Welcome to the Institute for Caregivers
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 September Class Flier
Click here to download (as a PDF) the October Class Flier
Click here to download (as a PDF) the November Class Flier
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 September - November, 2009
September Date(s) Time
Movie Night: “What’s Happening to Grandpa?”................... 9/10/09.............. 5:15 – 7:30 pm
Stress and Depression......................................................... 9/15/09.............. 5:15 – 7:00 pm
Caregiving and the Aging Process........................................ 9/24/09.............. 5:30– 7:00 pm
What Happens When You No Longer Can?........................ 9/30/09.............. 5:15 – 7:00 pm
October Date(s) Time
Powerful Tools for Caregivers............................................. 10/5 - 11/9...........5:30– 8:00 pm
Men CAN Cook!.................................................................10/7 - 10/28........10:30 – 1:00 pm
Managing Challanging Behaviors of Dementia (I)................... 10/8/09...............2:00 – 3:30 pm
Managing Challanging Behaviors of Dementia (II).................. 10/15/09.............2:00 – 3:30 pm
Dementia: Early Detection Matters.... ................................... 10/22/09.............5:15 – 7:00 pm
Medicaid Eligibility: Nursing Home Care................................ 10/27/09.............2:00 – 3:30 pm
November __ Date(s) Time
The Buzz on Your Brain....................................................... 11/4/09.............. 5:15 – 7:30 pm
Medication Management ..................................................... 11/10/09..............5:15 – 7:30 pm
Veterans Benefits for Older Persons......................................11/12/09..............2:00 – 3:30 pm
Extreme Challenges in Caregiving......................... ................ 11/17/09..............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
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Class Listings
 A Night at the Movies: “What’s Happening to Grandpa?”
This HBO film, part of the Alzheimer’s Project and hosted by Maria Shriver, tells the story of five children coping with grandmothers or grandfathers with Alzheimer’s disease. The film shows how kids can handle a grandparent's loss of memory through kindness, patience and compassion. Sandwiches, snacks and popcorn will be provided. Class size limited to 50.
MOVIE – Thursday, 9/10/09, 5:15 - 7:30 p.m.
Post-film discussion led by Cathy James and staff of the Alzheimer’s Association, CNY Chapter
Location: Loretto Sedgwick Heights
 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 discovering our potential for fulfilling our care giving roles.
STRESS – Tuesday, 9/15/09, 5:15 - 7:00 p.m.
Terry O’Brien, 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 - Thursday, 9/24/09, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Dr. Sharon Brangman, Instructor
Location: Loretto at the Cunnigham Building
 What Happens When You No Longer Can?
There comes a time when we caregivers no longer can provide all of the care, make all of the decisions and put our own life on hold any longer. Three family caregivers discuss the problems they encountered in their caregiving experiences, share the emotions they felt and the lessons they learned on their caregiving journey. They will provide some answers to the often asked question: “What happens when I no longer can...?”
CAN - Wednesday, 9/30/09, 5:15 - 7:00 pm
Bob Davidson, Marty Manning and Nona Stewart, Instructors
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
 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, 10/5 - 11/9/09, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Cynthia Stevenson and Cheryl Hylton, Instructors
Location: Betts Library
Course Materials Fee: $30.00
 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, 10/07/09 - 10/28/09, 10:30 am - 1:00 pm (lunch included)
Maria Mahar, Instructor
Location: Assumption Church
 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, 10/08/09, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Mike Massurin, Instructor
Location: Skaneateles Community Center
 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, 10/15/09, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Mike Massurin, Instructor
Location: Skaneateles Community Center
 Dementia: Early Detection Matters
This workshop will provide a greater understanding of the difference between age-related memory loss and dementia and what to do if you or someone you know are showing signs of Alzheimer's disease. Information on the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's disease, what's involved in getting a diagnosis, risks of Alzheimer's and its connection to other conditions and the benefits of early detection will be discussed.
EARLY - Thursday, 10/22/09, 5:15 - 7:00 pm
Cathy James, Instructor
Location: Bethany Baptist Church
 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 - Tuesday, 10/27/09, 2:00- 3:30 pm
Maria Schreiber-Kerr, Instructor
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
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. Participants will have the opportunity to try out cutting edge mental fitness exercises, including computer-based programs. Class size limited to 30.
