bergencountycaregiver

Valuing the Invaluable: Putting a Dollar Value to Family Caregiving.

In 2013, about 40 million family caregivers in the United States provided an estimated 37 billion hours of care. The estimated value of care. The estimated value of their unpaid service was approximately $470 billion.

How does family caregiving compare?
(2013-2014 in billions)
Walmart Annual Sales $477
Family Caregiving estimated value $470
Combined Annual Sales of Apple, IBM, Hewlett Packard and Microsoft $469
Total Medicaid Expenditures: $449

Time Commitment:

Caregivers spend an average of 18 HOURS PER WEEK providing care to a family. 60% Family caregivers caring for an adult while employed full or part time. Provide 21+hours of family care per week while working a job is 22%.

Financial Commitment:

68% Family caregivers who say they have to use their own money to help provide care to their relative. 39% felt financially strained.

Emotional Commitment:

55% of Caregivers who felt overwhelmed by the amount of care needed for a family member.

Work Commitment:

1 in 4 workers age 25+ are family caregivers. 72% are workers 40+ that say allowing work flexibility for caregiving would help improve work/life balance.

*AARP: Real Possibilities: from the AARP Public Policy Institute pamphlet.

Disclaimer: This is taken directly the AARP Family Caregiving pamphlet from July 2015. To all of you burnt out caregivers, this is something to show those family members who do not want to be involved with their loved ones care, who say that they ‘too busy’.

Weatherization Assistance Program: Helping to lower your energy bills.

The Greater Bergen Community Action
Weatherization Services Office
99 Passaic Street
Garfield, NJ 07026
Phone: (973) 546-1441
Office Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday
http://www.GreaterBergen.org

Overview: GBCA’s Weatherization Program has helped more than 3,300 Bergen County residents since 2009.

GBCA’s Weatherization Service is part of a U.S. Department of Energy program that assists qualified low-income homeowners and tenants to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. This program is available for both tenants and landlords. If you qualify, there is no charge for these services.

Getting started is easier than you think!

How our program works:

1. Call our office at (973) 546-1441 or go to http://www.greaterbergen.org/home-energy for an application.

2. Mail or bring in your completed application. One of our home energy specialists will set up a free home energy audit with you.

3. After your home audit is completed, our specialist will discuss what
services are needed and will set up a second appointment to complete the work.

Weatherization Work: Work on your home will take place on days and times that work best for you. Most jobs take two to five days to complete. GBCA employs our own crews, so your work will be performed by qualified professionals you can trust. If work is needed on heating equipment or hot water heaters, a licensed contractor will be hired to perform that work at no cost to you.

Safety: Our program does more than help to save on your energy bills. We also perform safety tests on applications, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and heating systems.

Services Available Include:

1. Insulation of attics, sidewalls, floors and foundation perimeter.
2. Improve indoor air quality.
3. Measures to reduce air leakage.
4. Sealing of air ducts.
5. Energy efficient refrigerators/freezers.
6. EFC
7. Programmable thermostats
8. Consumer education
9. Weather-stripping
10. Tune-up repair or upgrade on heating systems and/or water heaters.

Other Programs that may interest you:

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): (201) 488-5100 Assistance to pay utility bills for low-income families and individuals.

Greater Bergen Community Action
241 Moore Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
http://www.GreaterBergen.org

*Disclaimer: This information is taken directly from the Greater Bergen Community Action program pamphlet. I have never used the service so I have no opinion on it either yes or no to it. Please call the above number or email them for more information.

Home Energy Assistance Program: Helping individuals through temporary utility payment challenges

Greater Bergen Community Action

Home Energy Assistance Services Office
316 State Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: (201) 488-5100
Office Hours:
9:00am-3:00pm-Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
8:00am-7:00pm-Thursday (November-May only)
http://www.GreaterBergen.org

Overview:

Home Energy assistance programs help income-qualified individuals experiencing a financial challenge pay their energy bill and remain in their home.

Energy costs can place stress on a household budget, whether the income is low or the household is experiencing a financial emergency. In some instances, the household is forced to make painful decisions regarding which bills to pay and which necessities to survive without.

There is no charge for any of our energy payment services.

Who is Eligible?

*Bergen County Residents
*Income-qualified
*Experiencing a temporary challenge involving utility bill payment and water payment.
*Household must be responsible for paying heating/cooling costs directly to the fuel supplier.
*Other specific requirements depending on assistance program.

Our Programs Include:

LIHEAP(The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): helps low-income families and individuals meet home heating and medically necessary cooling costs.

USF(Universal Service Fund): Helps making natural gas and electric bills more affordable for low-income households.

NJ Life Line: Helps with gas and electric bills for disabled or senior homeowners and renter with limited incomes.

True/Page: (Temporary Relief for Utility Expenses & Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric Programs): Help with gas and electric bills for people facing a temporary financial crisis.

NJ Shares: Helps low moderate income household who are experiencing hardship and struggling to pay their electric and natural gas bills.

SUEZ (Water Program): Assistance with SUEZ water bill payment.

How to Apply:

1. Go to http://www.GreaterBergen.org/home-energy-assistance and download the application form.

2. Visit our office for help completing the application, no appointment necessary.

3. Or mail in completed application and documents to:

316 State Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601

Other Programs that may interest you:

Weatherization Assistance Program: (973) 546-1441
Improving the energy efficiency of your home.

LIHEAP 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 Greater Bergen Community Action Pamphlet. I have never used the service so I have no opinion of it either yes or no to it. Please call the above number or email them for more information.

