Welcome to the Institute for Caregivers
Welcome to 2012 and the spring semester of the Institute for Caregivers!
What a great year for family caregivers in central New York! The Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth and the Alzheimer’s Association, CNY Chapter, invite you to attend these free classes and other special events.
First, we welcome Dr. Sharon Brangman back to the Institute for Caregivers faculty after her absence while serving a term as the President of the American Geriatric Society. We are pleased that she will once again present “Caregiving and the Aging Process” on April 16.
Second, your attention is called to new classes: “Planning Ahead for Persons with Developmental Disabilities Parts I and II” (William Bird and Debbie Gibson-Jaworski), “Nutrition for Older Persons” (Emily Cullen), “Caregiver Decision Making” (Jane Kirby) and “Loneliness, Helplessness and Boredom: How Eldercare Partners can Recognize and Change Them”(Karen Carroll).
Then, we all have the opportunity to attend the local conference, “Dementia Care 2012: Empowering Caregivers with Practical Solutions” to be held on Wednesday, May 9 at the Doubletree Hotel.
This conference, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, CNY Chapter, is bringing us Patti Kerr, author of I Love You, Who Are You? Loving and Caring for a Parent with Alzheimer’s as keynote speaker. The conference will include 4 workshops, a yummy lunch and a Q&A session - all for $75. To register, call the Alzheimer’s Association at 315-472-4201 or go to their website: www.alzcny.org.
Now, for something to anticipate this fall. We invite you to treat yourselves to “Catering to Caregivers”, unique, gourmet dining experiences which celebrate all of you family caregivers for your dedication and hard work. Sponsored by Clare Bridge of Manlius, The Hearth at Greenpoint and Villas of Summerfield. Smile. You have all spring and summer to ponder your choice - more information inside the catalog!
Visit the Alzheimer's Association of CNY Chapter's website at http://www.alz.org/centralnewyork/
Click here to download (as a PDF) a registration form for any of the ICare Classes
Institute for Caregiving
All classes listed below are free and open to the public, but in order to attend you must register in advance by calling the Department of Aging and Youth at 435-2362 ext. 140 or ext. 139.
Class registration deadline is five days prior to the start of class. In some cases, late registration may be possible - please call the Department of Aging and Youth to inquire about availability.
Class Schedule April - June, 2012
April Date(s) Time
Powerful Tools for Caregivers...................................4/2 - 5/7...................5:00– 6:30 pm
Nutrition for Older Persons ......................................4/3/12......................2:00 – 3:30 pm
Step Up to Stop Falls...............................................4/5/12.....................5:30– 7:00 pm
Caregiver Decision Making:Tips on How to Cope...........4/12/12...................5:30– 7:00 pm
Caregiving and the Aging Process ..............................4/16/12...................5:30– 7:00 pm
Loneliness, Helplessness & Boredom ..........................4/24 & 5/1................5:30– 7:00 pm
Veterans Benefits....................................................4/30/12....................2:00 – 3:30 pm
May Date(s) Time
Men CAN Cook!........................................................5/2 - 5/23...............10:30 – 1:00
Dementia Care Conference .......................................5/9/12.....................8:30 – 4:30 pm
Managing Challanging Behaviors of Alzheimer's (I)..........5/1712.....................5:30– 7:00 pm
Managing Challanging Behaviors of Alzheimer's (II).........5/24/12...................5:30– 7:00 pm
Stress and Depression.................................. ............5/30/12...................5:30– 7:00 pm
June Date(s) Time
Plan Ahead: Persons w/Developmental Disabilities.........6/6/12......................5:30– 7:00 pm
Hands-On Care at Home (Parts I & II) ........................6/11 & 6/25..............2:00 – 3:30 pm
Plan Ahead: Persons w/Developmental Disabilities..........6/13/12...................5:30– 7:00 pm
Legal and Financial Issues in Healthcare Planning...........6/20/12....................5:30– 7:00 pm
Managing Challanging Behaviors of Dementia (II)..........6/27/12.....................5:30– 7:00 pm
The registration deadline for classes is five days prior to the start of class.
Late registration may be possible. Call to determine availability:
435-2362 ext.140 or ext.139
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Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a six-week training program designed to provide caregivers of older persons with the tools needed to take care of themselves. Caregivers learn to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate feelings, locate resources, increase abilities to make tough decisions and balance their lives.
PTC - 6 Mondays, 4/2/12 - 5/7/12, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Marty Pond and Stacey McEwen, Instructors
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
Course Workbook Fee: $30.00
Nutrition for Older Persons
This class will discuss strategies for caregivers to provide optimal nutrition to their loved ones. We will cover how to prevent weight loss, and how to create an environment that will increase the desire to eat. We will also provide strategies for those caregivers who are struggling to prepare meals for one or two people.This is the class for those who want to learn about healthy eating for aging well.
NUT – Tuesday, 4/03/12, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Emily Cullen, Instructor
Location: Central Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center
Step Up To Stop Falls
Why is falling so prevalent among older adults? Learn about who falls and why and whether you need to be concerned about falling. Most importantly, learn about available community resources that can help with fall prevention efforts, as well as what you can do to prevent falls and maintain your health and independence.
STEP - Thursday, 4/05/12, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Patrick VanBeveren, Instructor
Location: St. Camillus Health and Rehabilitation Center, Day Health Care Room
Caregiver Decision Making: Tips On How to Cope
Understanding that change is a natural progression in life, but often causes fear in older persons, is helpful to family caregivers providing assistance to their elders. This class will examine the role of the family caregiver in supporting changes, prepare the older persons and the caregiver for changes and provide a model for good decision making.
Supper will be served at 5:30 with class beginning at 6 pm. Reservations are required for supper.
COPE - THURSDAY, 4/12/12, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Jane Kirby, Instructor
Location: Clare Bridge of Manlius
Caregiving and the Aging Process
What happens to us as we age? This valuable class allows you to learn about the process of aging and how it affects our minds and bodies. Explore the changes and needs that older persons and their family caregivers experience on this life journey. Class is taught by a renowned expert in geriatric medicine and popular ICare faculty member.
CARE - Monday, 4/16/12, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Dr. Sharon Brangman, Instructor
Location: Liverpool Public Library, Sargent Room
Loneliness, Helplessness and Boredom Parts I & II
How Elder Care Partners Can Recognize and Change Them
Two consecutive weekly classes will briefly review and further explore last fall’s insightful topic, “Living Purposeful Lives at Home Through the Eden Alternative.” This philosophy centers on relationships and their growth. It teaches us to consider our elders much like a plant; guiding us to treat them as always living, always growing. Following “The Ten Principles” of the Eden Alternative, we will look at improving life for both our elders living at home and their care partners. See pg. 4 for more information.
LHB - Tuesdays, 4/24 & 5/1/12, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Karen Carroll, Instructor
Location: St. Michael’s Lutheran Church Library
Veterans Benefits for Older Persons
This class will cover such topics as veterans pension, service connected compensation, enrollment procedures for the Veterans Administration Medical Center and other veterans benefits available for qualified seniors. Questions and answer period to follow.
VET - Monday, 4/30/12, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Bill Hoffman and Bob McLean, Instructors
Location: Soule Branch Library
MEN CAN COOK!
This four-part class will help men learn basic cooking skills, how to read and prepare recipes, how to plan and make simple, healthy, delicious meals and how to be a smart shopper. In addition, you will enjoy the process and the company of your classmates. Each week you will eat together the meals you’ve cooked!
MEN - 4 Wednesdays, 5/2/12 - 5/23
10:30 am - 1:00 pm (lunch included)
Maria Mahar, Instructor
Location: United Church of Christ in Bayberry
Dementia Care 2012 Conference
See page 4 for more information on this dynamic, all-day conference offering information and hope for those interested in dementia and dementia care.
Wednesday, 5/9/12, 8:30 - 4:30 p.m. $75 fee.
Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, CNY
Location: Doubletree Hotel, 6301 State Rd 298
Managing Challenging Behaviors of Alzheimers:Part I
Caregiving in itself is challenging, but can become more complicated by dementia-related behaviors. In this class, caregivers will learn a three-point approach to address challenging behaviors such as wandering, repetitive questions, agitation and other behavioral symptoms.
CHAL1 - Thursday, 5/17/12, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Catherine James, Instructor
Location: Vinette Towers
Managing Challenging Behaviors of Alzheimers: Part II
During this class we will deal with and share information on how to handle specific behaviors with which class members need assistance. Note: Taking Managing Challenging Behaviors: Part I is a prerequisite for taking this class.
CHAL2 - Thursday, 5/24/12, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Catherine James, Instructor
Location: Vinette Towers
Stress and Depression
Depression is a condition common to caregivers as they assume responsibilities for helping their older family members deal with the issues of aging. This class will investigate common causes, identify the signs, explain the role of stress, and share some strategies for addressing depression. Managing stress and depression is a key factor in helping fulfill our caregiving potential.
STRESS – Wednesday, 5/30/12, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Terry O’Brien, Instructor
Location: Dewitt Community Library
Planning Ahead for Persons with Developmental Disabilities ~ Part I
It is crucial for families caring for a family member with a developmental disability* to plan ahead for the time when the caregivers, most often parents, are no longer able to provide this care. This class will give an overview of how to establish eligibility for developmental disability services, apply for Medicaid, and do financial planning. The current state of support services, including residential options, and the crucial role of siblings and extended family members/friends will be discussed. The changing nature of services and the impact of the new 1115 Medicaid Waiver will also be presented. *Please note: Developmental disabilities include mental retardation, autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and neurological impairments.
PLAN1 – Wednesday, 6/6/12, 5:30-7:00 pm
Deb Gibson-Jaworski and Bill Bird, Instructors
Location: Liberty Resources
Hands-on Care at Home Parts I and II
What are the safest ways to transfer persons with weakness or disability from bed to chair? From chair to car? How do you change linens or bathe a person who is bedbound? Learn tips and tools, including communication strategies, to provide safe, comfortable care to those requiring assistance. Practice skills that prevent injury to you as well as to the person receiving care. This interactive workshop will cover transfers, fall prevention, bathing, incontinence care, positioning, nutrition, and will address caregiver concerns.
HAND - MONDAYS, 6/11 & 6/25/12, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Cheryl Hylton and Nancy Myers, Instructors
Location: St. Camillus Health & Rehabilitation
Planning Ahead for Persons with Developmental Disabilities ~ Part II
This class will offer siblings of people with developmental disabilities a chance to discuss their roles in planning for the future care of their brother or sister with a developmental disability. They will share about their ongoing participation in their brother’s or sister’s life, ranging from doing direct daily care to providing friendship, advocacy, and oversight. Note: Taking Planning Ahead Part I is a prerequisite for this class.
PLAN2 - Wednesday, 6/13/12, 5:30-7:00 pm
Deb Gibson-Jaworski, Panel Moderator
Location: Liberty Resources
Legal and Financial Issues in Health Care Planning ~ Part I
Advanced Directives, Estate Planning,
and Estate Administration
This class will focus on the basic planning documents: Health Care Proxy, Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney, and Last Will and Testament. We will also investigate the importance of proper beneficiary designations for non-probate assets (such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and 403(b)s) and associated tax consequences. We will conclude by discussing the implications of having (or not having) proper planning documents in place.
LEGAL1 - WEDNESDAY, 6/20/12, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Tim Crisafulli, Instructor
Location: Christ Community Church
Legal and Financial Issues in Health Care Planning ~ Part II
Medicaid Qualification, Asset Preservation,
and Trusts
Do you need a trust? This class will explore the use of trusts and other techniques to preserve assets from the expenses associated with long-term care, to minimize estate taxes, and to guard against beneficiaries’ creditors. We will distinguish between different types of trusts (irrevocable, revocable, inter vivos, testamentary) to determine the effectiveness of each in different situations.
LEGAL2 - WEDNESDAY, 6/27/12, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Tim Crisafulli, Instructor
Location: Christ Community Church
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William A. Bird, Th.M.
Bill is the Director of the Office of Community Support for the Central New York Developmental Services Office, a position he has held since 2006. Prior to that he worked as the upstate regional office liaison to the CNYDSO and OPWDD’s Institute of Basic Research. Bill began his career with OMRDD/OPWDD as a program research scientist and until 1983 was executive director of the Resource Center for Independent Living in Utica. He graduated from Syracuse University and has a Th.M. from Boston University.
Sharon Brangman, MD, FACP
Dr. Brangman is professor of medicine and division chief of geriatrics at SUNY Upstate Medical University. She is also the director of the Central New York Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Center, medical director of Greenpoint/The Hearth Senior Living Communities and an attending physician at James Square Health and Rehabilitation Centre. Dr. Brangman recently completed a term as president of the American Geriatrics Society. She graduated from Syracuse University and received her medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University.
Karen Carroll, RN
Karen Carroll, RN and Loretto’s Director of Green Communities and Person-Centered Care Transitions, is a certified Eden Alternative instructor and certified Eden At Home trainer, and recently established Loretto’s Eden Alternative in-house staff training program that has graduated more than 200 caregivers in just over a year. The Eden Alternative centers on relationships and their growth, and teaches us to consider each elder much like a plant or flower, from beginning to end. It reminds us to treat them as always living, always growing.
Timothy P. Crisafulli
Tim is an associate in the Tax Practice at Hancock & Estabrook, LLP and a member of the Trusts & Estates and Elder Law & Special Needs Practices. His tax background helps to assist families with estate and Medicaid planning, asset preservation, and estate administration. A graduate of Le Moyne College and Syracuse University College of Law, Tim is currently a candidate for an executive LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law.
Emily Cullen
Emily Cullen is the Clinical Nutrition Manager at St.Camillus Health and Rehabilitation Center. Her motivation and dedication to the residents at St. Camillus stems from her desire to make life better for those she serves. “I feel like they are part of my family.” She works in partnership with the dining management team to provide enhanced dining services to the residents. She earned her BS degree in Food and Human Nutrition from Newcastle University in England and her Masters in Nutrition Science from Syracuse University.
