Legislator Vincent T. Muscarella (R-West Hempstead) yesterday voted to approve an ordinance for the New York State Elder Care Giver Support Program. The $420,000 grant will provide assistance for family members who are currently taking care of an elderly loved one. The program, which is operated by Nassau County's Department of Senior Citizen Affairs helps bring temporary relief for care providers who are responsible for a senior citizen that needs extra care. "There are thousands of people in Nassau County who are currently taking care of loved ones in Nassau County. Their jobs are often very time consuming and demanding, this program will help give those people temporary relief so they can take care of things in their own lives," said Legislator Muscarella about the program.

This grant will go towards a variety of different programs within the Elder Care Givers Support Program. Day Care programs that currently operate in Nassau County will receive new funding and new day care programs will be established to allow caregivers the ability to attend to daily activities such as food shopping or doctor's appointments. Besides day care programs at senior citizen centers, respite services will also receive funding. Information and referral services will receive additional support to better give advice and information to interested family members. If you would like to find out more about the Elder Care Giver Support Program please call the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs at 571-5814.