Episcopal SeniorLife Communities has expanded its Neighborhood Program to include Community Dementia Services, enhancing our ability to deliver innovative community-based dementia care for people living with dementia and their families. This initiative includes person-centered care navigation, 24/7 access to an expert dementia support line, respite services and caregiver training and education.

Because our Community Dementia Services are a part of our Neighborhood Program, members also have access to meaningful dementia-friendly programs which focus on health and wellness, fun and friendship

By partnering with Isaac Health, an in-home virtual medical group specializing in brain health and dementia care, we have strengthened supports for caregiving families through access to compassionate, dementia-trained specialists. Program components include the following:

Care Navigation

An ESLC care navigator will serve as your personal guide throughout the entire journey, providing regular check-ins with you and your loved ones. They will also connect you with community support organizations and resources tailored to your desires and needs.

Medical Support

Isaac Health’s team of specialized doctors and nurse practitioners will partner with your Care Navigator to set up your initial assessment. Isaac Health will visit with you annually and other times should your medical needs change.

Caregiver Support

Comprehensive caregiver educational programs will be offered to empower and educate families involved in the care and support of their loved one with dementia. Our specialized caregiver coaches will deliver one-on-one sessions, caregiver support groups and group activities designed to foster connection and mutual support among participants.

Respite Care

Our short-term respite program will offer dementia capable companion services to your loved one when you can’t be there. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are being cared for by trusted professionals.

Educational Resources

Expert Panel Series:

• Caregiving During the Holiday Season: The holidays can bring joy and togetherness, but they can also lead to stress and mixed feelings for families impacted by dementia. Our panelists will provide valuable tips and resources to help make the holidays manageable and meaningful for everyone involved.
  • Debra Fromm Faria, LCSW, ACSW, Clinical Associate Professor of Social Work Emerita at SUNY Brockport
  • Phil Shippers, MBA, Program Director Alzheimer’s Association Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter
  • Mary Berk, LCSW, Certified Mediator Family Mediation & Conflict Coaching, Lifespan of Greater Rochester
• Building Your Healthy Brain Roadmap: As we embark on a new year, it’s the perfect time to dedicate special attention to planning your healthy brain roadmap. Our panel of experts will equip you with valuable resources and strategies. Join our dynamic panel of experts as they unveil a powerful, practical roadmap for lifelong brain health. Be inspired by someone who has lived a vibrant life with dementia for over a decade guided by the cornerstones of hope and faith. Our ESLC wellness experts will deliver cutting-edge, evidence-based strategies covering movement and the profound impact of social connection. Robust brain wellness is entirely achievable!
  • Rev. Dr. Cynthia Huling Hummel, Alzheimer’s Research Participant, Catalyst, Educator, Author & Artist
  • Katie Bauer, Dementia Special Projects Manager, Lifestyle Coach, Health & Wellness Coach
• Music and Memory: Music has a unique ability to awaken the mind, spark memories and bring people together. New and emerging research on stress, resilience and brain health is transforming how we understand aging and dementia risk. Join our panelists for an inspiring and informative conversation on the powerful role music can play in supporting the brain. Explore how innovative whole-brain piano lessons and an intergenerational singing group can strengthen cognitive skills, create social connection and support emotional well-being in older adults and those living with dementia.
  • Dr. Kathi L. Heffner, PhD, Professor of Nursing, Psychiatry, and Medicine, Associate Chief of Research, Division of Geriatrics & Aging, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center
  • Dr. Michael Alan Anderson, Professor of Musicology, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, Founder and Program Director, ENCHORE Chorus

To learn more about ESLC’s Community Dementia Program please contact:

Brian Potvin, Director of Community Dementia Services
585-546-8439 x1970
GUIDEservices@EpiscopalSeniorLife.org

Testimonial

Robinlee has been a caregiver for both her mother and father since 2022 when her mother was first diagnosed with cancer. In early 2024, after her mother’s passing, Robinlee began to notice that her father was showing signs of cognitive loss, physical mobility issues, and confusion. “I put everything in my life on hold to attend to my father’s needs. I needed to make sure that he was eating properly and taking his medications, which meant that I had to drive to his home after work every day to tend to him. I barely saw my husband and the rest of my family during these times, and I found myself questioning whether I was doing enough for my dad.

The responsibility of caregiving fell entirely on me, and I was physically drained and unhealthy. At the time, I wished there was a respite program available to help with his care, especially one that didn’t come with a cost. This would have alleviated some of my stress.

Eventually, I found Episcopal SeniorLife Communities and their care navigation team, who provided invaluable guidance and support. They reassured me that everything would be okay and gave me step-by-step instructions on how to ensure my father received the care he needed. Our care navigator was truly a godsend. I’m so glad to hear that the GUIDE program is going to be available to more families like mine.”