The newest members of the Community Caregivers Board of Directors are Jayson White, Carol Huber, and Tom Chera.
GUILDERLAND – Community Caregivers is pleased to announce that five new members were elected to its board of directors.
“It is my pleasure to welcome Carol Huber, Tom Chera, Jayson White, Trisha Gannon, and Eileen Bray to our board. They each bring an expertise to our board that will be extremely valuable to support the Community Caregivers’ mission,” stated Edna Mae Reilly, board president.
Carol Huber from Voorheesville is no stranger to Community Caregivers. She was a caregiver to her parents and knows firsthand the important services the organization provides to families.
Mrs. Huber was a senior vice president of the Ayco company in Saratoga Springs. During her career, she held various revenue generation and management positions. Upon the sale of Ayco to Goldman Sachs, Mrs. Huber was instrumental in directing the integration of the two companies.
She has a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Johns Hopkins University and a juris doctor of law from Villanova Law School.
Thomas Chera is a Guilderland resident who believes giving back to the community is an important part of his life. Mr. Chera is senior vice president of Global Commercial Banking for Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
He spent 26 years at J.P. Morgan in Albany working with for profit and not-for-profit organizations to manage and develop an investment portfolio.
Tom is a graduate of the University at Albany and has earned Certified Financial Planner and Certified Treasury Professional designations and completed the necessary requirements for a series 7,79 and 63 licensure by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
Jayson White, a Voorheesville native who now lives in Burnt Hills, is a public relations and media professional. Mr. White has 20 years of marketing, media, and communications experience with several health-care organizations. Mr. White presently serves as a senior communications specialist at Albany Med.
He was introduced to Community Caregivers in the fall of 2017 when he produced a video highlighting several client-volunteer relationships. The video was shown at the Community Caregivers gala in November. Jayson found the stories very compelling and was thrilled to become part of the Caregivers organization.
Mr. White graduated from the State University of New York college at Geneseo with a bachelor of arts degree in communications and received his master’s degree in public relations from Ball State University.
Trisha Gannon joined the board of directors in early 2017 and was elected treasurer in July 2017. Mrs. Gannon had been a volunteer serving on the Caregivers’ finance committee, providing budgeting expertise and guidance to Community Caregivers.
Her career includes positions in both the public and private sectors. She serves as the project director in the finance office at the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. Mrs. Gannon has a bachelor of arts degree in accounting from Siena College and is a New York State Certified Public Accountant.
Eileen Bray, a longtime Guilderland resident, joined the board of directors in August 2016. Mrs. Bray retired in 2010 after 26 years of teaching in Guilderland elementary schools.
She has been a volunteer at Community Caregivers. She serves on the golf and gala committees and chaired of the raffle and auction at the 2017 gala.
Mrs. Bray has a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from SUNY Oneonta and a master of science degree from the University at Albany.
Look for information on Community Caregivers upcoming 12th annual golf outing to be held on June 11 at Pinehaven Country Club.
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Community Caregivers Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides non-medical services, including transportation and caregiver support at no charge to residents of Guilderland, Bethlehem, Altamont, New Scotland, Berne, Knox, and the city of Albany through a strong volunteer pool of dedicated individuals with a desire to assist their neighbors.
Our funding is derived in part from the Albany County Department for Aging, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the United States Administration on Aging. To find out more about our services, as well as volunteer opportunities, please visit www.communitycaregivers.org or call us at 518-456-2898.
Editor’s note: Regina DuBois is a member of the Community Caregivers Board of Directors.
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Beginning this month, Medicare is mailing new cards to everyone with Medicare. With over 55 million Medicare beneficiaries, this changeover takes time; not everyone will get the new cards at once. The new Medicare cards will be sent out over the next 12 months.
A new law prompted this move by requiring that Social Security numbers be removed from Medicare cards. The purpose is to help keep your Social Security number safe. The new cards will have a mix of numbers and letters as identifiers.
You don’t need to do anything. As long as your address is up-to-date, your card will be mailed automatically. The new card does not change your coverage or benefits.
If you have other insurance in addition to Medicare, including a Medicare Advantage Plan, keep that Plan ID card too. Once you receive it, carry your new Medicare card with you as well, in case you are asked to show it at the doctor’s office.
You might be surprised that the new card is paper; that makes it easier for medical offices to make a copy. As always, only give your new Medicare number to doctors, pharmacists, other healthcare providers, your insurers, or to people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.
