Informational Resources
Eldercare Services
The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Since 1991, the Eldercare Locator has been linking those who need assistance with state and local agencies on aging, as well as community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers. Whether help is needed with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver needs training and education or a well-deserved break from caregiving responsibilities, the Eldercare Locator is there to point that person in the right direction.
On the Eldercare Locator’s website, https://eldercare.acl.gov/ you can search for eldercare services in your community by entering your zip code or city and state. Questions? Call their toll-free phone number: 1-800-677-1116.
The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Investing in Your Family
Families are busier than ever before, so make an extra effort to let your spouse, children, parents, and other special people in your life know how important they are to you. There are lots of ways to do this; here are some to get you started.
- Make time to listen thoughtfully to your loved ones.
- Schedule time alone with each of your children. Let them decide how they want to spend this special time with you.
- Make a date with your spouse.
- Take your kids for a walk after dark. Look for stars in the sky and listen for the night noises.
- Watch the sun set. Better yet, get up early and watch it rise.
- Read books together every day.
- Allow each of your children to plan the dinner menu one day each week.
- Cook together without worrying about the mess you are making.
- Create a special hand signal that means "I love you" to your family and use it often.
- Invite each of your children to go for a ride in the car alone with you. Make your destination a surprise.
- Have family movie nights.
- Pull out your old board games and have a game night.
- Show films or photographs from when you were young. Compare them to your children's photos. Share your family history.
- Never underestimate the power of a hug!
Be careful to keep family activity schedules from becoming a burden. It's important to have time for some of the little things that create the best memories.
Workplace Options. (Reviewed 2014). Investing in your family. Raleigh, NC: Author.
Identity Theft
Did you recently get a notice that says your personal information was exposed in a data breach? Did you lose your wallet or learn that an online account was hacked? Is someone making purchases on your account? Depending on what information was lost, there are steps you can take to help protect yourself from identity theft. IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government’s one-stop resource for identity theft victims. The site also provides streamlined checklists and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process. Go to: https://www.identitytheft.gov/
Welcome to the Family Packet
Work-Life Services introduces the "Welcome to the Family Packet". Parenting is an exciting and challenging experience. Today's parents often face unique circumstances balancing their work and family responsibilities. As a New York State Executive Branch employee parent, you are entitled to several negotiated benefits designed to assist you with balancing work and life. The "Welcome to the Family Packet" will outline these benefits programs as well as provide educational child care and parenting brochures. We invite you to request a "Welcome to the Family Packet" if you are expecting or recently added to your family through the birth or adoption of a child. Email your request along with your name and home address to: worklife@goer.ny.gov.
"Parenthood, it's not a job. It's an adventure" – author unknown