Frequently Asked Questions

General questions about Community Caregivers
Questions about becoming a client and requesting service
Questions about becoming a volunteer

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General questions

Q. What areas do you serve?
A. Our service area includes the Towns of Guilderland (including Altamont), Bethlehem (including Delmar), Berne, Knox and New Scotland (including Voorheesville). See a map of the service area

Q. Is there a fee for your services?
A. No, there is no fee for services. All of our services are provided by volunteers, and we are funded entirely by donations, gifts and grants.

Q. Why does Community Caregivers need donations if services are provided by volunteers?
A. Like most not-for-profit groups, we have to pay rent, basic utilities and staff salaries. We also maintain or use office supplies, printed materials, telephone and Internet service, computers and other electronic equipment, a website and postage. Publicity, production of fundraising events and educational programs all have price tags attached, as well.

Community Caregivers does solicit grants through the county and state, and through private foundations.  Many of our grants are restricted though, so the monies can’t always be applied where we need them the most.  In addition, rising deficits have reduced or eliminated many government grants.  In spite of these challenges, we continue to meet the needs of your family, friends and neighbors.  It is individual and corporate donations that allow us to do so.

Q. If Community Caregivers can’t help me for some reason, who can?
A.We will be happy to refer you to other service agencies within the Capital Region.  Feel free to call our office for referrals, or see our links page and go directly to other websites that may be able to help.

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Questions about becoming a client and requesting service

Q. I want to become a Community Caregivers client.  Once I start the process, how long will it be until I can obtain services?
A.In general, it takes at least three weeks to complete the client approval process and provide us enough notice to arrange a volunteer for your first service.  First, our Client Intake Coordinator has to schedule, and then complete, an assessment visit with you.  This ensures that you get the most suitable care, whether it’s provided by Community Caregivers or through referrals to other agencies.  Once you have been assessed and approved as a client, you may start to request services for dates at least ten days away.

Q. I’m going to need a ride to a doctor’s appointment. How far ahead of time do I have to call?
A.We need a minimum of ten days’ notice, and the sooner you can schedule a service with us, the better. A volunteer may not be assigned until a few days before your appointment, but as long as we have enough notice, a volunteer will be assigned in plenty of time to get you there.

Q. I live out of the area, but my father still lives in Delmar. He’s pretty independent, but there are times when he needs some assistance. Can Community Caregivers help?
A. We sure can. We provide a variety of services to clients on an “as-needed” basis. You or your father can get in touch with us and someone from Community Caregivers will visit him to explain how things work and evaluate his situation. Or, contact us the next time you’re planning to come to the Albany area and we’ll schedule a meeting.

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Questions about becoming a volunteer

Q. I’d like to help, but I’m retired and I travel frequently. Can I still volunteer?
A. Community Caregivers is a great organization to join when you’re retired, or if you’re a busy parent who would like to “give something back” even if your time is limited. Just keep us up to date on your schedule so we don’t call when you’re unavailable, and if you’re traveling, be sure to let us know when you’re back in town.

Q. How often will I be asked to provide services?
A.That’s difficult to answer precisely. How often you’ll be asked will depend on how much you’d like to volunteer, what kind of services you can provide and what our needs are. Remember that there is no requirement to accept the job every time we call you – Community Caregivers is a “no guilt” organization.

Q. I don’t drive but I’d love to help. Is there anything else I can do?
A. Absolutely! Some volunteers help with our large mailings or work in the office on a regular basis. Others provide telephone assurance to shut-ins or make calls to volunteers when client services have been requested. Perhaps you could serve on one of our committees – just let us know where your talents lie.