bergencountycaregiver

Long Distance Caregiving: Caring for an older or disabled adult-tips to make your job easier.

If you live in another town or state from a loved one who needs care, you will face very specific challenges. How will you know that the person is getting what he or she needs? The tips below can help.

Make regularly scheduled visits:

*Depending on the level of independence, these visits to assess the person’s needs.

*You and other relatives or friends may be able to take turns visiting so that the person is checked on regularly.

*If you cannot visit often, consider having someone who lives near the person take responsibility for care.

When you visit..

*Assess the person’s ability to care for him or herself. Check in about:

-Meals and self care

-Shopping, errands and household chores

-Medications and doctor’s appointment

-Money management and paying bills

-Driving and transportation

-Social activities

-Mental or emotional health

Arrange for help when needed:

*Ask the person what kind of care he or she needs or will accept. Be respectful of the person’s lifestyle and independence.

*As health care providers, neighbors and friends what type of care they think the person needs too. They are closer and may see things that you won’t notice during short visits.

*Help the person arrange care. The person may not be able to do it alone.

Plan regular check-in times:

*Regular phone calls can be a good way to check in . If the person has a hearing problem (and may not hear the phone ring), plan a specific time to call so he or she will know to answer. Or arrange for special phone equipment for the hearing impaired.

*When you talk, listen for any changes in the way he or she speaks or engages with you.

*For some people, email or letters are also good ways to check in.

Enlist the support of local friends:

*Consider asking a friend, relative or neighbor to look in on the person daily or weekly.

*Find people who live near your relative-friends, neighbors or local relatives-that can be called in an emergency. Knowing that someone is nearby can help ease your concern.

*Consider paying the friend or relative for his or her time.

Get local information:

*Order a local phone book. Get the names and numbers of local services. Even if you do not need to use them now, you might later on.

*Keep a notebook with the names and phone number of doctors, the landlord, the power company and others that provide company and others that provide services for your loved one.

*Photo copy social security, Medicare and insurance cards and Durable Power of Attorney documents. Then you will have the information ready if needed.

Connect with community resources:

*Meet with doctors and other care providers when you visit. Ask them to report any changes in your loved one’s health.

*Contact local social services to see if you loved one is eligible for assistance.

*Contact organization, clubs and religious communities that your loved one participates in. Find out if they have support systems you can utilize.

*Contact local volunteer programs. See if they can provide a volunteer to visit regularly.

*Consider registering your relative for a personal medical emergency alert system, such as an emergency alert system, such as an emergency button worn around the neck or on the wrist.

Help the person accept care:

*Explain that you want to help them stay healthier, more comfortable or independent.

*Acknowledge and address concerns over accepting care.

*Treat the person with respect. Your loved one  is ultimately in charge of care unless he or she is unable to make decisions.

Consider a care manager:

Care managers, also called case managers, are social  workers or nurses who help arrange care for older or disabled people. Care managers can be hired privately. Or if your loved one has low or moderate income, local county social services may provide a case manager or social worker to help arrange services.

When looking for a private care manager, ask:

*What services do you offer?

*What are your professional credentials? Are you licensed?

*How long have you been providing these services?

*What are your fees? (This service may not be covered by insurance)

*Can you provide references?

*Are you available for emergencies?

Caring for a loved one when you live in another town or state can be challenging. Inside you will find tips that may help make your task a little easier.

To find information about social and support services for your loved one, consult the local phone book. You can also call the Eldercare Locater at 1-800-677-1116 or visit its website at http://www.eldercare.gov on the internet.

*Written by Mardi Richmond for Journeyworks Publishing.

*Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Journeyworks Publishing pamphlet. I find these pamphlets very informative and help caregivers out. Please look over the blog for other Journeyworks Publication pamphlets.

A Checklist for New Caregivers: Tips to make your job easier-Caring for an older adult, ill or Disabled adult.

Caring for an older, ill or disabled person can be challenging-especially if you are new to the task. There are steps you can take to make the job easier.

Learn about the disease, condition or illness:

*Talk to a health care provider. Ask:

Is this a long or short term situation?

What are the person’s specific care needs?

How will those needs change over time?

*Ask about special skills. For example, ask how to move someone with limited mobility or how to give medications.

*Get more information from books, pamphlets or the Internet.

Explore your options:

*Write down specific needs, such as meals, bathing, household chores, physical therapy and doctor’s appointments.

*Discuss ways to meet those needs with the person being cared for, relatives, friends and the person’s health care provider.

*Find out if you can take time off from work under the Family Medical Leave Act.

Research community Resources:

*Talk with hospital staff about services in your area. Contact your county health department about public resources.

*Call your local Area Agency on Aging and contact organizations specific to the disease, such as the Alzheimer’s Association.

*Explore options such as adult day care, meal delivery, transportation services, respite services and in-home support services.

*Consider hiring a care manager. This is a social worker or nurse who specializes in arranging care.

*Keep the information you collect in a notebook or on the computer. Even if you don’t use it now, you may later on.

Plan for immediate care:

*Ask the person being cared for about his or her wishes around immediate care.

*Adapt the living environment for special needs, such as a walker, wheelchair or bedside commode.

*Consider how you will track the person’s health and care needs. Keep a log or journal of eating patterns, medications and physical symptoms.

*If other family members are providing support, write down who will be in charge of what task.

Enlist the help of others:

*Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Don’t try to do it all.

*Make a list of people who can help.

*List the tasks that others can so, such as running errands or bringing dinner.

*Ask a friend, family member or neighbor to call people or arrange for help.

Organize important information:

*Write down:

-Doctor’s names, phone numbers and addresses

-Medical name of the illness

-Medical insurance information

-Prescription numbers, names and doses

*Organize financial information such as household bills, loans and debts, bank accounts and insurance policies.

*Photocopy important information such as the social security, driver’s license and insurance cars of the person being cared for.

Plan for the future:

*Get information about the long-term prognosis. Knowing what will happen in the future will help you plan for care.

*Access finances. Talk to a financial advisor familiar with care issues.

*Talk to a lawyer or legal aid representative about a Durable Power of Attorney for healthcare and finances.

Get Support:

*Talk to a friend, family member or counselor about your feelings.

*Join a support group.

*Do you feel overwhelmed? If so, talk to your doctor, therapist or another health professional right away.

Take care of yourself too:

*Talk to your friends and family members. Enlist their support.

*Find out if your employer has an Employee Assistance Program that provides support for caregivers.

*Let go of less important commitments. No one can do it all!

*Keep doing at least one activity or hobby that brings you pleasure.

*Take regular breaks from caregiving.

*Make sure you are meeting your own care needs: eating healthy, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and spending time with family and friends.

New caregivers face many challenges-from understanding the illness to providing immediate care or planning for the future. This checklist provides an overview of common caregiving issues. For more information, visit http://www.aarp.org or to find support groups and services in your area, consult your local phone book. You can also call the Eldercare Locater at 1-800-677-1116 or visit http://www.eldercare.gov on the Internet.

Written by Mardi Richmond for Journeyworks Publishing.

*Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Journeyworks Pamphlet on ‘A Check list for New Caregivers’ and offers helpful advice for new caregivers. I have tried to include many of their pamphlets as I had found them helpful in my caregiving role and want to share them will all of my readers.

Geriatric Consultation Service Vantage Health System: Helping you provide the best care for your loved one.

Are you the 1 in 4 who has a relative who is growing older and showing signs of change? You are not alone. When an elderly family member exhibits changes that are uncharacteristic and affect their ability to maintain their independence and/or care for themselves, concern and confusion result. There are many unanswered questions. Vantage’s Geriatric Consultation Service is available to explore those questions and help you find the answers.

How we can help you:

Vantage Health System has a 30 year reputation for excellence in geriatric services. Building on that history, our experienced geriatric staff will share their expertise to advise you about the changes which occur during this stage of life and in making the best choices that help your loved one and your particular family situation.

You can expect us to:

*Evaluate your loved one’s needs

*Assess the changes.

