Presently, the care of persons with dementia is one of the major challenges for our public health system. The National Alzheimer's Association currently estimates that one in 10 persons between the ages of 65 and 85 has Alzheimer's or a related dementia, and increases to five in 10 of those age 85 and older. Since much of the care for these people generally falls on family members, it is important that we increase their caregiving capacity and tolerance in order to prevent unwanted or costly institutionalization.

Caring for someone who is ill or has a chronic medical condition is a role that goes over and above in terms of love and support. The joys and burdens of the role make caregiving both a rewarding and a potentially stressful and tiring endeavor. Caregivers who are caring for persons with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementia are especially challenged and they, themselves, need all the love and support they can get.

The Alzheimer's Disease Community Service Program is a program at the Cayuga County Office for the Aging which specifically supports caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementia. The program is made possible through a grant provided by the New York State Department of Health and the Cayuga County Legislature. This program is located in the Cayuga County Long Term Care Office at the Edward T. Boyle Center, 149 Genesee St. in Auburn. The program's coordinator, Corinne Ryan, can be reached at 253-1104.

A major component of the Alzheimer's Disease Community Service Program provides education and support services to people with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia and to the families involved in their care. Efforts focus on providing specific caregiving training, educational resources and personalized support to the caregiver and their family.

Training workshops are also available for caregivers who care for a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease. Such a workshop has been scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, at the Boyle Senior Center Community Room, 149 Genesee St., Auburn. Michael Massurin, program director of the Central New York Alzheimer's Association, will present “Managing Challenging Behaviors.” To register, please call the Office for the Aging at 253-1104.

The program is also working to further develop support sessions for these caregivers and family members in various parts of Cayuga County. These types of groups have shown to be a crucial source of strength and encouragement for caregivers who are experiencing difficulties in their caregiving role. Even under the best of circumstances, caring can lead to tension, stress and exhaustion. Learning ways to prevent burnout and sharing tips to make the daily routine a little easier is beneficial for the caregiver and, ultimately, the care recipient.

There are currently two ongoing groups that are actively looking to support Alzheimer's or dementia caregivers. Our Alzheimer's Disease Community Service Program is looking for caregivers of a person with Alzheimer's or related dementia who would benefit from training and support. There are presently three support groups that are meeting on a regular basis:

€ 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Mercy Health & Rehabilitation Center, 3 St. Anthony St., Auburn

€ 4:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at Christ United Methodist, 36 Church St., Moravia

€ 6 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month at Weedsport Library, 2795 E. Brutus St., Weedsport

Contact Corinne Ryan at 253-1104 for more information or to discuss your caregiving needs.

An Alzheimer's Association Support Group for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia meets at 1:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Mercy Health & Rehabilitation Center, 3 St. Anthony St., Auburn. Contact Judy Greco at 253-0351 ext. 244 to learn more.

A Men's Caregiver's Support Group for males who care for a parent, sibling or peer meets at 7 p.m. the last Tuesday of the month at the Holiday Inn, North Street in Auburn. Call Lou Nocilly at 252-3265 to learn more.

Please remember to honor and support the family members, friends and neighbors you know who provide care to their loved ones with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia. Pass on this information about our new program and supports. A little bit of help and support can go a long way to ease the burden and make them feel that they aren't doing it all themselves.

Janet Taylor is an Aging Services Specialist for the Cayuga County Office for the Aging.