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Welcome to the Institute for Caregivers!
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Family members are the backbone of the long-term care system in the United States. They provide about 80% of the care for older people who need help with activities of daily living, making decisions, monitoring medications, handling finances and providing transportation. While we hear a great deal about those age 60 and older living in nursing homes, only 5% of this population actually do.
With the growth of our population age 65 and older, and especially that group 85 and older, we not only have greater numbers but the kind of care needed is becoming more specialized, more labor intensive and more costly. Public systems are and will be unable to meet the need for the provision of care. More and more responsibility will be placed on family caregivers with support from community programs and services.
The Institute for Caregivers is a program developed by the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth and the Alzheimer's Association of CNY in anticipation of this trend. I Care offers a wide range of courses, hands-on workshops and presentations by a faculty of local experts to provide education and information specifically to those who are and will be family caregivers of older persons. We expect that this training will enable our citizens to fulfill their caregiving responsibilities with greater success and confidence while maintaining a more realistic balance in their own lives.
Visit the Alzheimer's Association of CNY Chapter's website at www.alzcny.org
Click here to download (as a PDF) a registration form for any of the ICare Classes
Click here to download (as a PDF) the April Course Flier
Click here to download (as a PDF) the May Course Flier
Course Schedule March - June, 2009
March Date(s) Time
Stress and Depression.......................................................... 3/3/09.............. 5:15 – 7:00 pm
Safety and Security at Home................................................ 3/12/09.............. 5:15 – 7:00 pm
Powerful Tools for Caregivers............................................. 3/16 - 4/20........ 5:30– 8:00 pm
Difficult Conversations......................................................... 3/18/09.............. 5:15 – 7:00 pm
Caregiving and the Aging Process........................................ 3/24/09.............. 5:30– 7:00 pm
April__ Date(s) Time
Long Term Care Insurance and Medicare............................. 4/2/09................ 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Managing Challanging Behaviors of Dementia (I)................... 4/09/09...............2:00 – 3:30 pm
Decision Making.................................................................. 4/21/09.............. 5:15 – 7:00 pm
Managing Challanging Behaviors of Dementia (II).................. 4/23/09...............2:00 – 3:30 pm
Stroke: What Can I Do?................... ................................... 4/28/09.............. 5:15 – 7:00 pm
Long Term Care Insurance and Medicare............................. 4/2/09................ 5:30– 7:00 pm
May_______ Date(s) Time
Men CAN Cook!.................................................................5/6 - 5/27.......... 10:30 – 1:00 pm
Alzheimer's 101................ .................................................. 5/07/09.............. 5:15 – 7:00 pm
Veterans Benefits for Older Persons......................................5/12/09...............2:00 – 3:30 pm
The Buzz on Your Brain....................................................... 5/18/09.............. 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Legal and Financial Issues in Health Care Planning................ 5/26/09.............. 5:15 – 7:00 pm
June_____ Date(s) Time
Medicaid Eligibility: Nursing Home Care................................ 6/03/09.............. 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Long Term Care Services and New York Connects. ............. 6/09/09.............. 5:15 – 7:00 pm
How Can I Keep My Family Member at Home? .................... 6/17/09.............. 5:15 – 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 x140 or x139
Listing of Courses with Descriptions -
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 some of the common causes and identify the signs of depression, explain the role of stress, and share some strategies for addressing depression. Managing stress and depression is a key factor in helping us discover our potential for fulfilling our care giving roles.
STRESS – Tuesday, 3/03/09, 5:15 - 7:00 p.m.
Terry O’Brien, Instructor
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
Support Programs:In the Community
What services are available to help care partners outside the home? This discussion explains programs that take both the patient and the caregiver out into the community. Learn about the social and health benefits of these programs, and how to overcome many of the perceived barriers to utilization.
SPC - Thursday, 7/10/08, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Cathy James, Ginny Turley, Susan Ferris, Lauren Feiglin and Carol Tytler, Instructors
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
Safety and Security at Home
Staying safe and secure in the home is important at any age but becomes more so as we age. The panel will discuss three programs available locally that can enhance the personal safety of older persons and provide some sense of security to the caregivers. These are Lifeline and personal emergency response systems, Medic Alert/Safe Return and Project Lifesaver.
SAFE - Thursday, 3/12/09, 5:15 - 7:00 p.m.
Stacey McEwen, Mike Massurin, John Stephens, Instructors
Location: Onondaga Free Library
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a six-week education 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 helpful resources, increase abilities to make tough decisions and balance their lives. The registration fee of $30 is for course materials.
PTC - 6 Mondays, 3/16 - 4/20/09, 5:30 - 8:00 pm Cynthia Stevenson and Cheryl Hylton, Instructors
Location: Betts Library
Course Materials Fee: $30.00
Difficult Conversations
How do you start talking to your older family members and your siblings about such topics as changes in memory, when to give up driving, and transitioning to another residential option? This class will provide you with some tools to initiate and walk through these conversations.
CONV - Wednesday, 3/18/09, 5:15 - 7:00 pm
Andrea Zurbruegg-Bennett, Instructor
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
Caregiving and the Aging Process
What happens to us as we age? 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.
CARE - Tuesday, 3/24/09, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Dr. Sharon Brangman, Instructor
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
Long Term Care Insurance and Medicare
Are you confused about all of the medical insurance plans available to older persons? This class will explain Medicare, the supplement options and prescription drug programs. Long term care insurance will be discussed and policy options will be explained. (Note: This class is also offered on 4/29/09 at 5:30pm.)
INS1 - Thursday, 4/02/09, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Myrna Koldin and JoAnne Spoto Decker, Instructors
Location: United Church of Christ in Bayberry
Managing Challenging Behaviors of Dementia: 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, 4/09/09, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Mike Massurin, Instructor
Location: Robinson Memorial United Presbyterian Church
Decision Making
Increased needs of the care receiver, a decrease in the family caregiver’s ability to provide care, or other changing circumstances may require making a difficult decision. It is a tremendous responsibility to make decisions on behalf of someone who often cannot take an active part. Michelle will discuss some strategies for making decisions based on reality, rather than emotions and past promises, that have a better chance of working.
DECIS – Tuesday, 4/21/09, 5:15 - 7:00 pm
Michelle Gladu, Instructor
Location: Andrews Memorial United Methodist Church
Managing Challenging Behaviors of Dementia:Part II
This class will actually discuss and give information on how to handle specific behaviors with which class members need assistance. Note: Taking Managing Challenging Behaviors of Dementia: Part I is a prerequisite for taking this class.
CHAL2– Thursday, 4/23/09, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Mike Massurin, Instructor
Location: Robinson Memorial United Presbyterian Church
Stroke: What Can I Do?
This new class offering will help us become more aware of, and informed about, strokes. What is a stroke? What are the signs one is having a stroke? What should we do if we are having a stroke? In addition, possible treatment plans will be discussed and ways to prevent strokes will be presented.
STROKE – Tuesday, 4/28/09, 5:15 - 7:00 pm
Marty Pond, Instructor
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
Long Term Care Insurance and Medicare
Are you confused about all of the medical insurance plans available to older persons? This class will explain Medicare, the supplement options and prescription drug programs. Long term care insurance will be discussed and policy options will be explained. (Please note: This class is also offered on April 2nd at 2pm.)
INS2- Wednesday, 4/29/09, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Myrna Koldin and JoAnne Spoto Decker, Instructors
Location: Skaneateles Community Center
Men CAN Cook!
This four-part course will help “guys” find their way around the kitchen without having to ask for directions, learn basic cooking skills, how to read and prepare recipes, how to plan and make a simple, healthy meal and how to be a smart shopper. Each week you and your classmates will eat together the meals you’ve cooked!
MEN - 4 Wednesdays, 5/06/09 - 05/27/09, 10:30 am - 1:00 pm (lunch included)
Maria Mahar, Instructor
Location: Bethany Baptist Church
Alzheimer’s 101
This is an overview of Alzheimer’s disease, its symptoms and its effects on the person who has it. Learn how to effectively communicate with individuals who have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This program provides a question and answer session and a description of the programs and services offered by the Alzheimer’s Association.
ALZ – Thursday, 5/07/09, 5:15- 7:00 pm
Mike Massurin, Instructor
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
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. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers.
VET - Tuesday, 5/12/09, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Bob McLean, Instructor
Location: Veterans Center
The Buzz on Your Brain:
How to NURTURE and MAINTAIN Brain Health
This class will explore the latest information on how to prevent and/or delay cognitive impairment in later life and maintain mental sharpness. Myths about the aging brain will be countered with up-to-date research about continued brain growth through the lifespan.