Be aware of scams: Medicare will never call you uninvited and ask you to give personal or private information to receive a new Medicare number and card. If someone asks you for your personal information or for money or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don’t share it, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
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Community Caregivers Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides non-medical services including transportation and caregiver support at no charge to residents of Guilderland, Bethlehem, Altamont, New Scotland, Berne, Knox, and the city of Albany through a strong volunteer pool of dedicated individuals with a desire to assist their neighbors.
Our funding is derived in part from the Albany County Department for Aging, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the United States Administration on Aging. To find out more about our services, as well as volunteer opportunities, please visit www.communitycaregivers.org or call us at 518-456-2898.
Editor’s note: Linda Miller is the Outreach and Education coordinator for Community Caregivers.
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— Photo from Greg Goutos
Seren Takezaki, an exchange student from Japan currently at Guilderland High School, serves dinner to Mary McGann, who helped coordinate the event.
— Photo from Greg Goutos
Rose Lundgren, long-time Omni resident, leads everyone in a sing-along of “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.”
Community Caregivers hosted the 17th annual “Italian Night at the Omni” dinner on Saturday, March 10. The event was attended by 55 residents of the Omni Senior Living Community, which is located on Carman Road in Guilderland.
The dinner was sponsored by Community Caregivers, a not-for-profit organization based in Guilderland, that provides non-medical services to Albany County residents by matching local volunteers with nearby clients. The Community Caregivers’ office is located at 2021 Western Ave. in Guilderland.
Mary Therriault, one of the original co-founders of Community Caregivers in 1994, kicked off the evening by welcoming those in attendance. She talked about the types of services that the organization offers to its clients, and the ongoing need for new volunteers to become involved.
The Omni residents enjoyed a special Italian dinner, which was followed by an ice-cream dessert provided by Stewart’s. The complimentary meal was due to the several local restaurants that partnered with Community Caregivers, generously donating most of the food.
The seniors were served by several Guilderland High School students, as well as other volunteers and Caregivers’ staff in attendance. Also on hand were two fourth-year medical students from Albany Medical College, Ryan Chan and Nicholas Ridout, who volunteered their time and expertise at an information table set up in the lobby. They handed out pamphlets on the various wellness services in the Albany area, and throughout the evening were available to answer any health-related questions.
This year’s theme was in celebration of the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, as the tables had appropriate centerpieces and the community room had a holiday tree decorated in green and all things Irish. A special highlight of the evening was when Omni resident Rose Lundgren led everyone in a group sing-along of “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.”
After the dessert was served, the fun continued as those in attendance hoped to hear their names called to be lucky recipients of the many random raffle prizes handed out by the student volunteers. Some had the “luck of the Irish” on their side and took home a prize, but everyone agreed that they still had a winningly great time either way.
A special thank-you is in order to all 17 volunteers who participated, including local high school students Barbara Barros; Stacey Prigorodova; Jie Weng; and Seren Takezaki, an exchange student from Japan. Thank you again to medical students Ryan Chan and Nicholas Ridout, who volunteered their time.
The Caregivers office staff on hand included, Mary Morrison, Petra Malitz, and Acting Executive Director Larry Miller. Community Caregivers volunteers also involved were Tom Morrison, Andrea and Frank Saragaglia, Mary Therriault, and Sandra and Nellie and Greg Goutos.
As she has been for the past several years, Mary McGann, a resident at the Omni, was instrumental in coordinating the many details to ensure that the event went smoothly.
Most of the food for the dinner was donated by local restaurants, with thanks to Bountiful Bread, and The 99 Restaurant. Also, thank you to Stewart’s for its contribution of the ice cream sundaes for dessert.
Raffle prizes were generously donated by local businesses, including, Robinson’s Hardware, Candy Kraft, The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Pizza Gram Plus, Carman Wine & Liquor, A New Way Bakery & Café, Marotta’s Towne Pizza, A Different Blend Bakery, and the Bamboo Chinese Restaurant.
Also contributing were The Altamont Enterprise, Price Chopper/Market 32, and Hannaford. St. Matthew’s Church in Voorheesville, along with Altamont Reformed Church, also supported the event. A special acknowledgement is in order to the several board members and staff members, who supported the event with either their time or by their financial contributions toward some of the food and raffle items.
