NJ State Library: Talking Book & Braille Center

To receive the services of the New Jersey State Library Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC)

TBBC is a library that serves New Jersey Residents of all ages, both children and adults, whose ability to read may be affected by:

*A Physical Impairment
*A Reading Disability
*A Vision Impairment

Anyone who has difficulty reading standard print or holding a book in his/her hand or turning the pages of a book may qualify. Those eligible for TBBC’s services will receive a long-term loan of an audiobook player, audiobooks, Braille books (for Braille readers) and access to download audiobooks, audio magazines and Braille files. You can preview the audiobook player online on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/NJSLTBBC.

There is no cost for TBBC’s services. All of our services are delivered to the home and everything ships back and forth postage-free as “Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped.”

You must apply for TBBC’s services. Here are the application steps:

Step 1: Complete this application and have your eligibility certified. The eligibility criteria and a list of who can certify an application are listed on page 2 of the application.

Step 2: When the application is completed and certified, return it to TBBC:

*Fax it: 609-406-7181
*Scan and email it: tbbc@njstatelib.org
*Mail it: The last page of the application is a postage-free return label.

Step 3: Once TBBC receives a completed and certified application, you will receive a long-term loan of a digital audiobook player and a collection of audiobooks. These will be shipped to your home. Everything shipped between you and TBBC ships as “Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped” (no postage required).

TBBC is a regional library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, a division of the U.S. Library of Congress. It is part of the New Jersey State Library. TBBC is supported by state and federal tax dollars.

Questions: Call TBBC toll-free at 1-800-792-8322.

Applications can be gotten at:

NJ State Library/Talking Book & Braille Center
2300 Stuyvesant Avenue
Trenton, NJ 08618
Phone-1-800-792-8322
609-406-7179
Fax: 609-406-7181
http://www.njsltbbc.org

Disclaimer: I have not used this service so I can’t comment on it one way or another. Please call the numbers above for more details or any changes in requirements.

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Disability Programming, Health and Life Support Services, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, NJ Library Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Rehabilitation Programming, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Statewide Respite Care Program (Fact Sheet)

The Statewide Respite Care Program Fact Sheet:

What is the Respite Care Program?

This program established by Chapter 119 of Public Law in 1987, is designed to provide relief and support to the unpaid caregivers of frail elderly and disabled adults. The program provides services for elderly and functionally impaired person to relieve their caregivers of the stress arising from the responsibility of providing daily care. Services in Bergen County are coordinated by the Bergen County Department of Human Services, Division on Disability Services through funds provided by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.

What services are available?

*Companions
*Homemaker/Home Health Aides
*Medical Adult Day Care
*Social Adult Day Care
*Short-term inpatient care in a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility
*Camp
*Skilled Nursing
*Caregiver Directed Option

Who can receive these services?

Families or individuals, age 18 or over, providing unpaid basic daily care at home to a frail elderly and/or disabled adult age 18 or over. Individual is at risk of long-term institutionalization due to inability of the caregiver to continue in that role. The care recipient must be a resident of Bergen County, New Jersey.

What are the financial criteria?

Monthly income may not exceed $2130 ($4,260 for a couple). Cost share begins at an income level of $1031 per month, ($2062 for a couple), and is assessed on a sliding scale.

Liquid resources, i.e., assets that can be converted into cash within 20 working days, may not exceed $40,000 for a couple. This limit includes all savings and investments but does not include the value of one’s primary home, car or household effects.

Who will determine the amount and type(s) of services and how many hours will be available?

A representative from the Bergen County Division on Disability Services has been designated to administer the program within the County. Based on availability, the sponsor agency will make every attempt to accommodate the client=s specific request of dates and times for the service as set forth in a Service Plan.

Emergency Service:

If a caregiver is suddenly unavailable due to a situation of an emergent nature, Respite Services may be used for a time-limited period if funding is available and if all the eligibility requirements are met. If it appears that the emergency will exist for a lengthy interval, the Respite period will serve to allow for alternative service(s) to be arranged.

How can one apply for services?

Contact:

The Bergen County Division of Disability Services
One Bergen County Plaza
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Voice: (201) 336-6503/6506
TTY: (201) 336-6505
Fax: (201) 336-6510

Disclaimer: I have never used this service before so I can’t comment on it one way or another. Changes also occur over time so remember to call and talk to the office over all the details for the program.

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Disability Programming, Health and Life Support Services, Home Care Programs, Housing Programs, Legal Assistance Programs, Medicare/Medicaid Programming, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, New Jersey State Program, Senior Services, Senior Transportation Programming, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bergen County: Wellness Check Program

The Bergen County Wellness Check Program is run by the Department of Human Services of Bergen County. If you would like to enroll in this program, please complete the application and forward it to the address specified on the form that you can download from the Department of Human Services in Bergen County, NJ. You will receive a phone call prior to your first call to let you know your application has been processed. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Division of Senior Services at (201) 226-7400.

How the program works:

At approximate pre-specified hours, you will receive a free daily phone call from the Bergen County Wellness Check Program to check on your well-being. The call will begin with the following prerecorded message: “This is a phone call from the Bergen County Wellness Check Program. Please press ‘1’ if you are okay.”

When you become a participant in the program, you will be asked to identify friends or family who may assist you in an emergency. When the system can not make contact with you, it will call the relative or friend you have designated.

If your telephone line is busy or there is no answer, the system will call back one more time after four (4) minutes. If there is no answer or the line stays busy, your contact will automatically be notified to check on you. The system will only respond to touchtone telephones or through a TTY, a device for the deaf and hard of hearing. You are responsible for notifying the Division of Senior Services of any changes, whether temporarily or permanent by calling (201) 336-7400, Monday thru Friday 8:00am-4:00pm.

Once you download the application, you can mail it or drop it off to:

Bergen County Division of Senior Services
Attn: Wellness Check Program
One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd Floor
Hackensack, NJ 07601
For assistance or questions, please call (201) 336-7400

Disclaimer: Since I have never used this service, I can not endorse it one way or another. Please call the service for more information.

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Disability Programming, Health and Life Support Services, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Prescription Drug Programs, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Disability Programming, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Bergen County: SAVVERS Card Program

This program is run by the Department of Human Services of Bergen County, New Jersey. If you want to enroll on the program, please complete their application that is online in their website and forward it to the address on the form and if you have any questions on the program, please feel free to call the Division of Senior Services at (201) 336-7400.

The SAVVERS Discount Program is a FREE program to provide discounts and services for Bergen County Seniors, military Veterans, Volunteers, Active Military Personal, Emergency Responders and their families.

Each eligible person and family member who signs up for the program will receive a membership ID card to present to participating businesses and professionals in order to receive their discount. There is no cost to become a member of SAVVERS.

The online catalogue is provided with all relevant information about the offers each member is eligible to receive. The index is easy to use and convenient http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/savverProgram/.

The goal is to ask every business and professional in Bergen County to participate in the SAVVER program. To date over 40 towns have been solicited with over 825 business and professional responding to sign up for the SAVVERS program.

Applications are to be dropped off at:

Bergen County Department of Human Services/Division of Senior Services
SAVVERS Discount Program
One Bergen County Plaza-2nd Floor
Hackensack, NJ 07601

Disclaimer: As with all programs, please call for information and ask an expert from the department to assist you. I can not endorse the service one way or another as I do not participate in it. I am providing you the information from their application.

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Financial Planning, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

EZ RIDE of Bergen County

Traveling around Bergen County is difficult for most seniors. Many people have family that work or no family around and rely on friends to get them around. There are a few alternatives with town sponsored Senior busing, the Senior busing of Bergen County and Access ride, all sponsored to help get people around. One other option is EZ Ride. My disclaimer is that all services are at your discretion and you must form your own option by using them all.

EZ Ride is manned by volunteer drivers who drive their cars and help others. For more than 25 years, they have worked to improve the quality of life for our clients by providing transportation solutions.

During the last year alone, they managed more than half-a-million passenger trips, saving more than 10,000 gallons of gasoline a day, while providing convenient and reliable mobility throughout the state’s most densely populated counties.

In addition to their new FLEX-T Mobility Partner, we manage the state’s largest Carpool, Vanpool and Shuttle services for the corporate community and its employees, municipalities, universities and area colleges.

Their shuttles are equipped with GPS, Mobile Data Terminals and in-vehicle cameras to ensure safe, convenient travel every day of the year.

EZ Ride also offers bicycle and pedestrian services, car sharing and transportation services for older adults and people with reduced mobility using a team of volunteer drivers. To learn more about this and what they can do for you and your company, visit http://www.ezride.org.

EZ RIDE Volunteering:

With our cars and your driving, you can make the difference. Let’s face it, you’ve been lucky in life. Not everyone has been. All around us are neighbors who would love to have opportunities that we take for granted. Many are not able to drive, have a disability or can’t access public transportation.

You can offer a vital link that allows them to get back and forth to work, visit a relative or doctor, even do their grocery shopping. We make it an EZ Ride by providing the cars, gas and insurance.

Join our volunteer drivers network and make a difference in people’s lives by volunteering to drive. Your driving helps to make transportation affordable and keeps fares to a minimum.

Volunteer Requirements:

For the safety of the riders and drivers alike, you must:

*Be at least 21 years old
*Have a current New Jersey drivers license
*Have a clean driving record for at least three years and no criminal record
*Be reliable, punctual and have good interpersonal skills
*Agree to an interview and background check

Volunteer Benefits:

Our volunteers report a sense of reward that comes with helping others. In addition, they also receive:

*Volunteers can accumulate or ‘bank’ a ride for every 4 hour shift they work. Riders can be saved or transferred to others but must be used within the calendar year they are rewarded.

*Driver Safety Course

How to get started now:

Complete and submit an application form at http://www.ezride.org or call the volunteer coordinators at (201)939-4242 or fax (201)939-2630.

Notes:
* the brochure from which this information comes from states that this does not take the place of your insurance policy or legal advice. Refer to your insurance plan or attorney with specific questions. You may also review the web page for frequently asked questions.

*Volunteers over 65 are asked to provide a physician’s note verifying fitness to drive.

For more information:

Call Monday-Friday: 8am to 4pm

EZ Ride
144 Park Place East
Wood-Ridge, NJ 07075

Tele:
(201) 939-4242
Fax:
(201) 939-2630
Email:
info@ezride.org

http://www.ezride.org

Program supported by:

Kessler Foundation
National Center for Senior Transportation
The ARC of Monmouth County
KIP Center

*Note: all information has been taken from the EZ Ride pamphlet. Things change all the time so call first for updated information.

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Drunk Driving Programming, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, New Jersey Senior Transportation Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Senior Transportation Programming, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

State Health Insurance Program: SHIP

As a consultant for the County of Bergen I run a Post Stroke & Disabled Support Group in Ridgewood, NJ that meets once a week. I have many speakers come to talk about their programs to our group. I do not endorse any of these groups as one being better than another. This is my disclaimer. I only reprint on the website their paperwork and there you have to make your own judgment call. Good Luck to you!

SHIP: Bergen County (201) 336-7413

This is a counseling program for Medicare enrollees administered by the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) The Division of Aging Services NJ Department of Human Services. Administration for Community Living with in the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Division of Senior Services
Bergen County Administration Building
One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd Floor
Hackensack, NJ 07601-7076
(201) 336-7400

How SHIP provides free and confidential assistance:

Our counselors will help you:
*Understand your benefits
*Compare Plans & Policies
*Untangle claims problems

Some of the most frequently asked questions:
*What doesn’t Medicare cover?
*What is patient responsibility?
*What is the difference between a Medigap supplemental policy and an HMO
*Can I switch from Medicare to an HOM and Vice-versa
*What is long-term coverage in nursing homes?
*What is the best prescription drug plan for my needs?

SHIP counselors are volunteers who have been trained by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Senior Affairs. They can help you answer questions like those shown and will also assist you in contacting insurance companies, resolving claim payment problems and filing complaints. They do not provide legal advice and do not sell, recommend or endorse any specific insurance product, agent or insurance company.

SHIP volunteers have direct access to knowledgeable insurance experts from both the State and Federal governments who can answer the really tough questions. Although some client problems can be resolved easily over the phone, SHIP counselors are available to meet with you face to face. To get the most benefit from your counselor, please follow these steps:

1. Bring your insurance cards
2. To discuss claim payment problems, bring any benefits forms you have received in the mail.
3. To discuss coverage, bring actual policies or outlines of policies you are considering or have questions about.
4. To compare RX drug plans, provide a list of your medications.
5. Call ahead for an appointment.

