Department of Family Services – Older Adults

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

Every November, the nation celebrates and recognizes the vital role of family caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month. An estimated 53 million adults each year 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 (2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers). The caregiving journey can be rewarding and enriching, however many caregivers may also experience emotional, physical, and financial strain.  

Family caregivers are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the United States. They provide compassionate essential care and medical assistance 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.

Caregivers Awareness Month
2023 Proclamation 

WHEREAS, in Virginia, one in five individuals is a family caregiver, selflessly providing physical and emotional support as well as financial and medical assistance; and

WHEREAS, it is important to recognize and honor the dedication and contributions of family caregivers and to encourage support and gratitude for the care they provide; and

WHEREAS, family caregivers prevent early institutionalization of loved ones, promote aging in place, and provide compassionate care without being paid, with their efforts valued at an estimated $11.7 billion in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, the challenging and complex nature of family caregiving can have significant impacts on the physical, mental and emotional well-being of caregivers; and

WHEREAS, this year’s Caregivers Awareness Month theme is #CaregiversConnect to highlight the importance of connections – as a way to get information about a loved one’s disease or condition, share experiences, find support, or form a closer bond with a loved one; and

WHEREAS, Fairfax County’s Adult and Aging Division of the Department of Family Services provides support to family caregivers including webinars, telephone support, consultations, care management, in-home respite and bathing services, text and email alerts, and an Aging, Disability and Caregiver Resource line; NOW THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, does hereby proclaim the month of November 2023, as 

Caregivers Awareness Month

In Fairfax County, and urges all residents to honor the service and sacrifice of our many dedicated caregivers.

Photo of Supervisor Pat Herrity and the Fairfax County Commission on Aging members with the 2023 proclamation declaring November as Caregivers Awareness Month.


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 about resources and programs for family caregivers.


37th Annual Caregiver's Conference37th Annual Caregiver's Conference: When Caregiving Calls: Building a Framework for Resilience

Friday, Nov.10, 2023 | 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Korean Central Presbyterian Church, 15451 Lee Hwy., Centreville, VA 20121

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.

This year’s conference keynote speaker is Dr. Aaron Blight, of Caregiving Kinetics. Learn more about the conference, the speakers and registration information or call 703-578-7431.


Upcoming Events

laptop cell phone decorative plants - upcoming events family of caregivers older adults people with disabilities

ElderLink Virtual Support Call for Family Caregivers: National Family Caregivers Month
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, 7-8 p.m. 
Register

Understanding Common Mental Health Conditions in Older Adults
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, 12-1 p.m. 
Register

Providing Care at the End of Life
Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, 2-3 p.m. 
Register

ElderLink Virtual Support Call for Family Caregivers:
The Caregiver Roller Coaster: The Lows and Highs of Caregiving

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, 7-8 p.m.   
Register

 


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.


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.

Fairfax Virtual Assistant