Is it a cold or allergies?

Posted on June 16, 2022 by jwatrel

Is it a cold or allergies?

Symptoms are often similar. Use the table below to learn about typical symptoms and to help tell a cold from allegies. While there is cure for a cold or allegies, you can comfort your child by providing symptoms relief:

COLD ALLERGIES

Fever Maybe Never

SoreThroat Yes No

Cough Yes No

Itchy throat/nose No Yes

Sneezing Yes Yes

Runny Nose Yes (Thick/Discolored) Yes (Watery, Clear)

Itchy/Watery Eyes No Yes

How long Up to Two weeks Weeks to months

Contagious Yes (caused by viruses) Never (Allergies are caused by pollen, dust)

What can you do to provide symptom relief?

Ask your healtcare provider about over the counter medications to ease your child’s symptoms:

Relieve Cold Symptoms:

Clear a stuffy nose:

*Put a cool-mist humidifier near your child’s bed.

*Use saline (salt water) nose drops or spray.

*For a baby; suck out mucus with a rubber bulb after using nose drops or spray.

Keep giving liquids:

*Have your child drink a lot of water and other liquids.

*If your child won’t drink, try popsicles.

*For a baby, offer extra formula or breast milk throughout the day.

Relieve Allery Symptoms:

Reduce the pollen your child breathes in (if your child has outdoor allergies):

*Rinse face and eyes afte time outside to remove pollen.

*Keep windows closed during allergy season.

Reduce dust and dust mites (if your child has indoor allergies):

*Use a vacuum with a high-efficiency (HEPA) filter weekly.

*Wash bedding weekly in hot water.

https://www.jnj.com/innovation/why-johnson-johnson-is-focused-on-pediatric-medicine-safety

https://www.jnj.com/office-chief-medical-officer/helping-children-live-longer-healthier-happier-lives

*Disclaimer: This information was taken from the Johnson & Johnson pamphlet on Children’s Zyrtec and Tylenol and I give them full credit for the information. Please check their website for more information.

Posted in Child Program Services, New Jersey Children's Programs, New York Children's Program, Prescription Drug Programs, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Silver Bills: Concierge household bill manager

Posted on May 29, 2022 by jwatrel

Silver Bills: Concierge household bill manager

Trusted by families and professionals since 2014

Silver Bills receives, scrutinizes, stores and ensures resident’s household bills are paid correctly. Correct and timely payment of rent and other critical expenses. Helps prevent financial exploitation and eases benefit application process.

Benefits:

*Every client is paired with a U.S. Silver Bills Account Manager who can be contacted via phone, email, text or fax.

*Silver Bills facilitates living independently by assisting with financial management, providing budgeting guidance and increasing financial stability.

*Funded by the NIA/NIH.

*100% guaranteed correct payment of household bills.

*No computer uses necessary.

*Silver Bills service will be offered free of charge to seniors living in Bergen County, NJ.

Silver Bills Contact: 800-825-1924

http://www.SilverBills.com

info@SilverBills.com

For Individuals

(Fax) 866-817-8198

*An AgeTech Collaborative from AARP.

Disclaimer: This information comes directly from the Silver Bills pamphlet, and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the above numbers or check out their website for more information. I have never used this service, so I have no opinion of it.

Posted in AARP Programming, Bergen County NJ Programs, Caregiving Programs, Estate Planning Programming, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Services, Support Services for Seniors, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Galleri: Multi-cancer early detection

Posted on May 26, 2022 by jwatrel

Galleri: Multi-cancer early detection

https://www.galleri.com/

What if you found cancer early enough to make a difference?

How the Galleri Test works: through a simple blood draw, the Galleri test looks at DNA in your blood to determine if any of it may have come from cancer cells.

Introducing the Galleri Test: The Galleri multi-cancer early detection test detects more than 50 types of cancer (visit Galleri.com/50-cancersfora list of cancers) through a simple blood draw.

*The Galleri test has not been cleared or approved by the FDA.

*Early Cancer detection:

Detects many cancers that are not commonly screened for today to allow for earlier treatment.

*Testing with ease:

Can be easily incorporated into a routine healthcare visit.

