Baltimore City Impact Report.pdf
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.
Family Caregivers Document Folder Insert.pdf
Baltimore City Caregivers Resource Guide.pdf
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?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then you are a family caregiver and there are resources available for you!
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.
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.
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.
Myth: Caregiving is always a full-time job.
Fact: Many caregivers provide care part-time, fitting it in around work, school, or other responsibilities.
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.
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.
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.
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
Preparing For Respite Care
To prepare for respite care, make a plan for the following items:
How to Access Respite Care
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.
Signs you may need support:
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.
Self Care Strategies
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.
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.
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.
Spread awareness — Share helpful resources like the ones on this website with friends, family, and social networks!
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.
Complete the Caregiver Commitment Pledge
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.
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 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 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.
Here are some ways you can support this effort:
EmpowerGoal: 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 BrochuresMayor 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 DevelopmentProviding 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.
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