In-Home Caregiver Education & Support Program
Division on Disability Services
One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd Floor
Hackensack, NJ 07601-7076
Phone: (201) 336-6504
TTY: (201) 336-6505
(Telecommunication for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing)
Fax: (201) 336-6505
Website: http://www.co.bergen.nj.us

In-Home Caregiver Education and Support Program: a convenient free service for caregivers with no income eligibility requirements.

James R. Thebery, M.A. CSW
Division on Disability Services, Director

Dan Kotkin, Coordinator
(201) 336-6504

Purpose: To provide training and support to caregivers

How the program works: A Register Nurse meets with the caregiver at the home to assess the client’s need for services. The nurse uses this information to plan training or support for the caregiver.

The Teaching Plan and Home Visits: The teaching plan helps caregivers to set goals to learn the skills needed to provide care such as:

*Lifting
*Transferring
*Bathing
*Personal Care
*Dietary Management
*Disease Education
*Accessing Community Resources
*Rehabilitation Exercises

Professional Home Visits:

Caregivers may receive home visits from the following professionals:

*Occupational/Physical Therapists
*Speech Therapists
*Registered Nurse
*Dietician

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker is also available for counseling for stress management.

The Caregiver is:

*An unpaid individual, 18 years of age or older.
*A spouse, adult child, grandchild, another relative or friend.
*A person who lives with the care receiver and/or is actively engaged in the person’s care.

The Care Recipient is:

*Is 18 years of age or older with chronic disease or disability.
*Needs help from a primary caregiver to adequately perform activities of daily living.
*Is a Bergen County Resident

Disclaimer: this is a very good program that I used when I was taking care of my parent and I highly recommend it. Please work with your social worker and sign up for it when you bring your loved one home. The quicker you get signed up, the quicker they come to your house for the evaluation. Please call the above number for more details.

Bergen County Nutrition Program: Senior Lunch for Active Seniors

Meals on Wheels for Homebound Seniors

County of Bergen
Department of Human Services
Division of Senior Services
One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd Floor
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Telephone: (201) 336-7420
Toll Free: 1-877-222-3737
Fax: 1-800-852-7897
TTY: 1-800-852-7897
http://www.co.bergn.nj.us

Bergen County Senior Lunch

The goal of the nutrition program for active adults, Senior Lunch, is to provide well-balanced meals, foster social interaction and provide access to other supportive services available to Bergen County seniors.

To be eligible, an individual must be age 60 or older or the spouse of a participant. Lunch his served Monday-Friday at the programs listed. Reservations must be made at least one day in advance. Transportation may be available. Please call the location of your choice for information and reservations.

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

Cliffside Park Senior Activity Center
Gerald A. Calabrese Complex
500 Gorge Road
(201) 943-3768

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

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

Englewood Bergen Family Adult Day Care
44 Armory Street
(201) 568-0817

Fair Lawn Senior Center
11-05 Gardiner Road
(201) 796-1191

Fairview Senior Center
53 Grant Street
(201) 943-5522

Fort Lee
Richard & Catherine Nest Adult Activity Center
319 Main Street
(201) 592-3754

Garfield Senior Activity Center
225 Midland Avenue
(973) 340-4179

Garfield Housing Authority
225 Midland Avenue
(973)340-4177

Garfield Housing Authority-Belmont Gardens
377 Midland Avenue
(973) 340-4177

Hackensack Americas Unidas
Multicultural Senior Activity Center
(201) 336-3320

Hackensack Martin Luther King Senior Center
375 First Street
(201) 488-2495

Lyndhurst Nutrition Program
281 Stuyvesant Avenue
(201) 896-1629

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

New Milford Senior Center
275 River Road
(201) 599-7565

North Arlington Senior Activity Center
St. Paul Episcopal Church
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

Rutherford
55 Kip Senior Center
Tues-Wed-Thurs-Fri-Saturday
Lunch not served on Wednesday
(201) 460-1600

Teaneck Richard Rodda Community Center
250 Colonial Court
(201) 837-7130

Teaneck AWCA
Asian Women’s Christian Association
9 Genesee Avenue
(201) 862-1665

Tenafly JCC on the Palisades (Kosher)
411 East Clinton Avenue
(201) 569-7900

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

Washington Township (Kosher)
Temple Beth Or
56 Ridgewood Road
Tues and Thur only
(201) 666-6610

Westwood
TJ Riley Multipurpose Senior Center
100 Madison Avenue
(201) 666-0840

A nutritious mid-day meal is available for Bergen County Senior citizens at any of the 26 nutrition centers or if eligible, through the Meals on Wheels program. Suggested donated: $1.25 per meal.

Bergen County Meals on Wheels

The goal of the home delivered meal program is to maintain health through improved nutrition and enable homebound senior citizens to remain in the community with independence and dignity.

To be eligible, persons must be age 60 or older; homebound and unable to leave home without the assistance of another person; unable to shop or prepare a nutritious meal for oneself and have no one to assist with meals; receive no more than 4-hours of in-home assistance during the day; not a Medicaid recipient of Managed Long Term Support Services (MLTSS).

A complete mid-day meal is delivered to participants Monday-Friday. Each meal consists of entrée (meat, vegetable, potato), juice, milk, bread and dessert. Meals are planned by a nutritionist to provide recommended nutrients.

For more information or to apply for home delivered meals, please call (201) 336-7420. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm.

*Disclaimer: this information was taken directly from the Bergen County Nutrition Program pamphlet. I have not used the service so I have no opinion either yes or no to how good the service is for seniors. Please call the above number or email them for more information.

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.