Bill Hoffman
Bill is the Outreach & Business Development Coordinator for the Syracuse VA Medical Center. His primary role is working in the community to educate Veterans and the public on the premier health care services offered with the VA. Bill is a Veteran of the United States Air Force, and holds a Bachelors Degree in Marketing from Empire State College.
Debbie Gibson Jaworski
Debbie is the Senior Caregivers Program Coordinator for Exceptional Family Resources. She works with families in which there is someone 55 or older caring for a family member with a developmental disability. The program assists families with future care planning and provides information and referral for both the disabled person and the caregiver. Debbie has over 25 years experience working with developmentally disabled persons and their families. She received her BA degree in Psychology and Religion from Earlham College and her Masters in Special Education from Syracuse University.
Cheryl Hylton, RN
Cheryl is the Cognitive Health Specialist for St. Camillus Health & Rehabilitation Center. She combines her personal caregiving experience with her professional expertise as a nurse and staff educator to offer an informative, practical training program for family caregivers.
Catherine James, BSW, MBA
Catherine is the CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, CNY Chapter, providing services to a 14-county area. She joined the chapter in 1996, overseeing the operation of Syracuse’s only Alzheimer’s-specific adult day program. She has been a longtime advocate for Alzheimer’s, eldercare and adult day service issues and recently completed a term as the president of the NY State Adult Day Services Association. She received her Bachelors degree in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire and MBA from New Hampshire College.
Jane Kirby, BA
Jane Kirby has a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Wittenberg University. She started her career as a Psychiatric Social Worker and assisted in the development, design and coordination of the first geriatric psychiatric program in Western NY. She worked as a Director in Long Term Care Social Work and as a Regional Director of Operations for 11 assisted living communities across NY State. She is now functioning as a Memory Care Specialist for Brookdale Senior Living, overseeing more than 50 Senior Living communities.
Stacey McEwen
Stacey is the Customer Service Supervisor at Home Aides of Central New York. She oversees the intake of all new clients and coordinates the marketing and outreach for the agency, coordinates a caregiver respite program, and manages the Philips Lifeline medical alert service for the agency. Stacey has a BS in Social Work from Buffalo State College and a MS in Counseling from Canisius College.
Robert McLean, Lt.Col.USMC
(Ret.) Bob is the Director of the Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency. He oversees the administration of policies and programs designed to assist the county’s 34,000 Armed Forces Veterans and their family members. After retirement from the Marine Corps in 1993, he served as Director of Communications for Crouse Hospital and the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce before assuming his current position with Onondaga County. Bob received his Bachelors of Arts degree from Syracuse University in Public Relations.
Maria Mahar, MA,RD,CDN
Maria is the Program Director of Nutrition Services for the Department of Aging and Youth. In addition, she serves as a national board member for the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services in Washington, DC and is President of the New York State American Dietetic Association. Maria also serves locally on the board of the Central New York Regional Market Authority. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics from SUNY Oneonta and a Masters in Nutrition Science from Syracuse University.
Nancy Myers, PT
Nancy Myers is a physical therapist for St. Camillus Home Care Agency. She has been a professional working in the field over 30 years specializing in assisting older adults to maximize their strength, flexibility, endurance and function.
Dr. Terry O’Brien, PhD.
Dr. O’Brien has a private practice as a psycho-therapist and teaches at SUNY Oswego. His expertise is in providing training in communication, stress management, self esteem, sexuality, bereavement and substance abuse. He has a Ph.D. in Child and Family Studies and a M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Syracuse University.
Marty Pond, MS, RN, C
Marty is the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Gerontology at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center. She serves as a resource for staff on community resources and teaches in the College of Nursing program. She has an AAS degree in Nursing, a Bachelors degree in Science in Nursing, an All University Certificate in Gerontology and a Masters degree in Nursing Administration from Syracuse University.
Patrick VanBeveren DPT, OCS, GCS
Patrick is a physical therapist who is board certified in both geriatric and orthopedic physical therapy. He has developed a fall prevention program at St. Camillus that has significantly decreased fall risk for the participants. He has done numerous presentations on preventing frailty, decreasing fall risk and exercising to help older adults age better.
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Important Information: All classes are equal opportunity programs.
Instructors are subject to substitution based on availability.
You will not receive written confirmation of your registration unless you request it. We will make phone call reminders prior to the class or classes for which you have registered. Please be sure to include your phone number on your registration form.
If a course is cancelled or postponed due to bad weather, we will post information through the “Your News Now” emergency closing and cancellations system.
Mission: Through education and training, the Institute for Caregivers (I Care) supports and empowers individuals caring for older persons. This mission is met by providing these persons with the information and skills they need to make wise decisions regarding their own needs and the ever-changing needs of the older person. The Institute provides education and training generic enough to pertain to all caregivers across various illnesses and disabilities but comprehensive enough to provide caregivers with all of the tools they may need in their own caregiving journey. |
