“According to research study from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, the “typical” family caregiver is a 49-year-old woman who takes care of a relative.” (National Alliance for Caregiving, 2015). Caregivers of a close relative — like a spouse or a parent — who are likely to provide care for 21 hours or more in a day, say they need supports that include respite care, access to resources/tools to assist the caregiver with managing stress and services to enable their loved one to live at home. There is a lot of evidence that caregivers face multiple challenges and show higher rates of depression, anxiety and are at increased risk for health issues. When someone is ill, the demands can be all consuming for caregivers. (National Alliance for Caregiving, 2015). The Chautauqua County Office for the Aging is offering a program called Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) to help.

PTC is a six-week educational program developed to provide family caregivers with tools to increase their confidence and well-being so they can meet the challenges of caregiving. PTC was developed by Stanford University and is proven to help caregivers better manage stress, reduce depression, anxiety, & guilt, and improve communication skills with health professionals and other family members. In addition to the strategies and tools offered in the program, you will learn about all the resources in the community that can assist you and the person you are caring for. The course is offered at no cost to participants. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. Respite opportunities are available for your loved ones while you attend the classes. Care is provided by Chautauqua Adult Day Services. The next Powerful Tools for Caregivers courses will begin April 28 at two locations: UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital, 9:15-11:45a.m. and Brookdale Lakewood 1-3:30 p.m. Please call NY Connects for more information or to register for class. Central county area calls 753-4582, Jamestown area 661-7582, Dunkirk area 363-4582.

The WNY Alzheimer’s Caregiver Partnership (WNYACP), assists people caring for people with all forms of dementia. The Chautauqua County OFA caregiver’s services program is part of WNYACP. The goal is to assist caregivers of people with dementia through a comprehensive referral system BEFORE they reach a point of crisis; when their own mental and physical health is impacted or begins to decline. We set up support groups, provide educational tools designed to empower caregivers, set up structured social activities and offer grant funded episodic respite services. The partnership is dedicated to connecting the caregivers of persons with dementia, to the support and services they need. This will hopefully increase the quality of life for these caregivers and families.

Caregiver’s report difficulty in finding affordable caregiving services, such as delivered meals, transportation, or in-home health services, in the community for them and their loved ones. NY Connects can assist with this. The NY Connects Helpline is available at 753-4582, 363-4582 or 661-7582 or e-mail at CCNYC@co.chautauqua.ny.us. NY Connects is the place to call to get connected to the help you need. NY Connects offers information and assistance services and it is confidential and free and focused on the consumer’s needs. NY Connects is brought to you by the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging and the Chautauqua County Department of HHS.