Department of Family Services – Older Adults

Fairfax County, Virginia

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

703-324-7948
TTY 711

12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 708
Fairfax, VA 22035

Trina Mayhan-Webb,
Director

November is National Family Caregivers Month

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

Each year, an estimated 53 million adults in the United States provide care to an older adult, or an adult with a disability, (AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving, 2020). 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. Family caregivers have become the backbone of our caregiving infrastructure. Many of them “struggle to balance their caregiving role with other family responsibilities and employment, and they often forgo rest and self-care” (2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers).

The essential care and assistance family caregivers provide, enable their loved ones to live with dignity and remain in their communities. This has never been more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic when their responsibilities intensified due to shelter-in-place mandates and the closure of formal services. Many caregivers had to make difficult decisions to keep their loved ones safe and healthy. While the caregiving experience can be overwhelming, caregiving can also be a rewarding and enriching journey.

The month, the Fairfax County Department of Family Services honors family caregivers for their dedication, commitment, and compassionate care to their loved ones. 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 adult caregiving for another older adultIn 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 in this Golden Gazette article.

 

In honor of National Family Caregivers Month 2022, Supervisor Pat Herrity, chairman of the Older Adults Committee offered a proclamation honoring family caregivers:


Mature Living – Caregiving Around the Clock

screenshot video Mature Living logo, sunset over pier in waterThis episode explores family caregiving – what it is, and why it’s so important. Giuliana Valencia, Social Services Specialist with the Fairfax County Department of Family Services outlines the concept of caregiving, the duties caregivers perform, and the challenges associated with it. Kristin Martin, Case Manager with ElderLink, shares helpful resources that are available for caregivers. In addition, a local caregiver shares her first-hand account of the challenges and triumphs in her own role as a caregiver. Check out the video!


Family Caregiver Support Programs

  • Free Support Groups and Respite
  • Register for Free Caregiver Webinars
  • Library of Past Caregiver Webinars
  • Make Connections

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.


Caregiving with Hope and Inspiration 36th Annual Caregiver's Conference: Caregiving with Hope and Inspiration

Wednesday, Nov. 9 – Friday, Nov. 11, 2022 | 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

The Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium has been educating caregivers since 1986. This year’s conference keynote speaker is Peter V. Rabins, MD MPH, author of "The 36-Hour Day.”

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

Learn more about the conference and register or call 703-270-0043.


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.

To sign up: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts to create 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.


Upcoming Events

laptop cell phone decorative plants - upcoming events family of caregivers older adults people with disabilitiesElderLink Virtual Support Call for Family Caregivers: National Family Caregivers Month
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 (7-8 p.m.)
Learn more about this event and register.

Caregiver Webinar: Nonpharmacological Approaches for Managing Dementia Behaviors
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022 (12-1 p.m.)
Learn more about this event and register.

Caregiver Panel Conversation: Veteran Family Caregivers: Exploring Unique Challenges and Resources
Friday, Nov. 18, 2022 (2-3 p.m.)
Learn more about this event and register.

Fairfax Virtual Assistant