White Plains, NY - Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) announced the start of its new CareCircle program to provide family caregivers with information to coordinate support and help for their loved ones from volunteers, who share in caregiving tasks.

“The CareCircle program was designed to provide a terrific service at a minimal cost,” said County Executive Rob Astorino. “Thanks to the innovative thinking of our Department of Senior Programs and Services and the dedication of our volunteers, more Westchester seniors can live in the comfort of their own home at little cost to them or the tax payer.”

A free wine and cheese reception to launch the program and its “Livable Communities CareCircle Guide – Step Forward & Give Back” will take place on Nov. 30 at The Esplanade, 95 S. Broadway, White Plains.

November is Family Caregiver Month, and the reception will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Livable Communities CareCircle Guide was developed by DSPS’ Caregiver Coalition.

Reservations are required. To sign up, call (914) 813-6263. Each person who attends the reception will receive a free copy of the new guide.

Dr. Raj Buddhahavpu (Dr. Buddha), a leading expert in geriatric medicine and palliative care at White Plains Hospital, will speak about various caregiver issues. DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter will discuss the guide’s development and the many ways it can be used.

“We’re delighted to start our CareCircle initiative, and welcome all interested people to join us at the wine and cheese reception,” said DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter. “It will be exciting to get in on the ground floor of this program, which we know will grow over the years. CareCircles make communities stronger.

A CareCircle is a group of volunteers who assist an individual – perhaps a very elderly person – with the basic needs of daily living that cannot be met with public funds.  These needs may include pitching in to do the laundry, giving rides to the doctor’s office, walking the dog or simply providing companionship.

Fewer and fewer caregivers are available to help care for Westchester’s growing senior population, and CareCircles are a way to recreate the physical and emotional support families traditionally provide.

The CareCircle concept is part of DSPS’ Livable Communities:  A Vision for all Ages - Bringing People and Places Together initiative, which it sponsors with the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services.

A key goal of the initiative is to enable seniors to continue to age in their homes and communities.  CareCircle volunteers directly advance that goal.

The 100-page guide describes what a CareCircle is and how it works as well as step-by-step guidelines on and how to start and maintain a CareCircle. It also presents general information for caregivers and tips on how to do their job effectively as well as extensive lists of community resources, agencies and senior centers.

For more information about the CareCircle program, contact Colette Phipps at (914) 813-6441 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .