95 Franklin Street
13th floor Buffalo, NY 14202
erie.gov/aging
Main Phone
716-858-8526
Fax
716-858-6468
Primary Services
Caregiver Consultation and Support, Caregiver Counseling
Description
Provides information to caregivers on what services are available for a family member or friend and how to obtain them. Staff complete Options Counseling to link caregivers with additional information, supports, and programs throughout Erie County so they can make an informed decision that aligns with them and their loved ones preferences, strengths, values and needs.
Services include:
-Social Adult Day Services (SADS): Linkage and funding to contracted SADS programs to provide the caregiver a well needed break and to provide enriching activities for their loved one.
-Overnight Respite: Funding for overnight care (generally 5 nights) for a loved one in a skilled nursing facility or assisted living so the caregiver can go on a vacation.
-Caregiver Counseling: Linkage and funding for six (6) sessions with a professional support counselor.
-Alzheimer's Disease Caregiver Support Initiative: Partnership with the Alzheimer's Association to provide supportive services to caregivers who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or a memory loss diagnosis. Services include care consultation, short-term respite, linkage to safety devices and legal services.
-Caregiver Community Information and Resource Packet: Information on respite and support services offered by agencies throughout Erie County.
-Kinship Caregivers: Linkage to community and legal supports for older adults caring for a grandchild or other child that is not their own.
*Services limited to grant funds available and if eligibility requirements met.
Services include:
-Social Adult Day Services (SADS): Linkage and funding to contracted SADS programs to provide the caregiver a well needed break and to provide enriching activities for their loved one.
-Overnight Respite: Funding for overnight care (generally 5 nights) for a loved one in a skilled nursing facility or assisted living so the caregiver can go on a vacation.
-Caregiver Counseling: Linkage and funding for six (6) sessions with a professional support counselor.
-Alzheimer's Disease Caregiver Support Initiative: Partnership with the Alzheimer's Association to provide supportive services to caregivers who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or a memory loss diagnosis. Services include care consultation, short-term respite, linkage to safety devices and legal services.
-Caregiver Community Information and Resource Packet: Information on respite and support services offered by agencies throughout Erie County.
-Kinship Caregivers: Linkage to community and legal supports for older adults caring for a grandchild or other child that is not their own.
*Services limited to grant funds available and if eligibility requirements met.
Hours
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.
Eligibility
- Care receiver resides in Erie County
-Respite services open to caregivers (18+) caring for an older adult (60+) or caregivers (18+) caring for a person, of any age, if they have a cognitive impairment.
-Kinship caregivers may receive options counseling, linkage to legal services and community resources.
-Care receiver is not enrolled in another program that can fund respite supports (e.g. Medicaid, OPWDD)
Service Area: Erie County.
-Respite services open to caregivers (18+) caring for an older adult (60+) or caregivers (18+) caring for a person, of any age, if they have a cognitive impairment.
-Kinship caregivers may receive options counseling, linkage to legal services and community resources.
-Care receiver is not enrolled in another program that can fund respite supports (e.g. Medicaid, OPWDD)
Service Area: Erie County.
Intake Process
Call NY Connects at 716-858-8526.
Program Fees
Generally no fee but voluntary contributions accepted. Some case managed services may have a cost share.
Languages
Language line available. Provisions can be made for the hearing impaired.
Handicap Accessible?
Yes
Accessibility
Caregiver team can conduct assessment for services by phone, home visit, or office visit based on caregiver preference.
Date of Official Change
Jul 29, 2025
Contacts
Kimberly Leonard (Primary)
Assistant Long Term Care Coordinator
caregiver@erie.gov
716-858-8526