An Introduction to the Caregiver Resource Center
Recent grant money from Title III-E Older American's Act is enabling the Department to expand outreach to caregivers through a Caregiver Resource Center including:
- An assortment of free printed materials covering the gamut of challenges faced by caregivers
- E-mail communication to quickly facilitate obtaining local information such as lists of residential facilities, Home Care Options, Benefit Checklists, etc. E-mail: caregiver@erie.gov
- A professional counselor to offer family counseling in caregiving situations
- Legal services for seniors seeking guardianship/adoption of family members under the age of 19
- A partnership with the Buffalo and Erie County Library results in a custom-designed computer database to allow caregivers to easily review publications and videos they may wish to borrow
- A walk-in-center where caregivers are assisted in accessing and printing Internet information. A customized database enables caregivers to easily search for information and sites specific to their needs, as well as take home a Web Site Address List for future reference.
Expert information, via the phone and printed materials, is always available from the Department's Information and Assistance Unit. Examples include:
- Brochure entitled "Home Care Options in Erie County"
- List of Day Care providers and information about the service
- Information about Personal Emergency Response Systems
- Support Group List
- List of Nursing Homes in Erie County
- List of Adult Residences / assisted living options in Erie County
- List of Independent Senior Housing Options in Erie County (age and income guidelines may apply)
- Assorted handouts on helping someone who has dementia
- Tips on taking care of the Caregiver
- Tips on working with difficult behaviors
Home care and day care money provides numerous hours of respite care for seniors in Erie County.
A contract with Legal Services for the Elderly provides legal expertise for seniors who are caring for relatives under the age of 18.