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Institute for Caregivers (I Care)

 

Institute

 

 

The Onondaga County Office for Aging’s Institute for Caregivers (I Care) supports and empowers current and future caregivers through education and training. This mission is met by providing caregivers with the information and skills they need to make wise decisions regarding their own needs and the ever-changing needs of those that they care for.

 

About the Institute

The Institute for Caregivers provides education and training broad enough to pertain to various illnesses and disabilities but comprehensive enough to provide many tools. The Institute is sponsored by Onondaga County Office for Aging.

 

Class Videos to Watch

The very nature of giving care to a loved one means that time is both precious and not available in large quantities. For that reason, some of our classes are recorded for convenient viewing and playback.


Click Here
to access our library of class videos.

 

Upcoming Classes:

 

Institute for Caregivers Classes – Spring/Summer 2025

Class Title: The Final Journey: Understanding Hospice and Palliative Care

When: Monday, May 12th, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Where: Liverpool Public Library – Carmen Room 310 Tulip Street Liverpool NY 13088
Presented by: Amy Shetler, RN, Clinical Educator from Hospice of CNY & the Finger Lakes
Description: Preparing for end of life or comfort care is difficult.  Having someone support you through that process and having a team to help you care for your loved one can truly help.  Hospice is designed to help during this time; the hospice team provides care that focuses on the quality of life for people who are living with an advanced, life-limiting illness and supports their caregivers also.

 

Participants will learn about:

  • Hospice vs. Palliative Care: What is the difference?
  • When should you consider hospice?
  • Starting the conversation
  • What does care consist of?  What is the hospice team?
  • How is hospice paid?  Will I have out of pocket expenses?
  • Respite care benefit: how do I utilize that?
  • Bereavement care after you say goodbye

Register Here: https://forms.office.com/r/E36RFwCYZ0

or Call Kimberly Connell at 315-435-2362 ext. 4693

 

Class Title: 2-Class Series: Key Legal & Financial Planning Concerns for Seniors and Caregivers

Part 1: Estate Planning and Asset Preservation: What You Need to Know

When: Wednesday, June 4th, 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Where: Brewerton Library Community Room 5440 Bennett Street, Brewerton, NY 13029

Presented by: Timothy P. Crisfulli, Attorney

Description: This class will provide an easy-to-understand overview of estate planning and administration including identifying and preparing key documents such as wills, trusts, health care proxies, and powers of attorney.  Strategies for asset preservation after death, legacy planning and will considerations will be discussed.  Participants will be able to identify key issues associated with planning for lifetime asset protection, maintaining control over health care, financial decision-making, and probate.

 

Part 2: How to Pay for Long-Term Care: Understanding Your Options

When: Wednesday, June 11th, 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Where: Brewerton Library Community Room 5440 Bennett Street, Brewerton, NY 13029

Presented by: Timothy P. Crisfulli, Attorney

Description: In this class attendees will gain a better understanding of how to preserve assets from the costs of long-term care.  Benefits provided by private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid will be compared.  Long-term care planning including Medicaid spend down requirements, trust overviews and Will considerations will be discussed.  Options for anyone facing long-term care costs will be reviewed and discussed for both those with plenty of time to begin advanced care financial planning to those who are already residing in a nursing home.

 

Register for one or both classes here: https://forms.office.com/r/mZ0neaVKcb

or Call Kimberly Connell at 315-435-2362 ext. 4693

 

Class Title: Empowered Caregiving: A Positive & Practical Approach to Dementia

When: Tuesday, June 17th, 2025, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Where: Silver Fox Adult Day Center – 240 W Seneca Street, Suite 4A, Manlius, NY
Presented by: Sheila Ohstrom, President of Living with Dementia CNY and Linda Johnstone, Silver Fox Program Manager and RN Trainer
Description: Caring for a loved one with dementia presents both emotional and physical challenges. Daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, transferring, and communication can be challenging and, at times, frustrating for both you and your loved one.  This class introduces the Postive Approach to Dementia care, a method that emphasizes empathy, respect, and dignity by focusing on what remains rather than what is lost.  You will learn practical strategies to improve communications, decrease anxiety, and build a stronger connection with your loved one.  The class combines the Positive Approach to Care with a Hands-on Interactive Caregiving Practicum demonstrating methods, assistive tools and techniques to help you gain confidence, reduce stress and enhance safety during daily caregiving activities.

 

Participants will learn about:

  • How to respond to cognitive changes with compassion and understanding.
  • Care partnering techniques to connect and comfort your loved one in a positive, meaningful way.
  • Effective communication strategies through language and touch to help your loved one feel secure and in control.
  • How to manage help with dressing, bathing and undergarment changes with less stress.
  • Correct use of hands on techniques and assistive devices such as a gait belt to facilitate safe transfers.

Register Here: https://forms.office.com/r/mEngv2KgYV

or Call Kimberly Connell at 315-435-2362 ext. 4693

 

 

 

Office for Aging
421 Montgomery Street
10th Floor Civic Center Syracuse, New York 13202

315-435-2362

 
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Institute for Caregivers
NY Connects
Long Term Care
Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities
 

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