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In addition to the basic services listed below, you may be interested in some other programs we offer -- the Memory Loss Support Group and our Educational Programs.
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Basic Services
Client Stories: See how Community Caregivers can make a difference
See a printable version of our services summary
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"I have been volunteering with Caregivers since it started. Sometimes I take clients shopping or to physical therapy. Mostly, I drive clients to their medical appointments and to dialysis treatments."
"Wherever I take a person, they always say how much they appreciate the ride -- not only for getting back and forth, but just to have someone to talk to. A lot of people are alone all day."
"Transportation clients really like the personal touch and the door-to-door service. Sometimes, they want to pay me back in some way. I can't accept monetary gifts, so I always suggest that a donation be sent to the Caregivers office. I made one client very happy by accepting an ice-cream cone (I do have my weaknesses)."
- Dick Howie, Volunteer
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These are the types of assistance Community Caregivers most often provides:
- Transportation: Driving disabled, elderly, and non-driving persons to and from medical/therapy appointments, visits to family in nursing homes and other essential activities. We provide rides to the city of Albany and the surrounding towns as far as Latham, and to the city of Schenectady. We do not provide rides to Troy or Scotia. Clients can request up to 2 rides a week and must give 10 days’ notice.
- Shopping: Either accompanying a client who needs assistance to shop -- or doing the shopping -- for food, prescriptions, and personal items.
- Caregiver Respite: Providing an attentive presence for a care receiver that will allow individuals and families who care for someone with an illness or disability to enjoy a break from their caregiving responsibilities. Our volunteers will visit, talk, read, and do crafts. We are unable to provide medical or “hands-on” care. Respite is usually once a week for 2 to 3 hours.
- Meal Preparation/Delivery: Preparing simple meals for individuals and families temporarily unable to provide for themselves, and/or delivering food from local pantries.
- Light Housekeeping: Dusting, vacuuming, and straightening up as needed. Housekeeping may be scheduled weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Scrubbing floors and bathrooms is not included.
- Chores: Carrying packages, trimming hedges, mowing lawns, organizing closets and unpacking boxes.
- Assistance with Paperwork: Helping persons who are visually impaired or have physical limitations with sorting mail, organizing bills, and completing forms. Volunteers do not write or sign checks or act as Power of Attorney.
- Visitation: Weekly or biweekly visits to provide a physical presence for social contact and emotional/psychological support.
- Telephone Assurance: Brief contact by telephone to check on an individual’s wellbeing and to provide social and emotional support.
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Memory Loss Support Group
Memory Loss Support Group meeting schedule
Community Caregivers, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, hosts a monthly support group for caregivers of loved ones affected by memory loss. The purpose of the group is to offer caregiver support, information, resources and socialization in a comfortable environment. Please join us and enjoy some time among friends that understand the issues you face every day.
Support group meetings are held from 1 to 2 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, in the music room at Christ the King church, 20 Sumpter Avenue, Albany (get directions). Either Susan Griffiths, RN, or Chris Damon, Program Director, leads the group.
There is no charge for the meetings, and they are open to the public. Advance registration is preferred, but not required. Please call our office at 456-2898 or email us if you’d like to attend, or if you need more information about the Memory Loss Support Group.
Respite volunteers may be available, but service must be requested 10 days in advance.
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