The Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services, led by Director Dana Corwin, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting family caregivers. National Family Caregivers Month, celebrated each November, aims to honor those who provide care and assistance to loved ones. The office is dedicated to assisting both older adults and caregivers of all ages.
One major challenge is helping individuals realize they are caregivers. According to the office, caregiving includes providing help with medical needs, household tasks, managing mail or bills, emotional support, or transportation. Past themes for National Caregiver Month have highlighted that caregiving often occurs unexpectedly.
The 2024 theme from the Caregiver Action Network (CAN) was “I care…,” focusing on self-recognition and identity as key factors in accessing essential support. A campaign called #CaregivingHappens raises awareness about the unexpected nature of caregiving roles.
In New York State, a campaign with ARCHANGELS offers a short questionnaire to assess caregiving intensity. Their tagline is “Any care counts -New York!” This initiative helps caregivers understand their role and access available resources.
The Caregiver Action Network began promoting national recognition of family caregivers in 1994. They aim to elevate the importance of caregiver work and connect them with local resources. The Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services provides a Caregiver Support program offering training, support, respite services, and specific aid for those caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Caregiving can evolve from occasional help into a daily commitment. Many caregivers juggle young children or full-time jobs alongside their caregiving duties. To assist these individuals, the Office for Aging Services collaborates with community partners to offer respite care, in-home aids, adult day programs, emergency response services, safety items, training/support groups, and online resources.
For those seeking more information on in-home care options like housekeeping or grocery shopping assistance in 2025, NY Connects (716-753-4582) provides guidance on community-based care options and supports for caregivers. For out-of-state services similar information can be found through Eldercare Locator at www.eldercare.acl.gov or by calling 1-800-677-1116.
Director Corwin concludes by reminding caregivers of the importance of self-care: "The key to caregiving is to remember to take care of yourself so that you can continue to take care of the one’s you love."
Alerts Sign-up