November 2026/ Focus: 

National Family Caregivers Month

From Ellen Phipps,

Aging Together's Executive Director

Caregiving is one of the greatest expressions of love, but it can also be one of life's most challenging and demanding roles. Whether helping a loved one manage a chronic condition, navigating the changes associated with dementia, providing transportation to appointments, or simply making sure someone is safe and well, caregivers make an extraordinary difference every day.

Caregiving can be an unexpected journey, and families often find themselves navigating unfamiliar territory without knowing where to turn. Our role at Aging Together is to help connect caregivers with information, resources, education, and support so they don't have to figure it all out alone.

Recently, I was approached by a caregiver who wanted to thank us for helping him to navigate a challenging situation with a family member. He said he had felt overwhelmed and didn’t know what he would have done without our assistance. He was able to connect to resources he had not previously known about. 

A few weeks ago, a caregiver called regarding her mom living in a nearby facility. We were able to match her mom with a volunteer to visit with her.

In addition to the calls and emails we receive from caregivers, Aging Together provides educational opportunities, caregiver training, webinars, and connections to local services. We work with regional partners to increase awareness and understanding of Alzheimer' disease and related dementias, offer practical strategies for responding to changing needs, and help caregivers access resources that can make their responsibilities a little easier. We also provide information about respite options, community-based services, and other supports that can help families continue caring for loved ones living at home or, in the community.

Through our regional partnerships, we strive to strengthen the network of support available to families throughout Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock counties.

This month, I encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize a family caregiver in your life. Offer to help with an errand, bring a meal, spend time with their loved one so they can take a break, or simply listen. Small gestures can make a meaningful difference. And if you are a caregiver yourself, remember that taking care of your own health and well-being is not selfish; it is essential.

And speaking of caregiving: please be sure to mark your calendars for the Annual Dementia Education Conference for Caregivers on April 8, 2027 at Germanna Community College. This year the conference will feature Lisa Marshall of “Oh Hello, Alzheimer’s”, and a presentation on the Stories Love Music program. 

Caregiving by the numbers:

According to the 2025 edition of Caregiving in the US, released by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving:

Demographics: One in every four adults is a caregiver.

• Caregivers are increasingly diverse across race, income, and generation.
• According to the NIH, around 2/3 family caregivers are female. 
• 29% are sandwich generation caregivers, supporting both children and adults.

Many family caregivers report positive experiences from caregiving, including:

• A sense of giving back to someone who has cared for them
• The satisfaction of knowing that their loved one is getting excellent care
• Personal growth and increased meaning and purpose in one’s life
• Passing on a tradition of care 

Source: American Psychological Association

Around 60% of caregivers experience burnout.

Source: Cleveland Clinic 

Everyone’s experience with burnout is different. If at any time you feel overwhelmed, you need to talk to someone, or you're experiencing thoughts of suicide: 

Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (U.S.). Someone is available to help you 24/7.

Preventing burnout will also look different for everyone, but often includes: self care, exercise, building a social support system, and utilizing respite services.

What is respite?

Respite is temporary relief from duties for caregivers, ranging from several hours to days.

• • • It might be provided in-home or in a residential care facility. Respite allows a caregiver to take a break and get away, maybe for a medical appointment, grocery shopping, or a weekend outing with friends. Several organizations, listed below, offer limited funding specifically to help caregivers pay for someone to be with their loved one and care for them while they're away.  
      • • If you or your loved one is a veteran, you can utilize the VA Caregiver Support Program. Click here to learn more.
        • In our region, Generations Central Adult Day Center serves as a hub for older adults who require daytime care, providing some relief for their caregivers. Learn more by clicking here.
        • The Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program (VLRVP) provides reimbursements up to $595.00 to Virginia caregivers for the cost of hiring temporary, short-term respite care provided to individuals of any age, with a documented disability or medical condition. Click here to learn more. 
        • The GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) Model advances coordinated dementia care to support both people with dementia and their caregivers by providing evidence-based services including: care navigation, 24/7 access to a support line, caregiver training and education, respite services up to $2,500 annually, and connections to community resources. Learn more and apply by clicking here.

Resources for Caregivers

Upcoming Events and Programs:

Join us for the final part of our scam series! This workshop will provide you with essential information for protecting you and your loved ones from scams. 

More information on our Frauds and Scams Series linked here.

Click here for the Zoom link.

SAVE THE DATE! 

Join us April 8, 2027 at Germanna Community College in Culpeper for the Dementia Education Conference. A wonderful day of learning and connection for caregivers of those with dementia! 

Open Enrollment Period Has Begun 

The Open Enrollment Period for Medicare is open Oct. 15 - Dec. 7. 

Learn more by clicking here. 

Shiloh Church is offering a free Thanksgiving dinner open to everyone!

Please see the information above for details.

Community Corner 

Above:

Encompass Community Supports at the Art of Aging Lifestyle & Wellness Expo in Culpeper sharing a wonderful collection of local resources! 

Below:

Hospice of the Piedmont at the Art of Aging Lifestyle & Wellness Expo in Culpeper providing valuable information about the services they provide!

Below:

Exhibitors and community members enjoying the Art of Aging Lifestyle & Wellness Expo in Culpeper!

Below:

The VMFA Artmobile, a mobile art museum, which featured at the Art of Aging Lifestyle & Wellness Expo in Culpeper!