Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands

Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands is an innovative community program serving family caregivers in Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties by connecting them with a circle of help that includes trained volunteers who provide an array of respite services. Our well-trained volunteers provide family caregivers of older adults with the time to meet self-care needs, as well as other family obligations, at no cost. Without help in the daily tasks of care-giving, the risk to your health and well being is as real as it is to your loved one. That is why the volunteers of Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands provide the assistance you need, on a schedule designed to allow you the time, personal space and freedom that is essential for healthy living.

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for family caregivers of older adult loved ones by engaging the broader community to provide assistance and respite services.

The program is offered by Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, in cooperation with partnering community organizations, and is funded in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

Click here to download WHHH’s pamphlet

If you would like to offer your ‘helpful hands’ simple complete the Volunteer Application or call the VolunteerLine at (516) 586-1507.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia can be very challenging and stressful. You don’t have to do it alone. We can help. The Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands Program provides free assistance to caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias living in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.Our program reaches out to give family caregivers of a relative who may be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia and provides a much needed break so they can continue to care for their relative at home.

Our Services

• Caregiver and family consultations
• Caregiver education and training programs
• Respite scholarships for in-home assistance, adult day services or overnight care
• Support groups
• Volunteer caregiver companion
• Memory cafes

The program includes a free in-home consultation; family consultation; support groups; education and training programs on how to care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease; scholarships for temporary relief so you can get a break. Respite can include in-home respite, adult day service or overnights in a nursing home; access to volunteer companions; and joint enrichment opportunities.

Here are a few of the ways this initiative can help you and your loved one:

• Allows the senior to remain at home.
• Emotional support for you.
• Social activities for your and your loved one.
• Supports the family.
• Focuses on your needs while helping your loved one too.
• Coordinate care and services for your loved one.
• Reduces caregiver burn-out or illness.

We are excited to be offering this caregiver program because we know that the need for caregivers in our community and country exceeds the number of adequately trained caregivers. We also know that informal caregivers in New York State provide 1.1 billion hours of unpaid care with an estimated value of $14 billion and that many of you are at the breaking point and need support to carry on. Whether you are a friend or a family member, caring for an older adult can be a challenge. The Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands program is dedicated to easing the many burdens associated with being a caregiver of an older adult with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia.  Services are free and available to anyone caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

This initiative is supported by a grant from the New York State Department of Health, and by Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation.