by Kaitlin Jackson
Catholic Charities of Buffalo will give a free presentation for caregivers titled “Are You a Caregiver?” from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at Heathwood Assisted Living, 815 Hopkins Road, Amherst.
Ann Marie Doetterl, coordinator of program development for Catholic Charities’ Older Adult Services, will be the speaker. Doetterl will offer tips on avoiding guilt for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementia.
“Caregiving for a family member is an incredibly selfless act, but we know that sometimes guilt and uncertainty can creep in and cause a great amount of stress,” Doetterl said. “The purpose of this presentation is to give caregivers tips on how to navigate and resolve those feelings of guilt and to ultimately create a guilt-free atmosphere that benefits both the caregiver and loved one.”
Doetterl said the presentation is open to anyone who provides caregiving, and that a light snack will be provided. For more information, or to register, contact Joy Crawford at 688-0111, extension 240.
In addition to Alzheimer’s caregiver services, Catholic Charities offers an array of older adult services in Erie County including: A Gathering Place, a social program for adults age 60 and older; Comprehensive Care, a free in-home case management service for adults age 60 and older; Project HOPE (Helping Older People Excel), a care coordination program designed to keep adults age 60 or older with a mental health diagnosis independent in their home environment; Telephone Assurance Program, a free volunteer service that provides regular phone calls to homebound elderly and disabled persons age 60 and older; and the Foster Grandparent Program, a volunteer program for adults age 55 and older that provides support, tutoring and mentoring to special and exceptional needs children in educational settings.
Catholic Charities also offers older adult services in Orleans, Genesee and Chautauqua counties that provide social connectivity, friendship and support to the senior communities. For more information on Catholic Charities’ older adult services, please visit ccwny.org or call (716) 896-6388.
Catholic Charities has helped individuals and families in need since its founding in 1923. That need is varied and widespread – from emergency assistance to mental health counseling and treatment, and from specialized services for older adults to help with job training and education. Catholic Charities empowers children, families and seniors to achieve meaningful, healthy and productive lives. In all situations, Catholic Charities delivers support to meet immediate needs, and then assesses clients for other needs to ensure long-term success.
An excellent steward of the contributions it receives, Catholic Charities earns highest-possible ratings from Charity Navigator for transparency and sound fiscal management and is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. Catholic Charities also receives highest ratings from the Council on Accreditation for quality service.
For more information contact Catholic Charities at (716) 218-1400 or go to ccwny.org.
Catholic Charities is on Facebook at facebook.com/ccbuffalo, on Twitter at twitter.com/ccbuffalo and on Instagram at Instagram.com/catholiccharitiesbuffalo.
