Caregiver Resources for Western New Yorkers
At some point in our lives, we are all likely to need help from an informal caregiver. Often, the burden falls disproportionately on women and people of color, who sometimes have to choose between their job and their roles as caregivers. To help further this effort to recognize and assist family caregivers, we have compiled a list of resources which may help you navigate caring for your loved ones. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (716) 853-3087 for possible assistance.
Our Programs (Center for Elder Law & Justice)
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Through the Western New York Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Support Initiative funded by the Department of Health, CELJ partners with Alzheimer’s Association of WNY and eight Offices of the Aging to aid caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. CELJ Attorneys provide education and legal services to caregivers that aid in long-term planning such as the preparation and execution of power of attorney or health care proxy documents; items that are vital to ensuring caregivers can fulfill their duties. Emphasis is placed on reaching at risk, marginalized, and historically underserved caregivers. Legal services are provided via phone, virtually, and in person. For assistance, contact Katelyn Nikel, Staff Attorney, at (716) 853-3087 Ext. 265.
Family Guardian Support Project
Through this project, we help court-appointed Article 81 family guardians living in Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Allegany, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, and Genesee Counties. We hold informational presentations, provide technical assistance, assist with reporting requirements, and connect family guardians to other community resources. For more information or to schedule a consult, contact Bradley Loliger, Staff Attorney, at (716) 853-3087, ext. 220.
Child Custody – Kinship Care
Our Kinship Care unit provides free legal representation to relative caregivers of all ages in Erie and Niagara counties. Our clients are often seeking temporary or permanent custody of relative children (nieces, nephews, siblings, grandchildren) because the parents are unable to continue parenting. By placing children with a relative, they can avoid foster care.
In New York, it is estimated that there are 120,000-218,000 kinship families. Legal counsel is often needed to assist with custody petitions, court appearances and applications for financial assistance and benefits. CELJ attorneys can provide representation in these matters. Income guidelines may apply for those under age 55. To find out if you qualify for assistance, you can contact our intake line at 716-853-3087.
For a useful resource check out the New York Kinship Care Navigator website.
Nursing Home and Adult Care Facility Resident Advocacy
The NYS Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is an advocate for older adults and persons who live in nursing homes and adult care facilities. Ombudsmen help residents understand and exercise their rights to good care in an environment that promotes and protects their dignity and quality of life. The NYS Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is comprised of 15 regions across the state. CELJ is proud to partner with Region 15, which covers Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara Counties. CELJ serves as the program’s legal liaison and supports the program in resident rights information and advocacy. To contact the Region 15 Ombudsman: (716) 817-9222. To contact the Ombudsman for other counties, please visit: https://aging.ny.gov/long-term-care-ombudsman-program
Free Legal Advice Helpline
Any New Yorker age 55+ can call our Free Legal Advice Helpline to speak with an attorney at 1-844-481-0973. We provide free legal help to older, disabled, and low-income adults in Western New York.
Visit our website for fact sheets, blogs, video explainers, risk screening tools, and more! https://www.elderjusticeny.org/
Community Resources
Senior Services
NYS Office for the Aging
https://aging.ny.gov/programs/caring-loved-one
Erie County
Caregiving | Senior Services (erie.gov)- there is a Caregiver Grant that covers respite care, door alarms for wanderers, etc.
Caregiver support groups: free_respite_programs_for_the_memory_impaired_in_erie_county_5.20.22.pdf
Niagara County
Niagara County Office for the Aging is the planning and coordination agency for services for older adults in Niagara County, offering a wide range of services, including nutrition, home care, day care, heath insurance counseling, legal assistance, Medical Van and much more.
The following is a list of additional organization that service older adults:
For more information on services for Caregivers or to speak with someone who can guide you, call the local NY Connects Helpline at 753-4582 or 363-4582 or 661-7582 or search the NY Connect State website. For out of state resources, visit Eldercare Locator.
Note: We recommend reaching out to your local Office for the Aging or Department of Senior Services in your county to be connected with further resources in your area.
Alzheimer’s Association
24/7 HELPLINE 1-800-272-3900
· educational classes on dementia, aging, Alzheimer’s, etc.
· support groups
· Other programs to support caregiving families
Western New York (WNY) Chapter (alz.org)
Family Help Center
Support Services : Family Help Center
· 24-HOUR FAMILY HELPLINE 716-892-2172
· Home-Based Support Services
· Parent Support Groups & Companion Childcare Groups
· Parent Café
· Food Pantry
· Transportation
Parent Network of WNY
Family & Caregiver Support Groups - Parent Network of WNY (parentnetworkwny.org)
· Support Groups
· The Link - WNY's Family & Caregiver Group
· Caregiver Support Group of Children with Special Needs
Community Agencies and Services for the Disabled in Erie County: Community Agencies and Services for the Disabled | Office for People with Disabilities (erie.gov)
Hearts & Hands
· Transportation
· In home services
· Companionship
· Coffee & conversation
Veteran’s Association (VA)
Caregiver Support | VA Western New York Health Care | Veterans Affairs
· Caregiver Support Line Phone: 855-260-3274
(Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET)
· Matching you with services and benefits
· Connecting with local resources and programs
· Resources For Enhancing All Caregivers’ Health (REACH)
· Caregivers Finding Important Resources, Support, and Training (FIRST) is a caregiving skills group.
· Caregiver Health & Wellbeing Coaching
Hospice Buffalo
Resources Overview :: Hospice Buffalo
AARP
Family Caregiving AARP Resources for Caregivers and their Families
Bornhava
Caregiver Resources | Bornhava
· Children with behavioral health, disabilities, developmental, autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome.
· Also has lists of camps, programs, and activities.
NAMI
Mental health caregiver support- Family Support Group, Caregivers, mental illness, NAMI (namibuffalony.org)
Health Foundation of Western and Central NY
Powerful Tools for Caregivers - Health Foundation for Western & Central New York (hfwcny.org)
· Partnered with Erie County Caregiver Coalition and the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professionals
Other Resources
· Resource for dealing with LGBTQ+ inclusive long-term care https://youtu.be/fEdzn3PzoUg (put together by AARP (www.aarp.org), Support Advocacy for Gay Elders (www.sageusa.org) and the Human Rights Campaign (www.hrc.org).
· TBI caregiving resources Caregivers Resources :: Headway of WNY, Inc.
· National Association of State Head Injury Administrators
· Brain Injury Association of America
