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
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 Social Adult Day Programs Class Flier
Click here to download (as a PDF) the Strong Bones, Strong Bodies 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, 2010
September Date(s) Time
Men CAN Cook! ADVANCED...............................9/8 - 9/29..............10:30 – 1:00 pm
Stress and Depression.....................................9/14/10..................5:30– 7:00 pm
All About Social Adult Day Programs.....................3/23/10................. 5:30– 7:00 pm
Overcoming Guilt............................................9/28/10..................2:00 – 3:30 pm
October Date(s) Time
Powerful Tools for Caregivers......... ....................10/4 - 11/8.............11:00 – 1:30 pm
Managing Challanging Behaviors of Dementia (I)........10/5/10.................2:00 – 3:30 pm
Men CAN Cook! INTRODUCTORY..........................10/6 - 10/27............10:30 – 1:00 pm
Managing Challanging Behaviors of Dementia (II)........10/12/10...............2:00 – 3:30 pm
The Impact of Aging..........................................10/14/10...............5:30– 7:00 pm
New To Medicare? Know Your Options! .................. 10/21/10...............5:30– 7:00 pm
What Happens When You No Longer Can?...............10/26/10................5:30– 7:00 pm
November Date(s) Time
Nutrition Information for Diabetics.... .....................11/3/10................2:00 – 3:30 pm
Are Your Medications Managing You?......................11/8/10.................2:00 – 3:30 pm
Staying Safe at Home........................................11/16/10................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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Men CAN Cook! NEW:
Introductory and Advanced
These four-part courses will help “guys” find their way around the kitchen without having to ask for directions. In oductory Men Can Cook you will learn basiIntrc cooking skills, how to read and prepare recipes, how to plan and make a simple, healthy meal and how to be a smart shopper. In Advanced Men Can Cook you’ll build on the skills you learned in the Introductory class, taking on more complex recipes and learning more advanced culinary skills. Each week in both classes you and your classmates will eat together the meals you’ve cooked!
Note: You must take Introductory Men Can Cook prior to taking the Advanced class.
ADVANCED: MENA- 4 Wednesdays, 9/8/10 - 09/29/10,10:30 am - 1:00 pm (lunch included)
INTRODUCTORY: MENI- 4 Wednesdays, 10/6/10 - 10/27/10,10:30 am - 1:00 pm (lunch included)
Maria Mahar, Instructor
Location: Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church
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, 9/14/10, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Terry O’Brien, Instructor
Location:
Tucker Missionary Baptist Church
All About Social Adult Day Programs 
Day programs are a gift of time that can improve the lives of both the participant and the caregiver. This class will explore what goes on in a day program, what emotions caregivers experience and the feelings participants may have as they start out, how to deal with the changes in sharing caregiving responsibilities, and strategies for encouraging participation. Hear how day programs increase independence and improve the caregiver’s mental, physical and emotional well-being.
ADULT - Tuesday, 9/21/10, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Sister Barbara Jean Donovan, Catherine James, Rebecca Kishtok, Melissa McMahon and Linda McNally, Instructors
Location: The Salvation Army
Note: Supper will be provided at no cost!
Overcoming Guilt
Guilt can be an overwhelming emotion, one that causes stress for the caregiver and the care recipient. This class offers a comprehensive presentation and candid discussion on how caregivers can overcome the common feelings of guilt and shame associated with loving someone or caring for someone who is living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.
GUILT - Tuesday, 9/28/10, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Gussie Sorensen, Instructor
Location: Fayettville Senior Center
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, 10/4 - 11/8/10, 11:00 - 1:30 pm
Cheryl Hylton and Cynthia Stevenson, Instructors
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
Course Materials Fee: $30.00
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 - Tuesday, 10/05/10, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Mike Massurin, Instructor
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
Managing Challenging Behaviors of Dementia:  Part II
This course 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– Tuesday, 10/12/10, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Mike Massurin, Instructor
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
The Impact of Aging 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. The instructor for this class is a Nurse Practitioner at Upstate Medical University in the Division of Geriatrics. There will be ample time for questions and answers after the presentation.
AGING – Thursday, 10/14/10, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Christine Heagle Bahn, Instructor
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
New To Medicare? Know Your Options!
Confused by the numerous Medicare plans and options available to you? This course offers an overview of Medicare for people entering the program. Topics will include supplemental insurances, prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage plans, EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Program) and more.
MEDI– Thursday, 10/21/10, 5:30 - 7:00pm
Myrna Koldin, Instructor
Location: Loretto Cunningham 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 lives on hold any longer. Four 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 - Tuesday, 10/26/10, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Marty Manning, Nancy Mescon, Nona Stewart and Kris Terrillion, Instructors
Location: United Church of Christ in Bayberry
Nutrition Information for Diabetics Diabetes is a disease that greatly affects the eating habits of persons with the disease and those caring and cooking for them. This course has been designed to help manage diabetes through healthy eating and learning how to plan meals and snacks. Learn how to read food labels and about making appropriate menu choices when you are dining out. Making a few healthy changes can greatly affect your life – this class will show you how.
NUTR - Wednesday, 11/03/10, 2:00- 3:30 pm
Joan Rogus, Instructor
Location: Baldwinsville Public Library
Are Your Medications Managing You? Wth 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.
MEDS - Monday, 11/08/10, 2:00- 3:30 pm
Linda McNally, Instructor
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
Staying Safe At Home  Can you identify the hidden hazards in your home that could injure or harm you or a senior member of your family? This session will examine potential hazards in every room of the home. Receive a checklist to assess your home for these hidden hazards and identify simple modifications that you can do to make the home safe for older adults.
HOME - Tuesday, 11/16/10, 5:30- 7:00 pm
Catherine James and Marty Pond, Instructors
Location: Home Aides of Central New York
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Sister Barbara Jean Donovan
Sister Barbara Jean is the Administrator of St. Francis Social Adult Day Care Program responsible for the operation of the day program serving seniors with diminishing physical, mental and/or psychological capacity. She has a 25-year history in executive positions in hospitals, nursing homes and retirement homes in Pittsburgh, PA. A graduate of Duquesne University, she holds Masters degrees in Healthcare Administration from George Washington University and Education from Duquesne University.
Christine Heagle Bahn
Christine Heagle Bahn is a Nurse Practitioner at Upstate Medical University in the Division of Geriatrics. She has a Master’s degree in Nursing from Syracuse University and a Post Graduate degree in Nursing Education from the College of Nursing at Upstate Medical University. Christine has worked with the elderly population for all of her career. She has held her current position with Upstate for 15 years. She holds Certification as Adult Health NP and Gerontologic NP from The American Nurses Credentialing Center. She is a provider for the Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Center and University Geriatricians.
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.
Rebecca Kishtok
Rebecca is the Program Director at Silver Fox Senior Social Club in Baldwinsville. She is a graduate of SUNY College at Brockport, with a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Currently, she serves on the board of Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce, on the Vera House Elder Abuse Committee and volunteers for a variety of other community projects.
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.
Melissa McMahon
Melissa is the Chief Program Officer for the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter. She oversees both the operations of the area’s only dementia specific day program and the educational and supportive services throughout the 14 counties that the chapter serves. Melissa joined the chapter in 2001 as the Kirkpatrick Day Program’s Activity Coordinator and was named Director in 2006. She is a graduate of SUNY Brockport.
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.
Martin Manning Lt. Col. USMC (Ret.)
Marty was the 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 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 Master’s degree from SUNY Buffalo and has completed the Executive Leadership in Non-Profits program at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University.
Linda McNally
Linda McNally has practiced in the human service field since 1981, after graduating from Syracuse University School of Child and Family Services, with a certificate from the Gerontology Center. She is currently the Director of Adult Day Services at The Salvation Army, Syracuse Area Services. She came to The Salvation Army after twenty four years at Huntington Family Centers.
Nancy Mescon
Nancy Mescon is a Marketing Consultant for That Girl Marketing/Promotions. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Television/Radio from the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications, Syracuse University. Nancy is a Sponsorship Coordinator for The Syracuse Nationals, and recently coordinated theCaregiver Connection event at LeMoyne Manor.
Nancy was a long-distance caregiver for her father, an experience she describes as “the most difficult, challenging, heartbreaking and unbelievable experience of her life.” She became a full-time caregiver (with her mother by her side) when her father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease with dementia.
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 an 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.
Joan Rogus, RD; CDN
Joan is a Registered Dietitian currently consulting for the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth. She also maintains a private practice in the Syracuse area with two local physicians. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association, the Central New York Dietetic Association, and is currently serving as a Board Member of Cornell Cooperative Extension. In addition, she is presently serving as the President of the New York State Aging Services Dietitians.
Gussie Sorensen, LCSW-R, OSW-C
Gussie is a Certified Oncology Social Worker and has worked in oncology for the last 30 years in some form or another. She graduated with her Masters from Syracuse University and has worked in a variety of settings, including as Executive Director of the American Cancer Society for 10 years in Madison County, Hemotology Oncology for 13 years, and for Hospice in Madison and Oneida Counties for 2 years.
Cynthia Stevenson
Cynthia is the director of Caregiver Services at the Department of Aging and Youth. Caregiver Services 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
Nona’s husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 1995. While she was his primary caregiver, the help of their children, friends, very good paid caregivers and Dr. Brangman’s office enabled her to care for him at home for many years. He spent the last 18 months of his life in Oxford at the NY State Home for Veterans. Nona was the first director of the Interfaith Works Refugee Program, where she served 21 years until her retirement in 2001.
Kris Terrillion, BS, MS
Kris is a retired physical education teacher and coach who devotes much of her free time to volunteer projects. She is on the Executive Board of the Cortland C’ Club’s Board of Directors and a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association. She holds a Bachelors degree from SUNY Cortland and a Masters from Ithaca College. Kris was a long-distance caregiver for her mother (who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease) for over five years.
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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. |
