Working to ensure that all caregivers receive the respite and support they need.

 
 NYSCRC Special Edition - 2018 Highlights

Wow! It's been an exciting and productive year for the New York State Caregiving and Respite Coalition. In reflecting on the great successes for 2018, NYSCRC would like to extend a huge thank you to all the partners, especially Kelli Owens, Director of Women's Affairs, Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, the New York State Office for Aging (NYSOFA), the Monroe County Office for the Aging (MCOFA), and Dr. Tom Caprio for their continued support in making this year one to remember. Some key highlights include:
 
CONTINUED SUPPORT FROM NEW YORK STATE
 
New York's commitment to older adults and caregiver is unprecedented. Under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's leadership, New York State government has shown a continued dedication to the state's more than 3.7 million older adults and those who care for them. There are more than four million caregivers across New York State who provide more than 2.6 billion hours of hands on daily care to loved ones at any given time each year.
 
Caregivers are an integral part of health and long-term services and supports in New York State and without them, thousands of vulnerable individuals would be not be able to live in their homes and communities of choice.

Health Across All Policies
 
In his 2017 State of the State address, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo directed state agencies to employ a more proactive and interactive approach to improving the health and well-being of New Yorkers of all ages. Using the state's Prevention Agenda  as the overarching framework, the Governor launched a Health Across All Policies approach, where health and non-health related state agencies work together to take into account how policies and programs can positively impact public health. This approach benefits New Yorkers across the lifespan in all geographic areas.
First Age Friendly Age-Friendly State in the Nation
 
Through Governor Cuomo's efforts, in 2017, New York State was designated the first age-friendly state in the nation by the World Health Organization (WHO) and AARP. This achievement was a result of the Governor's directive to include health in state agency policymaking, an effort that will result in more livable communities for people of all ages and enable more New Yorkers to age comfortably in their homes. Municipalities throughout the country including 18 in New York, have earned the age-friendly designation, but New York is the first state to have achieved this honor.
 
To achieve the age-friendly designation, New York ranked high in the eight age-friendly and livable community domains outlined by WHO and AARP. Read More
Women's Issues
 
Caregiving is also a women's issues. According to AARP, the average caregiver in New York State is a 63-year female who has either a high school or some college education. The typical role of a caregiver includes providing transportation to and from medical appointments, bill paying, house cleaning, direct hands on care with bathing, dressing and feeding, etc. The intensity of this work is compounded when the care receiver has a cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's disease or other dementia.
 
Kelli Owens, Director of Women's Affairs for Governor Cuomo, supported NYSOFA and NYSCRC throughout the year by participating in five Regional Caregiver Forums and Listening Sessions held during the month of May, and recently at a Lifespan Respite Sustainability Summit that was held in Albany on October 18, 2018. We are extremely grateful for Ms. Owens' ongoing support of NYSCRC and would like to extend a warm thank you for her commitment and support.
 
Ms. Owens has shared her own personal caregiving story, explaining how her journey led to the charge of advocating on behalf of all New York State caregivers. In her remarks, Ms. Owens shares that caring for a loved one can be challenging and overwhelming and she hopes that by sharing her own experience, it will help others see that they are not alone. With the majority of New York's 4.1 million caregivers being women, her insight and expertise contributed greatly at all the events.
Kelli Owens, the NYS Director of Women's Affairs
Kelli Owens, the NYS Director of Women's Affairs
 

Click on the inks below to learn about some of this year's accomplishments from NYSCRC and it's partners.

 

Regional Caregiver Forums

Legal Updates for Caregivers

No Wrong Door and Lifespan Respite

Respite, Education, and Support Tools (REST)

StoryGrowing - see the video at NYSCRC.org

Lifespan Respite Sustainability Summit

ARCH National Conference Plans

 

 
CELEBRATING NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH
Each year during the month of November, family caregivers are recognized and celebrated across the country. In November 2018, Governor Cuomo issued the below proclamation honoring New York family caregivers for all they do.
 


To learn more, call

1-800-342-9871. Or go to

www.nyconnects.ny.gov 

 
Funded with a federal grant for Lifespan Respite awarded by the Administration for Community Living to the New York State Office for the Aging. Award Number 90L10023-02-2