Caregiver Support

Bay Aging’s Caregiver Support program provides free counseling, education, and support groups to caregivers of all ages and income levels. The program is led by Options Counselors with personal and professional dementia experience who offer empathy, understanding, and passion while providing a person-centered approach. Staff follow families throughout the course of their caregiving journey, providing resources to empower them with hope and a supportive network of other caregivers. 

If you are a caregiver and you need support or advice, call Bay Aging at 800-493-0238. We are here to assist you and connect you with resources.

WHAT’S NEW: Have you heard about the GUIDE Model? It’s a new program that seeks to improve quality of life for eligible Medicare beneficiaries living with dementia and their caregivers. Bay Aging will begin accepting GUIDE patients in July 2025. Learn more here.

Bay Aging Caregiver Support Meetings & Events Calendar

 

Care Navigator with client

In the News

Bay Aging’s Caregiver Support team was featured in the Spring 2024 issue of Local Scoop. Learn about how we support caregivers in our community!

READ STORY

Kelsie Houston, Bay Aging Options Counselor

Talking to Kids About Dementia

Bay Aging Options Counselor Kelsie Houston appeared on 10 Wavy News to discuss talking to children about dementia.

WATCH VIDEO

Kathy Vesley, Bay Aging President and CEO

Bay Aging Selected for GUIDE Model

Bay Aging has been selected to administer GUIDE, a new program that supports caregivers of eligible Medicare beneficiaries living with dementia.

GUIDE MODEL

What Clients Say

“It’s good to have others listen and be there for me. The most challenging part of caregiving is that it never stops. It’s wonderful to have people understand the responsibility.” Linda S.

“At Memory Cafe we enjoy snacks and coffee while talking to others who understand what it means to live with or care for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia-like symptoms. We leave refreshed, understood and ready to face tomorrow knowing we’re not alone in this fight.” Don & Christy T.

Meet our Team

Mary Arthur, CDP, Lead Options Counselor

Mary’s passion for caregiving began at age 17, when her grandmother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Encountering a lack of support and information at that time, Mary resolved to educate herself about dementia and caregiving. “I wanted to be the resource my family didn’t have,” she explains. Mary became a Certified Dementia Practitioner® and worked at Rappahannock-Westminster-Canterbury for 15 years. In 2022, Mary joined Bay Aging to develop their Caregiver Support program.

Kelsie Houston, CDP, Options Counselor

Kelsie was born and raised in Gloucester. She has worked with older adults for 14 years and volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Association for 10 years. Kelsie is the primary caregiver for her uncle and assists her dad with care for her mom. “I love my role within Bay Aging because I can find light in my own personal dark tunnel of caregiving by paying forward my own knowledge. I truly understand the depths of what this journey entails and can support and guide others through one of the hardest things we’ll ever do.”

Crystal Hickman, CCHW, Options Counselor

Crystal Hickman is a lifelong resident of Northumberland County who has worked in the healthcare industry for more than 25 years and serves as the primary caregiver for her mother. Crystal loves helping people; she notes, “my heart is filled with joy when I can lend a hand or an ear to someone in need.” In addition to working at Bay Aging, Crystal volunteers with Hospice Support Services of the Northern Neck and is involved in missionary and outreach ministry with Zion Church in Lottsburg.

Program History

Bay Aging’s service area is home to a disproportionately large number of older adults, with 25% of residents over age 65. In 2021, Bay Aging conducted a community needs assessment survey which indicated that locally, 1 in 3 people identified as a caregiver (nationally, 1 in 5 are caregivers). In response to this insight, Bay Aging’s Foundation Board implemented a caregiver initiative and helped fund the hire of an Options Counselor focused on caregiver support in 2022. Bay Aging worked with Riverside’s Martha W. Goodson Center to conduct a series of Caregiver Conversations to ascertain local caregivers’ needs and preferences.

Community response to Bay Aging’s Caregiver Support program was overwhelming, with contacts nearly tripling expectations during the first year of operation. To meet demand, staffing was increased in 2023 and again in 2024.

Resources for Caregivers

Bay Aging offers support and resources to assist caregivers on their caregiving journey. Many caregivers are unaware of the services their families are eligible for. You are not alone! Call 800-493-0238 to find out how Bay Aging can help you.

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News

Josh Gemerek, Bay Aging’s Senior VP, Housing, Wins 2024 Game Changer Award at Virginia Housing Alliance Ceremony
Left to right: Assistant Director, Multifamily Housing Management, Hunter LeClair; Housing Choice Voucher Program Manager, Megan Akers; Senior VP, Housing, Josh Gemerek; Bay Aging President and CEO, Kathy Vesley; and [...]
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