NYSCRC Newsletter June 2016
A shining example of what one passionate caregiver can do to make a difference in the lives of other caregivers in their community.

The Caregiver Center is located off the lobby of the Northern Westchester Hospital. The Center was named in memory of Ken Hamilton who was cared for by his wife, Marian, both at home and in many hospitals, during his battle with lung cancer. Marian cared for her husband for two stressful years, while at the same time juggling her role as a mother of two teenage daughters.  After Ken's death in 2004, Marian was inspired by her experience, realizing that hospitals are often not equipped to help the caregivers in a meaningful way. With a vision to support family caregivers, Marian approached Northern Westchester Hospital, which found that this approach dovetailed with the hospital's participation and belief in in the Planetree model of patient focused, family centered care.
 
The Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center is a resource for all caregivers - whether caring for a loved on who is admitted to Northern Westchester Hospital, or for a patient receiving care within the community. The Center is dedicated to the support and well-being of the family caregiver. It is he first in-hospital facility of its kind in the New York Metropolitan area and has become a model for many other facilities. The Resource Center is working diligently to assist other hospitals to replicate this amazing effort.
For more information on replication contact Jill Gottlieb
 
Marian Hamilton and Jill Gottlieb
   
The Caregiver Center is celebrating its 10th year - The Center facilitates 8500 interactions per year with caregivers in the hospital setting.  Marian states " Caregivers are invisible in the community, but we know where they are in the hospital!" Over the 10 years, there have been 53,000 interactions with caregivers who needed support, guidance, information and safe place in the hospital that is totally focused on their needs.  The Center's volunteer workforce helps the caregivers understand what is coming down the pike and what they can do to be prepared to care for their loved one and most importantly, themselves.
 
Volunteers are thoroughly trained and supervised by a licensed Social Worker.  The 34 Caregiver Coaches make rounds on the hospital floors daily, to identify caregivers and provide direct support though the Center.
 
Congratulations of 10 years of dedication and service to caregivers!
 
 

Mini Grant Announcement Update

 

NYSCRC will be releasing a Mini grant RFP this summer!

 

The grant opportunities are open to not for profit and government organizations in New York State.

 

The New State Caregiving and Respite Coalition seeks to support agencies and organizations who are seeking innovative ways to increase volunteer respite opportunities in their communities.

 

The mini grants will have two separate opportunities

    1) Funding for start up volunteer respite programs or for expansion of existing volunteer repite programs.

  2) Funding for REST Training for existing or new volunteer respite programs through the Coalition.

 

REST Trainings will also be available regionally outside of the mini grant opportunities.

NYSCRC staff are now Master Trained and will be providing Train the Trainer sessions for communities throughout the state.......  This will enable each community to continue growing the volunteer workforce going forward.

 

Contact Doris Green for information on bringing REST to your community!

 

restprogram.org

 

 
HOLD THE DATE!

NYSCRC ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Wednesday November 9th
Desmond Hotel
Albany,  NY

A huge thank you to the those who have volunteered for the
Conference Committee:
 
Sharon Murray-Cohen - Jewish Family Service - Ulster Couny
William Lane - William Lane Associates
Christine Cheronis - Chautauqua OFA
Becky Preve - Franklin County OFA
Shelly Bragg-Jewish Senior Life Volunteer - Monroe County
Janine Kruiswijk - Autism Society of Albany
Jane Ginsburg - Alzheimer's Association - Albany
Bill Przyluki - NYS Council of Children and Families - Rensselaer
 

Due to conflicts with election day and Veteran' day we will be unable to provide REST train the trainer session at the conference.
Upcoming Events
Ontario Arc - July 25 - 26

Association on Aging
Caregiver Coordinator Fall Forums
 
                                                                                                                              
         Western NY -Tues. September 13                                                                  
Location: Genesee County Office for Aging
2 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020
 
Central NY - Wed. September 14
 Location: Oneida Gorman Community Center
1081 North Side Shopping Center
Oneida, NY 13421
 
New York City - Tues. September 20
 Location: NY City Department for the Aging
Room 624, 2 Lafayette Street, 6th floor, New York, NY 10007
 
North Country - Wed. September 27  
Location: Warren/Hamilton County Office for Aging
1340 State Route 9, Lake George, NY 12845


Be sure to let us know if you have a respite program, event or cause that you would like  featured in the monthly newsletter!
We are here to help support your efforts! 
All submissions are due by the25th of the month
New York State Caregiver and Respite Coalition
Managed by Lifespan
Doris Green - NYSCRC - Director
585-287-6393   Email  
NYSCRC.org