The Caregiver Support Initiative

The Caregiver Support Initiative provides free services to caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders in Northern New York. The Initiative provides a number of different support groups, Memory Cafés and educational sessions meant to reduce caregivers’ financial, emotional and physical distress, while improving overall quality of life and health for caregivers.  

The Caregiver Support Initiative has two offices, in Plattsburgh, N.Y., and Queensbury, N.Y., and has designated Care Navigators for each county who lead the Initiative’s events, aiming to grow relationships and build trust between caregivers and Care Navigators within each community, ensuring that there is always someone to reach out to in trying times.

The Initiative’s educational trainings aim to address each aspect of a caregiver’s responsibilities and focus on what caregivers can expect within each stage of the disease. Trainings include Dementia: What Does it Mean, Creating a Strong Care Team, Finding Meaningful Activities, and more. Memory Cafés provide a gathering place for friends with dementia and their families to relax, socialize, and enjoy entertainment. At these free events, refreshments are served and informational resources are distributed.