Friday April 26, 2024 
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Alzheimer’s: What Family Caregivers Need to Know
While the COVID-19 pandemic threatens the health of millions in this country and around the world, the novel coronavirus presents unique challenges for more than 400,000 New Yorkers living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
Most notably, public health strategies aimed at limiting contact with others is nearly impossible for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, who rely on family caregivers and others to live their daily lives. This reality affects these individuals across all settings, including home, adult day services, residential and assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
To help family caregivers navigate the current complex and quickly changing environment, the Alzheimer’s Association is offering additional guidance to families, including:
Help people living with Alzheimer’s practice safe hygiene. People with Alzheimer’s and other dementia may forget to wash their hands or follow other precautions to ensure safe hygiene. Caregivers are encouraged to be extra vigilant in helping individuals practice safe hygiene.
Anticipate and prepare that current care and support options may change. As public health containment strategies for COVID-19 escalate during the next several weeks, it is important for families to anticipate that less help and support may be available. For example, many adult day care programs are shutting down during the crisis and home health services may also become less available. It’s important for families to anticipate these changes and make plans for filling gaps in caregiving.
Ask residential care facilities about its communication policies. In order to protect the health of their residents, many facilities are restricting access to outside visitors, so it’s important to ask how you can get updates on your family member’s health and how you can communicate with loved ones during the current crisis. Ask to see if phone calls, including video calls, will be offered and how best to coordinate.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Outreach Initiative
RENSSELAER COUNTY – As educators we are doing our best to keep the community informed about updates and opportunities regarding everything going on with COVID-19.
Please see some of the most recent ones below:
Miss local Farmers Markets? They may be closed, but you can still buy from and support local producers! Check out this link that the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market released with vendors who are offering delivery services by going to their Facebook page. Looking for other locations, not listed? Check out the Harvest Connection website, Harvest Connection Facebook page, or a specific farm’s website. Don’t forget to contact them to make sure they are open and that their hours of operation are correct!
Looking for Educational Opportunities? 4-H, farms, and other businesses/organizations are offering virtual tours and activities to keep youth engaged during this time.
Looking for Information about COVID-19? Due to the large amount of speculation regarding COVID-19, this is a reminder to rely on OFFICIAL sources for accurate information. Help control the spread of rumors by checking out FEMA and Federal Agencies website as well as sign up for the latest updates from your local & state officials.
We are trying our best to stay up-to-date. Check out our website or follow CCE Rensselaer County on Facebook for information about these various opportunities as well as other updates regarding COVID-19. Questions? Send Kayela an email at kls342@nullcornell.edu.
Poestenkill Fire Co 100th Anniversary Vendor/Craft Fair
POESTENKILL – Looking for crafters & vendors for craft fair for June 6 from 3-8 pm. Activities for the day include: dress parade, ceremony, bouncy bounce for kids, food truck with beverages, block dance followed by fireworks. For more information for the vendor/craft fair contact Nancy Rogers at DRogers4@nullnycap.rr.com
East Greenbush Honor A Veteran Program
EAST GREENBUSH – The East Greenbush Honor A Veteran Program is encouraging families to consider honoring a deceased veteran member of their family. This is a wonderful way to honor the service of your veteran at the Honor A Veteran ceremony held at East Greenbush Town Hall.
Application forms are available at www.eastgreenbush.org/departments/historian Or The East Greenbush Town Hall by the public bulletin board
Or Calling Bobbie Reno, East Greenbush Town Historian at 518-477-4869 and I will be happy to mail the application form to you. The only is requirements are the veteran must have lived in East Greenbush at some point in their life and have been honorably discharged from the service.
Ilium Literary Club Meetings Cancellation
TROY – Due to CDVID-19, the Ilium Literary Club of Troy is cancelling our April 3rd and May 1st, 2020 meetings. At this time, we are not cancelling our June 5th Annual Luncheon. An announcement will be made, in the future, regarding the status of our Annual Meeting & Luncheon.
Ilium Literary Club Meeting
TROY – The Ilium Literary Club of Troy, NY will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in Oct 2020. We are looking for members & former members to help us plan this celebration. If you have memorabilia, stories of different events and/or history of the Club, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Barbara at mburban@nullprodigy.net or call 518-274-2949.
Passover Seders to Go
TROY – The Beth Tephilah Synagogue is partnering with Capital Chabad to distribute Kosher for Passover Seder-To-Go packets that can be picked up at the synagogue, 82 River Street in Troy, or can be arranged to be delivered if necessary. This is a free service, but donations are appreciated. Please call 518-894-3490 to reserve a Seder-to Go packet as soon as possible, and for more information.
