Caregiver Resource Center

Family caregivers who are assisting an aging, ill or disabled family member or friend can take part in a range of programs and services offered through The Caregiver Resource Center, a program offered in partnership by CCE Sullivan and the Sullivan County Office of the Aging. We invite you to explore these pages, find out about what we offer, and call or come by to take advantage of all that we offer.

You can reach the Caregiver Resource Center at (845) 292-6180 ext. 122 or sullivancrc@cornell.edu.

Who is a Caregiver?

Caregivers make up all segments of our community~ Mothers & Fathers, Husbands & Wives, Sons & Daughters. The Office for the Aging knows that 80% of all care that is received by our older population is given through an informal care system made up of family members, friends and neighbors.

Their compassionate care & determination makes it possible for an elderly, ill or frail family member or friend to receive the help where and when they need it.

The multiple responsibilities of a caregiver equals a job and a half!

Because of all the support provided by informal caregivers, many elderly Sullivan County residents are able to stay in their homes.

Caregiver Stress? We Can Help!

Do you provide unpaid care to a family member, friend, or neighbor who has an illness, disability, memory loss, or injury? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are a caregiver! Are you feeling overwhelmed, constantly worried, tired, sad, easily irritated, and/or extremely stressed? You are not alone and there is support available. If you would like to learn more about resources, tools, and supports available for caregivers, please answer the following questions to get connected to the right starting place.

1. Are you over the age of 18 and caring for an older adult (age 60+)?
2. Are you over the age of 18 caring for an individual (any age) with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder (e.g., dementia, traumatic brain injury, mild cognitive impairment, chronic traumatic encephalopathy)?
3. Are you over the age of 55 and living with and caring for a child (not biological) under the age of 18?
4. Are you over the age of 55 and living with and caring for an adult (can be a biological child) aged 18-59 with a disability?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you are eligible for the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP). The goal of the NFCSP is to support family caregivers so they may continue to carry out their caregiving roles and responsibilities. The program can provide services such as caregiver counseling, information and assistance, caregiver training, referrals to respite care (a break from caregiving), and much more. If you would like to learn more about how this program can assist you, please contact Caregiver Resource Center at 845-292-6180 x122 or email sullivancrc@cornell.edu.

If you answered no to all the questions above, or you are not interested in learning about the resources available through the NFCSP, there is still help available to you through the Any Care Counts - New York (ACC-NY) Campaign which recognizes and supports the millions of unpaid caregivers across the state! Through ACC-NY you can discover your caregiver intensity score by taking the ARCHANGELS Caregiver Intensity Index (CII). It takes just 2 minutes to complete. You will find out whether you are “in the red," "yellow" or "green," and be connected to trusted resources.  

CRC Services

Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Office for the Aging of Sullivan County work together to help both the senior and the caregiver. Services assist those who are caring for a family member and help the senior to remain in the lifestyle of their choosing for as long as possible.

Information/Resources/Referrals

Caregivers can call the CRC for general assistance, and for referrals to area agencies that would provide services appropriate to their unique situation.

Caregiver Cafe - Family Caregiver In-Person Support Groups

Join us for a light breakfast!

Family caregivers of anyone with an illness, disability, or form of dementia are welcome to join a bimonthly support group providing a safe, non-judgmental environment in which you can talk openly about issues and concerns and get tips for caregiving.

First Monday each month from 10-11am: February to June 2025 

Feb. 3 / March 3 / April 7 / May 5 / June 2

Registration is required by calling 845-292-6180 x 122 or clicking on this link: https://tinyurl.com/5n6mtpy4

Caregivers of Individuals with Alzheimer’s & Dementia Virtual Support Groups (2025) 

The Caregiver Resource Center, in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter, hosts Bimonthly meetings for caregivers assisting an individual with Alzheimer's disease or any form of dementia. These are virtual meetings, conducted by ZOOM conferencing, and participants can join by phone or the internet. The groups provide an opportunity to chat with others who can offer helpful suggestions and a safe space to share.

The meetings will be held on the 3rd Wednesday each month from 6:00 pm -7:00 pm. Caregivers need to register in advance and will then be able to attend any or all future meetings.

• January 15 
• February 19 
• March 19 
• April 16 
• May 21 
• June 18 
• July 16 
• August 20 
• September 17 
• October 15
• November 19
• December 17

Registration is required: by going to https://tinyurl.com/5n6mtpy4 or by emailing sullivancrc@cornell.edu.

You can also call us at (845) 292-6180 x 122.

• Share practical ways of coping
• Discover others in the same situation, who understand
• Find new information and resources
• An opportunity to learn ways of managing stress.

Parkinson’s Support Group 

Caregivers and their partners coping with Parkinson’s Disease (2025) 

This group meets on the second Wednesday each month at CCE Sullivan from, 4 pm – 5:30 pm.

The group will not meet in the winter and will resume meetings from April – November 2025 on the following dates: 

April 9 / May 14 / June 11 / July 9 / Aug 13 / Sept 10 / Oct 8 / Nov 12 

Registrations are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. 

Registration is required: by going to https://tinyurl.com/5n6mtpy4 or by emailing sullivancrc@cornell.edu.

Supplemental Services

The Office for the Aging Case Managers coordinate support services, meeting the senior’s needs. Caregivers are invited to participate in these support plans.  The Office for the Aging can be contacted at (845) 794-3000 ext. 5000.

Respite

Sometimes a temporary break is needed from caregiving responsibilities. Please call the Office for the Aging at the number above to discuss options that may be available. For caregivers of someone with Alzheimer’s call the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800-272-3900.

Online resources to combat isolation & support caregivers.

Free digital supports for caregivers from NYS Office for the Aging: https://aging.ny.gov/tools-and-innovations

The Caregiver Resource Center is a co-partnered program between Cornell Cooperative Extension and Office for the Aging of Sullivan County and is supported by a grant from the NYS Office for the Aging’s Caregiver Program.

Last updated March 21, 2025