Caring for Caregivers
Washington County CARES officers Karla Anderson, vice president, Steven Luber, secretary, Amanda Crawford, president, and Rebecca Kirby, treasurer. Photography by Mark Youngblood
Washington County CARES supports those who provide care to the elderly
By April Bartel
As Washington County’s baby-boomers and leading-edge Gen-Xers advance into retirement, community support for seniors and their families is taking center stage. One local nonprofit is making a difference for those navigating the challenges of aging, illness, and caregiving.
Washington County CARES, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2002, offers a lifeline to those providing care to loved ones with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or disabilities. The heart of their mission is a belief that supporting caregivers, most of whom are unpaid family members, is essential to sustaining the well-being of the entire community.
More than 48 million Americans are unpaid caregivers, according to AARP. These individuals, often adult children or spouses, dedicate countless hours to supporting loved ones at home, frequently without formal training or adequate financial resources. The Alzheimer’s Association notes that more than 11 million of those caregivers, nearly 25 percent, are supporting someone with Alzheimer’s disease. The emotional and physical toll is significant. Caregivers are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and chronic illness. Without respite or support, they risk burnout, which ultimately impacts the person receiving care as well.
Washington County CARES recognizes this hidden crisis.
“Caregivers often become so focused on their loved ones that they neglect their own health,” says Amanda Crawford, the organization’s current president. “We give them a chance to take a breath, to care for themselves, so they can keep going.”
The organization’s primary offering is a respite care grant program. These grants help pay for temporary caregiving support, whether at home through a licensed aide, at an adult daycare, or during a stay at an assisted living facility. Recipients may require help with daily needs such as bathing and dressing, light housekeeping or cooking, transportation, or safety supervision.
There is no age restriction for the person receiving care, and the program is income-based, using current Medicaid thresholds to determine eligibility. Crawford emphasizes that the application process is flexible and compassionate.
“If someone is slightly over the income level, we still review the case. Our goal is to help those truly in need,” she says.
The grant provides something most caregivers lack: choice. Families can select the kind of respite that works best for them. In some cases, another family member can serve as the temporary caregiver, submitting a timesheet for documentation. While Washington County CARES does not directly recommend caregivers or agencies, they can offer lists of trusted local providers and community programs, such as the adult day program at Fahrney Keedy or the free, monthly Memory Café at the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Hagerstown.
Steven Luber, CARES’ board secretary, also serves as the business development manager for Right at Home of Washington County. That company provides in-home assistance to seniors. His dual role gives him a unique perspective on the region’s growing need for caregiver support.
“We’re seeing more and more people who want to stay in their homes, but the support systems aren’t always there,” he says. “That’s where the grant makes a difference.”
Teresa Straley is part of the grant review committee. She echoes the thought, “CARES is such a vital piece of the community. It’s a group of like-minded individuals whose focus and goal are to educate the community on resources available to seniors and their families. Our members bring so much to the table with services and information, we want to streamline the process and ease some of the stress of families through events and education.”
Teresa Straley serves on the grant review committee.
Washington County CARES operates entirely through fundraising and donations. Members volunteer time planning events, managing applications, and spreading awareness.
Their signature annual events include a community-wide Senior Resource Fair each September, held this year at Homewood at Williamsport on September 19. The resource fair is a vital opportunity for older adults and their families to learn what help is available. It typically draws about 25 vendors, from senior living facilities and case management services to downsizing experts and local nonprofits. The fair is one of the group’s biggest fundraisers, thanks to vendor fees, raffles, and direct donations. It’s also about connection.
The annual “Taste of Senior Living” gala held in August at Homewood, invites local senior community chefs to compete in a culinary showdown. Attendees judge the top appetizer, entrée, and dessert. While it’s a light-hearted event with delicious food and wine, the underlying goal is serious: to raise money for respite care grants and draw attention to the needs of caregivers. Other fundraisers include bake sales, restaurant nights, and booths at seasonal events.
This year’s grant awards have outpaced previous years, underscoring a growing need. In response, the CARES board is exploring outside grants to expand its own funding opportunities. For now, however, it remains a grassroots effort fueled by community generosity and a dedicated team.
The team itself is small but mighty, with only four board members and several more helping on subcommittees. All of them have personal reasons for being involved. Crawford’s passion stems from watching her grandmother decline after being diagnosed with dementia in her 60s. Luber’s family story is similar. His mother cared for his grandfather during a long battle with Alzheimer’s. These experiences make the mission deeply personal.
“Privately and professionally, this impacts my life, so it is something I am proud to be part of,” Luber says.
The grant application is on the organization’s website, with updates on its Facebook page. The application is straightforward and reviewed monthly. Donations are accepted online, and new volunteers or members are always welcome. CARES meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Homewood, beginning with networking at 8:30 a.m. and a formal meeting at 9 a.m.
Although they are not affiliated with any national network or government office, Washington County CARES connects with broader programs and organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association, the local Commission on Aging, Meritus Medical Center, and Dementia Friendly Washington County to fulfill the vision of “a fully supported community of caregivers.”
The need for this kind of support is only growing. Nationally, the number of people over age 65 is expected to double by 2060. In Washington County alone, informal estimates suggest there are more than 3,000 people currently living with Alzheimer’s – a number that doesn’t include other forms of dementia or disability. Diagnosis are also happening earlier, sometimes in people as young as their early 50s.
Crawford recommends that families just beginning their caregiving journey start with the Commission on Aging to identify what resources they may need. “Sometimes just knowing where to start is half the battle,” she says.
“Education is a big part of what we do, letting people know help is there,” says Luber. “Caregiving isn’t just a senior issue, it’s a family issue, a community issue. We all benefit when we support each other.”
As the landscape of aging continues to shift, Washington County CARES stands as a compassionate, community-driven response. By prioritizing the caregiver’s health and offering practical relief, they ensure that both caregivers and care recipients can live with dignity, balance, and hope.