Guest Blogger: Howard R. Seidman Restrictions for COVID-19 isolation have eased somewhat in New Jersey. It is the only U.S. state reporting two straight weeks of drops in new cases. Encouraging news, but if you are a senior or take care of one, should you resume venturing into public settings or gatherings of any size? The Center for Disease Control and Prevention […]
Happy 10th Anniversary, CCNJ!
Happy Anniversary Caring Connections of New Jersey and Pennsylvania! We cannot believe it’s been 10 years since Caring Connections of New Jersey and Pennsylvania was born! No one could not have imagined the growth that this organization would have had in 2011 when it began. We started with having professional meetings through the years in […]
CCNJ Cares amidst the Coronavirus Outbreak
SENIORS: If you are a senior in need of food or medication pick up, we do have some volunteers willing to help. Please email your need to sheli@caringconnectionsnj.org and we will try to get someone to assist in your time of need. Wash your hands frequently and be sure to social distance from others at this time. (6-10 […]
Do’s and Don’ts to Help Thwart the Spread of Coronavirus
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is on the top of everyone’s mind. Some families are rushing to the store, stocking up in fear of the worst, while others are fearful they will not be able to get the supplies and care they need for themselves or a loved one.
This virus is rapidly spreading across the world, believed to have entered the United States in February, with the first case being discovered in China1. First discovered in a nursing home in Washington, new cases are popping up every newscast. The numbers are changing so quickly barely anyone can keep up.
Coronavirus is a virus that exhibits symptoms similar to the flu. They include fever, coughing, and trouble breathing2.
It is spread through close contact with others through respiratory droplets that are made when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes3.
Caring Connections of New Jersey, like many of our members and partners, is keeping a close eye on Coronavirus developments, because the virus has the potential to be a matter of life and death for adults over age 60 and people young and old that have serious chronic medical conditions4.
Due to fears that the virus could be seriously dangerous to our aging population, nursing homes and hospice providers, even many right here in New Jersey, have temporarily suspended all non essential medical visits.
The more we can do right now to prevent the spread of this dangerous virus, the better off we all will be. If even if someone comes into contact with the virus but doesn’t get sick, but he or she could still be a carrier and spread it to others.
There is no cure for Coronavirus, so cancellations, isolation, and other precautions are on everyone’s mind as we take measures to “Flatten the Curve.”
Flattening the curve simply means using protective measures so we don’t overwhelm the healthcare system.
The website, FlattenTheCurve.com, laid out key suggestions, as well as things we should avoid, as we take active steps to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from the virus. (It has a wealth of great information. Hop on over there to get a full understanding of this virus and what’s going on.”
We made an infographic to sum it all up for you. Just click on the infographic to view it full size and zoom in.
For information specifically for family caregivers concerned about how they can cope with Coronavirus when a loved one is in a facility, visit this article at CareGiving.com: https://www.caregiving.com/2020/03/talk/
For the official CDC Coronavirus website, follow this link: https://cdc.gov/coronavirus
Sources:
1 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
2 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
3 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
4 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html
CCNJ Kindness Crusade
We are on a mission to create societal change by teaching emotional awareness, empathy, community building, and most importantly, the development of a healthy self-image through the CCNJ Kindness Crusade. On February 14, 2020, CCNJ kicked off its first annual kindness campaign. The campaign will run until March 31, 2020. Do you know someone who […]
Thankful for a Thankless Job
Everyday, everywhere you turn, scores of Americans are putting in work caring for our elders and fellow citizens with disabilities, and today, across the nation, caregivers are being celebrated for the amazing difference they make. It wasn’t until I started taking care of my grandma that I truly began to appreciate how much we family […]
14 Simple and Creative Ways to Show Love to Seniors
Love is in the air. Whether you’ve already found that special someone or are searching for your soulmate, it’s easy to get swept up in the romance and sensation of this special holiday. Senior loneliness has been making major headlines as waves of older adults are increasingly finding themselves with limited social connections. Author Deb […]
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period Ends March 31st-What you need to know.
You may have heard of Medicare Open Enrollment that begins on October 15th and ends on December 7th that allows you to make changes for the following year. There is another “Open Enrollment” period for you to be aware of. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) is from January 1st to March 31st […]
Six Things to Look for When Visiting Your Aging Loved One This Season
Sometimes we don’t see our parents or aging loved ones as much as we would like. Life gets in the way and our responsibilities pull us in many directions. We speak to mom or dad on the phone and they tell us everything is just fine. But is it? With the holidays here, take note […]
CCNJ Asks What Are You Grateful For?
