Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation’s Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands Program connects those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias with free support services. Services include in-home consultations; family consultations; support groups; education and training programs on how to care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease; respite scholarships; access to volunteer companions and memory cafes. All services are free and available to caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias living in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands served over 650 Long Island families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias in 2016. The initiative, which is funded in part by a multi-year grant from the New York State Department of Health, seeks to serve an additional 500 caregivers in the coming year.
“Long Island is home to approximately 50,000 people who are afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. More than half of these individuals live with a family member or friend who cares for them,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, president and CEO of Parker Jewish Institute. “The support services provided by Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands are vital to reducing caregiver stress and burnout, and helping caregivers allow their loved ones to live at home for as long as possible.”
To help ease the stress associated with being a caregiver, Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands provides respite or temporary relief so caregivers can take a break. The program offers a scholarship that covers in-home care, adult day services or overnight stays in an assisted living facility or nursing home. Caregivers can receive up to 120 hours or a maximum of $1,800 per calendar year.
In addition, caregivers also have access to volunteer companions. Trained volunteers are matched with family caregivers and make weekly visits. They provide a friendly visit; they reminisce, sing songs, play cards and games, and go on walks with their senior.
Visit www.willingheartshelpfulhands.org or call 516-586-1507 for details.
