Respite can mean many things to many people. For someone with dementia, respite means taking some time to socialize, make new friends, and participate in activities. For a caregiver, respite means having some time to do things independently. The caregiver can meet friends for a meal or go shopping or even just relax at home. Respite gives both the caregiver and the person with dementia time to mentally and physically recharge.
Overview of our Social Respite Program
Over the past decade, the Alzheimer's Association, Western New York Chapter's respite program has grown and expanded. The chapter's social respite programming is run by carefully selected and trained chapter volunteers and staff members. Two types of respite services are offered - in-home respite and group respite that is conducted in a safe group setting in the community.
First Step in Receiving Respite Services
The first step in receiving in-home or group respite services in contacting the chapter at 1.800.272.3900. During this first call, a chapter staff member will discuss the requirements for our respite program, and then they will set up a time to meet with you and your loved one with dementia for an assessment. During the assessment, the chapter staff member will assess the person with dementia's ability to participate in social activities, conduct a safety assessment of the home if in-home respite is being considered, and make recommendations on care planning including respite services if appropriate.
There are some restrictions that may prohibit your loved one from being accepted into the respite program such as exhibiting combative, violent or self-destructive behavior. Also, respite volunteers cannot provide personal care or housekeeping so person's with dementia who are incontinent may be ineligible for the program as well.
In-home Social Respite Program
Our trained respite volunteers come to your home to spend time with your loved one for a few hours bi-weekly. Volunteers provide in-home socialization, supervision and meaningful activity for the individual with dementia. This can include reminiscing about the past, listening to music, playing a game, going for a walk, reading aloud, participating in a craft, etc. The cost for in-home respite is $10 or less per visit and is based on income.
Social Group Respite Programming
Our social group respite program allows the person with dementia to exercise their independence and connect with new friends while participating in group activities, and it gives their caregiver some free time to meet with friends, go shopping or to do things around the house. This format of respite is conducted in a group setting with several respite volunteers and individuals with dementia in a safe location set in the community.
Below you will find a list of current group respite locations. Again, individuals with dementia must first be assessed to determine eligibility for our respite program. Upon acceptance into the respite program, exact locations of each group respite will be disclosed. Thank you for your understanding.
| Town | Day of month | Time | Cost |
| Amherst | Third Saturday | 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | $20 |
| Mayville | Second Saturday | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | $10 |
| South Buffalo | Every Monday | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | $5 |
| Williamsville | First Tuesday | 5:30 - 8 p.m. | $15 |
Additional Respite Services
Respite services are or can be provided during select programs and services the chapter offers such as educational classes and our Symposium. To find out if respite can be provided during a program or service you would like to attend, please call the chapter at 1.800.272.3900 or e-mail program.wny@alz.org.
Also, if you would like to view a list of respite service providers within our community, please visit our WNY Service Providers page.
Become a Respite Volunteer
Would you like to become an Alzheimer's Association respite volunteer? Visit our Volunteer page, and download, complete and send in the volunteer application. Upon being interviewed by the volunteer coordinator and Director of Respite Services, free training will be provided as well as shadowing opportunities if needed.
