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