Golf Partners Wanted
EAST GREENBUSH/RENSSELAER – Two senior leagues are getting organized for the 2020 golf season. If you are at least 60 years old, a duffer, haven’t golfed in a while and do not want to keep score and have fun then this is the league for you. The newly revitalized Pheasant Hollow Golf Course has reserved Monday’s and Thursday’s at 8:30 AM for these two leagues. We will have two nine week sessions.
East Greenbush Senior League starts Monday, May 4th.
Rensselaer Senior Center League starts Thursday, May 7th.
For more information call Mary (518) 749-5740.
CROP Hunger Walk Goes Virtual
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The 40th annual CROP Hunger Walk in Albany, now known as the John U. Miller Memorial CROP Hunger Walk, is going virtual. We won’t let the coronavirus stop us from taking steps to end hunger, so are asking all of our walkers to register on-line and raise funds there. The Albany CROP Walk page is at www.crophungerwalk.org/albanyny. Then, on May 3rd, walkers are encouraged to “Walk Together—Apart”. In other words, instead of gathering en masse as we have done in the past, walkers are encouraged to walk with their families or a small group in their own neighborhoods, around the block, or in a nearby park. Arrangements will be made to turn in funds if people have cash or checks, but on-line donations are preferred. Many local food pantries and soup kitchens benefit from the funds raised in the CROP Walk, as do global hunger relief programs, and these agencies will need our support more than ever during this difficult time. For more information or if you have questions, call the office of the Capital Area Council of Churches at (518)462-5450 or e-mail the Walk Chair, Kitt Jackson, at kitt82@nullverizon.net.
A Call to Artists for a Summer Juried Art Show “The Power and the Glory”
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Artists of all media are invited to submit up to two works for a juried art show titled The Power and the Glory! at Sand Lake Center for the Arts. The exhibition opens on July 1, 2019 and ends August 31, 2019. Twenty pieces will be selected with first, second, third, and people’s choice cash awards ($300., $200., $100., and $100.,) will be given. The juror for this show is Matt Crane.He is a Capital Region Artist and Adjunct Lecturer of Art, University at Albany.
Submissions should be sent to slcagallery@nullgmail.com in jpeg format by May 29, 2020. Selections will be announced by June 6, 2020 and selected works must be delivered to Sand Lake Center for the Arts – (2880 NY 43, Sand Lake), NY 12018, from June 8 to June 19, 2020 between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm, or by appointment (call 518-674-2007). For more information go to www.slca-ctp.corg.
All artwork chosen will be on display from July 1 to August 31, 2020. There is no submission fee.
There will be an artist reception on July 8 from 5-7pm that is free and open to the public.
Awards will be announced and given out at the reception.
Juried Art Show Specifications:
-No more than two submissions per artist
-Two dimensional pieces should be framed or otherwise ready to hang
-Submissions should reflect the concept of or be inspired by lyrics from the song “The Power and the Glory” written by Phil Ochs. See lyrics below.
-Two-dimensional work should not exceed 3ft x 4ft.
-Three-dimensional work should not exceed 14 inches H x 15 inches W.
*All work must be labeled with the following:
Last name, First name, Title: Medium, Size-(HxW)-Year
Questions or more information please contact Brian Sheldon at 518-674-2007, brian@nullslca-ctp.org.
Chorus: Here is a land full of power and glory
Beauty that words cannot recall
Oh her power shall rest on the strength of her freedom
Her glory shall rest on us all (on us all)
Vaping – Public Service Announcement
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Vaping has become almost more common today then cigarettes. Originally marketed as being more safe than other tobacco products recent events have made it clear that this is not the full story. One study found that those who vape the equivalent to a pack of cigarettes a day had a 70% higher risk of stroke. This is only one of the health risks that can arise from vaping. For more information visit: https://www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/vaping-linked-to-serious-health-problems.html
Addiction Screenings – Narconon can help you take steps to overcome addiction in your family. Call today for free screenings or referrals. 1- 800-431-1754.
Fentanyl – Public Service Announcement
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Fentanyl has been making headlines recently, this is because the incredibly potent chemical has been contributing to the increase in overdose deaths across America. Most people however do not know much about the chemical. For instance many don’t know that one of the things that makes fentanyl so dangerous is the fact that it can be absorbed into the system through skin contact. Meaning getting it on your skin could cause a potentially fatal overdose.
