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

 
Conference Updates

Networking Reception - April 30th 5:00 - 8:00

Join attendees from all around the nation to....




Featuring an informative NY Wine Tasting event
by Women for NY State Wines and The NY Wine and Grape Foundation
" You don't have to be a "connoisseur" to enjoy wine. All you need to know is what you like." The best way to discover that is by tasting a variety of different wines.  Women for New York State Wines brings that  opportunity to you and gives you a unique way to taste fine wines. "Remember the best wine is the one you like best!"

Entertainment by the Flame Band

Flame is a group of musicians with powerful vocals, smooth harmonies and a rich array of instruments, the 10-person cover band from Gloversville, NY happens to have disabilities.

Named for the Special Olympics torch, Flame was born at a 2003 talent show put on by Lexington, an agency that supports people with developmental disabilities. Michelle King won the contest with her singing and expressed a desire to start a band. Lexington held open auditions and others joined King.

Like many bands, Flame started small as a recreational band within the agency and gradually gained momentum outside of Lexington. Today, Flame is known and celebrated worldwide for their music and inspirational message. Flame's mission is to change the world through music.



                                                     Check them out!


Embracing Carers with Grace Whiting of National Alliance for Caregiving
Embracing Carers with Grace Whiting of National Alliance for Caregiving

Grace is a luncheon panelist at the ARCH Conference
along with Gretchen Alkema and Rachel Hiles from the The SCAN Foundation

"Seeking Respite, Surviving Burnout: Millennial and Sandwich Generation Caregivers"


NYS Social Work CEU's available for select sessions
CEU Information


Thank you to our Champion and Platinum Sponsors


 

See you in Buffalo!



NEW REPORTS AND RESOURCES

New Study Reports Health Benefits of Volunteering for Lower-Income Older Adults 

Results from an independent study sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service reveal that Senior Corps volunteers are not only improving the lives of others, they are also improving their own!
 
This national study collected data from 1,200 first-time Senior Corps Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers. Nearly all volunteers serving through the Senior Corps programs reported household incomes of twenty thousand dollars or less. Senior Corps volunteers reported significantly higher self-rated health scores, compared to older adults in similar circumstances who do not volunteer.  In addition, volunteers reported that their service provided opportunities for personal growth and a sense of accomplishment. Other key findings include:
  • 84 percent of Senior Corps volunteers reported improved or stable health after serving approximately two years in the program.
  • 88 percent of Senior Corps volunteers who first reported a lack of companionship reported a decrease in feelings of isolation.
This independent research also includes a Senior Companion Program caregiver study that highlights that respite services provided by Senior Companion volunteers positively impact the health and well-being of family caregivers.
To learn more about these research studies visit:


Rare Disease Caregiving in America 
New Report from National Alliance on Caregiving 

It is estimated that at least 25 million Americans currently have a rare disease or condition; the National Institutes of Health estimates that there are approximately 7,000 rare diseases.

Many people who have rare diseases are misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, leaving their family caregivers to experience unique challenges related to access to appropriate support. Read More
Download the Full Report

Research on Family Caregiving Support in the United States: A Strategic Research Plan
Family Support Research and Training Center, 2018

This report provides a map for future research on family caregiving support for families of people with disabilities and those who are aging. A goal of this report is to encourage funders and researchers to take note of topics previously neglected and to foster growth in new areas and with novel methods in order to improve outcomes for families. Respite is mentioned throughout the report and discussed in greater depth on page 25. Stakeholders including family caregivers, people with disabilities, health and social welfare professionals, policymakers, and researchers were involved in the process to develop the plan. The four-part report reviews what work already exists, and suggests new research directions to pursue.

The DSP Crisis: Reimbursement Rates, Retention Rates, and Research
Carli Friedman, Council on Quality and Leadership, February 27, 2019

Although Direct Service Professionals (DSP) are key to enhancing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities' (IDD) quality of life, DSPs often barely receive minimum wage for providing personal care. There is little standardization of personal care services in Medicaid Home and Community-based Services (HCBS) waivers. Low wages are a leading cause of DSP turnover and affect people with IDD's opportunity to be integrated in the community. Hence, DSPs are crucial to long-term services and supports (LTSS) for people with IDD in the United States. The researchers hope that stakeholders will use the findings to advocate for DSP workforce issues to improve both the lives of DSPs and the people with IDD they assist. Read the article and the journal abstract.

 
POLICY  UPDATES

EMPOWER Care Act Introduced in the House and Senate
The Empower Care Act, a bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate (S. 548) by Senators Portman (R-OH) and Cantwell (D-WA) and in the House (H.R. 1342) by Congresspersons Guthrie (R-KY) and Dingell (D-MI), extends and improves the Money Follows the Person program (MFP) through 2023. MFP helps individuals with disabilities and seniors who want to move out of nursing homes and back in their communities. MFP has assisted more than 88,000 individuals voluntarily move into a setting of their choice, provided support to family caregivers, and has helped 44 states improve access to home and community-based long term services and supports. Congress passed a $112 million stop-gap funding measure for the program in January 2019, but funds are expected to run out before the end of the fiscal year in many states.   Read more.

RESPITE, or   short-term temporary relief, supports caregivers who are caring for loved ones. Respite allows caregivers to step away from their duties to refresh and relax.  Respite is often referred to as "giving the gift of time."
 
REST is an evidenced-based, national training program which prepares people, in both formal and informal support networks, to learn how to help. NYSCRC has trainers across New York State. 

If your organization would like to provide REST companion trainings for YOUR volunteer program, NYSCRC  can connect you with a REST trainer in your area.  For information contact Sharon Cackett.
Upcoming REST Trainer the Trainer 

Welcome New REST Trainers
Top - Left to right : Denise Lynn Smith - Co mpleted her Master Training Requirement. Congratulations Denise!
                               Eve Moses - Master Trainer
New Trainers:       Jessie Gyr - Finger Lakes Caregiver Institute
                               Ann Smith - Finger Lakes Caregiver Institute
                               Pastor Jennifer Lessard - Greece Baptist Church
Greece Baptist Church is the recipient of the most recent mini grant. They will be opening their doors on March 15th to welcome folks with early stage dementia to their  monthly drop in respite program.  The picture was taken in the warm and welcoming space that will house the respite program!
                          
Upcoming REST Companion Training
Greece Baptist Church - Monroe County
March 2nd and 9th | Noon - 2:00
Details
 
REST Facts at a Glance

REST website
NYSCRC Virtual Resource Center
     
Virtual Resource Center Online
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Powerful Tools for Caregivers leader training are now being offered through the virtual resource center.  We offer Powerful Tools for Caregivers leader training for caregivers of parents of children with special needs.  Limited funding available to provide leader training's for 10-12 people in your county.  For information contact Doris Green

Additional NYSCRC Training Resources
Speaker Services
To schedule events or have your events posted in the newsletter, please contact Doris Green | 585-287-6393
Upcoming Events Around the State


Save the Dates
Opioid Use and Risks | Educational Event
Friday March 15th | 8:00 - 4:00 | Monroe Community Hospital | Rochester
Event Flier

Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center
Save the Date | Annual Conference |April 18, 2019 |Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
For information contact Anna Rosenblatt  607-274-1604

2019 Aging Concerns Unite Us (ACUU) Conference
Tues, June 11 - Wed, June 12, 2019
The Desmond, Albany, NY



 

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