Home Care Options and Resources
“The talks we give have never been timelier and the topics we can cover aren't just of interest to seniors,” observed Mary Curoski, a VNA Community Outreach Coordinator and designated speaker.
Morristown, N.J. (PRWEB) July 30, 2014
The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) offers fall 2014 speaker availability to clubs, civic organizations and employee workplace groups in the greater Morris and Hunterdon areas. VNA speakers provide expert talks on senior care and caregiver tips and provide information on an array of available support services.
According to the VNA, caregivers who are responsible for a parent, spouse or another adult family member are characteristically unselfish, patient and steadfast. Unfortunately, the majority of caregivers also succumb, on occasion, to feelings of stress, anxiety, isolation and helplessness due to the difficult, 24/7 nature of caregiving and the emotional toll of witnessing the decline of a loved one. Experienced professionals at the VNA offer helpful tips like setting realistic goals for yourself and your loved one, simplify and structure your daily routine, when a situation becomes too stressful, take a “time out”, attend to your own physical, emotional and spiritual health, avoid isolation and reach out for support.
The VNA Speakers Bureau outreach for presentations includes Morris and Hunterdon Counties, as well as in numerous West Essex communities, including Milburn-Short Hills, and the Wayne region of Passaic County. If your club, civic organization or employee workplace group is planning its fall programming or needs a featured speaker this summer, VNA’s Speakers Bureau will provide an experienced presenter free of charge.
“The talks we give have never been timelier and the topics we can cover aren't just of interest to seniors,” observed Mary Curoski, a VNA Community Outreach Coordinator and designated speaker. “There’s strong interest in our Caring for the Caregiver presentation among younger audiences. In fact, our talks include a lot of practical advice and information about resources that were previously unknown to many of our audiences.”
VNA speakers address groups of all sizes at public libraries, corporate Lunch and Learn events, places of worship, senior centers, Rotary, AARP and Newcomer’s Club meetings. VNA presentations are about 45 minutes long and audience questions are welcomed. Speakers are available for both day and evening events and the VNA provides door prizes and hospitality bags, as well as light refreshments when needed. To schedule a free talk, reach out to Mary Curoski at (973) 451-4159, mcuroski(at)vnannj(dot)org or Deborah Castro at (973) 451-4161, dcastro(at)vnannj(dot)org.
Resources VNA can offer include immediate access to the agency’s services such as Friendship House adult day care, part or full-time private duty care and Morris County and state grant programs including Respite for Caregivers, Caregiver Training and Education and House Call Groceries for Seniors. The most frequent external referrals include Meals on Wheels, senior transportation programs and local doctors who make house calls. Another important resource is the Caregiver Coordinator for the Morris County Division on Aging who can provide free assistance dealing with emotional stress.
Monthly Caregiver Support Group meetings are also offered through the VNA and provide caregivers with support and guidance through group discussion and guest speakers. The group, led by a VNA Social Worker, is open to all caregivers and offers assistance in accessing available resources within the community. Caregiver Support Group meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at St. Clare’s Hospital located at 130 Powerville Rd. Booton, N.J.
The VNA is a leading provider of care for the elderly. If you or someone you know are in need of assistance or would like more information about the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey Caregiver Support Programs, resources and helpful tips, please visit vnannj.org or call 1-800-WE-VISIT.
About the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey
The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization with a distinguished 116-year tradition of service. VNA’s comprehensive services include skilled nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapy, certified home health aides, hospice care, caregiver support programs, private care solutions and Friendship House, a social adult day care center. Statistics show Americans would prefer to age in place at home. However, few are factoring the cost of home care into their retirement planning. Each day, the VNA of Northern New Jersey encounters seniors who need a helping hand to realize their best quality of life. Many with chronic but treatable medical conditions and routine symptoms of aging aren’t eligible for Medicare home care benefits. That’s why it’s imperative for those who haven’t yet reached retirement age to plan ahead for individual needs. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey has devoted more than a century to delivering home health services to the residents of Morris County, NJ and neighboring communities who want to return home following hospitalization or need a helping hand to remain in the comfort of home despite illness, disability or advanced age. For further information about VNA services and guidance in planning ahead for your home care needs, call 1-800-WE-VISIT or go to http://www.vnannj.org.
