In a trailblazing initiative, 25 Westchester County volunteers received certificates for completing a new program to help family caregivers make informed decisions to better care for their older or disabled loved ones.  The initiative - the Livable Communities Caregiver Coaching Program  - was started last year by Commissioner Mae Carpenter of Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS).

Carpenter said the program was essential because of the rapidly growing number of families who find themselves in caregiver situations and need community support to meet their many challenges and responsibilities. According to Carpenter, often family members are thrust into caregiver roles without warning, perhaps if a spouse has a stroke or suffers an accident. As a result, they often experience stress and become overwhelmed. They may not know what to do first or the best places to call for help.

That’s where the Caregiver Coaches come in. They are stabilizing forces and sounding boards. Their training gives them practical information to become more knowledgeable about caregiving issues and concerns. They, in turn, can discuss various options with the caregivers. These conversations can empower the caregivers to set priorities and make well thought-out decisions. They work with – not for – the caregivers and are not substitutes for professionals in the field.  Nor do they assume caregiver tasks themselves or offer medical or legal advice.

The pioneering curriculum was developed by DSPS and Fordham University’s Ravazzin Center on Aging, West Harrison, N.Y., with input from an advisory committee of representatives from agencies and organizations that deal with older adults. The graduates – 21 women and four men – received their certificates in a December ceremony at the Ravazzin Center and are now being matched with family caregivers. 

“I feel like we’re on our way,” Carpenter said. “We’re out of the door in terms of getting supplemental assistance to families who have that major job of being caregivers.”

Dr. Irene Gutheil, a professor at Fordham in West Harrison and founding director of its Ravazzin Center on Aging, also said it was very gratifying to have reached this point.

“It’s great to see the fruits of our labors, to see the enthusiasm in the coaches and in the volunteers who taught the classes,” Gutheil said. “They’re ready to go out there and make a difference in people’s lives.”

The program start-up is funded through a grant from the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services. The Family Caregiver Alliance says that a variety of innovative programs to help family caregivers – an under-served population - is an emerging trend.

Carpenter said DSPS’ proactive Caregiver Coaching program is the most comprehensive of its kind in the United States. It is part of DSPS’ Livable Communities project, its signature program, which has received national awards. AARP has indicated it is one of three Livable Community models in the United States.  

The Caregiver Coaching course meets once a week for three consecutive weeks for a total of 12 hours. Participants must also attend monthly Caregiver Coach Conversations to discuss specific issues, their experiences and concerns. How much time each coach devotes to a family caregiver will vary and most of the contact will be by telephone. Candidates must make a one-year commitment to the program. 

For more information, contact DSPS at (914) 813-6441 or cap2@westchestergov.com.