ALBANY, NY — The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) recently recognized National Family Caregivers Month, highlighting the many resources to support unpaid caregivers in New York State—people who provide uncompensated help to a friend or family member.

More than half of unpaid caregivers do not think of themselves that way. They are family members, friends or neighbors who provide unpaid care and support to someone else, such as a spouse, an older parent, children or someone with chronic or other medical conditions.

“While each caregiver’s journey is unique, you are not alone,” said NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen. “NYSOFA and our community partners work continuously to help caregivers understand the importance of their work and support them, including in-person support as well as tools to relieve caregiver stress, find resources, learn evidence-based best practices and feel empowered.” 

In New York State, every year, more than four million caregivers provide direct and indirect care to assist a relative, friend, or neighbor, regardless of age. 

Area Agencies on Aging in New York State help older adults age in place. These programs help caregivers by assisting with older adults’ needs, such as transportation, nutrition programs (home-delivered and congregate meals), personal care, legal services, social programs (including friendly calls or visiting programs) and more. 

To learn more about these programs, visit www.sullivanny.gov/Departments/Aging or www.aging.ny.gov, or call the Sullivan County office at 845/794-3000, ext. 0241 or 845/807-0241.