Home Away From Home Respite Center

The Home Away from Home Respite Center is dedicated to providing a welcoming space for senior citizens with memory-related illnesses and critical free time for their families and caregivers.

Since 2016, we have been working to bring generations together and improve quality of life for caregiver, client, and volunteer alike. 

What We Do

The Respite Center trains student volunteers to create a welcoming and beneficial space where senior citizens with memory-related illnesses can come to participate in fun, social activities while their caregivers have time to themselves.

There is no cost to participate in this program, although tax-deductible contributions are greatly appreciated.

During the academic year (September through early May), the respite program is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. We also offer programming during the summer, though the hours may differ.

The program is located at the Geneseo Interfaith Center, 11 Franklin St., Geneseo, NY, 14454. Get directions on Google Maps.

More Information

What do care recipients do at the respite center?

Whether we're laughing and learning through pleasant coffee and conversation, chronicling all we have to be thankful for in our gratitude journals, or playing a round of Qwirkle, there's always something fun and refreshing happening here.

Student volunteers complete training on communication techniques and tools for managing challenging situations. They plan daily activities rooted in beneficial routines for people with memory-related diseases, with enough variety to keep it fun.

Our activities are certainly fun and engaging for our seniors, but they're often a tremendous help to our student volunteers too. Here is a sampling of some of our favorite pastimes:

• Chair yoga and aerobics
• Arts and crafts
• Games and puzzles
• Cooking projects
• Special celebrations and events
• Visits from a therapy dog

Are you a caregiver who would like your loved one to participate? 

We're always looking to take on new clients and provide as much care as we can to the community!

There is no cost to participate in this program, although tax-deductible contributions are greatly appreciated.

To participate, please fill out our application for new clients and client/caregiver care goals and send them by email to hafhrespite@geneseo.edu.

If you have questions about the program or application process, please feel free to contact us by email at hafhrespite@geneseo.edu or by phone at 585-245-6057.

Are you a student who would like to volunteer?

SUNY Geneseo student volunteers are the backbone of the Home Away from Home program.

Each student receives respite care training which gives an overview of memory-related diseases, communication techniques, as well as tools for dealing with challenging situations. Our program aims to have at least one student per client at all times so all care recipients receive personal attention.

Student volunteers and interns are also responsible for planning, facilitating, and executing fun, engaging activities for the group. We love to bring in new ideas!

If you are interested in an internship or volunteering please fill out the student volunteer application form and send it by email to hafhrespite@geneseo.edu.

If you have questions about the program or application process, please feel free to contact us by email at hafhrespite@geneseo.edu or by phone at 585-245-6057.

Testimonials

"I was surprised with the feeling I had the first time I left my mother-in-law at the center. I had peace of mind. I knew she was safe while I took care of some errands." - Caregiver

"They are such caring and loving people. It’s been wonderful for me," said one participant, who believes the program improved his memory and was pleased to have grown close to the student volunteers, especially one who frequently spent time playing games and talking with him during respite hours. "I feel like I’m her adopted grandpa," he said.

"I really like working one-on-one with people and being given the chance to develop a stronger rapport with them. This respite program has made that desire more of a living reality and has given me valuable experience." - Geneseo student Class of 2020 and respite volunteer and intern

"There’s not a week that goes by in which caregivers don’t say, 'I don’t know what I’d do without the program." - Sharon Leary

Home Away from Home Respite is proud to partner with Livingston County CARES, Inc. which acts as a fiscal sponsor for the program and provides opportunities to connect with and engage the community.