United Way Caregivers Coalition Caregivers Toolbox
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Community Resources — Northern New Jersey
Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline
Provides information and support to people with memory loss, caregivers, health care professionals and the general public. The Helpline can also give referrals to local community programs, services and ongoing support.
Information: toll-free anytime day or night: 800.272.3900
Alzheimer's and Dementia Family Care Program
JFS of MetroWest NJ program for caregivers caring for a spouse or partner with Alzheimer’s or Related Dementia Disease. Includes counseling and support intervention intended to improve the well-being of caregivers, reduce their burden and distress, and improve quality of care for care recipients.
Information: Alyson Kaplan, 973.765.9050 x1705 or akaplan@jfsmetrowest.org, or click here
The ARC of New Jersey Programs
The Arc of New Jersey's Family Advocacy Program, Family Ambassadors Program or Friends Network.
Information: Cheryl Crick, 732.246.2525, x24 or fap@arcnj.org, or click here
Atlantic Health System, Caregiver Resources
The Healthy Aging Program & Atlantic Health System recommend this list of valuable resources and service providers for caregivers, click here.
Atlantic Health System, Healthy Aging & Geriatric Programs
Atlantic Health System's Healthy Aging Programs assists older individuals and their caregivers find health care services and the community resources that they need to live longer, healthier, and more active lives. They also offer a variety of geriatric services including a Geriatric Assessment Center, which are NICHE hospitals with exemplary status.
Information: click here.
Brain Injury Alliance of NJ
A statewide non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life people experience after brain injury. Offers a free family help line.
Information: 800.669.4323.
Care2Caregivers Program
Free services for caregivers of persons who have dementia, but is available to all caregivers -- including caregivers of persons with dementia who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Services include: caregiver resources (e.g., coaching on how to manage difficult behaviors); information on adult medical day programs; professional resources; peer support; and general information and referral. Rutgers Behavioral Health Care, through a grant from the NJ Department of Human Services.
Information: 800.424.2494 or click here
Care Consultation by Phone
A free telephone-based caregiver support program serving both family caregivers as well as care receivers through JFS MetroWest.
Information: Alyson Kaplan, 973.765.9050 x1705 or akaplan@jfsmetrowest.org
Clinical Research Trial on Memory Impairment
If you are between 50 and 85 years of age, and have noticed a gradual decline in your memory over the last 12 months you may be able to participate in the Scarlet RoAD clinical research trial. Receive all medication and medical monitoring for a period of 2 years. Princeton Medical Institute.
Information: 609.921.6050 or click here
Clinical Study on Alzheimer’s Disease and Agitation/Agression
HarmonyAD clinical study to determine if an investigational drug given as a pill can safely reduce symptoms of aggression and agitation in people with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). You must be at least 50 years of age, have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease, experience agitation and/or aggression at least once a week and have a study partner, informant or caregiver who is willing to participate in the study. Lasts 3 months, and includes 7 study visits and 4 telephone visits. Information: 866.395.2121 or click here
Department of Human Services, Division of Disability Services,
New Jersey Resources Guide
Call 888.285.3036 to obtain a copy or  PDF click here
Donated Dental Services
A collaborative, direct way for dentists to reach out to those with disabilities or who are elderly or medically at-risk and cannot afford dental care. A program of Dental Lifeline Network of New Jersey. Volunteer dentists treat patients in their own offices and on their own schedules. DDS Coordinator matches patients with dentists, arranges for assistance from laboratories and specialists, and handles all paperwork.
Information: click here
EZ RIDE Ryde4Life Program
New transportation option for seniors in partnership with Transportation Network Companies like Uber and Lyft, which offers rides to individuals over 60 years throughout NJ and is offered all working days from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Seniors can request rides in real times or schedule in advance and a smart phone is not required. A credit or debit card (Visa or MasterCard) is required to open an account. Fees/taxes apply. Registration required.
Information: Call M-F 8am-5pm 866.208.1307 ext. 4, click here, or email Ryde4Life@ezride.org
GoGo Grandparent - Affordable Transportation Option
GoGo Grandparent was originally made for the cofounder's grandma as a tool to help him take care of her from far away. Since their goal has become much more ambitious: They use technology to help older adults live in their home affordably for as long as possible.
Information: 855.464.6872 or to download their brochure click here
Goodwill Home Medical Equipment
Accepts donations of medical equipment that is no longer needed, and refurbishes equipment to make it available for resale at very modest cost. Inventory includes wheelchairs (manual & power) and automated recliners as well as bulk unopened medical supplies, as well as smaller durable medical equipment. Useful resource for caregivers for big ticket items that aren’t covered by insurance. This program is only available once a month in Northern New Jersey. Please contact Goodwill to make an appointment for pick up.
Information: 609.396.1513 or Click here
Hearing Impaired: Telephone System & Seminar ClearCaptions enables anyone with hearing loss to communicate easier with their no-cost advanced captioning phone system available. Join Heath Village and representatives from Clear Captions, LLC to learn more on Tuesday, 3/13/2018 at 2:00pm, at Heath Village Retirement Community 430 Schooley’s Mountain Ave., Hackettstown, NJ, 07840. Light refreshments will be provided. While the program is free, registration is required. Please call Melissa Nichols at 908-684-5006.
ClearCaptions information: click here or Seminar information: click here
Hurricane Sandy Legal Assistance Hotline
The Legal Services of New Jersey Hurricane Sandy Legal Assistance Hotline is for lower-income NJ residents with civil legal problems caused by Hurricane Sandy or the aftermath of the storm. To those who qualify, services are FREE. Help in matters involving: FEMA, insurance claims, landlord-tenant disputes, home repair contractors, unemployment benefits, welfare benefits, school services for displaced children, document replacement, income tax extensions and abatements, and other civil legal problems related to the storm.
Information: 888.222.5765 or click here to apply online
Living Well with a Disability
The Living Well with a Disability Program at DAWN is an eight-week workshop that teaches goal setting and problem solving as ways to create a healthier and happier life for people with disabilities. Meetings are held at DAWN’s office in Denville and at the Senior Center in Hackettstown. Limited transportation available.
Information: Carolee Marano, 973.625.1940, x217 or at cmarano@dawncil.org, or click here
Medical ID bracelet for Caregivers
Medical ID bracelets are important for caregivers, so that for medical professionals will know that you are caring for someone who may not be able to take care of themselves if you are not around.
Information: MedicAlert or Medical ID Fashions
The Mental Health Association in NJ (MHANJ)
A vital hub for mental health and substance use disorder services for all New Jerseyans. Information: 866.202.4357, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 8:00pm, or click here. If services are needed over the weekend, a message can be left for a call back. In addition, MHANJ has a Peer Recovery Warm Line, 877.292.5588, answered by trained mental health consumers.
Mindfulness Meditation Online
Program helps caregivers practice mindfulness to reduce stress, restore energy, be “present” for loved ones, balance taking care of others with self-care and make caregiving a rewarding experience. Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ has developed videos to help practice mindfulness any time, day or night. Additional resources for caregivers and seniors can be found on the Federation website as well.
Information: click here
NJ POLST (Physicians Order for Life Sustaining Treatment)
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services offers a planning tool intended to better facilitate implementation of a patient’s treatment goals and wishes. POLST form is designed to be completed concurrently by the patient and their treating physician/advanced practice, and is designed to serve as a medical order which will follow the patient across the continuum of care. It outlines the patient’s goals of care, and choices regarding potential medical interventions, and can be used to specify whether or not the patient desires to receive artificially administered fluids and nutrition, as well as CPR/intubation/artificial ventilation.
Information: click here to download the form or click here to download the brochure
Next Step in Care
Next Step in Care, a campaign of United Hospital Fund, offers hospital admission and Emergency Room guides to provide basic information about “observation status” and what to ask.
Information: Hospital Admissions Guide, Emergency Room Guide, Observation Guide
Pluckemin Church Medical Equipment Ministry
Pluckemin Church loans gently used medical equipment (such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, recliners, hospital beds, etc.) at no charge for those in need. Supplies are donated by the community for the community. To borrow, donate, or assist with the ministry, call 908-396-6057.
