Caring for a Loved One with Dementia: Resources for Caregivers in NJ

resources for caregivers

Caring for a Loved One with Dementia: Resources for Caregivers in NJ

Dementia affects people in different ways. For some, it means gradually losing the ability to think and reason. For others, it means personality changes, problems with movement and balance, and changes in mood and behavior. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) estimates that up to 5.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. That number is expected to balloon to as many as 16 million by 2050 as the population ages. If you are one of the millions of people who are caring for a loved one with dementia, you know how challenging it can be.  

 

Caregivers often feel overwhelmed and uncertain of where to turn for help. There are a number of excellent resources available for caregivers of loved ones with dementia to help in coping with the challenges of daily life and changes in functioning at different stages.  These resources will help you to provide the best possible care for your loved one. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of some of the resources that are available to caregivers of loved ones with dementia in New Jersey. 

 

Home care is probably the most common type of service of care for caregivers. It involves having a professional caregiver come to the home and provide additional support. This can include help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, as well as providing companionship and emotional support.

Home care can be provided on a long-term or short-term basis, depending on your needs.  It can also provide relief from some of the burden of caregiving.  Respite Care Respite care is temporary care that is provided in order to give the caregiver a temporary break from providing direct care. This can be done in the home or in a facility. Respite care can last for a few hours or for several days or weeks.  

 

One of the most important services for caregivers is support from other caregivers. Support groups provide a forum for caregivers to share their experiences, exchange information, and give and receive emotional support. Support groups can be in-person or online, and there are many groups specifically for caregivers of people with dementia.

 

Community-based services offer support and assistance to caregivers in the community. These services may include adult day programs, respite care, case management, information and referral, and support groups. Adult daycare programs allow your loved one to receive services outside of the home, while providing socialization, mental stimulation, and structured activities.  This option provides the caregiver a chance to continue to work or attend to other tasks. 

 

Resources for NJ Resident Caregivers:

 

The Alzheimer’s Association

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/care-options

 

The Alzheimer’s Association is a national nonprofit organization that provides information and support to caregivers, patients, and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The association offers a variety of services, including online support groups, educational materials, online resources, and a 24/7 helpline.  In the caregiving support section of their website, they offer information on in-home care, adult day centers, respite care, long term care, hospice care, 

 

Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)

https://www.adrcnj.org/

Contact Information: (1-877-222-3737)   

The Aging and Disability Resource Connection serves as a trusted connection to the available services and programs publicly and privately funded to caregivers and individuals seeking additional support.  ADRC can help you and your family identify the appropriate services needed and connect you to those programs as well as provide assistance with applications and assessments as needed.  

According to their website: “Your local Area Agency on Aging can connect you to information about transportation options and in-home care support (bathing, dressing, sitter services, preparing meals). They can also inform you about other local caregiving services, like those provided under the National Family Caregiver Support Program.”

 

NJ Statewide Respite Care Program

https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/doas/services/srcp/

The New Jersey Statewide Respite Care Program provides opportunities for intermittent relief for caregivers of aging individuals struggling with daily functioning.  These services are meant to provide a break for individual caregivers who are continuing to be responsible for a loved one’s care, including household chores, meals, financial management, bathing and dressing, and managing medications.  The costs for the services are income-based. The frequency and duration of these services can vary and can be provided for a short term, such as for a vacation or over a longer period of time for daily errands.  These services are provided in each county across NJ and more information is available when calling ADRC directly.

To connect to these services, please call the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) directly or contact your county Office of Aging and Disability Services.

Contact:  (1-877-222-3737)   

Here are Additional Resources Provided by the NJ Respite Care Program:

  • Next Step in Care: online for caregivers on caregiving topics in English, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese
  • Care2Caregivers: peer support hotline through COPSA at Rutgers, 1-800-424-2494

 

Alzheimer’s Adult Day Services Program

https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/doas/services/aads/

 

“The Alzheimer’s Adult Day Services Program subsidizes adult day care services for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. The subsidy is for up to five days per week of services. The sliding scale for subsidy ranges from 20% to 100% of the cost of services. Additional days may be possible through private pay or other programs; check with the center or the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (1-877-222-3737) for more information on funding or other programs. “

 

Eldercare Locator 

https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx

Contact Information

1-800-677-1116

 

According to their website, “Elder Locator links those who need assistance with state and local agencies on aging, as well as community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers with services such as meals, home care, transportation, caregiver training and education, or a well-deserved break from caregiving responsibilities.”

 

NJ Somerset County Specific Resources:

 

Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services

27 Warren Street

Somerville, NJ 08876

Website : http://www.co.somerset.nj.us

Contact Email : aging@co.somerset.nj.us

Office Phone : 908-704-6346

Information Phone : 888-747-1122

State Phone : 888-747-1122

Hours : 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, ET Monday to Friday.

 

Somerset County Senior Centers Information

https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/human-services/aging-disability-services/senior-centers

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