*Actionable results:

If a cancer signal is found, the results can point to where in the body the cancer is coming from with high accuracy to help your healthcare provider guide your next steps.

*Who can benefit?

The Galleri test is recommended for use in adults with an elevated risk for cancer, such as those aged 50 or older. It is not recommended if you are pregnant, 21 years old or younger or undergoing active cancer treatment.

The Galleri test is intended to be used in addition to and not replace, other cancer screening tests your healthcare provider recommends. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about the Galleri test.

*Understanding the results:

The Galleri test looks for signals present in the blood drawn that may be associated with cancer. These are two possible results from the Galleri test:

*A Negative: Cancer signal NOT Detected:

This means that no cancer signal was found however not all cancers can be detected by the Galleri test. Be sure to continue with routine recommended cancer screening tests.

*A Positive: Cancer Signal Detected:

This means that there is a suspicion of cancer. Your healthcare provider will discuss appropriate follow-up tests to confirm if cancer is present.

False negative and false positive results do occur.

The most important cancer is the one that you or your loved one may have and beating it starts with knowing you have it.

Around 70% of cancer deaths are caused by cancers not commonly screened for. It is time to look at cancer more broadly. Only 5 cancers have recommended screening. Adding a multi-cancer early detection test can improve the chance of finding cancer early.

*Important Safety Information:

The Galleri test is recommended for use in adults with an elevated risk for cancer, such as those aged 50 or older. The Galleri test does not detect all cancers and should be used in addition to routine cancer screening tests recommended by a healthcare provider. Galleri is intended to detect cancer signals and predict where in the body the cancer signal is located. Use of Galleri is not recommended in individuals who are pregnant, 21 years old or younger or undergoing active cancer treatment.

Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of medical history, clinical signs and symptoms. A test result of “Cancer Signal Not Detected” does not rule out cancer. A test result of “Cancer Signal Detected” require confirmatory diagnostic evaluation by medically established procedures (e.g., imaging) to confirm cancer.

If cancer is not confirmed with further testing, it could mean that cancer is not present or testing was insufficient to detect cancer, including due to the cancer being located in a different part of the body. False-positive (a cancer signal detected when cancer is not present) and false-negative (a cancer signal not detected when cancer is present) test results do occur. Rx only.

The Galleri test had not been cleared by or approved by the FDA.

W: galleri.com

E: customerservice@grail.com

P: 833-694-2553

https://www.galleri.com/

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Galleri pamphlet, and I give them full credit for the information. I have never taken or used this test before, and I have no opinion on it. Please call or email the company directly for more information on the test or consult with your doctor.

Posted in Cancer Programming, Corporate Programming for the public, Health and Life Support Services, Men's Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Know your Risk for Preterm Birth

Posted on May 19, 2022 by jwatrel

Know your risk for preterm birth: test for risk management

Why should I know my risk for preterm delivery?

Preterm birth occurs when a baby is born 37 weeks of pregnancy normally lasts about 40 weeks or about nine months.

Babies born prematurely can require significant time in the hospital, primarily in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and require medical attention in order to survive and develop.

Babies that survive premature birth may also face long-term health challenges, including cerebral palsy, vision and hearing impairment, learning disabilities and other chronic conditions.

*Approximately 1 in 10 pregnant women in the United States will have a preterm birth.

*Up to half of all women who deliver prematurely have no known risks.

PreTRM: Test for risk management

The PreTRM Test is an innovative blood test that predicts your individual risk of delivering your baby prematurely. The test is ordered by your physician as a simple blood drawn and typically coincides with the ultrasound anatomy scan during weeks 19 to 20.

Who is the PreTRM Test for?

Most pregnant women are candidates for the PreTRM Test.

The PreTRM Test can help:

*Women 18 years or older, pregnant with a single baby (i.e., not pregnant with twins).

*Women showing no symptoms for preterm labor.

*Women not on progesterone therapy after the first trimester.

*Women having no confirmed genetic condition or disorder associated with shortened gestation.

Results will provide your individual spontaneous preterm birth risk shown as a percentage for this pregnancy. Spontaneous preterm birth is a birth that happens early that is unexpected, where the mother goes into labor and delivers without any apparent known reasons. Most premature births are “spontaneous”.

