Welcome to the Institute for Caregivers
CAREGIVERS: This is Your Year!
The Administration on Aging has declared 2011 “The Year of the Family Caregiver”
The Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth and the Alzheimer’s Association, CNY Chapter, invite you to join in this free education program and the extra events planned for you by the Institute for Caregivers.
Many of our regular faculty are returning to present classes on stress, legal issues, Medicare, fall prevention, difficult behaviors, communication and veteran’s benefits. “Men Can Cook”, “Providing Physical Care”, “Strong Bones: Strong Bodies” and “Basics of Alzheimer’s” will continue in response to popular demand.
In addition, the Institute is partnering with Loretto to offer A Whole New Approach to Eldercare for Family Caregivers. This series of classes will kick off with Dr. William Thomas, nationally recognized for his Eden Alternative philosophy, presenting “Growing Home: Inspiring Family Caregivers & Their Elders”. Karen Carroll will follow with “Living Purposeful Lives at Home through the Eden Alternative” and Brenda McCutcheon will discuss elderhood in “Life Harvests: the Gift of Sage-ing for Family Caregivers”. See ad on page 4.
Look for your invitation to “Catering to Caregivers”, a time to treat yourself made possible by Clare Bridge of Manlius, The Hearth at Greenpoint and Villas at Summerfield. See the ad below to make your choice.
The Institute for Caregivers looks forward to welcoming old friends and new faces to an exciting fall of caregiver events. We are here to educate you, support you and to offer you hope.
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
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
Click here to download (as a PDF) the Men Can Cook Class Flier
Click here to download (as a PDF) the Powerful Tools for Caregivers Class Flier
Click here to download (as a PDF) the Loretto Eldercare Classes 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, 2011
September Date(s) Time
Stress and Depression.............................................9/15/11..................5:30– 7:00 pm
The Basics of Alzheimer's Disease .............................9/19/11..................5:30– 7:00 pm
Powerful Tools for Caregivers.....................................9/19 - 10/24..........5:30– 8:00 pm
Inspiring Family Caregivers and Their Elders ..................9/28/11.................4:00– 5:30 pm
October Date(s) Time
Legal and Financial Issues in Healthcare Planning...........10/4/11..................5:30– 7:00 pm
Medicare Options ....................................................10/10/11................2:00 – 3:30 pm
Hands On: Providing Physical Comfort and Care............10/19 & 10/26/11....1:00– 3:30 pm
Effective Communication Techniques............. ............10/20/11................5:30– 7:00 pm
Living Purposeful Lives.................................. ............10/26/11................4:00– 5:30 pm
November Date(s) Time
Step Up to Stop Falls..............................................11/1/11....................5:30– 7:00 pm
Men CAN Cook! .....................................................11/2 - 11/30*...........10:30 – 1:00 pm
Life Harvests: Sage-ing for Family Caregivers................11/10/11.................4:00– 5:30 pm
Managing Challanging Behaviors of Dementia (I)...........11/14/11.................2:00 – 3:30 pm
Veterans Benefits...................................................11/17/11.................2:00 – 3:30 pm
Managing Challanging Behaviors of Dementia (II)..........11/21/11..................2:00 – 3:30 pm
*Men Can Cook will not be held on 11/23
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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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 caregiving roles.
STRESS – Thursday, 9/15/11, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Terry O’Brien, Instructor
Location: Emeritus at Bellevue Manor
The Basics of Alzheimer’s 
This class offers an overview of memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as symptoms and effects on the person who has them. Learn effective communication with individuals who have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, while investigating fundamentals, facts, medications and services offered by the Alzheimer’s Association.
There will also be a question and answer session.
ALZ – Monday, 9/19/11, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Mike Massurin, Instructor
Location: Southern Missionary Baptist Church
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. There is a $30 workbook fee for this class.
PTC - 6 Mondays, 9/19/11 - 10/24/11, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Marty Pond and Cheryl Hylton, Instructors
Location: Sedgwick Heights
Growing Home: Inspiring Family Caregivers and Their Elders
“Growing Home” promises to be an uplifting and not-to-be missed presentation for families caring for their elders or other loved ones at home. Dr. Bill Thomas encourage attendees to view their home as a “garden” and an elder as “a person who is still growing and whose life continues to
have within it promise for and connection to the future”.
GROW - WEDNESDAY, 9/28/11, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Dr. William Thomas, Instructor
Location: DeWitt Community Church
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. We will learn how to finance care and how changes to the Medicaid law effect long term care financial planning.
LEGAL - Tuessday, 10/4/11, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Mary King, Instructor
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
Medicare Options
Confused by the numerous Medicare plans and options available to you? This class offers an overview of Medicare to help you understand your options. Topics will include supplemental insurances, prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage plans, EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Program) and more.
MEDI - Monday, 10/10/11, 2:)0- 3:30 pm
Myrna Koldin, Instructor
Location: Christ Community Church
Hands-on: Providing Physical Comfort & Care
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. Practice skills that prevent injury to you as well as to the person receiving care. This two part interactive class will cover transfers, fall prevention, bathing, incontinence care, positioning, nutrition, and individual caregiver concerns.
HANDS - TWO Wednesdays, 10/19 & 10/26/11, 1:00- 3:30 pm
Carol Anne Kozik and Cheryl Hylton, Instructors
Location: St. Camilus Health & Rehabilitation Center – LPN Training Room
 Effective Communication Techniques
Is your loved one suffering with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia? This class offers effective techniques for communicating with them. We will discuss how to approach them using both verbal and non verbal techniques. A light supper will be provided at 5:30, class begins at 6pm. Reservations are required for supper.
TALK - Thursday, 10/20/11, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Jane Kirby, Instructor
Location: Clare Bridge of Manlius
 Living Purposeful Lives at Home Through the Eden Alternative
The Eden Alternative centers on relationships and their growth. It teaches us to consider each elder much like a plant or flower, from beginning to end, and reminds us to treat them as always living, always growing. In this session, family caregivers will be introduced to the Eden Alternative philosophy of care and offered practical ways to grow together with their elder loved ones at home. The Eden at Home Series applies the power of the Eden Alternative to improve quality of life for elders living at home with their care partners.
EDEN - Wednesday, 10/26/11, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Karen Carroll, Instructor
Location: DeWitt Community Church
 Step Up To Stop Falls
What can you do to prevent falls? Why is falling so prevalent among older adults? Learn about who falls and why and whether you need to be concerned about falling. Ways to prevent falls and community resources will be shared, and your questions answered.
STEP - Thursday, 11/01/11, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Patrick VanBeveren, Instructor
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
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. Food safety, another important topic, will also be discussed. 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, 11/2/11 - 11/30/11, 10:30 am - 1:00 pm (lunch included)
Please Note: Class will not be held on 11/23.
Maria Mahar, Instructor
Location: United Church of Christ in Bayberry
 Life Harvests: The Gift of Sage-ing® for Family Caregivers
This introductory or “Sage-ing® 101” session for family caregivers is the perfect follow-up to Loretto’s presentations featuring the Eden Alternative philosophy of care and the Eden At Home Series. The Sage-ing® program is a process that invites elders, family caregivers and other care partners to cultivate their lives and make the years of elderhood a time of learning and growth while engaging in life review, harvesting one’s wisdom, life repair and life completion.
SAGE - Thursday, 11/10/11, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Brenda McCutcheon, Instructor
Location: DeWitt Community 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 - Monday, 11/14/11, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Mike Massurin, Instructor
Location: Hospice CNY
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, 11/17/11, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Bill Hoffman and Bob McLean, Instructors
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
Managing Challenging Behaviors of Dementia: Part II
During this class we will actually discuss 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 - Wednesday,11/21/11, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Mike Massurin, Instructor
Location: Hospice CNY
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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 a little 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Carol Anne Kozik
Carol is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Upstate Medical University College of Nursing, a medical-surgical Clinical Nurse Specialist and a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked as a registered nurse in hospital acute care, pediatrics, home care, and hospice care. She has developed patient and family education and has been a community speaker on numerous topics. She is the author of Nursing Board Exam review texts in pharmacology and pediatrics. She holds graduate degrees from Duke University and Upstate Medical Center.
Brenda McCutcheon
Brenda McCutcheon, Loretto’s Corporate Director of Elder Life and Spirituality, is a student of the New York School for Ministry’s Word and Sacrament Program, a licensed pastor for the United Church of Christ in Pitcher, NY, and a certified Sage-ing® leader, Eden associate, and Eden at Home trainer. Sage-ing® invites elders and care partners to cultivate their lives and make the years of elderhood a time of learning and growth while engaging in life review, and harvesting one’s wisdom.
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 Nutrition Services Coordinator for the Department of Aging and Youth, where her responsibilities include conducting assessments for congregate nutrition sites and Meals on Wheels agencies. She is the Director of Communications for the Healthy Aging Dietetic Practice Group, President-Elect for the New York State American Dietetic Association and the Public Policy Coordinator for the CNY Dietetic Association. She also serves 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.
Michael Massurin
Mike is the Central Regional 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 was the Executive Director for three years. He has worked for RLS Career Center, Vera House, St. Vincent DePaul and Catholic Charities. Mike holds a Masters degree from SUNY Buffalo and has completed the Executive Leadership in Non-Profits program at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University.
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.
Dr. William Thomas, MD
Dr. William Thomas is internationally recognized as a leading authority on the future of aging and longevity. He is a Harvard Medical School graduate, author, geriatrician and president to two not-for profit organizations devoted to a positive elderhood: The Summer Hill Company, parent to the Eden Alternative philosophy of care, and The Center for Growing and Becoming, parent to the Green House and other holistic approaches to aging and the care of our elders. Dr. Thomas currently serves as consultant for the Loretto family of care and its vision to transform the face of eldercare in Central New York.
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. |