To learn more about Fentanyl visit: https://www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-fentanyl.html
Addiction Screenings – Narconon can help you take steps to overcome addiction in your family. Call today for free screenings or referrals. 1- 800-431-1754.
Faith In Action Care Team’s Need Your Help
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Do You Have 2-3 Hours Per Month To Help Someone In Your Community?
* 1 in 8 persons over 65 and nearly a third of those over 85 will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.
* 80% of Alzheimer’s patients are cared for at home by family.
Caring for someone with memory loss can be both isolating and exhausting for family members. These Families Need Your Help!
Belonging to the Care Team at your church, you only give the time you can when you can because there are several of you to share the role of helping the family.
The average volunteer offers just 2-3 hours per month. The team provides non-medical support and friendship.
All volunteers are offered training and continued support from the staff at Eddy Alzheimer’s Services.
If you would like to receive more information about our Faith In Action Care Team Program, please contact Sandy Monahan at Eddy Alzheimer’s Services-238-4167 /e-mail Sandra.monahan@nullsphp.com
Rensselaer County Recovery Helpline
RENSSELAER COUNTY – 1-833-467-3123 – Do you need help with substance use issues? Are you interested in volunteering for the helpline? The Rensselaer County Recovery Helpline offers information, local resources, and referrals for individuals and their families regarding substance use issues. The toll-free line is available 7 days a week from 9am-9pm. Each volunteer chooses shifts of 4 hours at a time to be on-call. When someone calls the number, a volunteer answers on their own smartphone, and can enter information to a database on their own computer, allowing for easy and quick access to resources. The information is sent to one of the 9 leaders, who will then assist the caller. If you or someone you know needs information, resources, or a referral for a substance use problem, call 1-833-467-3123. For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering, contact Renscohelpline@nullgmail.com
Six Center Redemption is partnering with Alzheimer’s Association
WYNANTSKILL/RENSSELAER – Return your bottles and cans and help The Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Through an arrangement with: Six-Center Redemption.
Two Locations – 461 Main Ave Wynantskill (Corner of Sharpe and Main Ave) & 550 South Street Rensselaer.
The Alzheimer’s Association will receive six cents for every container you donate to the cause. Simply drop off your containers and say “These are for the Alzheimer’s Association.”
No need to count the cans or bottles, no waiting or standing in lines to feed your cans or bottles in to a machine. The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
The first survivor of Alzheimer’s is out there, but we won’t get there without you. Join the fight with your bottles & cans!
Hudson-Mohawk Search & Rescue is Looking for Volunteers to Join our Team
CAPITAL DISTRICT – If you enjoy being outdoors in the wilderness, working with others to help people, follow directions well and have a willingness to learn, then our SAR team might be for you! Prior knowledge is helpful, but definitely not required as we provide the training. Check out our website at: www.humsar.org for more information.
Search and Rescue Volunteers Needed
CAPITAL DISTRICT – the Tri-State Emergency Team is recruiting volunteers to provide wildland and underwater searches within a 100 mile radius of Waterrford, NY. This includes all aspects of field and underwater search. The Tri-State Emergency Team responds when requested by NYS Forest Rangers and other police agencies throughout New York State, Western Vermont and Massachesettes. We are looking for certified scuba divers, experienced boat handlers, and people who enjoy hiking and the outdoors in general who wish to help people in need. The team will provide training and complete support as needed. Our headquarters is located in Waterford. Applicants need not live in Waterford to volunteer. If interested, please call 518-237-6744 or visit our website at www.tri-stateemergencyteam.org
New York State Commission for the Blind
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) provides free vocational rehabilitation and other services to legally blind New York State residents, including children, adults, and older adults. NYSCB assists participants in achieving economic self-sufficiency and full integration into society. Call toll-free (866) 871-3000 or visit our website: visionloss.ny.gov
Rensselaer County NY Connects
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Rensselaer County NY Connects provides long term services and supports which includes a range of services and supports that can help people of all ages remain independent in their daily lives. Long term services and supports are both medical and non-medical services that help to maintain or improve daily functioning and health. Finding the right services and supports to meet your needs can be very confusing. NY Connects is a trusted place that gives you information about available options whether you are paying for services yourself, through insurance, or are eligible for a government program. NY Connects serves anyone who needs information on long term services and supports. NY Connects staff can also help link you to available long term services and supports. Contact Rensselaer County NY Connects at 270-2767.