How do I get the PreTRM Test?

The PreTRM Test can be ordered by your doctor. Once your test has been ordered, our customer support team can contact you to discuss scheduling your blood draw and provide other helpful information. If you have any questions in the meantime, simply call customer support at 801-990-6600.

What do I do with the results from a PreTRM Test?

Talk to your doctor. Your pregnancy is unique and important. We provide your individualized risk of spontaneous preterm birth to help you and your doctor personalize the care you receive in your pregnancy to address your unique situation. knowing your risk may also allow you and your family to plan and prepare.

Sera Prognostics Patient Access Program:

We are actively engaging with insurance companies to provide coverage for the PreTRM Test. Additionally, we have a dedicated Patient Access Program staffed by experienced professionals to assist you. Whether you are insured or uninsured, our Patient Access Team will work with you and/or your insurance company to confirm your benefits as well as any estimated out of pocket expenses. We provide payment options and a payment assistance program for those that qualify.

For more information about your benefits eligibility, please contact our Patient Access Team directly at (800) 291-1046.

Sera Prognostics: The Pregnancy Company

PreTRM.com/801-990-6600

Home

2749 East Parleys Way, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84109

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Sera Prognostics pamphlet on PreTRM Testing and I give them full credit for the information. Please contact them directly for information on the test. I have never used this service before, so I do not have an opinion on it.

Posted in Health and Life Support Services, Pregnancy Programs, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Storm Water Pollution: What do you Think?

Posted on May 19, 2022 by jwatrel

Storm Water Pollution: What do you Think?

Clean Water New Jersey

https://nj.gov/dep/cleanwaternj/

*You may think littering is no big deal (it is).

*You may think whatever runs into the storm drains gets treated before it reaches local rivers and streams (it isn’t).

*You may think motor oil and other hazardous materials doesn’t harm the water very much (it does).

Pollution seeps into the ground and is carried by stormwater (rain and snow) directly to our drinking water, streams, lakes and oceans. Contaminated stormwater is the number one cause of water pollution in New Jersey.

Simple things, like proper clean-up after oneself and careful use of chemicals in the home, office and yard are helpful ways for businesses and residents to protect the water.

*Hasbrouck Heights NJ has ordinances aimed at reducing pollution from litter, fertilizer, oil, pesticides, detergents, animal waste, grass clippings and other debris. For details, see hasbrouck-heightsnj.org. Thank you for keeping them in mind and doing your share.

http://hasbrouck-heightsnj.org/

*Keep grass, leaves and trash out of storm drains.

*Don’t feed wildlife.

*Clean up after your pet.

*Limit use of fertilizers & pesticides.

*Properly handle hazardous products.

NJ Department of Environmental Protection

https://nj.gov/dep/cleanwaternj/

https://www.nj.gov/dep/

Disclaimer: This information came directly from the Clean Water NJ pamphlet, and I give them full credit for the information. Please refer to the attached websites for more information on the program.

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Clean Water Programming, Men's Programming, New Jersey State Program, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Hope & Resiliency Center for Youth

Posted on May 13, 2022 by jwatrel

The Hope & Resiliency Center for Youth

Hours of Operation:

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 3:00pm-7:00pm

Location: Behavioral Health Services, Building 14

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center

230 East Ridgewood Avenue

Paramus, NJ 07652

NewBridgeHealth.org

http://www.newbridgehealth.org/health-services/behavioral-health/child-adolescent-psychiatry/hope-resiliency-center/

The Hope & Resiliency Center for Youth

The Hope & Resiliency Center for Youth (the Center) is a clinic-based mental health program meeting at risk adolescents’ unique mental health needs. The Center provides “step-down” treatment for adolescents discharged from inpatient or acute partial hospitalizations or “step-down” treatment when traditional outpatient services are not meeting the needs of an adolescent.

The Hope & Resiliency Center for Youth offers a more structured level of intervention in both the frequency and the variety of services provided in traditional outpatient treatment. The Center offers a broad range of treatment services to meet the needs of adolescents and their families. This treatment setting allows adolescents to continue to attend their schools during the day and return to their homes in the evening while still receiving a high level of treatment, structure and support.

Mission:

The mission of the Hope & Resiliency Center for Youth is to reduce psychiatric issues and to improve the young person’s ability to function successfully at home, at school and in the community. The goal is to initiate change promptly, principally through symptom assessment and individualized planning, interventions and skill development.

Admission Process:

Eligibility: Adolescents 13 to 17 with a DSM-V diagnosis or behavioral problems interfering with their ability to function optimally in family, school or community settings are eligible. We consider children ages 11 to 12 years on a case-by-case basis.

Referrals/Information:

Call the Access Center at 800-730-2762 extension 2 for more information or assistance with a referral. Referrals can be made by but are not limited to, primary care providers, case managers, school personnel and community agencies.

Evaluation and Assesment:

Designed to serve as a comprehensive treatment center, the Hope & Resiliency Center for Youth offers a range of services to adolescents and their families. Before admission, a thorough evaluations occur, focusing on psychiatric issues, emotional and social adjustment, family functioning and school performance. We designed the Center treatment models to benefit most adolescents, needing acute behavioral health interventions and supports.

The evaluation includes your child and family and needs to be completed at least seven days before your child’s admission. A licensed psychiatrist trained in adolescent treatment conducts your child’s admission assessment. The attending assesses psychiatric issues, substance use disorder, medical comorbidities and other psychosocial factors so we can develop a treatment plan for your child.

Treatment Services:

From the evaluation process, the treatment team, adolescent and family collaborate on an individualized treatment plan.

The treatment plan focuses on:

*Stabilization of the adolescent from the crisis leading to admission.

*Medication evaluation and monitoring.

*Developing individual and family problem-solving skills.

Identifying and changing negative behavior patterns through cognitive behavior therapies.

The Hope & Resiliency Center for Youth provides group, individual and family therapy for comprehensive treatment. The treatment team also offers psycho-educational skill groups, medication management and monitoring as part of our treatment services.

Staffing:

The Hope & Resiliency Center for Youth uses a multi-disciplinary team approach to treatment. The team includes a medical director, program director, child psychiatrist, clinical nurse specialist, psychiatric social workers and master level specialty therapists.

Phone Numbers:

Access Center: 800-730-2762

The Hope & Resiliency Center for Youth Program: (201) 967-4080

Billing Office: (201) 967-4136

Laboratory: (201) 967-4000 ext. 25081/25082

Outpatient Pharmacy: (201) 967-5039

Psychiatric Emergency Screening Program (PESP): (201) 262-4357

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from The Hope & Resiliency Center of Youth, and I give them full credit for it. Please call them directly or check out their website for more information.

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Child Program Services, Men's Programming, New Jersey Children's Programs, New York Children's Program, Teen Programming, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Bergen County Division of Veterans Services: Service to Veterans & their Dependents

Posted on May 12, 2022 by jwatrel

Bergen County Division of Veterans Services: Service to Veterans & their Dependents

County of Bergen County

Department of Human Services

Division of Veterans Services

One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd Floor

Hackensack, NJ 07601

Phone: (201) 336-6325

Fax: (201) 336-6327

Email: veterans@co.bergen.nj.us

http://www.facebook.com/BergenCountyveteranservices

Information on Programs:

*Need information about veterans’ benefits?

*Need transportation to VA Medical Centers?

*Looking for Work?

*Homeless?

The Bergen Country Department of Human Services, Division of Veterans Services, established in 1977, provides Bergen County’s veterans and their dependents with information and assistance to obtain earned entitlements.

Help is available to initiate requests for various programs, services and entitlements, which includes employment advice and referrals, compensation for injuries received or aggravated during military service, VA home loans, pension, educational benefits, VA healthcare enrollment, VA insurance claims and requests for medals and lost military separation and discharge papers.

The staff makes referrals to agencies which deal with particular concerns, including transportation to VA medical centers in New Jersey, shelters for veterans who are homeless and many other federal, state and local benefits available to veterans and their dependents.

For information about any benefits to which you may be entitled as a veteran or a dependent of a veteran, please call (201) 336-6325 between 9:00am and 4:30pm, Monday-Friday (Fax: (201) 336-6327.

Goals:

*Secure employment opportunities for veterans.

*Provide benefits counseling to a larger population of veterans and their families.

*Assist homeless veterans with basic needs.

*Build partnerships with corporations to assist homeless veterans through “Tracers”.

*Honor Veterans through the recognition of annual holidays and acknowledge their heroic work.

*Distribute flags to be placed on the graves of veterans on Memorial Day.

*Develop partnerships with non-profit community agencies to increase services to veterans.

*Oversee the Alfred J. Thomas Home for Veterans in Garfield.

Local Veterans Resources Mental Health

Secaucus Vet Center: (201) 223-7727

Veterans and First Responders: 888-635-1806

Education Benefits:

G.I. Information 888-442-4551

Vocational Rehabilitation: (973) 297-3200

To obtain a Bergen County Clerk Veteran’s Photo Card or Gold Star Parent Identification Card please visit:

One Bergen County Plaza

Hackensack, NJ 07601

http://www.bergencountyclerk.org

Veteran’s Hotline Numbers:

VA Health Care: 888-354-3553

VA Local Health Care Hackensack: (201) 342-4536

VA Benefits: 800-827-1000

Community Transportation (to VA Hospital): (201) 368-5955

VA Medical Care East Orange, NJ: (973) 676-1000

NJ DMAVA Claims Veterans Service Officer:

Hackensack (201) 996-8050

Jersey City (201) 536-3401

Homeless Resources: Supportive Services for Veterans and their Families

Community Hope: (855) 483-8466

Soldier On: (866) 406-8449

Catholic Charities: (855) 767-8387

Emergency Solutions Grant: (201) 336-6590

Veteran Employment Resources:

Local Veteran Employment Rep. (201) 329-9600 ext. 5643

NJ Helmet’s to Hardhats: (732) 499-7295

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Bergen County; NJ Department of Veterans Affairs and I give them full credit for it. Please contact the departments for more information when you need it.

Posted in Behavioral Health and Psychiatry Services, Bergen County NJ Programs, Health and Life Support Services, Home Improvement & Care Programs, Homeless Service Programs, Housing Programs, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Services, Support Services for Seniors, Uncategorized, Veterans Programming, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

VetAssist Program: We change lives-Helping Accessing Aid and Attendance.

Posted on May 12, 2022 by jwatrel

VetAssist Program: We change lives-Helping Accessing Aid and Attendance

The VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit is for wartime veterans or their surviving spouses, who meet certain medical and financial requirements.

VA Requirements-3M’s:

*Military Service: Minimum 90 days active duty with at least one day during wartime and an honorable discharge (Gulf War veterans must have served active duty for 2 years or the full period for which they were called for active duty)

*Medical Condition: Non-service-connected disability which requires assistance with activities of daily living.

*Money Limitations: A net worth (income & assets) at or less than $130,773 (as of 12.1.2020). A primary residence and auto are not counted as part of the net worth. Ongoing unreimbursed medical and long-term care expenses may reduce income.

Why we’re unique-3’s:

*Speed: With a VetAssist Program, home care starts promptly before the VA processes your claim and VA funding begins.

*Savings: The VetAssist Program’s interest free loan allows you to pay for home care with NO out-of-pocket costs, BEFORE the VA approves your application.

*Service: Continuing client service ensures you get the quality care you need when you need it. And our compliance monitoring helps you keep your pension and your care.

More than 18 years of experience means peace of mind for you and your loved one.

Our quality home care services include:

*Help with bathing

*Help with dressing

*Companionship

*Light Housekeeping

*Transportation (Where available)

*Transferring to and from bed

*Medication Reminders

*Additional Services-includes help to access other community resources to improve your quality of life.

*Meal Preparation

*Laundry

*Personal Care

*Respite Care

We keep working:

Once your benefit is approved, the VetAssist Program keeps working for you:

*Monitors your home care

*Ensures that you remain in VA compliance for medical expenses

*Provides you community resources for additional assistance

Our Story:

Bonnie Laiderman founded Veterans Home Care in 2003 after watching her mother, Edith, struggle with a terminal illness. Her mother was eligible for military spouse benefits, but sadly Bonnie learned about it too late. After her mother’s death, she realized senior veterans and their families needed help navigating the VA system. Bonnie not only became an expert, but she launched a company that would go on to help more than 19,000 veterans and spouses get the benefits that her mother never received.

If you qualify for our unique VetAssist Program, we can get you the home care you need NOW while the VA reviews your claim.

Our Mission:

To assist veterans, who protected out freedom, to stay in their homes and live with dignity.

Our Programs provided:

*The benefit of over 18 years’ experience to help you accurately submit your application to the VA.

*Expertise in obtaining military and other records required by the VA.

*An interest-free loan to pay for home care NOW

*Quality home care from a contracted provider

*Continuing client services both before and after VA entitlement

*Due diligence in monitoring home care expense to keep you in VA compliance

*Access to on-staff VA-accredited attorney

*Continuity of care to help you remain in your home

Contact us today!

National Referral Number:

1-888-314-6075

Email: info@veteranshomecare.com

Website: http://www.veteranshomecare.com

The VetAssist® Program

National Headquarters:

St. Louis, MO 63146

or contact one of our participating home care providers.

*Veterans Home Care and the VetAssist Program are not part of any government agency and are not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Disclaimers: This information was taken directly from the VetAssist Pamphlet, and I give them full credit for this information. Please contact them directly with any questions you have on the program.

Posted in Disability Programming, Health and Life Support Services, Homeless Service Programs, Housing Programs, Men's Programming, Senior Services, Support Services for Seniors, Uncategorized, Veterans Programming, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

HUD-VASH: Helping Homeless Veterans with Permanent Independent Community-Based Housing

Posted on May 11, 2022 by jwatrel

HUD-Vash: Helping Homeless Veterans with Permanent Independent Community Based Housing

Department of Veterans Affairs New York/New Jersey Veterans Integrated Health Care Network 2

What is the HUD-Vash Program?

The HUD-VASH program is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program to help homeless veterans and their immediate families find and maintain affordable, safe and permanent housing in the community.

The primary goal of HUD-VASH is to help veterans and their families successfully move out of homelessness. The program is designed to improve each veteran’s health and mental health and to enhance each veteran’s ability to remain stable, housed and integrated in their local community. This is done using HUD Section 8 “Housing Choice” rental assistance vouchers and VA’s intensive case management services.

Veterans who are admitted to the HUD-VASH program are assigned to a VA case manager for assessment and service planning. Assistance in obtaining the Section 8 voucher is also provided. Veterans continue to work with their assigned case manager for the duration of their time in the program.

Who is Eligible for HUD-VASH?

The HUD-VASH program is for veterans who:

*Are eligible for VA Health Services;

*Are currently and chronically homeless.

*Have a need for ongoing case management because of medical, mental health, substance abuse or other life problems that are now stabilized;

*Have some type of income to pay for their housing.

*Are motivated to improve the quality of their lives by working with a VA case manager and participate in activities that promote independence.

*Note: Veterans and immediate family members subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex offender registration program are not eligible for HUD-VASH because they will not be able to obtain a Section 8 housing voucher.

How are Veterans Admitted to HUD-VASH?

Veterans who are interested in the HUD-VASH program should first contact their local VA homeless program.

A clinician will complete the referral paperwork and send it to the HUD-VASH Admission Team for review. The Admission Team will assess the veteran’s eligibility and need for ongoing case management.

If the veteran is admitted to the program, a case manager will be assigned to begin working with the veteran on a service plan and connection to needed resources. The veteran will also be assisted in obtaining a Section 8 housing voucher and in locating appropriate housing in the community.

Once housed, veterans can expect to have regular ongoing home visits from their VA case manager. The purpose of these visits is to help veterans maintain their housing by addressing problems as they occur.

There is no time limit for being in the HUD-VASH program. However, veterans who refuse VA case management may lose their Section 8 voucher from HUD.

Other Helpful Programs:

Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV)

This program provides community outreach, case management and a range of other services to help homeless veterans get back on their feet.

Residential Treatment Programs:

These short-term programs provide comprehensive rehabilitation. Based on their goals, veterans are assisted with meeting health and mental health need including vocational services, relapse prevention planning and developing skills for success community integration.

Compensated Work Therapy/Veterans Industries (CWT/VI):

These programs help veterans transition to employment after an extended absence from the work force by providing a short-term supportive work experience at local VA Medical Centers.

Grant & Per Diem (GPD):

This program allows VA to provide grants and per diem payments to assist public and non-profit organizations to establish and operate transitional supportive housing. Veterans can remain in Grant & Per Diem housing for up to 24 months.

Who to Contact:

Lauren Fafulas, LCSW

Donna Hudson, LCSW

MaryAnne Gravianno, LCSW

VA New Jersey

Health Care System

(908) 647-0180 x4090, x4631, x5974

Dennis Libert, LCSW

Robert Wenzel, LCSW

Nita Thaker, LCSW

VA NY Harbor

Health Care System

(718) 526-1000x(212) 686-7500×7706, (718) 439-4350

Jessica Berlin, LCSW

Betsy Wroblewski, LCSW

Nancy Pollock, LCSW

Bronx VAMC

(718) 584-9000 x3798, x1318, x1574

MaryAnn Kelly, LCSW

(631) 261-4400, x4538

Martin O’Connell, LCSW

VA Hudson Valley

Health Care System

(914) 737-4400 x2090

Disclaimer: This information came directly from the Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey pamphlet, and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the above numbers for more information.

Posted in Caregiving Programs, Homeless Service Programs, Housing Programs, Men's Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Disability Programming, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Veterans Programming, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Check for Safety: A Home fall prevention checklist for older adults

Posted on April 28, 2022 by jwatrel

Check for Safety: A home fall prevention checklist for older adults

STEADI: Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries

Use this checklist to find and fix hazards in your home:

Stairs & Steps (Indoors and Outdoors)

  1. Are there any papers, shoes, books or other objects on the stairs?

*Always keep objects off the stairs.

2. Are some steps broken or uneven?

*Fix Loose or uneven steps.

3. Is there a light and light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs?

*Have an electrician put in an overhead light and light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs. You can get light switches that glow.

4. Has a stairway light bulb burned out?

*Have a friend or family member change the light bulb.

5. Is the carpet on the steps come loose or torn?

*Make sure the carpet is firmly attached to every step or remove the carpet and attach non-slip rubber treads to the stairs.

6. Are the handrails loose or broken? Is there a handrail on only one side of the stairs?

*Fix loose handrails or put in new ones. Make sure handrails are on both sides of the stairs and are as long as the stairs.

Floors:

  1. When you walk through a room, do you have to walk around the furniture?

*Ask someone to move the furniture so your path is clear.

2. Do you have throw rugs on the floor?

*Remove the rugs or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs won’t slip.

3. Are there papers, shoes, books or other objects on the floor?

*Pick up things that are on the floor. Always keep objects off the floor.

4. Do you have to walk over or around wires or cords (like lamp, telephone or extension cords)?

*Coll or tape cords and wires next to the wall so you can’t trip over them. If needed, have an electrician put in another outlet.

Kitchen:

  1. Are things you use often on high shelves?

*Keep things you use often on the lower shelves (about waist high).

2. Is your step stool sturdy?

*If you must use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to. Never use a chair as a step stool.

Bedrooms:

  1. Is the light near the bed hard to reach?

*Place a lamp close to the bed where it’s easy to reach.

2. Is the path from your bed to the bathroom dark?

*Put in a nightlight so you can see where you’re walking. Some nightlights go on by themselves after dark.

Bathrooms:

  1. Is the tub or shower floor slippery?

*Put a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower.

2. Do you some support when you get in and out of the tub or up from the toilet?

*Have grab bars put in next to and inside the tub and next to the toilet.

Contact your local community or senior center for information on exercise, fall prevention programs or options for improving home safety.

For additional information on fall prevention, visit go.usa.gov/xN9XA.

Disclaimer: This information came directly from the CDC STEADI pamphlet on Checking for Safety for Older Adults, and I give them full credit for the information. Please refer to their websites for more information.

Click to access STEADI-Brochure-CheckForSafety-508.pdf

Click to access check_for_safety_brochure-a.pdf

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