This is the season where we will reflect on for what we are thankful. Research shows that we should be in touch with our gratitude even when the leaves aren’t changing or when the air is crisp. So many studies have been done to show the benefits of feeling grateful. Sometimes all it takes to […]
Caring Connections of New Jersey is now a 501(c)(3)!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 14, 2019 Caring Connections of New Jersey, Inc. 501(c)(3) Public Charity Hamilton, NJ – Caring Connections of New Jersey is proud to announce it is now officially a public charity with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Contributions donated to Caring Connections of New Jersey […]
Grieving the Living
Grief is described as deep sorrow, usually after someone dies. We’ve all lost loved ones at one point or another and the stages of emotions that people go through when grieving are those of denial, anger, guilt, depression and acceptance. These are not necessarily in order and may repeat during the bereavement process. What should […]
Creativity for Your Health-by Linda Mundie, Vice President of Caring Connections of New Jersey and Pennsylvania
When we think of wellness and the habits that are vital to our wellbeing, we immediately think of diet, exercise and sleep as the standards of health. An overlooked aspect of wellness is creativity. Researchers are starting to investigate some of the fundamental aspects of life that usually get neglected, including our basic need for creativity. Developing […]
August is Wellness Month
August is Wellness Month and August 15th is Relaxation Day. Every day should be thought of as “Wellness Day”, but the truth is that caregivers rarely put themselves first. Sometimes our lives are so busy that we simply feel there is no time for extra steps for our own wellness. Perhaps you are someone who […]
Senior Bullying is More Common Than You Think
When we think of bullying, many times we think of adolescents in middle school and high school. These “Mean Girls” or bullies make life impossible for the victim. There is another demographic that we need to bring attention to in this day and age which it may come to a surprise to you.Bullying is defined […]
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. We ask that you join us through the month of June to wear purple to show support for the millions of people worldwide struggling with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. It’s also a time to recognize the caregivers for the support that they provide to their loved […]
May is Older Americans Month-Connect with CCNJ and Your Community!
May is Older Americans Month Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. This year the 2019 theme is Connect, Create, Contribute so we are encouraging older adults in New Jersey to: Connect with friends, family, and services that support participation. This will help you stay active in your community. […]
Grey Market Risks and How They Will Impact You and Your Family
According to The Institute on Aging, in the year 1900 only 100,000 Americans reached the age of 85. By 2050, the 85+ year-old age group will reach 19 million, which is 5 percent of the total population. These numbers are scary when you look at the amount of qualified individuals there are to care for […]
Bash on the Beach Sponsorship Deals
We’re so stoked for the 2019 CCNJ Bash on the Beach! It’s going to be a great event! In preparation for the Bash, we’re offering discounts on membership and sponsorship in conjunction with the Bash. Become a CCNJ Member! Your membership to CCNJ counts as a sponsorship because it makes it possible for us to […]
What is Your Definition of a Family Caregiver?
Nick was my father’s first cousin and he was kind and he was generous. He would come to my grandmother’s house (his Aunt Laura) in Brooklyn on Sundays when we went to visit. Sometimes his parents would come visit as well. We saw him when we were small through our late teens and maybe even […]
Buckingham Place Adult Day Center and Home Care Services
Buckingham Adult Day Center Offers: Socialization, Group Activities, Hot meals, music, Alzheimer’s programs, onsite RN, open Monday through Friday 9am-4:30pm. Buckingham Home Health Care Offers: Home health aides assisting with personal care, transportation, shopping, errands and more. Clients are given the opportunity to meet and interview the assigned aide to ensure a comfort level prior […]
Loving Someone with Alzheimer’s Disease
Valentine’s Day is a little over a month away and I am lucky enough to be surrounded by so much love in my life. Love from my husband and children, other family members, my friends, even my colleagues. Traditional spouses are planning to buy chocolate and flowers for their loves for Valentine’s Day. More modern […]
Can Social Situations Effect the Way You Age?
Social situations vary from family to family. These situations can contribute to the social, physical and psychological issues in aging adults and ultimately lead to serious health problems if they are not addressed. Some things that can directly impact the physical and mental health of seniors are as follows: The loss of a spouse-When a […]
Simplify What it is to Be Thankful-A Five Year Old’s View
Gratitude is something that I practice on a regular basis and something that I try to share with the people I’m closest to as well as the seniors that I educate. It’s so easy to let a bad day take us over to the point where we may feel very little gratitude. I lived my […]
Never Give Personal Information to Get Personal Information.
When I was a caregiver for my mother, I juggled a full-time job, two children, a relationship, and trying to be the best caregiver I could be. When the time came that I needed help, I would hop on the computer at night and Google information. This was a daunting task. Primarily because not all […]
OLDER DRIVERS
Imagine what it would mean if suddenly, you couldn’t drive any more. The loss of independence is a terrible blow to a senior citizen who, because of health problems or physical limitations, can no longer drive safely. Statistics from the federal government show that people under 75 have relatively low involvement in car crashes. But […]
Accreditation Consulting for Home Care, LLC: Piecing together the accreditation puzzle
Accreditation Consulting for Home Care was established to help NJ health care service firms achieve and maintain accreditation. We have developed a simple approach to breaking down the standards and can show you how to integrate these standards into your day-to-day operations. Mindy Rosenblum, President of Accreditation Consulting for Home Care, is also the owner/operator […]
Health Force: We’ll be there when you need us most
From the company’s inception in 1996, our mission has been to help people in New Jersey live safely at home as long as possible while maintaining their independence and dignity. The safety and well-being of the clients we serve is most important to our Health Force team of dedicated health care professionals. Utilizing a team […]
Helping residents move toward recovery, greater independence and an enhanced quality of life
The Greystone Residential Program At Friends Hospital is a Long-term Residence for Adults and Older Adults with Mental Illness (non-dementia related). Private –pay residence with structured programming to address mental health needs Program staffed 24/7 and includes nursing, psychiatry, social work, & counselors Licensed by State of PA and accredited by The Joint Commission Full access […]
YOU Can Help Raise Awareness of the Power of Music in Those with Dementia.
When you hear the song You Are My Sunshine, does it make you think of a family member? A resident? A patient? Does it bring up a childhood memory? A memory of your own children, perhaps? You Are My Sunshine is a song that my grandmother sang to my mother. My mother sang to me […]