NJAAW News and Resources
December 5, 2023
The holiday are a time of joy and celebration, but are also challenging for people who have lost loved ones or cant participate in the way they used to.

As we enter the holiday season, take a moment to think of the traditions you and your family celebrate, that have been handed down from one generation to the next. Reconnect with the older people in your life, and share with them how you continue their traditions and what they mean to you.

Happy holidays!
New & Noteworthy
NJAAW Wraps Up 25th Anniversary Year
As 2023 draws to a close, we are proud to look back on all we have done not only this year, but in our 25 year history. In 2023, we
  • Held our largest conference ever, with nearly 300 attendees (save the date for May 17, 2024)
  • Held a deep-dive series on Caregiving in NJ
  • Continue to co-lead the Essential Jobs Essential Care NJ Coalition to find solutions to the direct care workforce shortage
  • Hosted webinars on palliative care, dementia care, ADUs and age-friendly community building
  • Produced 10 new and exciting Aging Insights episodes

Visit our website to find links to recordings to these and more under the events and Aging Insights tabs - NJAAW.org

We depend on support from foundations, partners and friends to do this and more for NJ's older adults. Please consider donating today.
New "Jobs that Care New Jersey" Website
New Jersey Human Services and The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities have launched the Jobs that Care New Jersey website highlighting the availability of jobs providing direct supports for individuals with disabilities and older adults. This website is an important step to help recruit and support the essential workers so many people depend on to age in place.
 From Town Hall to Back Yards - Building ADUs in webinar.
Thanks to Ann Lippel, Christina Kata and Marina Rubina for an outstanding presentation and the energy they clearly have for expanding ADUs as housing options for older adults their families and caregivers.

To view the recording of the event, click here:ADUs

To view the winning designs from the Montclair Gateway to Aging ADU Design Contest click here: https://montclairgateway.org/adu-winners-announced/
Aging Insights
Aging Insights Episode 142 - Updates on COVID & the New Vaccine

Four years ago, a new, contagious disease was identified - Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Join Executive Director Cathy Rowe and guest, Dr. Meg Fisher to talk about where we stand today against this disease and the newest vaccine to fight it.

Dr. Fisher, Special Advisor to NJ’s Commissioner of Health explains how COVID has changed, why the newest vaccine is important for older adults, and how to sort through misinformation and disinformation when searching for information about your health.
This and all Aging Insights episodes are available for viewing, sharing and forwarding through our website njaaw.org/aging-insights/
Events
WHO, WHAT, WHEN:
Vaccine Recommendations for Long-Term Care
Thursday, December 7, noon
Join the LTCO for the latest advice on vaccinations for the flu, COVID-19, and RSV from Meg Fisher, MD, Special Advisor to New Jersey’s Commissioner of Health.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/ex39bayr to register for the online discussion, which is presented by the state Department of Health, advocacy group FACE NJ, and the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
 
Dr. Fisher will discuss general recommendations regarding which vaccines older adults should receive and whether they can receive shots at the same time. She will also cover special considerations for individuals with various health conditions and those who are immunocompromised.
From the Camden Coalition:
Addressing Equity in Home and Community-based Services Among Older Adults of Color Enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid
December 7, 2023 2-3 pm ET
Hear about new research that is directly engaging dually eligible older adults of color, and current state and federal policy recommendations for improving home and community-based services for these populations. Join speakers from Community Catalyst Center for Community Engagement in Health Innovation, LeadingAge LTSS Center @ UMass Boston, and the Institute for Community Health.

Last in our Prudential Pathways Series
Retirement & Insurance Planning in Your 50’s and 60’s
Thursday, December 7th from 4:00PM-5:00PM EST via Zoom
This seminar will cover:
  • Understanding cash flow
  • Investing and protecting your assets
  • Estate planning and more
Individuals can also schedule a 30-minute financial wellness checkup with a dedicated Prudential Pathways speaker.
Wednesday, December 13, 2023, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (EST) Via Phone
Resources
Check Out the 2023 State of Grandfamilies Report 
The 2023 State of Grandfamilies report, Building Resilience: Supporting Grandfamilies' Mental Health and Wellness brings attention to the mental health and emotional wellness of grandfamilies, sheds light on their resilience and the challenges they face, and provides innovative solutions and resources to better support them. The report also includes policy and program recommendations for strengthening these incredible families.  To learn more and to download the report, click here: Grandfamilies
SMP Provides Information for Medicare Open Enrollment
As we approach Medicare Open Enrollment Season (October 15 - December 7) it is imperative that eligible residents get accurate and up to date information that can help guide their choices.

The Senior Medicare Patrol of New Jersey (SMP), a federally funded program of the U.S. Administration for Aging, believes that if you know your options you can make the right choices — giving you the best coverage at the least cost.

Please review and share SMP's newsletter on making changes and choices for Medicare coverage: SMP
Aging with a History of Trauma:
Strategies to Provide Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Care to Older Adults and Family Caregivers
Exposure to traumatic events is widespread with research finding almost 90% of American older adults have been exposed to at least one traumatic event during their lifetime. This trauma affects adults as they age as well as those who provide for their care.

The Jewish Federations of North America offer "Aging with a History of Trauma," a guide for using PCTI care for older adults with a history of trauma and family caregivers. To learn more, visit their website: https://holocaustsurvivorcare.jewishfederations.org/memo
Policy Updates
New Task Force Charged with Aiding Implementation of
Stay NJ Property Tax Relief Program
Governor Phil Murphy, Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin, and Senate President Nicholas Scutari have announced the appointment of six highly regarded public servants to a newly created task force charged with putting forth recommendations to implement the new Stay NJ property tax relief program, which is designed to cut property tax bills in half for New Jersey’s seniors.

Under the law, which was sponsored by the Speaker and Senate President and signed by the Governor as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget process, the six-member task force will consist of  
  • The State Treasurer, or the State Treasurer’s designee
  • The Commissioner of Community Affairs, or the commissioner’s designee
  • One public member appointed by the Governor, who may be an Executive Branch employee
  • One public member recommended by the Senate Presidentt
  • One public member recommended by the Assembly
  • One public member jointly recommended by the Senate President and the Assembly Speaker
Support NJAAW
Is our information useful to you? Then please consider a financial contribution today. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well relies on foundation grants and other donations to fund our work. We welcome your support, your suggestions and your input for advocating for NJ's oldest residents as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and strategize for the next 25 years..