News from WNYSeniorCare.org

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
March 16, 2010

WNYSeniorCare.org Expands its Information Content for Families of Elders
Web site Explores Emotional and Financial Issues
Associated with Caregiving Options

BUFFALO, N.Y. ­– In continuing to provide guidance for families of aging seniors in Western New York, WNYSeniorCare.org has added two informational articles to its Web site. The articles pertain to caregiver guilt and the transition of a loved one to a nursing home or assisted living facility.

Developed by the Western New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (WNYAHSA), WNYSeniorCare.org has been an invaluable resource for more than four years. providing information and guidance to families in Western New York and across the U.S. who have an aging loved one in need of care.

“We hope these educational articles will aid those faced with making decisions regarding the care for an elderly loved one,” said Kathy Nyquist, president of WNYAHSA. “These can be challenging adjustments, but having a support system in WNYSenioreCare.org can help alleviate guilt, stress or uncertainty that family members may be faced with along the way.“

WNYSeniorCare.org sought the assistance and advice of social workers from local nursing homes and assisted living residences for their recommendations on dealing with these specific eldercare issues. Megan Diehl of The Bristol Home and Kelly Crisp and Sarah Labarbera from Beechwood Homes offered tips and advice for the articles.

The articles, titled “Handling Caregiver Guilt in a Healthy Way” and “Making the Transition to Nursing Home or Assisted Living,” include information on how to cope with guilt or uncertainty, create a home at the new residence and how to best handle the emotional issues of elder care.

“Caregiving and making the best decisions for those we love can be difficult,” said Crisp and Labarbera. “Focus on the present and what you can do to improve the quality of life for your loved one and yourself.”

WNYSeniorCare.org provides links, resources and an assessment tool for families who have elderly loved ones in Western New York and are looking for additional community support. WNYSeniorCare.org was developed by WNYAHSA members, families and senior care professionals in the community. The project’s launch was made possible through a generous grant from The John R. Oishei Foundation in 2006.

WNYAHSA is a network of 70 not-for-profit senior care providers throughout Western New York. They provide nursing home care, assisted living, rehabilitation care, home health care, independent living and associated community services.

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