*Explore with you the options for care.

*Assist in the referral and coordination of services.

*Provide counseling if necessary, to assist in understanding the changes which are occurring within the family and affect family members of every age.

Contact:

Nancy Bortinger, MSW< LCSW< C-ASWCM

Director of Geriatric Services

2 Park Avenue

Dumont, NJ  07628

Phone: (201) 385-4400 x3086

Fax: (201) 384-7067

nbortinger@vantagenj.org

Fee:

Hourly fee based service

Location:

Consultation can take place at our Dumont Office or at a more convenient location of family choice.

Our mission:

To provide comprehensive assessment, education and planning for elders and/or their families and to provide geriatric stage of life education to the community at large.

*Bergen County has the largest number of person’s age 60+ in the State New Jersey. Consequently, County leadership has recognized that a large group of baby boomer are finding themselves for the first time needing information to meet the care needs of their parents and prospectively, themselves.

*For National Senior Citizen Month in May 2006, County Executive Dennis Mc Nerney called for a focus on “quality life issues necessary for maintaining health and well being as one ages” and used the equation:

Independence+Dignity+Choice=Healthy Aging

Vantage Health System: Quality Care for life’s challenges

In operation since 1957, Vantage Health System Inc., is a network of private, non-for-profit, community based services, programs and facilities. Our geriatric adult care program began in 1978 and has enjoyed a 30 year reputation of excellence in geriatric services. Vantage is committed to providing high quality comprehensive healthcare services while empowering individuals and families to achieve wellness.

Get in Touch:

For information or to schedule an appointment call (201) 385-4400 x3086.

Vantage Health System

Two Dumont Avenue

Dumont, NJ

http://www.wantagenj.org

*Disclaimer: This information is taken directly off the Vantage Health System pamphlet. I have never used this service before so I have no opinion on it either yes or no to how the program works. Please call or email the above numbers to get more information from the company.

Family Support Organization of Bergen County For Families by Families

Family Support Organization of Bergen County: We are here for YOU!

Support, Education and Advocacy of Families of Children with Emotional and/or Behavioral Challenges.

Who We Are:

Family Support Organization of Bergen County (FSOBC) is a family-run, county-based not for profit 501(c) (3) incorporated in 2001.

FSOBC is an organization “For Families by Families”. Our founding Board of Trustees, all of whom are parents of children with emotional and/or behavioral challenges, responded to the need for a family-driven organization. In May 2002, we opened our doors with the goal of spearheading a family friendly environment for families to come together for mutual support, education and sharing.

We offer the unique perspective gained from experiences with various systems and providers. As part of the family movement, we aim to maximize the potential of all involved in providing services to children and families. Our philosophy is the recognitions of worth, knowledge and dignity of all families and caregivers.

FSOBC is a component of the NJ Division of the Children’s System of Care (CSOC) within the NJ Department of Children and Families. We provide direct family-to-family peer support to families enrolled in the Care Management Organization. FSOBC also provides education, advocacy and other supports to family members of children with emotional and/or behavioral challenges. In addition to families experiencing emotional/behavioral challenges, we support families with developmental/intellectual delays and substance abuse challenges.

We welcome you to become an active participant in the FSOBC. Please feel free to come by or visit http://www.fsobergen.org.

What We Do:

Education/Advocacy: Provide forums, workshops, guest speakers and other special events that inform and empower families about their role in the parent/professional partnership.

Support Groups: Host weekly support groups for families and caregivers. On-site adult supervision provided to children who accompany caregivers/parents to meetings.

Warm Line: Telephone support to family members and caregivers. We listen and offer support, information and referrals.

Peer to Peer Support: Employs trained Family Support Partners, experienced in raising children who have complex needs. Family Support Partners provide one to one support to families enrolled with the Care Management Organization.

Youth Partnership: Works directly with youth ages 14-21 who have been involved with the mental health, juvenile justice, or child welfare system. Youth Partnership provides a forum to share their experiences. Members are committed to the development of leadership skills and making a difference through community service.

Community Development: Develops and maintains its presence with our local legislators, schools and businesses to gain their support and provide information. We partner with local planning bodies such as the Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council (CIACC). The Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC) and the Youth Service Commission (YSC).

All programs are at no cost to participants. No CSA referral is necessary.

Our System Partners:

PerformCare

Contracted Systems Administer (CSA) is the single point of entry to the New Jersey Children’s System of Care (CSOC) within the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (NJDCF). For access to our system Partners listed below, you must call the CSA first at (877) 652-7624.

CarePlus New Jersey (Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies)

Children’s Mobile response and Stabilization Services (CMRSS) provides 24/7 on-site/in-home crisis response to youth ages 5-18 who are experiencing emotional or behavioral crisis. The services are designated to defuse an immediate crisis, keep children and their families safe and maintain children in their current living situations.

Bergen’s Promise (Healthy Families, Safe at Home)

Bergen’s Promise, a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization is the Care Management Organization (CMO) in Bergen County. The CMO manages the care of children and families enrolled through the NJ Children’s System of Care. Bergen’s Promise provides comprehensive service planning for children and their families by helping them create, develop and run Child and Family Teams. The team creates an Individual Service Plan (ISP) for each child. Wraparound services and supports are selected to enhance the stability of the child and family. Access to CMO services is through the CSA PerformCare. Feel free to contact FSOBC if you have questions.

Our Mission:

*To provide support, education and advocacy to families and caregivers of children with mental health, emotional and/or behavioral needs.

*To ensure that the highest quality child-friendly family-centered approaches to service delivery are created and maintained throughout Bergen County.

*To provide a forum in which families, caregivers, providers and other concerned individuals collaborate to identify needs, service barriers, resources and appropriate, effective, timely ways to intervene and to provide the resources necessary to support strong community based programs.

For questions or access to the NJSOC, call PerformCare, the 24-hour toll-free access line: 877-652-7624.

Finding us:

0-108 29th Street

Fairlawn, NJ  07410

Phone: (201) 796-6209

Fax: (201) 796-1151

Website: http://www.FSOBergen.org

Email: info@FSOBergen.org

By Car: Route 17 to Route 4 West (Broadway) into Fairlawn. Take the Plaza Road U-turn onto Route 4 (Broadway) Eastbound for 4 blocks to 29th Street. Turn right at 29th Street. FSOBC is the first building on the right.

By Bus: NJ Transit Routes 144, 164, 171 & 770 and NJ Express stop 30th Street & Broadway

By Train: The NJ Transit Bergen Line, Broadway Fairlawn Stop is 6 blocks west of FSOBC.

Disclaimer: This information is taken directly from the Family Support Organization of Bergen County pamphlet. I have never used the service before so I have no opinion of it either yes or no to how the program works. Please call or email the service for more information.

Oasis Senior Advisors: Lifestyle options for Senior Living-A free service for families

BergenCounty.OasisSeniorAdvisors.com

(201) 674-9940

What is Oasis Senior Advisors?

Oasis Senior Advisors is a FREE service to families which helps them find senior living options. Our Senior Living Advisors have extensive knowledge of the local senior care industry. We can quickly identify and match a senior to those communities which will best meet their specific needs. Our guidance will provide the information you need to make an educated and informed decision. All at no cost to you.

Who qualifies for this service?

Anyone who is in need of assisted senior living, care or housing options now or who wants to begin investigating options for the future is welcome to take advantage of our FREE, personalized service.

How can Oasis provide this valuable service at no cost?

Oasis Senior Advisors offers its services at no cost to seniors and their families. This is made possible through the financial contributions of local senior housing communities, many of whom reimburse us for our services.

Why use an Oasis Senior Living Advisor instead of an Internet referral service or Directory Listing?

1. Unlike web-based or printed directory services, our Senior Living Advisors go the ‘extra mile’ by personally accompanying our clients to communities if they desire.
2. Our Senior Living Advisors are bound by a code of ethics, by consistently doing what is in the best interest of our clients.
3. Senior Living Advisors will assist families in investigating all funding options available to them such as the Veteran’s Aid and Attendance Pension and reverse mortgages.

Our Mission:

The mission of Oasis Senior Advisors is to positively impact families during a difficult time in their lives. We do this by providing a free, personal and compassionate service to help our families find the right assisted living for their loved ones.

Our Guiding Principles:

At Oasis Senior Advisors, we follow a set of core principles that guide every interaction we have with customers, families and communities.

*We promote the dignity of the senior placement service by protecting the confidentiality of our clients and by conducting ourselves ethically and lawfully.

*We act honestly and impartially and offer unbiased placement options.

*We use our knowledge, skills and resources for the enhancement of the lives of seniors and families.

Contact your local Senior Living Advisors Today!

We work hard for you:

As a FREE SERVICE for families, our dedicated and compassionate Senior Living Advisors will work with seniors and their family members to identify lifestyle preferences and health care needs, as well as location and financial considerations. Once suitable options have been identified, your personal Senior Living Advisor will schedule visits and tours while assisting throughout the entire process.

We specialize in educating and informing seniors and their family members on the distinctions and options pertaining to:

*Assisted Living Communities

*Alzheimer’s Care

*Retirement Communities

*Skilled Nursing Homes

*Residential Care Homes

*Respite Services

*Hospice

*Dementia Care

An Oasis Senior Living Advisor can help you prepare regardless of your time frame. Let Oasis Senior Advisors support you in your search!

Contact your local Senior Living Advisors and start your search now!

(201) 674-9940

BergenCounty.OasisSeniorAdvisors.com

Get Started Today

1. Call (201) 674-9940 or VISIT US ONLINE at BergenCounty.OasisSeniorAdvisors.com.
2. Receive your FREE personalized, in depth consultation with your local Oasis Senior Living Advisor and feel prepared to take the next steps.
3. Our Senior Living Advisor will help you from start to finish in finding the senior living community that meets your requirements and is right for your specific situation.

*Disclaimer: I have taken this information directly from the Oasis Senior Advisors pamphlet. I have never used this service before so I have no opinion either yes or no to how the service works. Please call or email them for more information on the program.

Men & Caregiving: Caring for an older, ill or disabled adult. Tips to make your job easier.

As a man providing care for a parent, spouse or other loved one, you may face unique challenges, but there are things you can do to make caregiving easier. Here are some tips that will help you succeed.

Know that you are not alone:

*Our Society tends to view caregiving as a female role. In fact, men make up nearly 40% of family caregivers.

*Men can be very successful in this role. Community resources can help you be the best caregiver possible.

Ask Questions:

*Get as much information as you can about your loved one’s condition.

*Find out what types of care your loved one will need, both now and in the future.\

*Talk to health professionals and other care providers or find information online.

Be Open to new Skills:

*You may have to learn to shop, cook, clean or do other household tasks that are new to you.

*You may need to learn to bathe or dress a loved one.

* At first, you may feel uncomfortable doing these things but over time it will become easier.

Ask for Help!

*A friend or a relative may be able to help you learn new household tasks. A visiting nurse or home health aide can help you learn to provide personal care.

*Find out about community resources such as adult day care or transportation services.

*If you work, ask about employee assistance programs for caregivers.

*Look online for other resources and support groups.

Learn to delegate:

*Decide which tasks you want to do yourself. Get help with other tasks.

*Try meal delivery, a cleaning service or online grocery shopping.

Take care of your own health:

*You can not take care of a loved one if you feel sick or tired.

*Make sure that you are eating well and getting enough rest and exercise.

*Take regular breaks.

*See a health care provider if you are depressed, drinking more alcohol than usual or using prescription drugs to help you cope.

Find support and male role models:

*It is normal to feel strong emotions such as grief, anger and helplessness. It is not a sign of weakness to feel or express these emotions.

*If possible, spend time with other men who face similar challenges. This may help relieve stress.

*Share your feelings with a caregiving class, support group or online chat room.