BUZZ - Monday, 5/18/09, 1:00- 2:30 pm
Ellen Somers and Cherly Hylton, Instructors
Location: Skaneateles Community Center
Legal and Financial Issues in Health Care Planning
Swimming in a sea of legal and financial questions about health care? This class will focus on important documents such as the Health Care Proxy, Power of Attorney, Living Will, etc. Further, we will learn about how to finance care and focus on how changes to the Medicaid law effect long term care financial planning.
LEGAL - Tuesday, 5/26/09, 5:15- 7:00 pm
Mary King, Instructor
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
Medicaid Eligibility: Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays for basic health services for persons with low incomes and few financial resources. This class will define some common terms, discuss the difference between Medicaid and Medicare, outline the criteria for eligibility and explain how Medicaid pays for nursing home care and other services.
ELIG - Wednesday, 06/03/09, 2:00- 3:30 pm
Maria Schreiber-Kerr, Instructor
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
Long Term Care Services and New York Connects
What is New York Connects? The wide range of service providers for long term care can be overwhelming. How do you find the service that’s right for you? New York Connects and the Long Term Care Resource Center will provide you with information about services that help people with long term care needs and resources for both caregivers and long term care professionals.
NYC - Tuesday, 06/09/09, 5:15- 7:00 pm
Roberta Sprague, Instructor
Location: Van Duyn Home and Hospital, Bea Latremore Room
How Can I Keep My Family Member at Home?
This class will explore various programs that are offered in the community to keep aging members at home, such as medical and social day programs, EISEP and the PACE Program.
HOME - Wednesday, 06/17/09, 5:15- 7:00 pm
Chris Tanchek, Debbie Boutin, Ginny Turley, Instructors
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
Course Instructors
Deborah Boutin, BS, RN
Deborah manages the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth’s Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly homecare program (EISEP). She has participated in several New York State Office for Aging Outcome Projects, resulting in Onondaga County being noted for best practices. She has been locally recognized as a leader in outcome based performance measures and has been professionally recognized for her respite work. Deborah has a nursing degree and a Bachelors of Science degree from Syracuse University with a specialty in Family Development.
Sharon Brangman, MD
Dr. Brangman, MD, FACP, AGSF, is a Professor of Medicine and Division Chief of Geriatric Medicine in the Department of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University. She directs the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program and the CNY Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Center. She is certified in internal medicine and holds a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Geriatric Medicine. She is the President-Elect of the American Geriatrics Society, a member of the advisory board of the Gerontology Center at Syracuse University and a member of the national board of OASIS.
JoAnne Spoto Decker, MA
JoAnne is Director of Community Programming for the Department of Aging and Youth. She holds a BS in Human Services and a MA in Social Policy bestowed by SUNY. She also holds a Certificate of Gerontology from Syracuse University, and is a New York State Certified Ombudsman. She is the recipient of numerous personal and professional achievment awards, including national recognition for her work in emergency preparedness for seniors and cultural competence in casework management.
Michelle Gladu
Michelle has been a Social Worker for Hospice CNY for the past eight years, helping patients and their families with end-of-life care and decision making. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Syracuse University and for the past twenty years has worked with seniors through such programs as EISEP and Loretto’s PACE CNY.
Cheryl Hylton, RN
Cheryl is the Alzheimer’s Services 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.
Myrna Koldin, MSW
Myrna is the Aging Services Specialist at the Department of Aging and Youth. She received a Masters of Social Work degree with a concentration in Gerontology from Syracuse University. She has worked as the New York State EPIC Outreach Representative covering nine counties. Previously, she was the Senior Adult/ Adult Services Director at the Syracuse Jewish Community Center overseeing all of their programs for senior adults for 17 years.
Mary King
Mary is an associate with the law firm of Hancock & Estabrook, LLP and is a member of the firm’s Trusts and Estates and Elder Law practice groups. She is admitted to practice before the New York State Courts, the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York and the Florida State Courts. Mary holds a law degree from Syracuse University College of Law and a Bachelors of Science degree in Industrial Relations from LeMoyne College. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Onondaga County Bar Association and the Florida Bar Association.
Maria Mahar, MA,RD,CDN
Maria is the Nutrition Services Coordinator for the Department of Aging and Youth. She conducts assessments for congregate nutrition sites and Meals on Wheels agencies. Maria designs and conducts health promotion programs for seniors and caregivers. She is the Director of Communications for the American Dietetic Association, Healthy Aging Practice Group. She serves as the Secretary of the New York State Dietetic Association. Maria has a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics from SUNY Oneonta and a Masters degree in Nutrition Science from Syracuse University.