For more information about Community Caregivers, please contact the office by phone at 518-456-2898, or online at communitycaregivers.org.
Editor’s note: Greg Goutos is a Community Caregivers’ volunteer.
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Community Caregivers is hosting a spring open house, “Meet Community Caregivers,” on Thursday, March 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. It will take place at the Community Caregivers’ office at 2021 Western Ave, Suite 104, in Guilderland.
Area residents who are interested in learning about our “neighbor helping neighbor” services for themselves or a loved one should stop by. Resources to support family caregivers will be available. Also welcome are prospective volunteers; please read Judy Rothstein’s piece below.
Community members who are thinking about what it takes to live at home as they grow older are invited. The open house will offer information about local efforts for “aging in place” and the nationwide Village Movement.
This free event will feature light refreshments and experienced staff members will be on hand to answer your questions. Call 518-456-2898 for more information or for directions to the open house.
I was talking with Linda Miller, Caregivers Outreach and Education coordinator, last week. The Volunteer Support Committee is in the throes of planning the April Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and we needed to get our site firmed up. Linda had just conducted an orientation with three people. All three committed to becoming volunteers.
Linda explained that there is also an open house on March 22 so that the community can stop in and ask questions, see where Community Caregivers “lives,” and find out how they can help. I asked how she was going to get information out about these open houses. She listed a number of venues: newspapers, church bulletins, Facebook.
“However,” she said, “you can advertise all you want, but if people aren’t ready, it won’t move them.”
The three new volunteers were moved.
The over 60 volunteers who came to the Appreciation Luncheon last year were moved. We’d love to have all our volunteers come to the luncheon. It’s April 18 at the Guilderland Public Library.
As we continue to reach out to the community, please call us if we can help; we also continue to reach out to our community neighbors to consider becoming a volunteer.
Life changes. Retirements are coming up. You might soon become empty nesters. You might have a parent who lives outside our service area and you want to do something to help in your area that would honor them.
Maybe none of these things are happening, but you have time and you want to help people in your community. This last reason is actually how Community Caregivers got started in the first place back in 1994.
People needed help then; they need it now. There were people who volunteered their time and talents and treasures then, and we need them to do that now.
Here is the volunteer orientation schedule for spring 2018:
— Tuesday, March 20, at 1 p.m.;
— Tuesday, April 10, at 1 p.m.;
— Thursday, April 19, at 11 a.m.;
— Tuesday, May 8, at 2 p.m. in Delmar; and
— Thursday, May 17, at 11 a.m.
All sessions are held at our office at 2021 Western Ave, Suite 104. To register: call 518-456-2898 or email volunteer@communitycaregivers.org.
Put Become A Volunteer on your to-do list and contact us when you’re ready. Perhaps we will see you at the open house!
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Community Caregivers Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides non-medical services, including transportation and caregiver support at no charge to residents of Guilderland, Bethlehem, Altamont, New Scotland, Berne, Knox, and the city of Albany through a strong volunteer pool of dedicated individuals with a desire to assist their neighbors.
Our funding is derived in part from the Albany County Department for Aging, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the United States Administration on Aging. To find out more about our services, as well as volunteer opportunities, please visit www.communitycaregivers.org or call us at 518-456-2898.
Editor’s note: Judy Rothstein is a Community Caregivers board member.
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When an independent spouse or parent needs a little or a lot of help with daily living, we often are unprepared for it. The transition from independence to dependence for those needing care — and for those providing care — can trigger conflicting emotions and stress.
For parents and adult children, providing care and accepting support may be an opportunity to reconnect after many years apart in adult life. However, it’s not easy. And, it’s a journey unique to each of us; therefore, family caregivers and those on the receiving end of help often find that writing about their experiences is very meaningful.
With that in mind, Community Caregivers invites interested individuals to register for an upcoming Writing Workshop for Caregivers. This event is also open to Community Caregivers’ volunteers who serve others in the community.
The workshop will be held on Wednesday, March 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Normanskill Room at the Guilderland Public Library at 2228 Western Ave. in Guilderland. Light refreshments will be provided.
The workshop leader is an award-winning author, columnist, and teacher Diane Cameron. Diane also has also been a family caregiver herself and once directed the Community Caregivers. She loves to help new writers begin their work. We are pleased that Diane has graciously offered to share her time and talent with us.
This fun and hands-on writing workshop will help you tell your own story or the story of a person you love. You can keep it or share as a gift to your family. You may also intend it for publication. In case you are wondering, you do not share your writing with others during the workshop.
Pens and paper will be provided. Registration is required, and we ask that you let us know you are attending no later than Monday, March 5. Again, please let us know if you would like to attend. Call 518-456-2898 to register or email me at
Community Caregivers Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides non-medical services including transportation and caregiver support at no charge to residents of Guilderland, Bethlehem, Altamont, New Scotland, Berne, Knox, and the city of Albany through a strong volunteer pool of dedicated individuals with a desire to assist their neighbors.
Our funding is derived in part from the Albany County Department for Aging, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the United States Administration on Aging. To find out more about our services, as well as volunteer opportunities, please visit www.communitycaregivers.org or call us at 518-456-2898.
Editor’s note: Linda Miller is the Outreach and Education coordinator for Community Caregivers.
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It seems hard to keep up with all the changes that are swiftly coming in this new digital era. There are so many great advances that help old people.
Many older adults are learning how to use iPads and smartphones, which allows them to “video chat” with family members far away or to see their photos and videos on Facebook. These advances provide personal contact and pleasure to keep in touch with family and friends in ways that were previously only available by letter and telephone call.
Important uses of technology are also helping caregivers and older adults. Recently, New York State approved the operation of the ride-hailing services Uber and Lyft that expand transportation options for people to travel to doctor appointments or for other activities.
Other new technologies allow family members or caregivers to monitor an older family member living alone. Perhaps you have heard of sensors that will provide an alert if the person being monitoring has not opened the refrigerator by lunch time.
Technology can promote social connections; computer software allows groups in aging-in-place “villages” to connect members who have similar social interests, such as book clubs or movie-discussion groups. Technology also can assist individuals with tracking their own health and preventive-care needs using smartphone apps.
Apple recently announced plans to allow doctors and health providers to upload patient medical records to a health app on the patient’s iPhone.
Alan S. Teel, M.D. has pioneered the use of technology to help his elderly patients stay at home in his rural state of Maine. In his book “Alone and Invisible No More,” Dr. Teel advocates the use of internet-based technology tools along with volunteers and paid assistance to help elders remain at home and remain connected to their communities.
His company, Full Circle America, offers services including: “quick call” buttons, video and sensor monitoring (as noted in the refrigerator example, above), friendly reminder calls and a Circle of Care. The Circle of Care approach helps the individual identify people who can assist and support him or her, including family members, friends, neighbors, and volunteers.
Teel’s approach seeks to be comprehensive by incorporating the human as well as the technological elements. It’s a rapidly developing field with many companies vying to offer “tech” solutions to monitor the well-being of elders.
These new products enhance the ability of older persons to remain living at home longer; we all need to be aware and keep educated about what is available. Community Caregivers staff will continue to study these new products and innovations so that we can provide information for our volunteers, individuals, and family caregivers about new options.
While nothing can substitute for human contact and caring helpers, technological innovations may hold part of the answer to help those who need assistance to live well at home.
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Community Caregivers Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides non-medical services including transportation and caregiver support at no charge to residents of Guilderland, Bethlehem, Altamont, New Scotland, Berne, Knox, and the city of Albany through a strong volunteer pool of dedicated individuals with a desire to assist their neighbors.
Our funding is derived in part from the Albany County Department for Aging, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the United States Administration on Aging. To find out more about our services, as well as volunteer opportunities, please visit www.communitycaregivers.org or call us at (518) 456-2898.
Editor’s note: Michael Burgess is a health policy consultant for Community Caregivers.
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January feels like a long month. And, whether or not we have broken official cold records this month in Albany County, it sure feels like we have! Despite a brief reprieve from the bone-chilling, below-zero readings, there is still a lot of winter ahead. It’s particularly imperative that older adults take precautions to stay safe in the cold weather.
Why the extra precautions? Older adults can lose body heat faster than younger adults. Age-related changes can make it harder for older adults to be aware of getting cold. This can lead to a serious problem — hypothermia — even before the older person realizes it.
Hypothermia occurs when one’s body temperature gets very low. For an older person, a body temperature colder than 95 degrees Fahrenheit can cause many health problems, among them heart attack, kidney problems, or liver damage.
