AARP Maryland schedules statewide free caregiver events for November

AARP Maryland is rolling out a month of free events across the state for National Family Caregivers Month, including CAREversations, pickleball clinics, a documentary screening and other programs. The lineup is meant to give family caregivers practical support, connection and a break while highlighting the scale and value of unpaid care.

Why it matters: - More than 63 million Americans help older parents, spouses and other loved ones remain independent at home. - Family caregivers often manage medications, meals, transportation and finances while also handling work and family responsibilities. - AARP's Valuing the Invaluable 2026 report puts the annual value of unpaid family care at $1 trillion. - The events are free, statewide and open to everyone, which lowers barriers for people who may not identify as caregivers but still provide care.

What happened: - AARP Maryland launched the 2026 Caregiving Blitz for National Family Caregivers Month. - The program runs throughout November in locations across Maryland. - The lineup includes CAREversations, pickleball clinics, a Walk With a Doc event, a documentary screening and several other classes and conferences. - AARP Maryland State Director Hank Greenberg said the month is meant to honor family caregivers and connect them with support and community.

The details: - CAREversations will take place in Prince George's County on Thursday, Nov. 5, in Howard County on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and in Anne Arundel County on Wednesday, Nov. 18. - The Prince George's County session is set for Dave & Buster's Capitol Heights, 1851 Ritchie Station Court, Capitol Heights. - The Howard County session is set for Busboys and Poets, 6251 Mango Tree Road, Columbia. - The Anne Arundel County session is set for Maggiano's Little Italy, 2100 Annapolis Mall Road, Annapolis. - The CAREversations are described as lightly facilitated discussions where caregivers can share practical tips and learn about local resources. - Pickleball clinics are scheduled for Baltimore County on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Baltimore Pickleball Club in Timonium and Montgomery County on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Montgomery Tennisplex in Boyds. - Walk With a Doc will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, at Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia and will begin with a short health chat led by a local health care professional. - A free in-person screening of Wine, Women & Dementia is set for Thursday, Nov. 12, at Maryland Public Television in Owings Mills. - The screening runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will include a Q&A with filmmaker Kitty Norton. - The documentary focuses on the human side of dementia through family caregivers' stories of love, humor and devotion. - The Maryland Department of Aging is hosting watch parties at senior centers across the state for people who cannot attend in Owings Mills. - A virtual Thanksgiving Holiday Cooking Class With Chef Christine is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. - A program called Caring for Your Family, Friends and Loved Ones will be held Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Towson Library. - The We C.A.R.E. Conference -- Rooted in Strength is set for Thursday, Nov. 19, at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold on Maryland Family Caregiver Day. - Laila's Gift is hosting the conference in partnership with AARP Maryland, and the event will include networking, a keynote and a resource fair. - Registration is required for all AARP Maryland National Family Caregivers Month events. - The full schedule and registration details are available at AARP Maryland's caregiver page.

Between the lines: - The campaign is aimed not only at full-time caregivers but also at people who help family, friends or neighbors in ways they may not label as caregiving. - The event mix suggests AARP Maryland is trying to meet caregivers where they are, with social gatherings, health-oriented activities and practical education. - The addition of watch parties and virtual programming broadens access for people who cannot travel. - The message from AARP Maryland is as much about recognition as it is about resources.

What's next: - More caregiver programming will continue through the rest of November as part of National Family Caregivers Month. - Maryland residents can register for individual events as long as space remains available. - AARP Maryland is directing people to its statewide caregiver calendar for updates and event details.

The bottom line: - AARP Maryland is using November to turn caregiver support into a statewide, free and easy-to-access series of events that combines information, respite and community.