Resources

Caregiver Resources

New York State Caregiving and Respite Coalition (NYSCRC)
Respite resources for caregivers

National Alliance for Caregiving
Resources for caregivers to improve family life

Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving

New York State Kinship Navigator
Resources for kinship caregivers in New York State

Caregiver Action Network - Caregiver Resources, Tips and Help Desk
Caregiving tips and resources for caregivers during COVID-19

AARP Caregiving Guide
Free Family Caregiving Guide

Trualta:
Extending the length of time that seniors age-in-place by building skills to help families manage care at home

Lifespan (Eldersource) care navigation programs
Call Lifespan at 585-244-8400 to learn more.

Elder Respect

Q. I suspect an elderly person may be the victim of elder abuse. What should I do?

Get as much information as possible about the signs of elder abuse and compare this with the situation you are observing. Ask questions of the alleged victim, in a respectful, but direct manner. It is recommended, and may be necessary, to interview the older person privately, without the alleged perpetrator present.

Q. Where can I obtain information on elder abuse?

In Monroe County, NY you can call Adult Protective Services at (585) 753-6532 between the hours of 8:00am -5:00pm Monday - Friday, after 5 and on weekends you may call: (585) 461-5698. You can also call NY Connects at (585) 325-2800 Monday - Friday between 8:00am - 4:00pm. For other areas in the United States, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

Q. If an elderly person is being abused, what choices does he or she have?

Unless a court has determined that s/he is lacking in capacity to make his/her own decisions, the person has the same rights as any adult to make choices about his/her living situation. These choices can range from taking action against the abuser to doing nothing and allowing the situation to continue. When the victim chooses to stay in the abusive relationship, it is often the most difficult choice for the family, friends and service providers to understand. Counseling, in-home services, other living arrangements and adult day programs are some other options which might improve the situation and reduce the risk of further abuse.

NY State Domestic Violence Program Directory

Q. Can’t Adult Protective Services force a change in the situation?

Not if the victim has capacity and knows his/her options. Lack of capacity can only be determined by a medical evaluation and a ruling by the courts.

Adult Protective workers will interview the alleged victim and make an assessment of the situation. They will probably employ the least restrictive method of intervention to address the problem.

A medical evaluation to determine capacity should be as comprehensive as possible. Physical and cognitive abilities/disabilities should be evaluated, preferably by a doctor that has experience with older adults. The primary care physician may be willing to make a referral to a geriatric assessment clinic or a geriatric psychiatrist if cognitive (mental) functioning is suspected to be impaired. A written report of the findings should emphasize the level of incapacity or impaired judgment, and in which areas of functioning these impairments occur, e.g., ability to make financial decisions, live by themselves and understand health risks.

Q. What legal options exist for the victim?

There are several, depending on the circumstances and desire of the victim to choose one. In New York State, s/he may choose to get an Order of Protection judge will take into account the wishes of the victim when issuing an Order of Protection. This order may or may not include the expulsion of the perpetrator from the home. Another option, particularly in cases of physical abuse, is to call the police and have the perpetrator arrested under the state’s Domestic Violence Law. In cases of financial exploitation, there are several legal options available, such as guardianship, to stop the exploitation. Victims should contact their attorney, the local District Attorney’s Office or Adult Protective Services to see if criminal or civil charges can be pursued. If outside New York State, check with your local Adult Protective Services office.

Q. I know of an older woman who is being physically and financially abused. She doesn’t want her substance-addicted grandson to go to jail, so the police are not called. All she keeps saying is can’t you make him get help? What can I do?

Your options are limited. Even though you may want to act on an older person’s behalf, the victim must agree to take some action. You can call your local Office for the Aging or Adult Protective Services.

Your identity will be kept confidential. New York State’s Social Services Law 473-e provides this protection for those who call in a referral. However, the victim can get an order of protection (see previous question) and a determination will be made without incurring criminal sanctions. If the grandchild violates the order, he may go to jail for contempt of court.

Combat Social Isolation

Human beings are social creatures. Our connection to others enables us to survive and thrive. Yet, as we age, many of us are alone more often than when we were younger, leaving us vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness—and related health problems such as cognitive decline, depression, and heart disease.

Social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
Social isolation is associated with about a 50% percent increased risk of dementia.
Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) is associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.
Loneliness is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Loneliness among heart failure patients is associated with a nearly 4 times increased risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and 57% increased risk of emergency department visits.

Combating Social Isolation is something we take very seriously, so we have compiled a list of resources and activities that can keep you engaged while you are home. Be sure to check back for new additions!

Resources to stay connected (PDF)

Education & Volunteering (PDF)

Wellness Activities (PDF)

Entertainment resources (PDF)