"Project Medicine Drop," New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
Unwanted or outdated medicines can be safely disposed of at drop boxes in the headquarters of local police departments.
Information: 800.242.5846 or visit the Project Medicine Drop
Rx Outreach – Prescription Assistance
One can use Rx Outreach regardless of age or if using another discount medicine program or patient assistance program. Income requirements and amounts differ depending on number of financially dependent people living in the house.
Information: click here
Salon/Barber Service
If you are looking for a traveling salon service or barber for your loved one who is no longer able to go to a hairdresser or salon, consider calling your loved one's salon (or a local one) and ask if they will send a hairdresser/barber to your loved one's home. Many hairstylists are happy to serve their long-time customers when they are no longer able to leave their home. You never know if you don't ask!
Senior Community Independent Living Services Program (SCILS)
Matches seniors who have significant vision impairment with caring volunteers who provide support, assistance, and friendship one or two hours weekly. Assist with activities such as reading mail, errands, driving to medical appointments, writing letters, grocery shopping and companionship.
Information: 888.285.3036, option 6.
Solutions to Senior Hunger Program
Initiative in response to the escalating number of seniors struggling to put food on the table, and is a national initiative from MAZON, a Jewish Response to Hunger, in partnership with the Association of Jewish Family & Children’s Agencies (AJFCA). JFS of MetroWest NJ will be conducting SNAP outreach and education to those 50+ and administering SNAP pre-application and application assistance for eligible clients. Funding provided by the Wal-Mart Foundation.
Information: Alyson Kaplan, 973.765.9050, x1705 or email akaplan@jfsmetrowest.org
Special Needs Citizens Urged to Sign Up with "Register Ready"
Residents with special needs should sign up with the New Jersey Special Needs Registry for Disasters. “NJ Register Ready” is a free, voluntary and confidential web-based program designed to identify the needs of people who may find it difficult to remain safe in their homes in the event of an emergency. If possible, individuals with special needs, their family members, caregivers or friends on their behalf, are encouraged to register online by clicking here. Registration can also be achieved by calling toll-free 2-1-1 telephone service.
Information: Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 877.222.3737
Statewide Clinical Outreach Program for the Elderly (S-COPE)
Provides 24/7 clinical consultation to screening centers, in-patient psychiatric units, and long-term care facilities. Also provides consultation and training of psychiatric and behavioral issues in older adults residing in long-term care settings. Functions as a multi-disciplinary team with a geropsychiatrist, geriatric advanced nurse practitioners, a geropsychologist and masters level clinicians. Services can be utilized by long term care facilities. There is no cost for services. Eligible for services: individuals 55+ presenting with behavioral issues related to Dementia or mental illnesses who reside in long-term care settings.
Information: 855.718.2699 or click here
Statewide Respite Care Program
Openings for those who financially qualify. CHHA time and/in-patient respite time is being offered through this program as well.
Information: Amanda DeFelice, 973.451.4133
Take Them a Meal
A website that makes it easy to set up a meal sharing schedule so that friends and family may arrange to deliver homemade meals (or have healthy meals sent on their behalf) when someone is in need.
Information: click here
TSA Helpline for Passengers with Disabilities
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides information for passengers with disabilities and medical conditions and their families before they fly. Call 72 hours in advance to learn what to expect at security checkpoints. They will also coordinate your security screening ahead of time when they know about your disability.
Information: toll-free at 855.787.2227 or click here and search on “disabilities”
United Way Caregivers Coalition Member Directory
For a list of valuable resources and service providers in your county, click here.
Vision Alliance of New Jersey
NJ for the blind is now named Vision Alliance of NJ. Vision Alliance of NJ empowers those with profound vision loss to live engaged, productive and independent lives. To find out more about programs and facilities or to schedule a tour call 973.627.0055 ext. 312.
Information: click here
VisionAware, Support for Adults with Vision Loss
Informational website for adults with vision loss, their families, caregivers, healthcare providers and social service professionals developed by the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and Readers Digest Partners for Sight Foundation. Site offers free tips and resources; information on eye diseases and disorders; different ways to connect, including message boards and social media channels; latest developments in vision loss treatment; and a directory of services, products and resources.
Information: click here
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