Living Healthy, Living Well Grads Mamakating
Tai Chi, July 2014
Living Healthy, Living Well Series
Caregiver Retreat, 2015
Caregiver retreat photo, 2013

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.

National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)

Do you provide unpaid care to a family member, friend, or neighbor who has an illness, disability, memory loss, injury, or special need? 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). If you would like to learn more about how this program can assist you, please take this short screen for an initial assessment of your wellbeing, and a Program Specialist will reach out to discuss the results. 

To read more about the NFCSP program and affiliated caregiver services, please click here!

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 Support Groups (2024)

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 caregivers can talk openly with each other about their issues and concerns.

In person meetings will be held at the Extension from 10:00 am – 11:00 am on the following Mondays:

  • Jan. 8 and Jan. 22 
  • Feb. 5 and Feb. 12 
  • March 11 and March 25
  • April 8 and April 22 
  • May 6 and May 20 
  • June 10 and June 24

Registration is required: https://tinyurl.com/3s4uhzc9.

Caregivers of Individuals with Alzheimer’s & Dementia Virtual Support Groups (2024)

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. At the present time, these will be 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 following Wednesdays from 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm and caregivers need to register in advance and will then be able to attend any or all future meetings.

  • Jan. 17 and Jan. 31 
  • Feb. 14 and Feb. 28 
  • March 13 and March 27 

Registration is required: by going to http://tinyurl.com/eztf9k2n 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 do understand
  • Find new information and resources
  • An opportunity to share your feelings & frustrations

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.

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.

Contact

Nancy McGraw
Caregiver Resource Center Program Coordinator
nam247@cornell.edu
845-292-6180 ext. 122

Last updated February 16, 2024