NJAAW News and Resources
January 4, 2023
NJAAW News
NJAAW Welcomes Dr. Steve Landers to Board of Trustees 
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Steve Landers, MPH, President and CEO of Visiting Nurse Association Health Group, Inc., has accepted a position as a Trustee on our Board. Dr. Landers joins a distinguished group of practitioners and thought leaders that guide our work in ensuring all NJ residents can age well with independence, dignity and choice. For the full press release, click here

NJAAW's current Board members are:
Steve Leone, Chair 
Andrea Lubin, Vice Chair 
John Mostello, Treasurer 
Michele M. Kent, Secretary 
Carl Archer, Esq.,  
Steve Landers, MD, MPH 
William O’Donnell, M.P.A. 
Joshua Raymond, M.D. 
Celeste Roberts, M.S.W. 
Vikranta Sharma, M.D. 
Charisse Smith, Ph.D. 

Donate Your myWalgreens Cash Rewards to NJAAW
NJAAW is participating in the myWalgreens donation program! You can donate your myWalgreens cash rewards to NJAAW thru February 28, 2023.

At Walgreens, you’ll earn unlimited 1% Walgreens Cash rewards when you shop and you can choose how much to donate. It’s that easy. Whether you’d like to contribute $1, $5, or more of your Walgreens Cash rewards you’ll be making a big difference. It really adds up! 
Aging Insights
Episode 135 - New Year's Reflections:
Meet Kathleen Rooney & Lillian Boxfish

Its New Year's Eve 1984, and Lillian Boxfish for a long walk through the NYC she knows and loves. Author Kathleen Rooney joins host Cathy Rowe to talk about how she developed this amazing character. Lillian, a woman in her 80s, is smart, independent, elegant and eloquent. Join us on her walk as she reminisces about her life, her city, her career and loved ones, visits old haunts and finds new friends.

Aging Insights is also available as a podcast through our website: https://www.njaaw.org/aging-insights/podcast/,
Spotify and your favorite podcast apps.
Events
 Financial Wellness Month 
Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter is kicking off 2023 with Financial Wellness Month and several educational opportunities—virtual, in person or on demand. 

Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in the country, so taking steps to learn about and plan for its impact and possible long term needs is critical—regardless of where you and your family may be on your journey. 
 
Registration is required for all programs. Click a “register” link for events below, visit alz.org/crf or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 to ensure your spot today. 
 
Dementia Conversations (virtual)  
Wednesday, January 4 | 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Register 
  
Managing Money: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances—Lunch & Learn Designed for All Caregivers (virtual)  
Wednesday, January 18 | 12 to 1 p.m. Register 
  
Introduction to Alzheimer’s: Focus on 10 Warning Signs (in-person) 
Keyport Senior Center, Keyport, NJ 
Wednesday, January 18 | 4 to 6 p.m. Register 
  
New Advancements in Alzheimer’s Treatment: Research Update (virtual) 
Thursday, January 19 | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Register 
  
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s: Spanish + English Languages (virtual) 
Monday, January 23 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Register 
  
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s: Spanish + English Languages (virtual) 
Tuesday, January 24 | 5 to 6 p.m. Register 
  
Managing Money: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances—Designed for All Caregivers 
(in-person) Keyport Senior Center 
Wednesday, January 25 | 4 to 6 p.m. Register 
  
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia (in-person) 
Plainfield Senior Citizen Center 
Tuesday, January 31 | 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Register 
  
Family Caregiver Support Programs (virtual) 
Thursday, January 12 | 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Register 
Tuesday, January 24 | 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Register 
Every Thursday | 1 to 2 p.m. Register 

CSH and Capital Impact Partners Offer Lunch & Learn - February 28th  

CSH is partnering with Capital Impact Partners for a February 28th Lunch & Learn to better understand the supportive housing client needs tied to aging in place. 

To help understand the aging and health needs of clients and to inform the February 28 discussion, CSH asks supportive housing developers, service providers and property managers to fill out  this short survey: CSH survey

To register for the February 28 event, click here: Register

COVID-19 Vaccine/Booster Questions Answered

In the initial wave of vaccinations, NJ's older adults did well in accessing the COVID vaccine, thanks largely to all of your efforts. As the perceived urgency of COVID has waned, it is important to share up-to-date and accurate information on the importance of vulnerable people receiving boosters. 
NJAAW recently partnered with the NJ Department of Health to answer questions on the vaccine and boosters. In case you missed it, you can watch the recording here: COVID 19 Vaccine/Booster Questions Answered
Resources
New Nursing Home Facility Data 
The NJ Department of Health has launched a new dashboard that provides NJ residents with the information they need to choose a long-term care facility for their loved ones. The dashboard provides information to help families choose a facility where their loved ones are properly cared for and respected, including: 
  • quality ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; 
  • survey and inspection information; 
  • financial statements;  
  • general staffing levels, and compliance with staffing ratios 
  • identifies the licensed nursing home administrators and owners. 
Social Security Administration Launches New Website With User-Friendly Interface
“In an ongoing commitment to provide efficient and equitable service, visitors to the SSA.gov website will now experience a new design that helps them find what they need more easily and do business with us online. Many of the most visited sections now use a more user-friendly and task-based approach. In the coming months the SSA will continue to unveil new pages and improvements based on public feedback. 
 
The SSA invites you to read their blog announcing the redesigned website and several interactive tools, such as the new benefit eligibility screener. ” 
See Our Blog on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Guest blogger Sevki Topcu, Co-Founder of HAVEN, discusses how ADUs offer a host of benefits, from added income and increased property value to more space and privacy. If you’re thinking of adding an ADU to your home, this guide will tell you everything you need to know to get started. NJAAW Blog
NJ Division on Aging Services Announces "GetSetUp"
From the Dept of Human Services:
"In an effort to combat social isolation, Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman announced the Department’s partnership with GetSetUp, an interactive online learning community, to provide free, live virtual classes for New Jerseyans ages 60 and older.

The GetSetUp platform offers live classes taught by peers who are experts in their field, social hours hosted by community members, and special events with speakers who directly address areas of interest to older adults. Older New Jerseyans can choose from more than 500 available classes on a range of topics such as aging in place, computers, budgeting, mental fitness, and more. Classes are offered in English, Spanish, Hindi and Mandarin. Classes are available 24 hours a day. To reach the New Jersey GetSetUp site, visit getsetup.io/partner/NJ.

The department's press release can be found at

Please share this information with your network and your seniors.
Volunteers Needed
Professional Development
Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) offers Free Learning Opportunities
ATAC is offering free monthly discussion on specific topics of assistive technology to share insights, knowledge and networking. 
Meetings will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month @ 12PM. Topics are:  
January 10 -   UDL & Accessibility 
February 14   Reading Supports 
March 14 -    Writing Supports 
April 11 -      Executive Function 
May 9 -        Vision Supports 
June 20 -     DOH Supports  
July 11 -      Physical Mobility Supports 
ATAC also partners with the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) to provide complimentary unlimited access to the ATIA Learning Center.  To learn more and to register for the monthly discussion please go to:  https://at4nj.org/free-access-to-atia-learning-center/