Unpaid Caregiver Support
Free Training, Support, and Emergency Items
VISIONS knows how challenging caregiving can be. Our compassionate and trained staff is here for you in our office, your community, your home, and via telephone.
VISIONS Caregiver Program provides free services for unpaid caregivers who are assisting older adults 60 years and over where either the caregiver or the care recipient (or both) is blind or visually impaired; and grandparents, 55 years and older who are the primary caregivers for a child under the age of 18 years of age where either the grandparent or the child is blind or visually impaired. Care recipients must be New York City residents. Caregivers can reside in any geographic location.
If you know someone who would benefit please use this:
Services
Caregiver Support Groups and Training
Caregiver can be a very mentally and physically draining experience. Burnout is one of the major symptoms of caregiver. Caregivers can experience many emotions such as sadness, frustration, loneliness, guilt and anxiety. When caregivers are feeling this way it important to reach out for emotional support one on one or in a group. Receiving such support has shown that caregivers feel more balanced, more empowered and feel better equipped to handle the day to day challenges. Self-care is very important for you and your loved one.
Supportive Counseling
Staff provide short-term one on one therapeutic counseling and emotional support in caregiving and life transitions, processing feelings, setting boundaries, improving communication and coping skills and problem solving. Scheduled counseling sessions can be made over the phone or in person.
Support Groups and Educational Workshops
Support groups and educational workshops are offered on a monthly basis. Support groups provide an opportunity for caregivers to share and validate their experiences, learn tips from peers and network with others in a safe and mutually supportive environment. Caregiving can be an isolating experience, but in support group you are joined by others who are going through similar situations. You don’t have to do it alone!
Educational and training workshops are a helpful way to learn about different resources available to you and your loved ones. We cover topics such as Medicare, Medicaid, end of life care, stress-management, Food Stamps, nutrition, Power of Attorney, and more.
Navigating the system can be challenging. There are many resources available but it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We can help!
Information and Referral
Staff provide information and assists in accessing appropriate benefits and entitlements. We can assist in completing applications such as Food Stamps, Access a Ride, Library of Congress, HEAP, Meals on Wheels and more. Staff make referrals to other available service providers such as case management agencies. Staff provide pertinent literature or other materials requested.
Caregiver Respite Services
As a caregiver, it can be extremely rewarding but it can also be challenging and exhausting. Caregivers need a break to recharge and prevent burnout, depression and health problems. Our program can provide you a break. Respite Care provides temporary relief to a primary caregiver from the continuous support and care of the care recipient. Our program provides day, over night and in home respite services.
Respite Outside the Home (Day and Overnight)
- Care recipients can participate in VISIONS day congregate program at VISIONS at Selis Manor community center located at 135 West 23rd Street. Transportation can be offered as well. Care recipients can participate in a variety of socially engaging activities and workshops from music, health talks and social dances.
- Care recipients can also participate in our day/overnight respite program at VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB) 111 Summit Park Road Spring Valley, NY in Rockland County. VCB provides activity-filled wellness and health education, physical activity, technology training and group programs. Activities can include swimming, arts and crafts, adaptive bowling, tandem biking, support groups, diabetes management workshops, karaoke, apple picking and movie nights. All activities encourage social engagement, building self confidence, improving physical health. Overnight Respite Services are available during scheduled Weekend Sessions from October to June and during Summer Sessions in July and August. Lodging and transportation are provided.
In-Home Respite
- The program provides Limited/Short Term Home Health Aides that can assist in health care, dressing, hygiene, meal preparation, shopping, escorting, light housekeeping and other in home tasks to give the caregiver a break. Respite Care hours will be determined through an assessment and based on funding.
We understand that caring for someone can be financially challenging from ongoing medical expenses to transportation costs. Our program can assist.
Limited Purchase of Supplemental Emergency Items
Through an assessment, the program can provide limited emergency food, transportation, durable medical equipment and minor home modifications such as grab bars, prescribed canes, commodes, bulk cleaning and personal emergency response systems.
For More Information, Please Contact:
Avian Perez
Program Director of Caregiver Services
646-486-4444, ext. 216
aperez@visionsvcb.org
Rachelle Jean-Baptiste
Caregiver Services Program Associate
212-625-1616, ext. 129
RJean-Baptiste@visionsvcb.org
VISIONS Caregiver Program is funded by the NYS Office of the Aging and the U.S. Administration on Aging’s National Family Caregiver Support Program through the NYC Department for the Aging