Read the Latest Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands Newsletter

Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands Newsletter

Fall 2024

About the Long Island Alzheimer's Caregiver Initiative: Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia can be very challenging and stressful. You do not have to do it alone. We can help. The Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands Program provides free assistance to caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias living in the Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Our services include: caregiver and family consultations, caregiver education and training programs, respite scholarships for in-home assistance, support groups, volunteer caregiver companions, memory cafes, and caregiver wellness programs.

The program includes a free in-home consultation with one of our social workers. Here are a few of the ways this initiative can help you and your loved one:

allows the senior to remain at home
emotional support for you
social activities for you and your loved one
support for your family
focuses on your needs while helping your loved one
coordinate care and services for your loved one and,
reduces caregiver burn-out or illness.

Respite Care Programs

Caregivers who are caring for a relative with Alzheimer's disease or dementia need periodic breaks. When you need a vacation from caregiving let us help you. This service provides short-term, temporary care that gives the caregiver the opportunity for relief from the demands of care, making their lives more fulfilling.

Types of Respite Offered:

Respite Volunteers
Caregiver Scholarships

To Quality: Respite programs are open to all individuals who have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

The Volunteer Respite Program connects caregivers with a volunteer to care for your loved one while you take a break. Our volunteers are carefully screened, and receive health assessments as well as special training. The volunteers of Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands provide the care and supervision your loved one needs on a schedule designed to allow you the time, personal space and freedom that is essential for healthy living.

The Scholarship Respite Program offers temporary overnight care for families who need a break from the continuous demands of caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Eligible families are provided with a maximum of $1800 per calendar year. To be eligible, families must be enrolled in the Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands program and live in Nassau or Suffolk County. There are no income requirements for this program. However, the program is afforded limited funding and eligible candidates may therefore be subject to prioritization.

To learn more call (516) 586-1507 or email us at WHHH@parkerinstitute.org

Take Care of Yourself First Before You Care for Others

Unfortunately, caregivers often worry about their own health and wellness last. Don't miss a chance to participate in virtual wellness sessions! Learn techniques to reduce stress and address your own needs. From meditation and yoga to home fitness and chair exercises, we have something for everyone. It’s important to find the right self-care tools for you, so we hope you will try a few things! Check out our events calendar for more information about upcoming events.

Get more info >

Find a Support System with People Who Understand

If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia, our support groups can provide you with an emotionally and supportive environment. If you feel overwhelmed at times or have feelings of anxiety, guilt, anger, or helplessness, you can meet other caregivers who understand and relate to what you are going through. Parker has partnered with the Family & Children's Association (FCA) to offer additional, specialized caregiver support groups to meet the needs of caregivers. Groups are open to people involved in caring for and supporting those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. We offer a variety of groups, in person and virtually, to fit your needs.

In-Person Groups

South Country Library

(Facilitated by FCA)

22 Station Road, Bellport, NY 11713

Every other Monday

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Hicksville Public Library

(Facilitated by FCA)

169 Jerusalem Ave, Hicksville, NY 11801

Second Thursday of the month

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Amityville Public Library

(Facilitated by FCA)

**Moved to First United Methodist Church- Due to Construction at the library.**

25 Broadway, Amityville, NY 11701

Every other Thursday

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Mastic Beach Library

(Facilitated by FCA)

369 Neighborhood Rd, Mastic Beach, NY 11951

Every First & Third Thursday of the Month

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Glen Cove Adult Daycare Program (Facilitated by FCA)

130 Glen St Unit A, Glen Cove, NY 11542

Every other Friday

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Virtual Groups

Men's Caregiver Support Group (WHHH)

Tuesdays from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Adult Child Support Group (WHHH)

Tuesdays from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Caregiver Support Group (WHHH)

Thursdays from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Under 40 Caregiver Support Group (Facilitated by FCA)

Third Wednesday of the Month

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Coffee & Tea Caregiver Support Group (Facilitated by FCA)

Every Friday 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM

Breaking the Chains: Healing from Anger and Guilt (WHHH)

This group will be every Tuesday at 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM for 12 sessions starting: November 12 and ending February 11, 2024

Every Tuesday 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Forget Me Not Support Group

Coping with the loss of a loved one can be difficult. Our group is open to individuals who have lost a loved one and are looking for a community to share their experiences. Through a range of activities and resources, experienced counselors can help you connect with others experiencing a similar grieving process.

Where: The Bristal Assisted Living at North Hills

99 South Service Road

North Hills, 11040

When: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month from 10:00 am to 11:30 am

For more information >

Learn About New Clinical Trials for People with Alzheimer's Disease

While Alzheimer’s disease can be devastating to patients, families, and their caregivers, researchers are always looking at new ways to fight this disease. Clinical trials are great opportunities to make a difference in helping to improve Alzheimer's treatment and care.

Learn More About How You can Participate

Caregiver Wellness Series

Learn about simple steps that help busy people stay healthy.

Take charge of your health and wellness, with tips and ideas to help you live a healthier life from author Marie Ruggles (MS, RD,CN, CDCES). Learn about how to enhance your immune system and how to easily add it to your daily life. Sign up for our virtual wellness series events below.

Parker at Your Door Offers Primary Care at Home

We know it can be difficult to get the medical attention you need when you don’t feel well enough to travel to your doctor’s office. With Parker At Your Door, our team of physicians and nurse practitioners can provide you with quality and convenient health care in the comfort of your home.

Learn More

COVID-19 Vaccines:

Do you need to stay updated with your Booster shots?

COVID-19 vaccination significantly lowers your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death if you get infected.

COVID-19 vaccines are updated as new variants of the virus are discovered. Previous versions of the vaccine are no longer in use.

Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations means you increase your protection against new variants and are less likely to spread the disease to others. Staying up to date with your vaccinations also means that you are less likely to have a breakthrough infection and, if you do get sick, you are less likely to get severely ill or die.

Learn More About the COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID vaccination requires an appointment; fees are billed directly to insurance. An appointment for the second vaccination will be provided at the time the first vaccination is given. Candidates must bring valid identification and insurance cards.

Make An Appointment

Parker at Your Door offers in-home COVID vaccination appointments for individuals in Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens who are homebound.

Find More Information Here

PARKER JEWISH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH CARE AND REHABILITATION

(718) 289-2100 | WEBSITE | EMAIL

Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands is funded by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.