Alzheimer's Association and Erie County Senior Services: Your Dementia Caregiving Partners

These are some of the services available to you to help you provide the best care for your loved one:

Education

Education programs provide the necessary knowledge and information to empower caregivers of those with dementia to get the tools, resources and support they need to enhance overall well-being and effectively care for their loved ones. Education programs are available in all counties of Western New York.

Respite Services

Respite provides relief to those who care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Time away from caregiving responsibilities is essential to their own well-being and allows them to refresh and recharge their batteries, reduce stress and can help ensure that those with Alzheimer’s remain at home as long as possible. Caregivers may choose the type of respite that is best for their situation including in-home services, social adult day programs, medical adult day programs, consumer-directed personal assistance program, community respite, and for short-term or episodic needs, overnight stays in a residential facility.

Safety Services

Safety is important for everyone, but the need for a comprehensive safety plan is particularly important for a person living with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, especially as the disease progresses. Taking measures to improve safety can prevent injuries and help an individual with dementia, and their caregivers, in a number of ways, including helping them feel more relaxed and confident and less overwhelmed. It could also help maintain independence longer. Contact Erie County Senior Services (716-858-8526) to schedule a safety assessment and to learn about devices that may help your caregiving situation.

Support Groups

Support groups are designed to provide emotional, educational and social support for caregivers through regularly scheduled meetings. These groups offer a safe and confidential platform to help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems. Support groups encourage caregivers to maintain their own personal, physical and emotional health, as well as provide the best care for individuals with dementia. Groups meet monthly in all counties of WNY. 

Contact the Alzheimer's Association at 1-800-272-3900 or Erie County Senior Services at 858-8526 for more information about eligibility requirements and availability of the programs listed above.

These programs and services are supported in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health