BUZZ - Monday, 11/04/09, 5:15 - 7:00 pm
Ellen Somers and Cheryl Hylton, Instructors
Location: Eastwood Community Center
 Medication Management
With more than half of older adults regularly using five or more prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications or dietary supplements, the need for strategies to minimize risk of medication errors is clear. This class will present information for caregivers and older adults on how to safely manage medications.
MED - Tuesday, 11/10/09, 5:15 - 7:00 pm
Jennifer Grant and Brandi Palmer, Instructors
Location: Bethany Baptist Church
 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 - Thursday, 11/12/09, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Bob McLean and William Hoffman, Instructors
Location: Bethany Baptist Church
Extreme Challenges in Caregiving
 This class will discuss real stories from caregivers who struggle with frustrating situations for which there may seem no solutions. Three top challenges—urinary incontinence, driving and difficult behavior—will be explored using a case-based approach. The goals are to provide a greater understanding of these problems and to present some solutions.
EXTREME - Tuesday, 11/17/09, 5:15 - 7:00 pm
Jeanne Bishop, MD, Instructor
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
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Meet the Instructors
Jeanne E. Bishop, MD
Dr. Bishop is a clinician, educator, and administrator. She is an Internist and Geriatrician, Board Certified in Internal, Geriatric, and Palliative Care Medicine. Dr. Bishop serves as the Assistant Professor of Medicine for the Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine for SUNY Upstate Medical University. In addition, she is the Medical Director for James Square Health and Rehabilitation Centre.
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.
Bob Davidson
Bob has had numerous jobs, including Smoke Chaser with the US Forest Service in Montana, logger, lumber salesman, combat infantry in WWII, and faculty member at SUNY ESF, Syracuse University. Bob’s wife died of complications due to Alzheimer’s in March, 2009 and Bob was her primary caregiver for many years. He continues to participate in the Caregiver Support groups organized by the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. He received his BS in Forestry from the University of Montana, and Ph.D. Wood Physics from SUNY ESF.
Jennifer Grant
Jennifer is the lead consultant pharmacist for Health Direct Institutional Pharmacy. She graduated from Albany College of Pharmacy in 1999 and has been working in Long Term Care for the past 10 years. Jennifer is a Certified Geriatric Pharmacist. In 2007 she joined the adjunct experiential faculty of Albany College of Pharmacy as a preceptor and continues to expose 6th year Pharm D students to alternative forms of pharmacy practice in long term care setting.
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.
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.
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.
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. She is the Director of Communications for the American Dietetic Association, Healthy Aging Practice Group. Maria serves as the Secretary of the NY State Dietetic Association. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics from SUNY Oneonta and a Masters in Nutrition Science from Syracuse University.
Martin Manning Lt. Col. USMC (Ret.)
Marty was primary caregiver for his first wife, Lynn, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1992. He is a member of the CNY Chapter Board of Directors for the Alzheimer’s Association and makes educational presentations for the Speakers Bureau. He acts as an advocate on governmental issues and is a support group facilitator. He received a B.S. in Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and has done graduate work at University of Virginia and 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.
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.
Brandi Palmer
Brandi is a consultant pharmacist for Health Direct Institutional Pharmacy, a division of Kinney Drugs. Health Direct services several skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, group homes, long term care facilities, and correctional facilities. As a consultant, she serves to enhance the care of our elderly population through the proper use of medications. She holds a Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University and a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from the Albany College of Pharmacy. She is currently a member of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists.
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. Maria holds a Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Oswego.
Ellen Somers, MA, LMHC
Ellen has served as the Alzheimer’s Services Coordinator at St. Camillus since 2002. In this role she is responsible for developing and implementing new programs and services that enhance the quality of life for persons with dementia served by St. Camillus’ programs. Ellen has a Master’s degree in clinical psychology from West Virginia University, a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Utah, and is licensed in the state of New York as a Mental Health Counselor.
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 as past executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, CNY Chapter and care manager for CNY Elderplanning.
Nona Stewart, BA, MPA
Nona’s husband Jack Stewart was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 1995. He died in 2004. Until she suffered a rotator cuff injury, Nona was his primary caregiver. With the help of her children, friends, some very good paid help, the assistance of Dr. Sharon Brangman’s office, she was able to keep Jack at home for many years. He spent the last eighteen months of his life in Oxford at the
NY State Home for Veterans.
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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 “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. |
