Caregiver Support Program
Family members are the primary providers of long-term care for loved ones. Unfortunately, there is nothing simple about caregiving. The Caregiver Support Program has been a part of Catholic Charities for over 30 years and serves 14 counties of the Diocese of Albany - Albany, Columbia, Delaware, Fulton, Greene, Herkimer, Montgomery, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington. The Caregiver Support Program is funded by the New York State Office for the Aging, Albany County Department for Aging, and private donations.
The Caregiver Support Program enables family members to maintain their quality of life and culture while caring for their loved one at home. This is accomplished by providing support to caregivers to ensure they have the resources to meet the needs of caring for a loved one including support for them.
What Services Does the Program Provide?
Services available (vary by geographic area) include:
- Care Consultation – No two journeys of caregiving are created equal. Talk with a trained staff member to identify your needs and together develop a personalized plan aimed at identifying resources, services, and community connections to best support your caregiving journey.
- Caregiver Chats – Caregiver support groups provide emotional support, information, and offer caregivers the opportunity to share their experiences while learning from others. Support groups also serve as an opportunity for caregivers to remain engaged in their communities and to connect with others.
- Respite Services – Having the ability to access respite services, whether in their own home or in another setting, is often the most important service a caregiver can receive. Respite care allows caregivers to take a break for themselves – for whatever reason is important to them – and know that their loved one is in trained, caring hands.
- Telephone Support & Counseling – Sometimes having someone to talk to over the telephone can be of great value to a caregiver, especially when you don't want to talk in front of a group. Our trained professional staff are here to listen to your needs and offer compassionate support to your questions and concerns.
- Information & Assistance – The wide range of services and options available to a caregiver can be overwhelming. Our staff are specially trained to help you learn and understand what services are available and how to access them.
- Educational Workshops - Training staff lead educational programs on various topics specific to caregiver needs. The workshops are engaging and leave caregivers with resources, knowledge, and action plans for improving the quality of life and future planning.
- Health & Wellness Workshops - Trained staff lead health and wellness workshops designed to help the caregivers with daily stress, health, and overall wellness.
How Do I Access the Program’s Services?
If you are caring for someone who is 60 years or older or someone under 60 years of age with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's Disease, and who resides within our 14-county catchment area, you can contact our main office at (518) 372-5667. Staff will conduct an initial telephone screening and, as appropriate, schedule a full assessment to provide you with the information needed to access other supportive services to best maintain your quality of life as a Caregiver.
Contact Us…
For more information, please call (518) 372-5667.
