Lifespan Caregiver Institute Renamed After Donor
The Finger Lakes Caregiver Institute was renamed following a donation from Clare Rotenberg.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Eldercare
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Clare Rotenberg donated funds to the Rochester-based organization Lifespan. In recognition of the gift, the Finger Lakes Caregiver Institute is now the Clare & Jerry Rotenberg Caregiver Services.
Why it matters
The donation provides critical support for services dedicated to family caregivers. Clare Rotenberg made the gift after her own experience acting as a caregiver for her husband, Jerry.
Family caregivers are estimated to provide 80 percent of all long-term care in New York State. Nationally, the National Alliance for Caregivers estimates that nearly one in four people assist a relative.
The players
Clare Rotenberg
She is the benefactor who donated funds to Lifespan to support caregiver services.
Lifespan
This Rochester-based organization provides services and resources for older adults and their families.
Kitty Norton
She is a caregiver advocate who has been involved in the field since 2018.
The details
The announcement of the new name took place at the MCC Brighton campus in Rochester. Caregiver advocate Kitty Norton delivered a keynote address during the event.
Timeline
2018: Kitty Norton began her work in caregiver advocacy.
September 19, 2026: The donation announcement took place at 10 a.m.
Culture Shift
This renaming acknowledges the societal shift toward recognizing the essential role of unpaid family members in the healthcare continuum. It follows a pattern set by the National Alliance for Caregivers by highlighting the widespread reliance on family-based support.
Residents in the Rochester area will see increased support services through the newly renamed Clare & Jerry Rotenberg Caregiver Services. Families providing long-term care can look to these expanded resources for assistance in their daily caregiving routines.
The takeaway
Caregivers often face significant burdens, and increased institutional funding serves as a vital acknowledgment of their daily sacrifices. Families should seek out local caregiver service providers to utilize available support programs.
Further reading
For more information on support resources, visit the Eldercare section.
Live Poll
Should community caregiver services rely primarily on private donations rather than government funding?