Michael Massurin
Mike is the Director of Programs and Services for the Alzheimer’s Association CNY Chapter. He oversees the delivery of support services and educational programs to individuals, organizations and caregivers throughout the 14-county area. He comes to the CNY Chapter from the Humane Society of Rome, where he had been the Executive Director for three years. He has worked for RLS Career Center, Vera House, St. Vincent DePaul and Catholic Charities. Mike holds a Master’s degree from SUNY Buffalo and has completed the Executive Leadership in Non-Profits program at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University.
Stacey McEwen
Stacey is the Marketing, Respite and Lifeline Coordinator at Home Aides of CNY. She is responsible for all marketing and outreach activities, coordinates a caregiver respite program and manages the Phillips Lifeline Medical Alert Service. Stacey has a Bachelors degree in Social Work and a Masters degree in Counseling.
Robert McLean, Lt. Col. USMC (Ret.) Bob is the Director of the Onondaga County Veteran’s Services 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.
Dr. Terry O’Brien
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 an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Syracuse University.
Marty Pond
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.
Maria Schreiber-Kerr
Maria works in the Onondaga County Department of Social Services Medicaid Chronic Care Unit as an Intake Supervisor. Maria has been a county employee since 1990 and in her current position since 2007. She also has over 11 years experience in the Fair Hearing Unit. Maria holds a Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Oswego.
Ellen Somers, MA, LMHC
Ellen is the Alzheimer’s Services Coordinator for St. Camillus Health and Rehabilitation Center. She applies her background in clinical psychology to the specialized care of persons with dementia to help caregivers cope with behavioral changes.
Roberta Sprague
Roberta is the Commissioner of the Onondaga County Department of Long Term Care Services, overseeing operations of VanDuyn Home and Hospital as well as the county-wide administration of Medicaid Home Healthcare Programs through the Department of Long Term Care Resource Center. Roberta started her career as a Caseworker in the Department of Social Services, moved on to become the Senior Caseworker in the
Resource Center and then the Department’s Deputy Commissioner from 1990-2006. Roberta’s years of experience have given her extensive knowledge of the long term care system, including the Long Term Home Healthcare, Personal Care and Consumer Directed Programs; the Shared Aide Model; private duty nursing; Assisted Living programs; PACE; screening and assessment services; skilled nursing facilities; and Medicare & Medicaid regulations.
John Stephens
John has been employed with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office since 1995. He was a road patrol deputy until his promotion to Sergeant in 2004. From 2004 until recently, he worked for the department as a midnight patrol supervisor. In 2009, he was assigned to the position of Community Relations Supervisor acting as the local Coordinator of Project Lifesaver, having participated in the program since its inception in Onondaga County.
Cynthia Stevenson
Cynthia is the director of the Caregiver Resource Center at the Department of Aging and Youth. This program provides information, education and support to family caregivers of persons age 60 and older. She holds a Bachelors degree from the University of Rochester and has completed graduate studies at Cornell University and SUNY Oswego. She has served the aging community and family caregivers as past executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, CNY Chapter and care manager for CNY Elderplanning.
Chris Tanchak, BA, MPA
Chris is the Executive Director for Loretto’s Daybreak Adult Medical Day Program. Chris has worked for Loretto for over 19 years in a variety of capacities including Administrator of two assisted and enriched living facilities as well as Assistant Director of Recreation and Volunteers in the Loretto Health and Rehabilitation skilled nursing facility. She earned her Masters degree in Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University with an Advanced Certificate in Health Services Management and Policy and a Bachelors degree in psychology from Binghamton University.
Ginny Turley, MHSA, BSN, RN-C
Ginny is the Director of Marketing and Intake for PACE CNY program at Loretto. She has over 33 years of nursing experience working as nurse manager, nurse instructor, home care supervisor and director of home health care. Ginny has a Bachelor of Science Nursing degree from SUNY Utica-Rome and a Masters of Science in Health Service Administration from The New School.
Andrea Zurbruegg-Bennett
Andrea, LCSW, is the Grant and Data Coordinator at Home Headquarters in Syracuse. Previously she worked as a Social Worker at Upstate Medical University, where her work included connecting clients and their families with community resources. She serves on the board of the Alzheimer’s Association, CNY Chapter. Andrea received her Bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics from Muhlenberg College and her Certificate in legal assistant studies, her Masters degree in Social Work and a Certificate in Gerontology from Syracuse University.
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 “News 10 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.
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