New York State Caregiving Statistics
Over 4 million family caregivers in New York, about 26% of adults, provide 2.6 billion hours of unpaid care each year, valued at approximately $58 billion. This ranks New York 4th nationally for family caregiving volume and value, according to AARP New York.

Governor Hochul honors New York State’s family caregivers for all they do and declares November as Family Caregivers Month!
See the governor’s proclamation.

Meet Sandra Paryz, a full-time caregiver and member of the NYSCRC Advocacy Committee

Q. Who are you caring for?
A. My mother.

Q. How long were you caring for them?
A. Remotely 12 years / 3 years full time.

Q. What type of condition or illness do they have?
A. Alzheimer's.

Q. What has your caregiving experience taught you about yourself?
A. I have learned that it takes a community to help with our loved ones and that caregiver burnout is real.

Q. If you had one piece of advice for those in the throes of caregiving, what would it be?
A. Don’t lose sight of who you are and what your purpose is.

Sandra and her mom Janet. “People say how lucky mom is to have me to care for her, but the reality is that I am the lucky one to be able to give her the care she so deserves.” - Sandra Paryz

Caregiver Champion
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter was a fierce supporter of family caregivers. In 1987, Mrs. Carter established the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers at Georgia Southwestern State University, championing those who selflessly nurture others. Initially focused on Georgia, the Institute now supports over 40 million family caregivers across the U.S., raising awareness and advocating for policies to uplift caregivers, igniting a powerful movement for change.
Learn more about Rosalynn Carter and the Institute

When Well-Meaning Words Hurt
Grieving the loss of a loved one you had cared for can be such a sensitive time. Oftentimes, friends and family members who mean well can do or say things that aren't always helpful or can even be hurtful. Perhaps they need to heed the advice from a Care-y-Godmother. Things Not to Say to a Caregiver: So Relieved

Tapping Into Your Creative Self for the Holidays

Engaging in creative endeavors is a great way for caregivers to lower their stress levels, achieve a more balanced lifestyle, and even strengthen their relationship with their care receiver.

This video, Create Beautiful Holiday Ornaments from Old Books, is available through the NYS Office for the Aging’s GetSetUp program. Join this fun, eco-friendly class to transform recycled book pages into charming decorations!

Simply create an account and see all there is to experience— it’s free!

November is National Diabetes Month

Diabetes affects about 38 million Americans, including adults and youth, according to the National Institutes of Health. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and it is linked to some types of cancer. This year’s Diabetes Month focuses on taking action to prevent diabetes health problems.

Managing a diabetic patient requires daily monitoring of blood sugar, adherence to medication or insulin, a balanced diet, and regular exercise.

Supporting a loved one with diabetes can make a big difference in how they manage the disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as a caregiver, learning more about diabetes is crucial to care. Find out:

• Why and when blood sugar should be checked

• How to recognize and handle highs and lows

• What lifestyle changes are needed

• Where to go for information and help

For more information and to see a full list of caregiving tips, visit the CDC website.

A Labor of Love
When Tarn noticed her mother's Alzheimer's worsening, she sought to keep her feeling valuable by inviting her to help make dumplings, a cherished family dish. This joyful collaboration blossomed into Dumpling Drop, a thriving local venture producing thousands of handmade dumplings daily. Despite the success, there are still issues —juggling financial duties, concern for her mom, and the guilt of not spending enough time with her.

Hear their story of managing care and emotions: Recipes for Connection: Dumpling Daughter

Care Connects Us 4-Part Webinar Series - Throughout the Month of November Join the Caregiver Action Network for a four-part webinar series featuring expert insights, real-world experiences, and useful strategies to support family caregivers and build stronger communities. Find out more and register

Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Information Sessions OPWDD uses the CAS and CANS assessments to understand a person's unique strengths and daily needs. These evaluations help ensure people with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive the right level of funding, care, and support. Join an upcoming webinar to hear more about these assessments. Learn more and register

Lifeplan CCONY Learning Sessions - Throughout the Month of November Choose from a variety of virtual sessions on estate planning, mental health medications, how to become more of a coach than a caregiver, and more. Get more details and register

Webinar: The Caregiver’s Armor: Finding Support and Growth on the Dementia Care Journey - November 6 from 1:00-2:00 PM
Dementia caregiving is a profound journey filled with both purpose and obstacles. Join this webinar to gain practical care tools, discover vital support networks, and learn how to maintain your own health. This session focuses on empowering caregivers to find strength and resilience through every stage of care.
Learn more and register

Dementia: Conquering the Challenges of Caregiving - November 10 and November 13 Alzheimer's diagnoses are on the rise; understanding dementia can ease caregiver burnout and improve patient life. Gain more knowledge and insight by joining one of these free virtual classes offered by the New York State Office for the Aging’s Get Set Up program. You must set up a free account. Learn more and register

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs - November 17 and December 9 Parenting a child with special needs demands energy and enthusiasm. Join Parent to Parent of NYS for this free webinar to find positive ways to manage stress effectively. Please note: These webinars are not recorded. They are all presented live. Learn more and register

Webinar: Holiday Caregiving Conversations and the Cost of Care - November 19 from 1:00-2:00 PM Thanksgiving is a great time to pause and reconnect with loved ones, and have meaningful discussions about their care needs. Thanksgiving is a great time to pause and reconnect with loved ones, having meaningful discussions about their care needs. In light of rising care costs, AARP is hosting a free webinar to empower family caregivers with confidence, offering valuable resources. The event features a live Q&A addressing how caregivers can ease financial stress while ensuring their own well-being. Learn more and register

The Oprah Podcast is Looking for Caregivers In a recent Facebook post, The Oprah Podcast put out a call for podcast guests, “We’re looking for remarkable people whose lives are dedicated to helping others through some of life’s biggest challenges.” If you’re interested in sharing your story, use this Facebook post to reach out!

How to Have Conversations: A Quick Guide Celebrating holidays with family can mean some interesting and lively conversations around the dinner table. Care conversations can often be some of the most difficult. That’s why Caring Across Generations has created this helpful one-page guide.

Caregiving and Trapped Tension

The physical and emotional strain that often accompanies caring for a loved one can lead to deep muscle tension. In fact, according to the Caregiver Action Network, caring for a loved one often pushes your nervous system into a constant "fight-or-flight" mode. This leads to chronic muscle tension, resulting in aches, back pain, neck stiffness, and headaches over time.

Progressive muscle relaxation helps you recognize and release muscle tension with regular practice. This video, Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training from Mark Connelly, offers an introduction to muscle relaxation.

NY Connects links individuals to long-term services and supports regardless of payment source/health insurance, whether it be private pay, public or a combination of both. Through the provision of free, comprehensive, objective information and assistance about long-term services and supports, NY Connects empowers individuals and families to identify available services and supports and choose what will best meet their needs at home, in the community, and as necessary, in residential or institutional settings.

To learn more, call: 1-800-342-9871 or visit www.nyconnects.ny.gov 

This publication is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,599,999 with 75 percentage funded by ACL/HHS of $1,200,000 and $399,999 and 25 percentage funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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