Find Caregiver Support In Maryland

Young man sitting with older woman on park bench

Are you caring for a loved one? Know, that you are not alone. More than one in five adults in the United States find themselves caring for a senior, ill adult or child with special needs.

You may find yourself constantly managing health emergencies, doctor’s appointments, medications and juggling priorities.

211 Maryland is here when you need support with caregiver duties or need to check-in on your own mental health.

Supporting the Caregiver

Caregiving can be a draining experience. It’s important to remember to take care of yourself too!

Talk to a caring and compassionate person each week to ease your stress and mind. Sign up for 211 Health Check. It’s free and confidential.

Caregiver Training In Maryland

Training may also be available to provide useful tips and information to caregivers.

Search for training opportunities in your Maryland community. Again, please note that some agencies are focused on assisting those in specific situations and with specific medical conditions, so be sure to read the details.

Support Groups

Dealing with the stresses of caregiving and the emotional impact of having a loved one with an illness, injury or disability can easily become overwhelming. It can be very useful to connect with other caregivers who understand the situation and may be dealing with very similar thoughts and emotions.

Call 2-1-1 for help.

Respite Care

Respite care can be another source of support. These programs provide a brief period of rest or relief by offering temporary or intermittent care in the home or in community settings/facilities.

Respite care programs can be very valuable, helping to give caregivers time to attend to their own needs with the knowledge that their loved one is being cared for. Oftentimes, respite care is paid for privately, though in some cases, insurance may help to cover the cost.

Additionally, grants and subsidies may be available, and it is important to ask about these when contacting the respite care agency.

Search for Maryland respite care programs and subsidy options. Please note that some respite care programs are focused on assisting people with a certain medical condition, so be sure to read the details to find resources that are most appropriate.

Resources for seniors and individuals with disabilities

We also have customized searches for other caregiver resources like Meals on Wheels, Medic Alert, Senior Ride Programs and more. On the search page, adjust the filters in the left hand column to find the resources you need.

You can search on your own or call 2-1-1 any time of day to connect with a trained resource specialist who can find the resources you or your loved one need most.

Maryland Access Point (MAP)

For more caregiving resources, you can reach out to Maryland Access Point (MAP), which is a 211 Maryland partner. Just dial 2-1-1.

MAP provides a single-entry point of support for individuals who need long-term support and community resources.

Local support groups may be available. The Maryland Family Caregiver Support program also provides counseling and education, information, respite care, assistance and supplemental services.

Senior Call Check

All CSC participants will also be enrolled in Senior Call Check. It’s a daily automated call, plus a live-weekly call from a trained volunteer. The daily calls provide COVID-19 updates. If the senior does not respond to the automated phone call after three attempts, an alternate person will check in on the senior. This person is a reliable emergency contact, chosen at registration. If a senior does not have an alternate, one will be assigned.

Maryland is the first state in the country to start a FREE, opt-in, phone service to check on Maryland’s older residents.

This program is also open to all Maryland seniors aged 65 or over.

National Caregiving Organizations

Caregivers may also find tips from national organizations.

The Caregiver Action Network has a toolbox with videos, resources and tips to help caregivers.

If you are a new caregiver and trying to understand immediate needs for the individual’s illness, the Family Caregiver Alliance provides information on what to expect for common diagnoses including Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia and stroke.