Strong community response prompts broader focus and continued free monthly series for family caregivers
TYRONE, Pa. – Strong community response to Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone’s Caregiver Support Sessions has prompted the senior living community to continue the program and expand it to serve a broader range of family caregivers in 2026.
“Our focus now will include offering support to anyone who is caring for a loved one, not just those caring for loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s,” said Jennifer Fleck, Community Relations Director, Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone.
The free, monthly sessions will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on three Thursdays — Jan. 15, Feb. 19 and March 19 at the senior living community located at 5546 East Pleasant Valley Boulevard in Tyrone. Light refreshments will be provided. Caregivers are encouraged to participate in one, two or all three sessions. RSVPs may be made by emailing [email protected] or calling (814) 686-5970.
“We spend the hour listening to some of the challenges people are having at home and use our experiences and expertise to make suggestions on how to help their loved one and themselves,” said Dawn Karlheim, Executive Operations Officer, Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone. “Even just making a small change can have a positive impact for both the caretaker and the loved one.”
Launched in the summer of 2025, the Caregiver Support Sessions drew consistent interest, leading to the addition of a fall schedule of sessions. The success of the program prompted the senior living community to continue — and expand — the series in the new year.
Mary Ann Ott, Life Stages Coordinator and Life Stories Director, said the goal is to provide reassurance and practical support to families navigating caregiving responsibilities.
“Through our Caregiver Support Sessions, our hope is to provide comfort and guidance as families navigate the challenges of caring for a loved one at home,” Ott said. “We share caregiver insights that have worked for us and can be applied at home.”
Community team members provide a welcoming space where participants can share experiences, voice concerns and learn about practical ideas and resources that may help ease daily challenges. The sessions continue to grow as caregivers seek guidance beyond traditional dementia-related topics.
“When we introduced the sessions, our focus had been on dementia and Alzheimer’s,” Fleck said. “As the sessions evolved, we saw an opportunity to provide support to a broader audience. We welcome you to join us if you are caring for someone who has suffered from a stroke, is battling cancer, or is aging at home.”
“We have the experts who can share real-life examples and resources to help so you don’t feel alone,” she said.
By continuing the Caregiver Support Sessions into 2026, Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone aims to strengthen its role as a community resource—offering caregivers not only information, but connection, understanding, and encouragement throughout their caregiving journey.
For more information, contact Jennifer Fleck, Community Relations Director, Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone, at [email protected] or call 814.686.5970.
