Fall 2026 Workshops
What Caregivers Want and Need to Know
Colleen Ireland and Anne Kaiser Department of Aging & Disabilities Staff
Caregivers typically want to know how their loved one's condition might progress, how to plan to support their needs, and what resources are available. They are also looking at how to access support systems and resources and how to plan for the future. Most importantly, they need to know how to prioritize their own physical and emotional well-being while providing quality care. Join the Department of Aging & Disabilities caregiver program staff as we dive into these questions, as well as any other questions you bring to the session.
Workshop Dates
Thursday, September 10, 2026; 6pm
Edgewater Library
25 Stepneys Ln., Edgewater
Dementia 101
Mary Chaput, MA, CDP; Director, Family Caregiver Support Programs
This workshop session will cover a basic understanding of dementia and how it affects the diagnosed individual and their
caregivers. We will also discuss communication tools and strategies for coping with the changes you see.
Workshop Dates
Thursday, October 15, 2026; 6pm
Annapolis Library
1410 West St., Annapolis
Dementia Live Experience
Department of Aging and Disabilities Staff
This workshop is a high impact, dementia simulation experience that immerses participants into life with dementia, resulting in a deeper understanding of what it is like to live with cognitive impairment and sensory change.
Space is limited.
Pre-registration by phone is required for this workshop
To register, call 410-222-4375 or 410-222-4339
Workshop Date
Wednesday, October 28, 2026; 6pm
Department of Aging North, Hein
7320 Ritchie Hwy., Glen Burnie
Understanding Dementia Related Behaviors
Mary Chaput, MA, CDP; Director, Family Caregiver Support Programs
As an individual with dementia loses the ability to communicate with words, behavior becomes a powerful form of communication. Often, it is an individual’s only way to communicate their needs, their feelings, and their pain. Sometimes these behaviors pose real challenges for the caregiver. This workshop will identify common difficult behaviors, their triggers, and strategies to help decrease them.
Workshop Date
Monday, November 9, 2026; 6pm
Severna Park Library
45 W. McKinsey Rd., Severna Park
I Can Do It All. No, You Can’t.
Mary Chaput, Colleen Ireland, Anne Kaiser Department of Aging & Disabilities Staff
In the early stages of caregiving, it’s easy to go into superhero mode insisting “I’ve got this. I can do it all.” But it’s important to keep in mind that icaregovomgis a marathon that can last for many years. Even the strongest caregivers with the best intentions eventually need assistance. Let’s talk about why it is so hard to ask for help and discuss how small steps in sharing tasks can help both you and your loved one maintain the best quality of life possible.
Workshop Date
Tuesday, December 1, 2026; 6pm
Odenton Library
1325 Annapolis Road, Odenton