Maplewood, NJ
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Township Older Adult Social Worker and Caregiver Support
The Township of Maplewood utilizes the services of a Senior Citizen Social Worker through Jewish Family Services (JFS). The Older Adult Social Worker, Alli Joseph, will be available Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please note: this service is for adults aged 65 and older who are calling on their own behalf for support. If you fall within that range and need assistance for yourself, call 973-986-4321.
For help with issues related to caregiving for an older adult, please call Jewish Family Services' Care Consultation Program at (973) 637-1740 or email caregivers@jfsmetrowest.org.
The Older Adult Social Worker can help clients connect to:
- At Home Assistance: Home Health Aide/Companion Agencies
- Adult Day Programs & Senior Centers
- Community & Government Resources
- Financial: Medicare Counseling, Money Management, Elder Care Attorneys
- Food: Shop & Drop, Meals on Wheels, Food Stamps (SNAP)
- Home Modification Services
- Housing: Senior Buildings, Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing Facilities
- Mental Health: Counseling, Support Groups, Friendly Visiting
- Medical: Geriatricians, Visiting Nurse Agencies, Psychiatrists
- Transportation
- Local Town Activities & Library Programs
Jewish Family Services (JFS) offers a variety of services to assist older adults and caregivers in embracing the aging process, among them services for caregivers of older adults. The Care Consultation program equips family caregivers with information and resources to assist their aging loved ones. Additionally, JFS has a caregiver respite program (subject to availability) and a partnership with Alzheimer’s New Jersey in Essex and Morris County to provide ongoing monthly support groups for those caring for someone with dementia, as well as those caring for loved ones with Parkinson's. A general caregiver support group is also offered. These groups are offered both virtually and in person.
JFS' volunteer services department offers a friendly visiting program for isolated older adults, a shop and drop program for groceries, free Medicare counseling, and other programs. Learn more about all JFS services for older adults here.
SOMA Two Towns for All Ages is a joint effort between South Orange and Maplewood (SOMA) designed to foster healthy aging and enable residents to age in place. They provide transportation, information and a regular calendar of events. The new Senior Resource Guide has been updated for 2024.
The Maplewood Community Services Department offers a number of recreation activities for seniors throughout the year as well as fitness classes, transportation via Dial-A-Ride, ShopRite trips, and visits to the mall.
Essex County Services
The Essex County Division of Senior Services provides information, services, programs and support for seniors and their caregivers.
The Senior Resource Guide for Essex, Hudson and Union Counties is an online resource directory for seniors, caregivers, children of seniors, social workers, discharge planners, and anyone who serves the needs of seniors. You can find valuable articles, lists of resources, and links for a variety of senior services both local and national.
The Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) serves as a visible and trusted source of information on long term services and supports for persons of all incomes. ADRC professional staff assists seniors, adults, and their caregivers in finding benefits and services they need. Their goal is to improve the experience of consumers and their families when seeking access to information, supports and services. Call 1-877-222-3737.
Transportation Services
Logisticare coordinates non-emergency transportation to covered medical services for New Jersey Medicaid members. Please make a reservation at least two days before your scheduled trip by calling 866-527-9933. Their brochure outlines how the service works. If you are not covered by Medicaid you may also be able to arrange transportation through your insurance. Check the Modivcare website for details.
United Way Caregivers Coalition
United Way Caregivers Coalition has developed a range of responses and programs that are free and open to all. The goal is to promote knowledge and action around critical issues, and provide access to help for unpaid family caregivers in our region.
Family Connections Older Adult Services
Family Connections Older Adult Services support older adults, individuals caring for older adults, and older adults who have become legal guardians to their grandchildren. The various services include assessments, case management, resource sharing, counseling, and group-based wellness and disease self-management.
Adult Health Clinics
All Maplewood residents ages 18 and over are encouraged to attend our adult health clinics, which are free for Maplewood residents. Services provided include: blood pressure screenings, medication counseling, blood labs, weight management and nutrition, diabetes risk assessment and health education. Call (973) 762-8120 x 4300 for details.
NJ State Resources
New Jersey's Division of Aging Services has a number of programs designed to help older adults maintain their independence and live in their communities as long as possible.
File of Life
The File of Life is a national service recognized by all first responders. In the event of an emergency, it provides life saving information including the patient's medical conditions, medications, allergies, healthcare providers and insurance. The File of Life can easily be transported with the patient to alleviate medical questions and uncertainty. This packet is free to all Maplewood residents and can be requested at the Maplewood Health Department.