NORWICH – The Chenango County Area Agency on the Aging is pursuing state funds earmarked to provide respite to caregivers who are working with individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

The Central New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association recently received $7 million from the NY State Department of Health to allocate to the 15 counties in the CNY region. Of that, Chenango County is eligible for nearly $30,000 over a five-year period. Funds are reserved solely to meet the needs of providing respite to caregivers.

According to Brian Wessels, Director of the Chenango County Area Agency on the Aging, the extra funds could make a big difference in helping to expand in-home services to local individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia related diseases.

“This money falls in line with what we do. We’re trying to keep people at home, maintain a level of independence, and keep them out of an institutional setting,” said Wessels. “This is a situation where we would be assisting the caregiver and the care receiver.”

Respite care provides caregivers a temporary rest from care giving, while the person with Alzheimer’s continues to receive care in a safe environment. According to Wessels, the allocation would help enhance services already provided through the department’s Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP).