Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Caregiver Respite Program

Innovative and Exemplary:

The Caregiver Respite Program at Lifespan of Greater Rochester, New York, in a strong partnership with the Alzheimer’s Foundation, has for more than 10 years served persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their families by supporting and empowering caregivers, care recipients, and volunteer providers. Using a clearly defined match process including conducting caregiver interviews and assessments, and identifying care recipient and volunteer characteristics and interests, the Caregiver Respite Program supports long and close family-provider relationships. Powerful Tools for Caregivers courses are offered as part of a family-centered approach. Volunteer training and support includes Alzheimer’s Association sponsored training as well as training in policies and procedures, job roles and responsibilities; and ways to interact socially given symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Forums for discussing challenges, brainstorming and peer-to-peer support are scheduled regularly. Formal, external program evaluation, seen by the program as vital to documenting program effectiveness and supporting efforts to maintain funding, was part of the Caregiver Respite Program’s design from the outset, and includes a specially designed database. An evaluation report is available by contacting the program. Please see their Replication Manual and learn more on their website.