Take Pride in your Role:

*Male caregivers are becoming more common but you may find people react to a male caregiver differently than they do to a female caregiver. This can happen even in hospitals or nursing homes.

*Use the opportunity to educate others about your role as a competent, caring provider.

If you’re a man taking care of an ill or elderly family member, you’re not along. With smaller families and more women working full-time, many men are taking on caregiving roles. To locate resources in your area, visit: http://www.eldercare.gov.

*Written by Tara Leonard for Journeyworks Publishing

P.O. Box 8466

Santa Cruz, CA 95061

800-775-1998

http://www.journeyworks.com

*Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Journeyworks pamphlet on caregiving that will help everyone. Please spread the word of helping a loved one and know that you are not alone in this path. Take a deep breath and realize that what you are doing is helping a person who can not help themselves and it is a noble job.

Bergen County Clinic Referrals: A guide to Community Clinics

Englewood Hospital Clinic

350 Engle Street

Phone: (201) 894-3254

*Adult Medicine

*Pediatric

*Prenatal Care

North Hudson Community Action Corporation

Community Health Center

5301 Broadway

West New York, New Jersey 07093

(201) 866-9320

Health Center at Passaic

110 Main Avenue

Passaic, New Jersey  07055

(973) 777-0256

Health Center at Garfield

535 Midland Avenue

Garfield, New Jersey 07026

(973) 340-1182

*Adult Medicine

*Pediatric

*Prenatal Care

*Dentist

Hackensack University Medical Center

25 East Salem Street 6th Floor

Hackensack, New Jersey 07601

(201) 996-2121

*Adult Medicine

*Prenatal Care

*Charity Care Lower Level

Entrance on River Street

(201) 996-2918

*Pediatric Clinic

Don Imus Building

Hackensack, New Jersey 07601

(201) 996-5454

*Adult Medicine

*Pediatric

*Prenatal Care

Pascack Valley Hospital

Old Hook Road

Westwood, New Jersey 07675

(201) 358-3000

Monday-Friday 8:00am-3:00pm

*Adult Medicine

*Pediatric

*Prenatal Care

Valley Hospital Community Care

11-14 Goffle Road

Hawthorne, New Jersey 07506

(973) 427-7676

*Adult Clinic

*Pediatric

*Prenatal Care

Free

Cancer Screening tests for breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate. Bergen County Health Services (201) 634-2660. There are eligibility requirements.

Free

Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinics

Englewood Hospital & Medical Center

350 Engle Street

Englewood, New Jersey  07631

(201) 894-3254

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 1:30pm-2:30pm

Hackensack University Medical Center

25 East Salem Street 6th Floor

Hackensack, New Jersey  07601

(201) 634-2655

(201) 634-2657

Wednesday 4:30pm-6:00pm

No Appointment Required

Health Awareness Regional Program (HARP)

25 East Salem Street 5th Floor

Hackensack, NJ  07601

Phone: (201) 996-2038

Fax: (201) 996-5295

*Disclaimer: This information is taken directly from the Bergen County Clinic Referral pamphlet. I have never used this service before so I have no opinion on it either yes or no to how the program works. Please call the above number or email them for more information.

Fair Housing Council of Northern New  Jersey: Over 55 years experience.

Fair Housing Council:

If your right to live where you want to live has been denied, delayed or discouraged because of:

*Race or Color

*Religion

*Gender

*Familial Status (presence of children under 18)

*National Origin or Ancestry

*Marital, Domestic Partnership or Civil Union Status

*Sexual Orientation or Expression

*Source of lawful income

*Source of lawful rent or mortgage payment

The Fair Housing Council provides the following:

*Housing Discrimination Complaint Intake

*Fair Housing Investigation and Enforcement

*Fair Housing Education and Outreach

*Advocacy for Fair and Affordable Housing

Equal opportunity in housing is a right protected by both State and Federal law.

The Fair Housing Council is here to ensure that all who seek housing have an equal opportunity to rent, purchase, finance or insure the property that they choose.