To request additional information, please check all those that apply and mail this portion or call (201) 336-7413 to speak with a volunteer SHIP counselor:
*Information on Medicare
*Supplemental Insurance Coverage
*Advantage Plans/HMO’s
*Long term Care Policies
*Claim Information
*Appeals Process
*Speaker Information
*Information on becoming a SHIP volunteer
*RX Plan Information

SHIP volunteers can direct you to the proper party on such subjects as:
*Medicare Savings Program
*Managed Care Organization
*Medicaid
*Social Security
*PAAD and Senior Gold
*HEAP-Home Energy Assistance
*Lifeline-Home and Heating
*Home Care Services
*Rehab Services & Nursing Homes

**Satellite Location:
NW Senior Activity Center
46-50 Center Street, Midland Park BY APPOINTMENT call: (201) 445-5690

***What’s New in Medicare:
*Welcome to Medicare Preventive visit
*Alcohol Misuse Screening & Counseling
*Behavioral Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease
*Obesity Screening & Behavioral Therapy
*Screening & Counseling for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
*Screening for Depression
*HIV Screening
*Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
*Mammograms

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Federal Caregiver programs, Health and Life Support Services, Legal Assistance Programs, Medicare/Medicaid Programming, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, New Jersey State Program, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Disability Programming, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Visiting Homemaker Home Health Aide Service of Bergen County Inc.

As part of my job as a consultant for the County of Bergen, I have a lot of speakers come to my sessions and talk to the members of my Post Stroke & Disabled Support Group. I do not endorse anyone as being better than another. I am just relaying information to readers who may not know where to go for help. This my disclaimer. You must make you must make your own judgment call. The information that I am relating is straight out of their pamphlet.

The Mission of the ‘Visiting Homemaker Home Health Care Service of Bergen County Inc.’ is the purpose of this organization is to provide quality in home and community services for individuals who are unable to care for themselves or need assistance. These services shall prevent the disruption of family life, foster independence and maintain dignity.

Since 1954, Visiting Homemaker Home Health Aide Service of Bergen County has been the premier nonprofit home care service firm in Bergen County. They have provided in-home assistance helping thousands of people to live with dignity and independence in the security and comfort of their familiar home environments.

Their service give families peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are safely cared for by compassionate, skilled and mature certified home health aides and companions.

They provide home care for anyone of any age, who needs assistance. From families caring for a chronically ill loved one, to new parents learning to care for a newborn and those who simply need help as they age or become disabled. Our individually tailored services bring you the help you need when you need it.

They are a non-profit agency. Their focus is on the people we serve-ensuring that they receive exceptional quality care. Every member of their service team undergoes extensive screening including reference checks, health screening and criminal background checks. They are fully insured and covered by workers compensation insurance.

All of our home health aides have completed extensive training and are certified by the NJ Board of Nursing. Their registered nurse care managers supervise the certified home health aides and oversee patient care.

These are the Home Care and Companion Services help include:

*Older adults who can no longer manage on their own
*Adults and children with disabilities
*Frail elderly who only need a helping hand to remain at home
*Family caregivers who need relief
*People convalescing from illness
*New mothers and their babies
*Accident victims
*Surgery of any age who need temporary assistance

There is customized care as well. Everyone’s situation is unique. That’s why they offer a wide variety of services. You use only those services that you need. Their registered nurses visit you prior to starting service to assess your situation. They then guide and assist you in arranging the care that is just right for you.

Services can be arranged for as little as a few hours a week or for up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For your convenience , they bill weekly and major credit card payments are accepted.

The primary service we provide include:

*help with bathing, grooming, dressing, walking and feeding
*Grocery shopping and errands
*Meal preparation
*Light housekeeping and laundry
*Medication reminders
*Respite for family caregivers
*Live-in care
*Help at home after surgery
*Companionship

Their supportive care. Visiting Homemaker Home Health Aide Service is a recognized pioneer in home care services. They receive support from Bergen County Department of Human Services. The Community Chest, foundations, government grants and generous private donations. This support enables them to go beyond their private fee customized care service to provide subsidized care at little or no cost to eligible individuals.

Their Accreditation & Affiliations:

They are accredited by Home Care University of National Association for Home Care & Hospice.

Licensed as a Health Care Service Firm by New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Division of Consumer Affairs.

Provider Agency Approved by:

*Medicaid
*Department of Veterans Affairs
*Bergen County Board of Social Services

Member of:

*National Association for Home Care & Hospice
*Home Care Council of New Jersey
*North Jersey Home Care
*Hackensack Regional Camber of Commerce
*Community Resource Council
*Caregiver Coalition of Bergen County
*Volunteer Center of Bergen County Inc.
*The Community Chest

For more information, please contact them at:

Visiting Homemaker Home Health Aid Service of Bergen County Inc.
298 Union Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601-4303
Email Intake@vhsbc.com
Website is http://www.vhsbc.com
(201) 488-0041*(800)246-2402

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Career Programming for people with disabilities, Disability Programming, Health and Life Support Services, Home Care Programs, Medicare/Medicaid Programming, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Disability Programming, Senior Rehabilitation Programming, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment