Department of Family Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7500 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building
Fairfax, VA 22035
Michael A. Becketts
Director

November is National Family Caregivers Month

November is National Family Caregivers Month, Caring for Older Adults & Adults with Disabilities banner graphic

Every November, the nation celebrates and recognizes the vital role of family caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month. A family caregiver is a person who provides care and assistance to a member of their family of origin or their family of choice, and it includes neighbors and friends. 

One in every four adults is a caregiver and 29% are sandwich generation caregivers, supporting both children and adults. The caregiving journey can be rewarding and enriching. However, many caregivers also experience emotional, physical, and financial strain and one in five report poor health and half report a negative financial impact due to caregiving. (Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 - AARP Research Report)

Family caregivers are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the United States. They provide compassionate essential care which allows their loved ones to age with dignity in their communities. Caregivers deserve to be supported, valued, and appreciated for the important care they provide each day.

Our Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, specializing in caring for older adults and adults with disabilities, provides caregivers with evidence-based programs, educational webinars, and workshops, as well as resources and services focused on caregivers’ needs.

A Salute to Caregivers During National Family Caregivers Month

Older woman hugged by younger womanIn honor of family caregivers, the Fairfax County Department of Family Services recognizes their critical role as care partners. The department renews its commitment to providing useful services for caregivers during a time of life that can be complicated and stressful, but very fulfilling. Learn more about resources and programs for family caregivers.


39th Annual Caregivers Conference39th Annual Caregiver's Conference: Putting the Pieces Together in Dementia Caregiving

Saturday, Nov. 22 | 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium has been educating caregivers since 1986.

The conference is open to family caregivers, volunteers working with older adults, and professionals in aging and related services.

Learn more about the conference, the speakers and registration information or call 703-578-7431.


Upcoming Virtual Webinars

older couple sitting on couch with laptop looking at each otherCaregiver Burnout 
Wednesday, November 19
12-1 p.m.

In this virtual webinar presentation, hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, participants will join Deborah Ross, LPC, Certified Journal Therapist, for a user-friendly exploration of what happens in our brains when we're feeling burned out. Burnout is often defined either as a workplace issue or as compassion fatigue, but research has shown that, from the brain’s perspective, it’s not just limited to this definition. Participants will gain strategies and practices that go beyond our usual self-care toolbox to lower stress and support wellbeing while engaged in the important work of caregiving. Register to receive an email with access instructions.  


Dementia Friends Virtual Information Session
Wednesday, December 10
12-1:15 p.m.

In this virtual webinar presentation, participants will learn how to become a dementia friend and turn your new understanding of dementia into a practical action that can help someone living in your community. Register here.


Family Caregiver Support Programs

Are you a family caregiver for an older adult? There are a variety of support and respite programs available. Need more information? Please call us at 703-324-7948, TTY 711.

The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) has a variety of services for older adults and persons with disabilities aimed at relieving the stress on family caregivers, including Adult Day Health Care, Transportation Support, Inclusion Services at NCS Senior Centers, and the Virtual Center for Active Adults. Learn more.


Dementia Friendly Fairfax

Dementia Friendly FairfaxDementia Friendly Fairfax envisions our community as a place where people living with dementia and their care partners will be able to engage in a variety of activities, be supported in the highest quality of life, and can live independently for as long as possible. Dementia Friendly Fairfax initiative started through a partnership with Goodwin House, Insight Memory Care Center, Fairfax Area Commission on Aging, and Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. Checkout upcoming sessions. Learn more about Dementia Friendly Fairfax.


Fairfax Alerts Fairfax Caregiver Alert Notifications Program

If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you! Now, family caregivers can receive email or text notifications of Fairfax County caregiver services and programs. These programs include case management, in-home respite, caregiver support and webinars, wellness workshops, and much more.

Sign up or sign into your Fairfax Alerts account and then select Area Agency on Aging/Caregivers.


Caregiver Consultations

Need an in-depth conversation with a social worker about the caregiving needs of a loved one? Free one-hour consultations are available through ElderLink. Call 703-324-5374, TTY 711, and ask for a caregiver consultation, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Fairfax Virtual Assistant