By Alzheimer’s Association
Central New York Chapter
One of the worst kept secrets about living in Upstate New York is that our population is rapidly aging. Baby boomers are heading towards retirement and Generation X is the new middle age. Our region has been lauded as one of the best places in the nation to live and the best places to retire, but there is no such designation of the best place to live with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia.
Until now.
Since 1982, the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter has partnered with families and care providers in their journeys with these diseases, enhancing care for those diagnosed by providing high quality information, education and support services. Our team, part of a national network of care professionals, look past the random nature of the disease to see the individual needs of each person diagnosed and the circumstances of each family providing care.
And, thanks to the leadership of the New York State Department of Health, we are able to reach additional people. The state invested $50 million over the past two years in services to assist New York’s dementia caregivers, of which there are nearly 1.1 million. As the local leader in Alzheimer’s support services, the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter has partnered with the state on two programs – the Alzheimer’s Disease Community Assistance Program and the Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Support Initiative.
The Community Assistance Program promotes Alzheimer’s as an issue of public health. Alzheimer’s disease is the most expensive disease in America, costing public and private healthcare systems an estimated $236 billion in 2016. This program supports services including 24-hour assistance by phone at 1-800-272-3900 and alz.org/cny; education programs, including our “Living With Alzheimer’s” series for caregivers and individuals with the disease; peer-led support groups; and training for long-term care providers.
The Caregiver Support Initiative is a holistic program that supports services including individualized care consultations, family consultations by a licensed clinician, education programs, safety services, and support groups for caregivers and individuals with dementia. The chapter has also partnered with county area agencies on aging to provide respite funds to caregivers.
This unique blend of support services assists individuals and families ease the physical, mental, emotional and financial burdens presented by an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The Alzheimer’s Asssociation, Central New York Chapter’s team of social workers and human services professionals provide support with the needs and dignity of each person in mind.
So, while we dream of living in warmer climates during Upstate New York’s never ending winters, together we have created one of best places in the state to care for someone with Alzheimer’s. Learn more about what the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter can do to support your journey. Call 1-800-272-3900 or visit alz.org/cny.
