November is National Long Term Care Awareness Month, and while U.S. 1 marks the occasion with its annual Senior Living Issue, several New Jersey organizations dedicated to aging populations are also celebrating their accomplishments and offering special events.
NJ Advocates for Aging Well (NJAAW), the only statewide nonprofit focusing solely on issues impacting older adults in New Jersey, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this fall. Through the end of 2023, the organization will reflect on past accomplishments and look toward what’s next for their policy advocacy efforts, adopting the slogan “Daring to Envision a Brighter Future for Older Adults in New Jersey.”
“Influencing perceptions around the concept of aging is an important part of our work. As we recognize 25 productive years, we hope to inspire a clear vision of how a strong public policy framework can improve the lives of New Jersey’s older adults,” said Dr. Cathy Rowe, executive director.
“It benefits us all to create a truly age-friendly society where everyone can live their best possible lives,” said Michele Kent, chair of the board of trustees. “As we honor this important milestone, we at NJAAW pledge to redouble our efforts to advocate for policies and programs on behalf of NJ’s seniors.”
Since 1998, NJAAW leadership has confronted the most pressing issues facing the aging population. Highlights of the organization’s work over its 25 years include:
• The Elder Economic Security Index, a comprehensive resource used to advance economic supports for seniors
• Safe Mobility at Any Age, a program used to inform transportation safety for older drivers
• Educational resources for professionals in the field of aging including an annual conference, webinars, newsletters, and special events
• Expanding age-friendly work in NJ, dedicating its 2022 conference to “Building an Age-Friendly Ecosystem”
As it looks to the future, NJAAW is taking on a number of new initiatives, such as:
• Partnering with PHI national to convene dozens of stakeholders to form the Essential Jobs Essential Care NJ coalition, which builds strategies to recruit, train and retain direct care workers
• Advocating for a Multi-sector Plan on Aging within NJ
The 25-year milestone invites NJ residents to consider what it means to age well, both individually and collectively. Financial contributions are vital to ensuring NJAAW’s longevity, and in turn, the well-being of seniors across the state.
“Aging is universal, which is why we can proudly say we’re working on behalf of everyone,” Rowe added. “We rely on — and deeply appreciate — continued support from our community.”
“Your support not only enables us to meet our goals for another 25 years but, more importantly, it contributes to the well-being of our precious and often under-appreciated resource, our older adults,” said Kent.
To support NJAAW’s work, visit www.njaaw.org/donate.
The New Jersey Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and advocacy group FACE NJ will host an online discussion Thursday, November 9, highlighting the value of resident and family councils in improving care and promoting a better quality of life in long-term care facilities.
Long-term care residents, their families and friends, and facility staff members are urged to virtually attend the discussion, which is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Register online at www.nj.gov/ltco.
The discussion will cover what resident and family councils are, why they are important, and how to establish and support them. Presenters during the online event will include resident council members, a family council member, and a representative of a care provider.
Long-term care residents may join a resident council where they live or — if none exists — join with other residents to form a new council. Similarly, their family members may join or establish a family council. Both councils can be important advocates by voicing concerns; identifying and requesting needed improvements; supporting new residents and their families; and working with facilities to foster better care and a higher quality of life for the individuals who live there.
“Residents have firsthand knowledge of their experiences, which gives them a unique perspective on how things are versus how they should be, and family members are natural advocates for their loved ones,” said Laurie Facciarossa Brewer, New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman. “So it is no surprise that resident and family councils both serve a crucial role in making long-term care more livable.”
Laurie Kruithof, president of Face NJ, said the online discussion is intended to educate participants on how to amplify the voices of residents and families toward the goal of better care and better lives for the residents.
“We hope to empower people and give them the tools they need to demand the high-quality, person-centered care that the residents need and deserve,” Kruithof said.
FACE (Family Advocate Care Experience) NJ is a private Facebook group composed of caregivers, family members, and others who advocate for loved ones in long-term care.
The Office of the New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an independent state agency dedicated to the mission of advancing the rights, dignity, and self-determination of adults living in long-term care, including nursing homes, assisted living, and residential health care facilities. Learn more at www.nj.gov/ltco.
Princeton Senior Resource Center also joins the celrbations with a special screening of the documentary “Wine, Women, and Dementia” on Wednesday, November 15, at 1 p.m. Watch from home via Zoom or come to the PSRC facility at 101 Poor Farm Road, Building B, Princeton. The documentary sheds light on the challenges faced by family caregivers as they care for their loved ones with dementia. Despite the isolation, financial stress, and emotional toll, these caregivers come together to build a supportive community and learn to embrace life on their caregiving journey. Free registration is required at princetonsenior.link/November-Free-Programs.
