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

 

#BuffaloBound2019
There is something for everyone at the 2019 National Lifespan Respite Conference to be held April 30 - May 2, 2019, in Buffalo, NY at the Buffalo Grand Hotel. The  Conference Program includes 36 breakout presentations, including a Lifespan Respite and a Family Caregiver Track. Read more about nationally-recognized   keynote  and  plenary session speakers. Discounted rates available for ARCH paid members and NY residents. 
Thank you to our  generous sponsors.
For more information, visit the  Conference Website.

Experience the Caregiver Simulation 
at the Opening Session of the Conference


Your Eyes will be opened
Often people who have not yet* found themselves in a caregiving relationship cannot imagine the day-in and day-out financial, emotional, physical, spiritual and societal impact it has on a person.

What would you do first?
Deciding whether to get food, get to work on a given day or skip a medical appointment. These are just a few of the choices caregivers make each day. Add in the uncertain events which come unexpectedly and you have a taste of what it is like to be a caregiver. As we encourage caregivers to "take care of themselves", the reality of how challenging that is becomes clear in this exercise.

You will walk away changed.
It has been described as humbling and eye-opening. Our hope is that this experience will alert participants to the need to advocate on behalf of caregivers, and that they will find their own unique way to make a difference in someone's caregiving journey.
*we say yet because it is nearly inevitable that at some point in your life you will be involved in a caregiving situation.

Join us at the Networking Reception on April 30th 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

                                                             Register Here

NYS Social Work CEU's available for select sessions
Advanced Registration Required


Thank you to our Champion and Platinum Sponsors


 

See you in Buffalo!



NEW REPORTS AND RESOURCES

The Ripple Effect: An In-Depth Look at the Hidden Impact of the Opioid Epidemic on Children
A new report from United Hospital Fund and Milbank Memorial Fund makes clear the magnitude of the opioid epidemic's impact on newborns, young children, adolescents and their families. It also looks at the needs of kinship caregivers, typically grandparents raising grandchildren.  Learn more .

Help for Grandfamilies impacted by Opioids and Other Substance Use. 
This resource from Generations United provides tips, practical information and a list of additional resources covering five topic areas - Practicing Self-Care; Addressing Childhood Trauma; Preventing Harmful Drug Use by Children; Engaging with Birth Parents; and Talking with a Child about their Birth Parent.  Learn more.

15 Healthcare Podcasts for Caregivers 
Caregivers must manage the stress and difficulties of professional or family caregiving each day. But helpful advice, informative sources and personal stories can lift a little of the burden in this role. Podcasts offer a simple and convenient way to connect to other caregiver's experiences.

Coping with Caregiver Stress
Caring for a family member with special needs can be rewarding, challenging - and stressful. Understanding the source of your stress will help you create a plan to address the cause. In her follow on webinar, Dr. Mary Brintnall-Peterson will explain the three types of caregiver stress using examples of stressful caregiving events. She will also explain how to find resources and supports to lower stress. This one-hour pre-recorded webinar includes a 15-minute question-and-answer period after the presentation

2019 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures
Alzheimer's Association, March 2019 
The report's Caregiving chapter (pages 31-41) notes that last year more than 18.5 billion hours of informal care were provided by Alzheimer's and other dementia caregivers, valued at almost $234 billion. Along with feelings of reward for their service, caregivers also experienced greater stress. Dementia caregivers' use of respite doubled between 1999 and 2015. Respite can be an individual offering or part of a multi-component approach to assist dementia caregivers. Download the   infographic and watch the   video summary.

The Juggling Act of Caregiving: Balancing Career, Health, and Gender Roles
Sarah B. Barnes, Wilson Center, March 2019
This report offers some hope for the future of caregiving. Currently 2/3 of unpaid caregivers are women. More supportive policies and millennials' gender equity in caregiving are easing the stress on women. With continued steps to increase the societal value of caregiving, it can become a more positive experience that benefits all involved.
 

April is National Autism Awareness Month, and April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. This year the Autism Society is celebrating the unique gifts of individuals on the spectrum. The Autism Society encourages using the month to raise awareness and connect individuals and families with the resources they need. Visit the Autism Society's National Contact Center Helpline and connect with a local affiliate. Share the ARCH Fact Sheet: Respite for Individuals with Autism with families looking for respite. #CelebratingDifferences
Policy Updates

Lifespan Respite FY 2020 Budget and Appropriations Update
President Trump's FY 2020 budget for programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services recommends cuts to the Lifespan Respite Care Program and other critical supports for family caregivers and individuals with disabilities and older adults. In FY 2019, the Lifespan Respite Care Program received $4.1 million. The Administration budget requests  $3 million for FY 2020. Thirty-six house Members from both parties countered this proposal with a request to the Appropriations Committee for $20 million in FY 2020 for Lifespan Respite, signaling a new level of Congressional support for the program. Read the House Letter.

Introduction of the Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Bill Expected this Week
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) are expected to introduce the bipartisan Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2019 in the Senate this week. The program's long-time champion, Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI), will introduce the bill in the House. The bill authorizes $200 million over five years, a significantly higher authorization level than in past reauthorization bills. 

Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019 Passes House
On March 25th,the House passed the   Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019 (H.R. 1839) that extends protections for Medicaid recipients of home and community-based services against spousal impoverishment for another six months; provides an additional $20 million for the Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration; extends the Community Mental Health Services Demonstration Program through June 30, 2019; and establishes a State Medicaid option to provide coordinated care to children with complex medical conditions through health homes. The bill is now in the Senate for consideration.
May is Older Americans Month
Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation's observance of Older Americans Month. Read More. The 2019 theme, Connect, Create, Contribute, encourages older adults and their communities to:
  • Connect with friends, family, and services that support participation.
  • Create by engaging in activities that promote learning, health, and personal enrichment.
  • Contribute time, talent, and life experience to benefit others.


FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Seed Grants for Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children

The Brookdale Foundation Group has issued a Request for Proposals for creating or expanding supportive services to grandparents and other relatives raising children. Up to 15 programs from throughout the United States will be selected to receive a seed grant of $15,000 based on progress made during the first year and potential for more in the future. Technical assistance will also be provided. Any 501 (c)(3) or equivalent not-for-profit organizations can apply.

Apply for this funding opportunity by June 12, 2019.

Click here to learn 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.

Welcome new REST Companions

Greece Baptist Church - 2019 Mini Grant recipient
Lynn Richardson, Ann Yeager, Jerry Boger and Jen Lessard (Trainer)

Greece Baptist is taking the lead engaging other churches in their community to participate in the new Respite Program.  More  REST Companion training are planned  for April and May in anticipation of the program launch in the near future!  

NYSCRC Virtual Resource Center
     
Virtual Resource Center Online
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
To schedule events or have your events posted in the newsletter, please contact Doris Green | 585-287-6393
Upcoming Events and Webinars

ARCH Webinar: Person and Family-Centered Planning for Respite
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
2:00 PM - 3:30 pm Eastern 
The presenters will provide an overview of person and family-centered planning, and the newly established National Center on Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems (NCAPPS). They will focus on how person and family centered-planning is important to family caregivers and will provide links to resources that can assist families in planning. There will also be a brief discussion on how anyone can get engaged in systems change efforts.

T he Power of Touch | May 7th 1:00 EST
Join the National Alliance for Caregiving, the Global Coalition on Aging, and SHIELD for a webinar exploring the transformative power of touch in elder caregiving. The webinar will feature the world premier of the new Power of Touch video and conclude with a live Q&A with C. Grace Whiting, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving, and Dr. Warren J. Winkelman, Senior Medical Director and Head of Medical Innovation for SHIELD. Register Here.

The NYSCRC Caregiver Simulation | Friday June 21st | 
1:00-4:00 | Mt. Morris, NY | Sponsored by the Genesee Valley Health Partnership | Details Here

Powerful Tools for Caregiver Class Leader Training | Lifespan |
April 25-26.    Information Flier | Fro information on Scholarships available to organization in the Finger Lakes Region c ontact  Sharon Cackett

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  Registration Now Open!
Curious about the Caregiver Simulation Experience -NYSCRC will be presenting an interactive experience on Wednesday. Learn about how you can bring this valuable offering to your community.

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