We handled hundreds of complaints of housing discrimination and work closely with government at all levels and with private attorneys to make sure that fair housing laws are vigorously enforced.

Possible signs of housing discrimination:

*Refusal to accept Section 8

*”No Kids” policy and ads

*Not allowing families with children to live on the second floor

*Continual delays/stall tactics

*Refusal to allow tenants to have service animals

*Refusal to allow installation of grab bars/wheelchair ramps

*Different rental terms and conditions

*Steering home seekers to certain neighborhoods

*Failure or delay in making repairs

*Denial or limit to services or facilities

*Charging different rent or extra security

If you think you have been discriminated against contact the Fair Housing Council today!

The Fair Housing Council is here…for equality!

The Fair Housing Council is a private, non-profit organization which has effectively serviced Northern New Jersey since 1959.

The Fair Housing Council is here to ensure that all who seek housing have an equal opportunity to rent, purchase, finance or insure the property that they choose.

The Fair Housing Council offers counseling, information and referral services to people who are looking for housing or have experienced housing discrimination.

If you suspect that housing discrimination has occurred, contact the Fair Housing Council immediately.

The Fair Housing Council is here today…thanks to you!

We have worked toward the goals of fair housing and fair lending for more than five decades. We have made great progress, thanks to all who have struggled to bring about equality in housing. We will continue to be successful but only with your help and support.

For further information or assistance contact:

Fair Housing Council of Northern New Jersey

131 Main Street, Suite 140

Hackensack, NJ  07601

(201) 489-3552

(201) 489-8472 (fax)

fhcnnj1@optimum.net

infor@fairhousingnj.org

http://www.fairhousingnj.org

The Fair Housing Council is funded in part by grants from the US Department of HUD, the County of Bergen , the United Way and Private Donations. Paid for by a Grant from the US Department of HUD.

Disclaimer: This information is taken directly form the Fair Housing Council of Northern New Jersey pamphlet. I have never used this service before so I have no opinion on it either yes or no to how the service works. Please call the above number or email them for more information.

Bergen Family Center: What is your status? Knowing is Everything.

What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus which interferes with the body’s immune system, making it harder for the body to fight other infections. HIV is spread through unprotected sex, sharing needles and passive immunity from mother to child.

Should I test?

Today, HIV is again reaching epidemic levels because people who may be infected don’t know it. Whether you engage in unprotected sex, share an unclean needle or you had an incident where you may have been exposed, you should schedule a free and confidential HIV test. BFC partners with the Bergen County Department of Health to provide HIV testing and test results are available in under 20 minutes.

What is involved in testing?

Before testing, you must sign a consent form. Once the consent is signed, a test counselor will meet with you prior to testing to discuss any risk behaviors and post-testing to discuss the meaning of a positive or negative test result and any other questions pertaining to HIV.

The HIV test consists of a simple finger stick. The results are available to you in under 20 minutes.

Benefits of Testing includes:

*Client-centered counseling

*Decreased anxiety from finally knowing HIV status

*Ability to make decisions about condom use with a partner who has also been tested

Where can I get tested?

Bergen Family Center

10 Banta Place

Hackensack, NJ  07601

(201) 563-3819

(201) 518-6414

Bergen County Department of Health

120 South River Street

Hackensack, NJ  07601

(201) 336-3350

HIV affects everyone, every race, every gender and every age.

We offer Support:

HIV Testing: BFC partners with the Bergen County Department of Health to provide free and confidential HIV testing. Testing involves a simple finger stick and patients receive their results in under 20 minutes.

Outreach & Early Intervention Services: Our outreach and early intervention providers coordinate community outreach efforts, educate about HIV across all populations, advocate testing among identified at-risk populations, navigate those who are newly diagnosed or out of care into medical care and provide the appropriate resources to the client.

Counseling: BFC offers therapy by licensed clinicians to individuals who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Individual, couple, family and group sessions are provided to develop coping strategies to ensure the mental and physical well-being of our clients. Psychiatric assessment and medication monitoring are available when needed. Spanish speaking clinicians are available.

