Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Support Initiative

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The primary goal of this initiative is to make available expanded support to caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (AD/D). These “caregiver support services” are activities or actions performed, provided or arranged to promote, improve, conserve or restore the mental or physical well-being of caregivers and improve their quality of life.

To help expand caregiver support services in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Warren, and Washington Counties, our staff work with partner agencies to provide the services and programs described below. These services are conveniently provided in the caregiver’s home, at a community-based location, or remotely.

For more information about services and programs, please contact us at the number listed at the bottom of this page.

Caregiver Support Services

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Care Consultation

Care consultation is a service provided by trained professionals to the caregiver and family members that incorporates personalized assessment, service plan development, trouble-shooting and periodic updates. Care consultation considers and incorporates patient and caregiver needs, resource management, continuity in care, and linkages to community services. Care consultation also includes education and support tailored to the individual caregiver and/or family members. These services are offered in the six-county area via an in-person meeting, or in cases where an in-person meeting is not possible, care consultation will be offered via telephone.

Caregiver Support Groups

Caregiver support groups are designed to provide emotional support, information, resources, and a platform for caregivers to share strategies and lessons learned with other caregivers of persons with AD/D. Support groups are designed to meet the specific needs of the communities to be served in the six-county area, including cultural and language issues, and the time of day the groups are offered. A variety of in-person and virtual support groups are available throughout the six-county area, in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York, to create opportunities for caregivers, family members, and their loved ones with AD/D.

Training & Education Programs

The Caregiver Support Initiative has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York to provide training and education programs, providing necessary knowledge and information to enable the caregiver to navigate through the progression of AD/D. These programs deliver education and training on a range of subjects to better prepare the caregiver for his/her caregiving role. A variety of in-person and/or virtual education and training programs are available throughout the six-county area to create opportunities for caregivers.

Respite

Respite is intended to deliver relief to caregivers who provide care and support to individuals with AD/D by offering a temporary reprieve from the stresses associated with caregiving. Respite is intended to strengthen the family system while protecting the health and well-being of both the caregiver and the care recipient. Respite services afford caregivers an interval of relief by providing time for them to engage in necessary and important functions including social activities, attending appointments, worship services, family commitments, and attention to other personal needs. Respite services include opportunities for the care recipient to engage in appropriate social and stimulating activities. Respite services are provided by trained professionals who may be volunteers or paid individuals. The services are person centered to reflect both the cultural needs and level of care of the caregiver and person with AD/D. In addition, the primary location for the service is in a location that reduces the potential for harmful transitions, including, but not limited to, the care recipient’s home, adult day program, or other residential facility.

Technology-Based Services/Project Lifesaver

Technology-based services are intended to promote contact and communication to reduce caregiver isolation, inform caregivers of events and support services, match home health aides with caregivers needing caregiving services, and to offer other specified benefits to caregivers. One benefit offered to those at risk for elopement and wandering will be Project Lifesaver. Project Lifesaver uses radio frequency technology to track adults with AD/D and others at risk for elopement and wandering.

Memory Cafes

Memory Cafes allow caregivers and individuals living with AD/D the chance to socialize, surrounded in a safe and supportive environment by other caregivers and individuals with dementia. The ADCSI collaborates with community organizations and local artists, musicians, fitness instructors etc. to offer these in person events. Virtual memory cafes are also offered to increase opportunities for caregivers and care receivers.

Caregiver Wellness

The Wellness Program encourages support and engagement between caregivers through activities designed to promote emotional and/or physical well-being. These activities focus on the following categories of wellness: physical/relaxation, cognitive stimulation/learning, diet/nutrition, and social engagement. Activities will take place in each county within the region (Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Warren, Washington, and Hamilton). Some activities may include weekly participation in classes such as yoga. Others might be one-time activities such as visiting an Adirondack museum.