bergencountycaregiver

Bergen County Department of Human Services Division of Senior Services Aging and Disability Resource Connection Senior Activity Centers.

Proudly serving Bergen County’s seniors since 1976.

Something for Everyone!

Bergen County operates ten Senior Activity Centers that are open to all Bergen County residents 60 of age and older.

Each center is staffed with caring professionals able to offer information and assistance about the community services available to older adults.

Our centers offer comfortable and stimulating surroundings where you can come to socialize, participate in educational and wellness programs and share lunch with friends (Tai Chi has been shown to improve balance & help prevent falls).

Physical activity and exercise are so important for overall health and well being. Bergen County’s senior centers offer a variety of ways to stay active while having fun. Try your hand at line dancing, tap or belly dancing. Find a partner and brush up on your ballroom dance skills. There are computer classes for all levels.

There are exercise classes for all levels of fitness, from aerobics to walking programs to gentle chair exercise. Our tai chi and yoga classes are gentle but challenging. Zumba Gold combines the fun of dance with a great workout.

There are recreational and creative programs to accommodate individuals with varying interests, including:
*Group Painting Classes
*Arts & Crafts
*Needlework
*Wood Carving
*Billiards
*Card Games
*Bingo
*Dance Parties & Celebrations
*Book Clubs & Discussions
*Intergenerational Programs
*Chorus
*Mall/Supermarket Shopping Trips

Keep you mind sharp with the educational opportunities you will find at the centers. Computer classes, ranging from beginner computing to exploring the internet are offered in some locations.

As Bergen County’s senior population becomes more diversified, ESL and citizenship classes are essential parts of our educational programming. Wellness workshops are offered periodically focusing on issues such as fall prevention, nutrition and management of chronic health problems. Speakers and seminars on current topics of interest are scheduled throughout the month. Not all activities are offered at all centers. Give them a call to find the center that’s right for you.

All of our centers serve a nutritious lunch Monday through Friday for a suggested donation of $1.25. Call for details.

Ten Locations:

Bergenfield Senior Activity Center
293 Murray Hill Terrace
(201) 387-7212

Southwest Senior Activity Center
147 Hackensack Street, East Rutherford
(201) 935-8920

Elmwood Park Senior Activity Center
500 Boulevard
(201) 796-3342

Garfield Senior Activity Center
480 Midland Avenue
(973) 478-0502

Americas Unidas Senior Activity Center
101 Hudson Street, Hackensack
(201) 336-3320

Northwest Senior Activity Center
46-50 Center Street, Midland Park
(201) 445-5690

North Arlington Senior Activity Center
11 York Road
(201) 998-5636

Palisades Park Senior Activity Center
300 Highland Avenue
(201) 944-5616

Ridgefield Park Senior Activity Center
159 Park Street
(201) 641-1220

Wallington Senior Activity Center
24 Union Boulevard
(973) 777-5815

Bergen County Division of Senior Services
Division of Senior Services
One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd floor
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: (201) 336-7400
Fax: (201) 336-7442

Disclaimer: This information s taken directly from Bergen County’s Division of Senior Services pamphlet and is available online as well. I have used the service before and highly recommend it to any adult child looking for their parents to have something to do. Please call or email the above numbers for more information.

The Social Scene: a club for adults with special needs

For more information:
web:http://thesocialsceneclub.com
email: the socialscenenj@gmail.com
Phone: (201) 241-0476
Visit us: Facebook.com/thsocialsceneclub

Who we are:

The Social Scene-A club for adults with special needs is a membership based, late day, early evening, social opportunity. While there are many wonderful day programs and resources, very few social opportunities exist after program/work hours. The Social Scene is a place where members can:

*Socialize
*Exercise
*Reinforce the skills they learn daily

We provide a natural, safe and comfortable environment for our members to be themselves with their friends and peers.

What to expect:

*A variety of daily activities offered which member can choose from to participate in.

*Membership benefits at The Social Scene Club include meal planning and preparation, daily living skills, social skills and community-based skills.

*Spearheaded and supervised by an experienced, energetic, fun-loving, positive and devoted staff.

*Opportunities to build friendships and have meaningful relationships.

We empower member of The Social Scene to make social and life choices in a safe and supportive environment.

Please call (201) 241-0476 or email thesocialscenenj@gmail.com for rates and to schedule your membership interview!

Hours of Operative: 3:00pm-8:00pm, Monday-Friday
6 Riverside Avenue, Unit 120
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071

The Social Scene: A Club for Adults with Special Needs exists for your loved on to have social opportunities with friends and peers.

A Social Scene member is:
*An adult, 18 years old or older
*Independent with self help skills
*Able, comfortable and willing to participate in group activities, build friendships and have fun. The sample calendars above are just a snapshot of some of the great activities e have planned. A typical day looks something like this:

3:00pm-4:00pm: Members arrive and snack is provided-fruits, veggies and healthy options.

4:00pm: Member Pow-Wow! Here, we chat with members, get their ideas, feedback and thoughts. We also discuss the upcoming weeks menus and activities.

4:30pm-(5:00pm): Activity time and/or meal prep (see below). THERE IS ALWAYS something to do at The Social Scene Club. Our members have use of many common areas, including the lounge, creation station, book nook, health & wellness corner, kitchen etc. The role of staff is to ensure there are activities to choose from and keep members socially engaged.

5:00pm-(5:30pm): Meal Prep! For members who chose to eat dinner with us, they will be included in the preparation and execution of the meal. For $5.00 per day, members can opt in to any or all of the meals that week. Please note twice daily snacks and beverages are provided at no additional cost.*

6:00pm-(6:30pm): Activity time or free time. There will be an organized activity everyday at The Social Scene. Keeping in line with our overall philosophy of independence and empowerment, the members can choose to participate.

(Sample Activities: Health & wellness, Craft Night, Game Night, Karaoke Night and Movie Night)

Please call (201) 241-0476 or email thesocialscenenj@gmail.com for rates and to schedule your membership interview!

Disclaimer: this information is take directly from The Social Scene Club pamphlet. I have never used the service so I have no opinion either yes or no to program. Please call or email them for more information.

The Ladder Project: the next step to a life for homeless men

Ladder Main Office
261 State Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: (201) 342-0029
http://www.GreaterBergen.org

Overview:

The Ladder project is DHMAS licensed halfway house for homeless men as the next step to a sober life., after they have completed a drug/alcohol treatment program. It is the only program of its kind for men in Bergen County.

The Ladder Project uses established treatment strategies combined with the 12-step philosophy, peer support and clinically-orientated counseling interventions to help its members achieve success in returning to mainstream society and live a productive, substance-free life. Members gain insight and self-awareness into the disease of addiction, while learning coping skills to manage their behavior and ultimately, to envision recovery as an attainable goal.

We can help!

*Staffed by Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADCs) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LCADC)
*Individual group and didactic counseling sessions.
*Professional supervision and intervention.
*Single-occupancy rooms.
*State of the art new kitchen.
*Prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

Who Is Eligible:

*Men ages 18+
*Must have completed a 28-day(or longer) inpatient treatment program for substance abuse
*Without a permanent address
*Residents must secure employment
*Residents must participate in comprehensive services that are offered
*NJ Drug Court Participants
*Commit to 3-6 months as a participating resident
*Bergen County residents non-drug court

Cost: Room, board and services are generally on a sliding scale. Residents must secure employment within 30 days and pay a portion toward rent.

Wrap-Around Services Include:

*Financial literacy
*HUD-certified housing counseling
*Nutritional support services
*Employment services
*Healthcare services
*Life skills training
*Mentoring
*HIV testing and counseling medication monitoring
*Other services provided by Greater Bergen Community Action

How to apply:

1. Call (201) 342-0029 for intake, referral or for more .

2. A counselor will contact you for a prescreen phone interview and to set up an in person interview.

3. A counselor will give the referring agency a list of required documents.

Other programs that may interest you:

1st Bergen Federal Credit Union-(201) 968-0202-Banking you can trust.

CHIP (Community Housing in Partnership)-(201) 488-5100-Affordable housing development and management.

Ladder is sponsored by the Greater Bergen Community Action
241 Moore Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: (201) 968-0200
http://www.GreaterBergen.org

*Disclaimer: this information is taken directly from the Ladder pamphlet. I have never used the service before and have no opinion on it either yes or no to how good the service performs. Please call or email them for more information.

Phases: Supportive Transitional Living for homeless youth ages 16-21

Phases Main Office
316 State Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: (201) 489-6586
Fax: (201) 489-2033
http://www.GreaterBergen.org
Greater Bergen Community Action

Overview:

Phases (Program for Homeless Adolescents Seeking an Environment of Stability) is a NJ State-licensed supportive transitional living program for homeless youth ages 16-21.

Individual case plans are developed for each resident, focusing on their education, employment, family relationships, financial literacy, nutrition and health. The overarching goal of PHASES is to reintegrate the youth into their communities as productive, capable, functioning members.

What to expect:

Youth residents will stay in the residential and supportive housing program for an average of 18 months, based on their individual ability to acquire the necessary independent living skills.

Referrals can be made to PHASES from DCP&P (Department of Child Protective and Permanency), Bergen County Board of Social Services, the juvenile justice system, churches, schools or other organizations.

PHASES Services:

*Residential: Safe, clean and comfortable housing is provided at GBCA’s Chadwick House, a newly renovated group home centrally located in Hackensack.

*Life Skills Training: Food preparation, budgeting and money management and vocational and employment search and independent living skills.

*Educational Connection: High school/GED support, vocational training and other post educational support.

*Employment Assistance: Career planning and job search and preparation.

*Health Care: Access to medical, dental and mental health services

*Youth Involvement Activities: Recreation, youth advisory councils and mentoring.

*Other Support Services: Transportation, referral to legal services and other community resources.

How to apply: Call (201) 489-6586 for more information.

Other Programs that may interest you:

CHIP (Community Housing in Partnership)-(201) 488-5100 Affordable housing development and management.

PHASES is sponsored by Greater Bergen Community Action
241 Moore Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: (201) 968-0200
http://www.GreaterBergen.org

*Disclaimer: This information is taken directly from the PHASES pamphlet. I have never used the service before so I have no opinion either yes or no to how it works but please call the above number or email them for more information.

Medical Identity Theft & Medicare Fraud: Stop Medicare Fraud

http://www.StopMedicareFraud.gov

Medical Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information (like your name, Social Security number or Medicare number) to obtain medical care, buy drugs or submit fake billings to Medicare in your name.

Medical identity theft can disrupt your life, damage your credit rating and waste tax-payer dollars. The damage can be life-threatening to you if the wrong information ends up in your personal medical records.

Fight Back!

Deter, Detect and Defend

(OIG-Office of Inspector General)

Deter: Protect your personal information

*Guard your Medicare and Social Security numbers: treat them like you would treat your credit cards.

*If it’s free, they don’t need your number!:Be suspicious of anyone who offers you free medical equipment or services and then requests your Medicare number.

*It’s illegal and it’s not worth it!: Do not left anyone borrow or pay to use your Medicare ID card or your identity.

Detect: Watch Out for these common fraud schemes:

*Just walk away: If people approach you in parking lots, shopping center or other public areas and offer free services, groceries, transportation or other items in exchange for your Medicare number.

*Simply hang up the phone: If someone calls you claiming to be conducting a health survey and ask for your Medicare number.

*Don’t give your information: To telephone marketers who claim to be from Medicare or Social Security and ask for payment over the phone or Internet. They may want to steal your money.

Defend: Check your medical bills, Medicare Summary Notices, Explanations of Benefits and Credit Reports.

*Were you charged for any medical services or equipment that you didn’t get?

*Do the dates of services and charges look unfamiliar?

*Were you billed for the same thing twice?

*Does your credit report show any unpaid bills for medical services or equipment you didn’t receive?

*Have you received any collection notices for medical services or equipment you didn’t receive?

Report Medicare Fraud and Medical Identity Theft:

*If you spot unusual or questionable charges, contact your health care provider. It may just be a mistake.