Legal Advocacy: BFC has an attorney to assist our clients with securing benefits, access to medical care, housing issues and discrimination. BFC is the only Bergen County Agency offering legal services to the HIV/AIDS community at no cost for eligible clients.

Fees: BFC has federal and state grant funding to provide services for those infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. The agency has a sliding fee scale for persons who can afford partial payments.

For more information about HIV/AIDS Services, please contact Paula Tenebruso at (201) 342-9200, ext. 20.

What is Bergen Family Center?

Bergen Family Center (BFC) supports, strengthens and enriches family life through innovative programs and quality services. BFC has locations in Hackensack and Englewood and is Bergen County’s oldest, continuously operating family service agency since 1898. In addition to its HIV/AIDS Services, BFC offers day care/educational services for children, support services for adolescents, older adults and families and general counseling.

HIV/AIDS Services at Bergen Family Center:

The goal of the HIV/AIDS Services at BFC is to enhance the quality of life for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS and to support a positive self-imagine and healthy attitude. BFC recognizes and understands the impact of HIV/AIDS has on loved ones.

Bergen Family Center

HIV/AIDS Services

10 Banta Place

Hackensack, NJ 07601

Phone: (201) 342-9200

Fax: (201) 342-2075

Website: http://www.bergenfamilycenter.org

*Disclaimer: This information has been taken directly from the Bergen Family Center pamphlet. I have not used this service so I have no opinion of it either yes or no to how the service works. Please call the above number or email them for more information.

Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund: When your child’s medical problems become financial problems.

Are you eligible for financial relief?

The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund was established as a financial resource to help New Jersey families cope with uncovered medical expenses for their children. Any New Jersey, regardless of income-whether insured or uninsured-may be eligible for assistance.

The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission reviews income and expenses for a prior consecutive 12-month period in which the expenses were incurred. Eligibility requirements:

*Child was 21 years of age or younger when expenses incurred.

*Uncovered medical expenses incurred exceeded 10 percent of the first $100,000 of a family’s annual income, plus 15 percent of income over $100,000.

*Child’s parents or legal guardian have been residents of New Jersey for at least three months prior to submitting an application. Temporary residents are not eligible.

What expenses are eligible?

The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund considers a wide range of health and medical expenses, including services that traditional health insurance may not cover. There are no specific exclusions by diagnosis.

The following list provides examples of the types of incurred expenses that will be considered and may be eligible for payment/reimbursement. The categories include, but are not limited to:

*Specialized pediatric ambulatory care.

*Treatment for addictions/mental health services.

*Care in acute or specialized hospitals (in and out patient).

*Physician care in all settings.

*Durable medical equipment or disposable medical supplies.

*Pharmaceuticals

*Home Modifications and medical transportation.

*Home Health Care

How do you Apply?

*Call the toll-free Family Information Line at 800-335-FUND (3863) for information and to request an application.

*Go to WWW.NJ.CATASTROPHICFND.ORG and begin the application process on line.

*The completed application is forwarded to the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission for screening and review. All applications to the Fund are confidential.

*The Commission will review the application and determine eligibility and the amount of assistance.

*The Fund disburses approved grant awards directly to the providers to offset outstanding balances.

*The Fund may reimburse families for their out-of-pocket expenses.

Help with Medical bills. Hope for NJ families. The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund provides a financial safety net for New Jersey families overwhelmed by medical expenses that are not fully covered by insurance, state or federal programs or any other resource.

How Can You Reach the Fund?

Executive Director

Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund

P.O. Box 728

Trenton, NJ  08625-0700

(609) 292-0600

Family Information Line:

1-800-335-FUND (3863)

http://www.njcatastrophicfund.org

The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund is a dedicated, revolving, non-lapsing trust fund. The program was established through legislation in 1988 (PL 1987C370) to be financial resource for NJ families struggling with their child’s medical bills. The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission administers the Fund.

*Disclaimer: this information is taken directly from the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund pamphlet. I have not used the service so I have no opinion on it either yes or no, to how the service performs. Please call or email them for more information.