4396
Blairk.Adams@BaltimoreCity.gov 

Baltimore City Health Department
1001 E. Fayette St., Baltimore, MD 21202