Institute for Caregivers (ICare)
The Onondaga County Office for Aging’s Institute for Caregivers (I Care) supports and empowers current and future caregivers through education and training. This mission is met by providing caregivers with the information and skills they need to make wise decisions regarding their own needs and the ever-changing needs of those that they care for.
About the Institute
The Institute for Caregivers provides education and training broad enough to pertain to various illnesses and disabilities but comprehensive enough to provide many tools. The Institute is sponsored by Onondaga County Office for Aging.
This program is made possible through funds from the National Family Caregiver Support Program and NYS Office for Aging. Voluntary contributions are gratefully accepted and used to expand programs and services for Caregivers. No person will be denied service if unable or unwilling to donate. All contributions are confidential.
Accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities or limited English proficiency. If you require professional interpretation, or have a visual, hearing, or physical impairment that requires accommodations to participate in this training, please notify us ahead of the training.
Class Videos to Watch
The very nature of giving care to a loved one means that time is both precious and not available in large quantities. For that reason, some of our classes are recorded for convenient viewing and playback.
Institute for Caregivers (I-CARE) Classes – Fall 2026
Class Title: Supporting Independence: The Empowered Caregiver
When: Wednesday, Sept 16th 1pm – 2:30pm
Where: The Nottingham: 1301 Nottingham Rd, Jamesville NY 13078
Presented by: Kerri Green, Program Manager at Alzheimer’s Association of CNY
Description: This course focuses on helping the person living with dementia take part in daily activities, providing the right amount of support, and balancing safety and independence while managing expectations.
Registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/6KQuXiNipm
Class Title: Communicating Effectively: The Empowered Caregiver
When: Wednesday, Sept 23rd 1pm – 2:30pm
Where: The Nottingham: 1301 Nottingham Rd, Jamesville NY 13078
Presented by: Kerri Green, Program Manager at Alzheimer’s Association of CNY
Description: This course teaches how dementia affects communication, including tips for communicating well with family, friends and health care professionals.
Registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/6KQuXiNipm
Class Title: Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors: The Empowered Caregiver
When: Wednesday, Sept 30th 1pm – 2:30pm
Where: The Nottingham: 1301 Nottingham Rd, Jamesville NY 13078
Presented by: Kerri Green, Program Manager at Alzheimer’s Association of CNY
Description: This course details common behavior changes and how they are a form of communication, non-medical approaches to behaviors and recognizing when additional help is needed.
Registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/6KQuXiNipm
Class Title: Medicare & You
When: Monday, October 5th 12pm – 1pm
Where: Zoom Meeting
Presented by: Taylor Frawley MPH, HSM; Aging Specialist with Onondaga County Adult & Long Term Care Services
Description: Whether you are new to Medicare or are interested in learning what’s new in the coming year, this class will help answer your questions so you can make the right decisions for YOU! The class will cover types of Medicare plans, how to pick to right plan, income-related savings programs, NYS Elder Pharmaceutical Insurance Cover (EPIC), and the Office for Aging’s Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP).
Registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/BcMiStVQKE
Class Title: Making Sense of Medicaid
When: Tuesday, Oct 13th 5pm – 6:30pm
Where: Zoom Meeting
Presented by: Morgan Thurston, Esq. Assistant Welfare Attorney Onondaga County
Description: This class will help lesson the confusion around Medicaid by addressing many common questions! It will cover eligibility criteria, differences between Medicaid and Medicare, types of Medicaid and covered services, and the application process.
Registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/1jRfR25YsJ
Class Title: End of Life Care Options
When: Tuesday, Oct 20th 6pm – 7:30pm
Where: Maxwell Library: 14 Genesee St, Camillus NY 13031
Presented by: Amy Shetler, Hospice of CNY; Cara Potamianos, Family Care Medical Group Palliative Care Team; Suzanne Talarico, SerenAging.
Description: Guest speakers from the fields of hospice, palliative care, and end of life doula services will provide older adults and their family caregivers with valuable information on hospice, palliative care, and doula services. Participants will learn about end-of-life care options, how to recognize when these services may be appropriate, and the steps to access support for themselves or their loved ones.
Registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/Gvm3FS3DJg