BATH, N.Y. (WENY) -- As a way to help caregivers and their care partners with memory impairment conditions, several organizations teamed up for a resourceful luncheon in Bath. Chat-A-Whyle on Liberty Street opened its doors to help people find the support they need locally.

Wednesday's event was hosted by the regional nonprofit, Lifespan. Their goal in hosting these weekly events is to provide a place for caregivers and their partners with Alzheimer's, dementia, and other memory conditions to slow down and learn about support programs.

Guests were invited to socialize, eat lunch, and listen to music by the duo Timeless Tunes.


They could also chat with representatives from Lifespan or the Steuben County Office for Aging about various resources like housing and volunteer programs, pharmacy deliveries, transportation, activities and classes, and nearly 30 other programs and services as well.

Organizers say help is offered all throughout the Finger Lakes region and organizers want both caregivers and those with memory impairment to know they are not alone.

"Socialization is huge and the more that we can be a caregiver just relax, spend time talking to people sharing stories and stuff like that the better they're going to feel about themselves and that's going to reflect in their ability to provide care, so they're going to actually be a better caregiver for getting out," said Christina Williams, a Memory Café and event specialist, with Lifespan.

Representatives from the Steuben County Office for Aging attended the event to learn more about Lifespan and also share more about their Caregiver Program. The program is free and offers monthly check-ins over the phone.

"So it's good, like I said, to know that you're not alone in your journey, that all these other people are here with you, regardless of what county they are," said Andrea English, an aging services specialist with the Steuben County Office for the Aging. "Lifespan's a great promoter to this program and they're very great with people."

English also recommends NY Connects as a helpful resource for long-term services and support.

Other similar events are offered through the Finger Lakes Caregiver Institute, a partnership between Lifespan and the Alzheimer's Association and funded in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

Together Today Café's are hosted across the Finger Lakes region. In June, the same luncheon event with miniature therapy horses will be hosted in Big Flats at Harris Hill Amusement Park from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Registration is free, and the link to do so can be found here.

Additional information on the events and scheduling for other dates, times, and locations in the region can be found on the Together Today Café's Facebook page.