The Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center

Dedicated to the support and well-being of the family caregiver 

Each day your loved one is not well presents new and different challenges and struggles.  The Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center offers a means of support for your own needs and emotions. 

The Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center is dedicated to the support and well-being of the family caregiver - individuals who are the primary source of providing care for their ailing family member or friend. 

It serves as a private sanctuary during the very demanding and stressful times of providing care for your loved one, regardless of whether they are hospitalized at NWH, at another facility or at home.

Click here to see how the KHCC is comfortable BY DESIGN.

Supporting the Caregiver

Caring for a loved one is a demanding and stressful role, often with no means of support for your own needs and emotions. As Marian Hamilton, founder of The Caregivers Center explains, "Until you've been through it, you don't know what it's like." 
Click here to read Hamilton's story in the news. 
Click here to see Hamilton's interview on the CareBuzz Channel on YouTube.

The Caregivers Center provides the following services free of charge, regardless of whether your loved one is hospitalized at NWH, another facility or at home:

• A comfortable place to rest, reflect and recharge
• A space for private conversations
• Office area with computers, fax, copier, telephones and internet
• Access to a library, specializing in caregivers' resources
• A reclining message chair in a private area
• A kitchenette with healthy snacks
• Access to nutritional advice
• A Caregivers Support Program, offering counseling by a social worker and referrals to community resources
• A friendly, non-judgmental atmosphere where Caregiver Coaches can help caregivers maneuver some of their daily challenges, as well as offer emotional support and encouragement
• Caregiver Support Group -- meets the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month, 9:30am to 10:30am. For more information call 914.242.8128.

Support Group

A social worker is also available to help caregivers with counseling and professional interventions.  Other services which the Caregivers Support Program can refer you to are:

• Support Groups  (Click here to find support groups offered at NWH)
• Spirituality and Pastoral Care
• Nutritional Support
• Health Education and Community Resources
• Relaxation/Meditation and Integrative Therapies
• Nursing and Case Management
• Financial Counseling and Assistance
• Exercise and Fitness Programs

The Caregiver Support Program helps the caregiver with a multitude of issues surrounding the care of a chronically or terminally-ill loved one.  A Caregiver Coach can be a source of support for as long as the caregiver requests.  Because our coaches have personal experience with caregiving, they provide a compassionate and understanding ear to privately discuss issues and offer guidance.

Testimonials from the Family Caregivers We Support:

How was the Caregivers Center Developed?

Opened in November 2007, the Caregivers Center is the only 'in-hospital' facility of its kind in the entire New York Metropolitan area.

The Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center was named in memory of a community member who was cared for by his wife, Marian, both at home and in many hospitals, during his battle with lung cancer.  Marian cared for her husband for two stressful years, while at the same time juggling her role as a mother to two teenage daughters.  After Ken's death in 2004, Marian was inspired by her experience, realizing that hospitals are often not equipped to help the caregivers in a meaningful way. With a vision to support family caregivers, Marian approached Northern Westchester Hospital, because this vision of a Caregivers Center dovetailed with the NWH's participation and belief in the Planetree model of patient-focused, family-centered care. 

The Caregivers Center is honored to have received the Spirit of Planetree Best Practice Award for Family, Friends and Social Support.

How is the Caregivers Center Supported?

The Center is financed solely through private funding from community members and foundations.  The Caregivers Center continues to benefit from the active participation of its volunteers and donors. 

To find out how you can access services, or to become a Caregiver Coach or Ambassador of the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center, please call us at 914.242.8128.

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