5/2/2025
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Posted by Susan Christian, Aging Services Specialist, Niagara County Office for the Aging
in
Caregiver Support
With baby boomers turning 60 and older, more family members are helping to care for aging parents or loved ones. It’s a big job, but there are ways to make it easier and keep your parents living independently for as long as possible.
Caring for aging parents can mean helping with things at home or in the community—like cooking, cleaning, or just being there for them. It’s not always easy, though. The good news is there are tools and supports out there to lighten the load. You can find information, join support groups, or even get a break (called respite care), so you can recharge. Some programs also connect you to local services that can help.
If you are caring for someone that has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it can feel even tougher. But there are resources for that, too. Some programs offer care advice, safety tips, and education to help you understand what’s happening. They might even give you a chance to step away for a bit while someone else watches over your loved one. These kinds of supports can make a big difference, especially if your family doesn’t qualify for certain government help.
Find out if your loved one qualifies for MAP by calling 1-800-247-1447, TTY: 711 or visiting fideliscare.org/MAP.
The Niagara County Office for the Aging brings together the programs, services, and supports that help our 47,000 older adults maintain independence whenever possible. Our goal is to provide and connect older adults with home and community-based services that enable them to age in place as long as possible.
Additional services are offered in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, to persons with dementia and their caregivers through the Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Support Initiative Program (ADCSI) grant. This grant supports the caregiver by providing care consultations, education, support groups, safety services, and respite services for those who do not qualify for Medicaid.
Under the leadership and direction of our NY State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) we are excited to announce that we have partnered with Trualta, an online education and support platform crafted for families managing care at home. Dive into its extensive library filled with practical lessons and conversations on a variety of topics including caregiver burnout, dementia and Alzheimer’s, diabetes, developmental disabilities, heart health, end of life care and next steps, and much more!
For further information about Office for the Aging programs in New York State, visit https://aging.ny.gov/.