Shared-Respite Care and Support

Musical Memories Cafe is a shared-respite care program where older adults living with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, chronic illness, and those who feel lonely or isolated, along with their caregivers, come together to listen to live music, enjoy peer support and conversation, and eat a delicious meal. Caregivers also learn about available programs and services that can assist them in their caregiving roles. Musical Memories Cafe is Free! 

Register Today

Caregivers are invited to RSVP no later than 4-days prior to the event by contacting either Larissa Wesche at 585-497-1972 or the Allegany County Office for the Aging at 585-268-9390.

2nd Friday of Each Month -12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Fountain Arts Center
48 Schuyler Street, Belmont, New York

4th Thursday of Each Month - 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. 
Location: Varies by Date
Call to Inquire

Musicians Needed

Are you a musician interested in volunteering for Musical Memories Cafe? Contact ​Larissa Wesche at 585-497-1972 or by email at [email protected].

Musical Memories Cafe is supported by Ardent Solutions and the Allegany County Office for the Aging with the generous support of the Ralph C. Wilson Legacy Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association of WNY. 

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Are you a caregiver?

More than 34 million individuals in the United States are family caregivers. Yet, few caregivers identify themselves as such. Why? Because often the things that make you a caregiver just seem like natural things to do as a son, daughter, spouse, neighbor, or friend. Identifying yourself as a caregiver is important. It gives you access to education and support. It also helps you provide quality care while staying healthy and active yourself.  Take the quiz below to determine if you are a caregiver.

Caregiver Quiz:

• ​Do you currently provide assistance such as cleaning, yard work or laundry for an adult family member or friend?
• Do you regularly cook, provide food or grocery shop for an older adult?
• Do you help take care of a loved one’s personal finances?
• Do you help a friend or family member by picking up or reminding him or her to take medications?
• Does an older adult call you nearly every day with a question or problem?
• Do you drive a friend or adult family member to doctor’s appointments, shopping trips or on other errands?
• Has assisting an older family member forced you to miss days of work, take a reduced schedule or consider early retirement?
• Do you call on behalf of a loved one to ask a question about a bill or to clear up confusion about a product or service?
• Are you feeling stressed by the additional responsibilities you’ve had to take on to help an adult family member?
• Are you unable to take part in hobbies or recreational activities because of the time spent caring for an adult family member?

If you answered "Yes" to ANY of the questions on the quiz, you are a caregiver and respite care may be right for you and your loved-one. ​

What is Respite?

Respite care exists to give primary caregivers like you a temporary break from your duties. It might be a couple of hours a day, once a week, a few times a month, or for entire weeks while you take a much-needed vacation. Seniors can receive respite care in their home, at an adult day center, or in a healthcare facility.

Family caregivers are dedicated to making their loved one's lives easier, safer, and more enjoyable.  However, this is often at the expense of their own personal care, mental health, career, and social relationships. The goal of respite care is to prevent caregiver burnout so that you can continue caring for your mom, dad, or other loved one in a healthy way.