It’s not only being outside that can cause problems; living in cold house also can lead to hypothermia.
You can take steps to lower your chance of getting hypothermia. For example, try to stay away from cold places and pay attention to how cold it is where you are.
The National Institute on Aging offers these additional sensible guidelines.
Keep warm inside
Living in a cold house, apartment, or other building can cause hypothermia. In fact, hypothermia can occur in a group facility — if the rooms are not kept warm enough. If someone you know lives in a group setting, pay attention to the temperature and whether your friend or loved one is dressed warmly enough.
People who are sick may have special problems keeping warm. Therefore, do not set the thermostat too low and dress warmly. Even if the temperature is set between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, your home or apartment may not be warm enough to keep you safe.
This is a special problem if you live alone since there is no one else to feel the chilliness of the house or notice if you are having symptoms of hypothermia. Keep warm indoors using these tips:
— Set your heat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. To save on heating bills, close off rooms you are not using. Close the vents and shut the doors in these rooms. Keep the basement door closed. Place a rolled towel in front of all doors to keep out drafts;
— Make sure your house isn’t losing heat through windows. Keep your blinds and curtains closed. If you have gaps around the windows, try using weather stripping or caulk to keep the cold air out;
— Dress warmly on cold days even if you are staying in the house. Throw a blanket over your legs. Wear both socks and shoes;
— When you go to sleep, wear long underwear under your pajamas, and use extra covers. Wear a cap or hat to keep body heat in;
— Make sure you eat enough food to keep up your energy;
— Drink alcohol sparingly, if at all. Alcoholic drinks can lead to loss of body heat;
— Think whether you know an older adult who is living alone and be a good neighbor by checking on that individual during cold stretches or snowstorms;
— If a power outage leaves you without heat, contact a relative, friend, or emergency personnel; do not try to wait it out this time of year; and
— You may be tempted to warm your room with a space heater. But, some space heaters are fire hazards and others can cause carbon-monoxide poisoning. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has information on the use of space heaters. Read the following for more information: “Reducing Fire Hazards for Portable Electric Heaters.” You can find it online at www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/heaters.pdf.
Bundle up on windy, cold days
A heavy wind can quickly lower your body temperature. Check the weather forecast for windy and cold days. On those days, try to stay inside or in a warm place. If you have to go out, wear warm clothes, and don’t stay out for any length of time.
Here are other tips:
— Dress for the weather if you have to go out on chilly, cold, or damp days;
— Wear loose layers of clothing. The air between the layers helps to keep you warm;
— Put on a hat and scarf. You lose a lot of body heat when your head and neck are uncovered; and
— Wear a waterproof coat or jacket if it’s snowy.
Illness, medicines, and cold weather
Some illnesses may make it harder for your body to stay warm. Diabetes, thyroid problems, Parkinson’s disease, memory loss, and arthritis are problems that can make it harder for older adults to stay warm. Talk with your doctor about your health problems and how to prevent hypothermia.
Medications and inactivity also can affect body heat. Here are some topics to talk about with your doctor to stay safe in cold weather:
— Ask your doctor about signs of hypothermia;
— Talk to your doctor about any health problems and medications that can make hypothermia a special problem for you. Your doctor can help you find ways to prevent hypothermia; and
— Ask about safe ways to stay active even when it’s cold outside.
Warning signs
Sometimes it is hard to tell if a person has hypothermia. Look for clues. Is the house very cold? Is the person not dressed for cold weather? Is the person speaking more slowly than normal and having trouble keeping his or her balance?
Early signs of hypothermia include cold feet and hands, puffy or swollen face, pale skin and shivering. Also, the person may have slower than normal speech or slurring and act sleepy, angry, or confused.
Later signs of hypothermia include slow and clumsy movement, stiffness, slow heartbeat, shallow breathing, and losing consciousness.
Call 9-1-1 right away if you think someone has warning signs of hypothermia. After you call 9-1-1, move the person to a warmer place and wrap him or her in blankets or coats — whatever is handy, until help arrives.
Heating bills
If you are having a hard time paying your heating bills, there are some resources that might help. Contact the National Energy Assistance Referral service at 1-866-674-6327 (toll-free; TTY, 1-866-367-6228) or email to get information about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
In Albany County, call New York Connects at 518-447-7177 for low-income energy assistance information.
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Community Caregivers Inc. is a not for profit organization that provides non-medical services including transportation and caregiver support at no charge to residents of Guilderland, Bethlehem, Altamont, New Scotland, Berne, Knox, and the city of Albany through a strong volunteer pool of dedicated individuals with a desire to assist their neighbors.
Our funding is derived in part from the Albany County Department for Aging, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the United States Administration on Aging. To find out more about our services, as well as volunteer opportunities, please visit www.communitycaregivers.org or call us at (518) 456-2898.
Editor’s note: Linda Miller is the Outreach and Education coordinator for Community Caregivers.
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This is the time of year that we set goals for ourselves. While polls show that fewer than one-half of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, most of us seek to live better after the holidays by exercising more, eating less, and demonstrating willpower. We strive to not be the person standing at the kitchen counter, spoon in hand, polishing off the half-gallon of ice cream!
Willpower, however, doesn’t help us create or sustain long-lasting change. According to the website Statistic Brain, only a fraction of those who make resolutions — 9.2 percent — report success keeping them.
Sometimes, perhaps, what’s needed more to improve our lives is a meaningful connection with other people. So, as we start the New Year, let’s look beyond ourselves (and our inevitable shortcomings) for some inspiration. And, maybe success!
One of the strengths of Community Caregivers is that we create a sense of community for those we serve and those who serve. We connect people who want to help with those who need a helping hand.
While our service area encompasses five Albany County Towns (Guilderland, Bethlehem, New Scotland, Berne, and Knox) and the city of Albany, we assign volunteers near where they live or work. And we serve as a trusted resource for family caregivers.
We invite you to join our community.
If you are an adult who finds it harder of late to keep your home and daily life in good order, maybe we can help. Our volunteers are kind, caring, and respectful.
A Community Caregivers’ volunteer might be able to offer you a ride, grocery shopping help, a visit, or a regular friendly telephone call. Depending on what you need, a volunteer might put away your groceries, help you sort the mail, read aloud, or simply swap stories and share a laugh with you.
We know that people are sometimes reluctant to ask for help, but remember, this is not a one-way street. Our volunteers are eager to serve and will also benefit from meeting you.
If you are a family caregiver who helps a loved one stay in the community and delay a move to assisted living, we offer support; education; and, importantly, a few hours off. Our respite volunteers may be able to give you a break by coming to your home and spending time with your loved one.
And, through education programs and a support group, we create a community for caregivers, so you know that you’re not alone.
If you would like to make a difference in the lives of others, volunteer with us. We always need volunteer drivers; our drivers use their own cars and start from home, not the office.
In 2018, we are creating care teams that might be a good fit for you; we always offer volunteers flexible schedules. If you have a cell phone and a few minutes, you can volunteer to make regular calls this winter to an elderly person who is homebound during the snowy months.
So, in the days ahead, maybe think outside the box for a New Year’s resolution. Sign up to help in your community; we offer two volunteer information/orientation sessions monthly. In January, the first is Thursday, Jan. 4, at noon; the second is Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 1 p.m. We ask that you register: online at or by calling (518) 456-2898.
Call us if you might need a little help for yourself or a loved one and join us for caregiver education programs. We announce our programs in Caregivers’ Corner, on our website, and on our Community Caregivers’ Facebook page.
From all of us, we wish you a Happy New Year!
Community Caregivers Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides non-medical services, including transportation and caregiver support at no charge to residents of Guilderland, Bethlehem, Altamont, New Scotland, Berne, Knox, and the city of Albany through a strong volunteer pool of dedicated individuals with a desire to assist their neighbors.
Our funding is derived in part from the Albany County Department for Aging, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the United States Administration on Aging. To find out more about our services, as well as volunteer opportunities, please visit www.communitycaregivers.org or call us at (518) 456-2898.
Editor’s note: Linda Miller is the Outreach and Education coordinator for Community Caregivers.
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Caregivers who struggle to balance their jobs while caring for older or ill family members or newborns, or have added responsibilities due to a family member’s military deployment will have added security and financial support with New York State’s Paid Family Leave, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2018.
Most private-sector workers in the state will be able to take up to eight weeks of paid leave and will receive half of their average annual earnings up to a cap. By 2021, when the benefit is fully phased in, workers will be allowed to take up to 12 weeks of leave at two-thirds of their wage up to the statewide cap. An employee does not have to use earned vacation and sick time prior to taking paid family leave.
