Resources
Advocacy and Family Caregiver Supports provided by Maryland State Agencies
Maryland Department of Aging
National Family Caregiver Support Program – provides information about available services, assistance with locating resources, financial assistance for respite care, education, and supplemental services.
Maryland Access Point (MAP) – a “gateway” for older adults and individuals with disabilities. It is a statewide resource for information and assistance about long-term services and supports to allow individuals to remain at home and plan for future needs. State partners include the Maryland Departments of Aging, Disabilities, and Health and Mental Hygiene, as well as the regional Centers for Independent Living. MAP is part of the national Aging and Disability Resource Center initiative that provides a visible and trusted place to access information and assistance.
Maryland Department of Disabilities
Attendant Care Program – provides financial assistance for services such as personal care, chore services, and transportation to adults age 18 to 64 with severe chronic or severe physical disabilities.
Maryland Technology Assistance Program – helps families access assistive technologies such as wheelchairs, low vision aids, adapted telephones, ramps and other home modifications.
Maryland Department of Health
Behavioral Health Administration’s Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Services (CAYAS)
The Child and Adolescent Respite Care Program is located within the Office of School-Aged Programming of CAYAS which includes programs and initiatives such as Targeted Case Management (TCM), Residential Treatment Centers (RTC), Therapeutic Group Homes (TGH), Mental Health Stabilization Services, School-Based Programs, and Respite Services. The Respite Care Program provides services to families with a child who has a DSM-V diagnosis and is enrolled in psychotherapy with a licensed mental health care provider. Accessing these services starts with contacting your local behavioral health authority or core service agency.
Developmental Disabilities Administration
Low Intensity Support Services –these grants assist adults with developmental disabilities and families with a child with developmental disabilities in purchasing services and/or items to address needs.
Developmental Disabilities Administration – Low Intensity Support Services FAQs
Prevention and Health Promotion Administration – Office for Genetics and People with Special Health Care Needs
Grants to Local Health Departments – these grants support programs to meet the needs of CYSHCN and their families such as case management, respite care, transition to adulthood and specialty clinics.
Maryland Department of Human Services
Social Services Administration
Kinship Navigator Services – assist relative caregivers to identify and navigate resources and services in effort to support their minor relatives to remain safe in their communities.
Office of Adult Services
Respite Care Program – provides a break to family caregivers, caring for an adult or child with a disability or chronic health need.
MD Association of Adult Day Services
National Resources
AARP Caregiving Resource Center: AARP provides tools and tips on how to succeed as a caregiver.
ARCH National Respite Network: Assists and promotes the development of quality respite and crisis care programs in the United States, helps families locate respite and crisis care services in their communities, and serves as a strong voice for respite in all forums.
AARP: Public Policy Institute: The Public Policy Institute informs and stimulates public debate on the issues we face as we age. The Institute promotes development of sound, creative policies to address our common need for economic security, health care, and quality of life.
Caregiver.com: Caregiver Media Group is a provider of information, support, and guidance for family and professional caregivers.
Department of Veterans and Military Families Caregiver Support: Supports and services the Veterans Affairs offers Family Caregivers.
Eldercare Locator: This website links caregivers and older adults to local area agencies on aging and other local organizations that provide assistance on elder care.
Family Caregiver Alliance: Family Caregiver Alliance is a public voice for caregivers, illuminating the daily challenges they face by offering them the assistance they so desperately need.
Family Caregiving 101: Provides assistance, answers, new ideas, and advice for the caregiver and their loved one.
Health Guide: Provides access to unbiased and reliable information in Mental Health, Healthy Lifestyles, Children and Family, and Aging Well to provide hope and direction.
Mesothelioma Guide: This organization is dedicated to helping patients diagnosed with asbestos illnesses. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and very few treat it. They connect patients with doctors and treatment options and their services and resources are 100% free to patients and family members.
National Center for Benefits: BenefitsCheckUp helps the caregiver access information and enroll in public and private benefits programs.
National Family Caregiver Alliance: The National Family Caregivers Association educates, supports, empowers, and speaks up for the more than 65 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness, disability or the frailties of old age.
National Family Caregivers Association: Educates, supports, empowers, and speaks up for the more than 65 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability or the frailties of old age.
National Family Caregiver Support Program: (NFCSP) This program provides numerous services including information to caregivers on available services, individual counseling, organization of support groups, caregiver training, and respite care.