*If your complaint is not resolved by your provider, report the questionable charges to Medicare.

*If you suspect Medicare Fraud, contact the Department of Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General.

*If you think someone is misusing your personal information, contact the Federal Trade Commission.

Who to Contact:

Department of Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General Hotline:

Report suspected Medicare fraud:
Phone: 1-800-447-8477 (1-800-HHS-TIPS)
TTY: 1-800-377-4950/ Fax: 1-800-223-8164
Email: HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov
Online: OIG.HHS.gov/fraud/hotline

Medicare Call Center And SMPs

Report questionable charges to Medicare:
Phone: 1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE)
TTY: 1-877-486-2048/Online: medicare.gov

You can also contact your local SMP:
SMPs (formerly Senior Medicare Patrols) work locally to empower seniors to fight health care fraud and resolve errors.

Find an SMP in your area:
Go to http://www.smpresource.org or call 1-877-808-2468

If your Medicare care is lost or stolen, report it right away. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) for a replacement.

Get help reading your Medicare Summary Notice at http://www.medicare.gov/basics/SummaryNotice.asp. Get a
free credit report each year by calling 1-877-322-8228

Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Hotline:

Report misuse of your personal information:
Phone: 1-877-438-4338 (1-877-ID-THEFT)
TTY 1-866-653-4261/ Online: FTC.gov.idtheft

To learn more about medical identity theft, visit:
http://www.WorldPrivacyForum.org/medicalidentitytheft.html

*Disclaimer: this information is taken directly from the pamphlet provided by http://www.stopmedicarefraud.gov. I have never used the service before so I have no opinion either yes or no on the service. Please call the above number or email them for more information.

Shelter Plus Care: Permanent Supportive Housing
Family Guidance Bergen County Department of Human Services
County of Bergen Department of Human Services
Division of Family Guidance
Shelter Plus Care
125 Essex Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/familyguidance
(201) 336-7378
Fax: (201) 646-2729

Overview:

Shelter Plus is a permanent supportive housing program that provides HUD housing vouchers and support services to assist young people in acquiring sustainable housing and functioning in an independent living setting. Shelter Plus Care is a collaboration between the Housing Authority of Bergen County, which determines eligibility and administers the vouchers and the Bergen County Division of Family Guidance, which provides ongoing case management services.

What are the goals?

*To help young adults with mental health, substance abuse, learning and/or behavioral difficulties acquire and sustain affordable housing.

*To facilitate participants’ job retention, apartment upkeep, budgeting and access to medical and psychiatric services.

*To reduce homelessness

Services:

*Help young adults find apartments and live independently in unsupervised residents.

*Provide monthly case management services.

*Link participants to community resources such as food banks, Medicaid and mental health services.

*Provide crisis counseling.

*Facilitate access to the Division of Family Guidance continuum of services including:

-Psychiatric evaluation
-Medication monitoring
-Psychotherapy
-Substance abuse treatment
-Vocational testing
-GED preparation
-Vocational, job and college coaching
-Recreational activities

Requirements:

*Must be a resident of Bergen County.

*Must be between ages of 18 and 21 at the time of initial eligibility.

*On an annual basis, must meet HUD eligibility requirements and need continued supportive services.

Who Refers?

*Self-referral

*Visions Transitional Living Program

*Bergen’s Place Youth Shelter

*Community referrals

*The Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P)

County of Bergen
Department of Human Services
Division of Family Guidance

Mission Statement

Bergen County’s Division of Family Guidance provides clinical, residential, educational, correctional, case management and monitoring services to at-risk children, adolescents and families, particularly those who are otherwise unable to receive needed services.

Vision

The Division of Family Guidance is Bergen County’s resource for youth & families in need.

Values

*Collaborative, Creative and Empirically Driven Programming.

*Safe, Respectful, Dependable and Therapeutic Environments.

*Developmentally Appropriate Expectations.

*Empowerment through Opportunities.

*Community Safety

Shelter Plus Care
125 Essex Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: (201) 336-7378
Fax: (201) 646-2729

*Disclaimer: This information is taken directly from the Shelter Plus Care pamphlet. I have never used the service and have no opinion of it either yes or no, so please call the above number or email the department for more information.

NJ Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Fund

NJ Division of Disability Services

The TBI Fund provides New Jersey residents of any age, who have survived a Traumatic Brain Injury, the opportunity to access the brain injury related services and supports they need to live in the community. The Fund purchases supports and services to foster independence and maximize quality of life when insurance, personal resources and/or public programs are unavailable to meet those needs. A portion of the Fund also is used to support public education, outreach and prevention activities related to TBI.

Eligibility:

Fund recipients must:

*Provide medical documentation of brain injury
*Have liquid assets of less than $100,000
*Be a resident of New Jersey for at least 90 consecutive days

Definitions:

Traumatic Brain Injury: To qualify for the Fund, an individual must have an acquired brain injury; defined as an injury to the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal brain function, where continued impairment can be demonstrated.

Fund Facts:

*Motor Vehicle collisions and falls are among the top causes for TBI in New Jersey.
*The most requested service of the Fund is Cognitive Therapy.
*Every approved applicant is assigned a TBI Fund case manager, who works with the applicant to create a service support plan to be heard by the Fund Committee.
*The average award amount for Fund requests is approximately $8,200.
*The individual lifetime cap is $100,000.
*The Fund currently serves over 2,500 New Jersey residents with TBI.

This definition does not include dysfunction caused by congenital or degenerative disorders, birth trauma or injuries caused by other circumstances. (See: http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/basis.html)

Liquid Assets:

Liquid Assets include checking accounts, savings, accounts, CD’s, stocks and bonds. The Fund does not consider your primary home or your primary vehicle as “liquid assets,” nor do we consider your IRA or 401K, unless you are of retirement age.

Services and Supports:

The Fund will consider supports and services that are related to your brain injury. These may include but are not limited to:

*Home modifications
*Assistive technology
*Neuropsychological services
*Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies
*Service coordination
*Cognitive therapy
*Pharmaceuticals

How to Apply to the TBI Fund: Request a TBI Fund application by calling: 1-888-285-3036.

Disclaimer: this information is taken from the pamphlet from NJ Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Fund. I have not used the service so I have no opinion yes or no to the service. Please call the above number or email them for more information.

Visiting Physician: House calls are back!

Visiting Physician Services has been making house calls for over 20 years. Patients can:

*Experience fewer hospital visits
*Have more quality time and peace of mind
*Receive complete coordination of care
*Remain in the comfort of their home

Make your life easier, call 732-571-1000

Visiting Physician: Member of VNA Health Group

Call the doctor who comes to you.

Visiting Physician focuses on the medical needs of geriatric and homebound patients. We can:

*Perform physical exams
*Treat all chronic conditions
*Conduct EKGs, X-rays and blood work
*Prescribe/monitor medications
*Manage wound care

For more information, call 732-571-1000

Visiting physician: Member of VNA Health Group

http://www.visiting-physician.com-Medicare Accepted
23 Main Street, Suite D1
Holmdel, NJ 07733

*Serving Ocean, Monmouth, Middlesex, Union, Essex, Somerset, Passaic and Bergen Counties.

NJ 2-1-1 Partnership: Dial 2-1-1 or click nj211.org.

If you or someone you know needs help… Start here.

If you need help with…affordable housing*food*volunteering*financial and emergency assistance*rental assistance*domestic violence*jobs*baby items*child care* food stamps*mental health issues*shelter*mortgage assistance*special needs registry*dental assistance*accessible housing*support groups*foreclosure*family shelters*homeless prevention*transportation*emergency preparedness…and just about everything else! NJ 2-1-1 helps…families*single parents*teens*agency professionals*moms &dads*state and county workers*grandparents*friends and neighbors*the disabled*legislative assistants*the homeless*school counselors*clergy*aging and disability professionals*discharge planners…you!

Dial 2-1-1 or Click nj211.org
Free..Confidential*24/7*TTY*Multilingual

Disclaimer: this information was taken from the 211nj.org pamphlet. I have never used the service before so I have no opinion either yes or no on the program. Please call the above the number for more information.