If possible, an employee should provide advance notice to an employer of the need for paid family leave such as when a family is expecting a baby. However, as caregivers for older and sick persons know, a family health emergency can strike and there is an immediate need for time off.
This law is of particular benefit to older persons and their caregivers since some employers have given time off for maternity and paternity leave, but not for caring for sick or elderly relatives. Traditionally, women have been the ones at home providing care for newborns and also for older parents or relatives; with paid leave, supporters believe that more men will be able to provide care in the future.
The program is paid through small weekly deductions from employee paychecks (0.126 percent per week up to a maximum of $1.65 per week). The paid-family-leave insurance program pays for the leave benefit, not the employer. The employee’s health insurance is not affected. The employer is also free to use the leave worker’s wages to cover overtime costs or for temporary help.
For more details about the rules of the program, regarding which relatives are covered for leave time, what documentation is needed from doctors, etc., you can visit the program’s website at www.ny.gov/paidfamilyleave. Locally, Community Caregivers’ staff can offer information and assistance to those who may be interested in learning more about the law and how it possibly can work for their families.
Community Caregivers Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides non-medical services including transportation and caregiver support at no charge to residents of Guilderland, Bethlehem, Altamont, New Scotland, Berne, Knox, and the city of Albany through a strong volunteer pool of dedicated individuals with a desire to assist their neighbors.
Our funding is derived in part from the Albany County Department for Aging, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the United States Administration on Aging. To find out more about our services, as well as volunteer opportunities, please visit www.communitycaregivers.org or call us at (518) 456-2898.
Editor’s note: Michael Burgess is a health policy consultant for Community Caregivers Inc.
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As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we come together to give thanks for the abundance and goodness in our lives and for each other — the family and friends who sustain us. November is also National Caregivers Month.
We assist one another in many ways as we grow and age. Parents raise children often with the help of grandparents and extended family. That natural occurrence is accepted and celebrated by our society.
For the eldest members in our families, not only can there be a stigma in accepting help, there’s less recognition of the one providing care. Caregiving for our elders also needs to be acknowledged and supported.
Family members who help the older members of their family often do not realize that they are considered “family caregivers.” It’s simply what we do for one another. However, it can be exhausting to struggle alone — or nearly alone — with the multiple needs of an ailing spouse or aging parents. Yet, it’s a nearly universal struggle.
Former First Lady and caregiver advocate, Rosalynn Carter, observed: “There are only four kinds of people in the world — those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”
At Community Caregivers Inc. we are grateful this holiday season for the dedication of family caregivers. Without them, services provided through the public and not-for-profit health and human services sectors would buckle and collapse. There simply are not enough programs, services, and facilities to replace what families do for their loved ones — and with little fanfare.
In 2010, Kathy Greenlee, former United States Assistant Secretary for Aging, said: “Families are the core of the system. They always have been. They are both the center and the soul of the system. We need family caregivers — we need them because there is no replacement. You can’t make this a commodity. But we also need them economically as a nation, because we can’t afford to buy this care from strangers.”
As crucial as they are, families need a lot more support than they usually get. The saying goes that family caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint.
It’s important for caregivers to reserve strength for the long haul. One of the strategies for the long haul is to enlist a team of helpers.
Community Caregivers has as its mission support for family caregivers. So, if you are helping a loved one who needs support to live at home, we hope to be on your team. Despite our desire to “do it all ourselves,” forming a team of support and care — around your loved one and you — can make a positive difference on your journey.
Through our volunteer network of “neighbors helping neighbors,” Community Caregivers can provide rides, friendly visits, and help with shopping or errands. We also offer support groups, information, caregiver education, and referrals. All of this is provided without charge. Call us at (518) 456-2898 to find out if we can be of assistance to your family.
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Community Caregivers Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides non-medical services including transportation and caregiver support at no charge to residents of Guilderland, Bethlehem, Altamont, New Scotland, Berne, Knox, and the city of Albany through a strong volunteer pool of dedicated individuals with a desire to assist their neighbors.
Our funding is derived in part from the Albany County Department for Aging, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the United States Administration on Aging. To find out more about our services, as well as volunteer opportunities, please visit www.communitycaregivers.org or call us at (518) 456-2898.
Editor’s note: Linda Miller is the Outreach and Education coordinator for Community Caregivers.