New Jersey - Essex, Hudson, Union Counties

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT HOME CAREThere are two types of support you can have in your homehome health and home care. They sound similar, but are quite different. After a stay in the hospital, a doctor might require someone to have care at home on a short-term basis. This is home health. It could be to monitor a health problem or manage wound care, among other things a skilled nurse can do. Your doctor or hospital will arrange for home health, which is paid for by Medicare. If your doctor does not prescribe home health, and you pay for services out of your own pocket or through private insurance, you can receive home care. There are various categories of home care, such as companion/homemaker service, wheelchair escort service, nursing service, and home support aide service. When you look for home care, its important to ask the right questions. Ask about the organizations employees. Make sure the nurses are licensed and the aides are certified. The initials after a persons name designate their licensure or certification. For example, RN is for Registered Nurse; LPN is for a Licensed Nurse Practitioner; PT is for Physical Therapist; and CNA is for a Certified Nursing Assistant.Ask about the hiring practices. Does the organization conduct background checks and/or reference checks on all their employees? What about drug screening? Make sure the organization follows rigorous hiring practices.Ask about supervision of the employees. If there is a problem with an employee, what can the customer do? If an employee doesnt show up for work, what happens? You want an agency that supervises their people and provides problem solving.Ask about anything else that is important to you. If it is important to you to have the same caregiver over a period of time, ask that question.Above anything else, Make sure you choose home care carefully so you get the quality you deserve. Editors note: This information was provided by Cecile Sutherland, MS, BSN, R. She has extensive healthcare experiences gained through increasingly demanding and responsible leadership positions in nursing homes, hospitals and out patient surgery centers. Cecile can be reached at 973-746-0165

Thanksgiving is more than just a day for feasting; its a cherished occasion that invites us to reflect on gratitude, connection, and warmth. For seniors, participating in or creating meaningful traditions can foster a sense of belonging and joy. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that keeping traditions alive plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. Lets explore some heartwarming ideas and tips to help you create special Thanksgiving traditions that seniors can treasure for years to come.Setting the Stage: Create a Warm and Inviting AtmosphereCreating the perfect Thanksgiving atmosphere begins long before the main event. Its about making your space welcoming and cozy so that everyone, especially seniors, feels at home. Decorate Thoughtfully: Choose decorations that evoke fond memories. Consider using family photos from past Thanksgivings to create a nostalgic display. Handmade crafts by grandchildren, or traditional decorations like pumpkins and autumn leaves, can add a personal touch.Reflection Zone: Set up a special area where seniors can sit comfortably and reflect on their favorite memories or share stories. Create a gratitude tree where family members can hang notes of what they are thankful for.Involve Them in Planning: Ask seniors for their input on the Thanksgiving menu or activities. Involving them in the planning process not only respects their preferences but also empowers them. Its a beautiful way for seniors to feel a connection to the holiday.Comfortable Seating: Ensure that there are comfortable seating arrangements. Invest in cushions or blankets for added warmth. Consider the mobility needs of seniors by arranging the seating to minimize any inconvenience in movement.By creating an inviting atmosphere filled with familiar sights and sounds, you can foster a sense of warmth and comfort, allowing seniors to feel part of a loving, connected family.Cherishing Traditions: Activities to Foster ConnectionThanksgiving is the perfect time to create lasting traditions that will help seniors feel included while allowing them to share some of their cherished experiences.Cooking Together: Invite seniors to share their favorite recipes and cook together. This not only creates a delicious meal but also provides an opportunity for storytelling and bonding. Encourage them to share tales of how they celebrated Thanksgiving when they were younger.Thanksgiving Memory sharing: Prior to the gathering, ask each family member to prepare a story about their favorite Thanksgiving memory or what they appreciate most about the seniors present. When everyone shares, it creates a beautiful tapestry of traditions and experiences, deepening family connections.Gratitude Circle: After your meal, gather everyone for a gratitude circle. Each person can voice what they are thankful for or a favorite memory from the past. This can be a touching moment for seniors, reinforcing their importance in the family and leaving them feeling cherished.Creating a Memory Book: Start a family Thanksgiving memory book where everyone can contribute their thoughts, photos, and drawings each year. Involving seniors in this activity ensures they feel vital and valued within the family legacy. Crafting: Create holiday crafts together, like making festive table centerpieces or card decorations. This activity can ignite creativity and ensure everyone feels included in the holiday preparations.Thanksgiving is a time to reflect, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories together. By focusing on traditions that foster connectedness and joy, you can create a Thanksgiving experience that speaks to the heart of what the holiday truly represents.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand the importance of environment and connection in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. This Thanksgiving, lets join together to create cherished moments that warm the heart and build lasting memories for seniors, transforming the holiday into a loving celebration. May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments that you and your family will remember for years to come. Happy Thanksgiving!

Special needs trusts (also known as supplemental needs trusts) allow a disabled beneficiary to receive gifts, lawsuit settlements, or other funds without jeopardizing the disabled beneficiarys eligibility for certain government programs. These trusts are drafted so that the funds will not be considered to belong to the beneficiary in determining the beneficiarys eligibility for public benefits.Special needs trusts are designed not to provide basic support, but instead to pay for comforts and luxuries that could not be paid for by public assistance funds. These trusts typically pay for things like education, recreation, counseling, and medical attention beyond the simple necessities of life. Special needs can include medical and dental expenses, annual independent check-ups, necessary or desirable equipment (such as specially equipped vans), training and education, insurance, transportation, and essential dietary needs. If the trust is sufficiently funded, the disabled person can also receive electronic equipment and appliances, computers, vacations, movies, payments for a companion, and other self-esteem and quality-of-life enhancing expenses.Special needs trusts may be stand-alone documents or may be incorporated into a Last Will and Testament. Either way, these trusts may be a valuable vehicle for making transfers for the benefit of a disabled person.Donald D. Vanarelli, Esq., with offices in Westfield NJ, is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (by NAELA, accredited by the ABA), an Accredited Professional Mediator and an Accredited VA Attorney. Mr. Vanarelli, was selected as a Superlawyer in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and is a founding member of the New Jersey Elder Mediation Center. For more information, contact the Law Office of Donald D. Vanarelli, 908-232-7400 or visit his web site at www.dvanarelli.com.

A discount dental plan is a program that allows anyone to go to a board-certified dentist in their own neighborhood and pay a reduced rate (usually half) for any work they need done. Discount dental services are fortunately available to everyone. You don't have to be part of a company or a group.There are literally thousands of dentists in the tri-state area that are willing to offer significant discounts on all services, including braces.These discounts can go as high as 60%. Coverage in these programs begin immediately without any kind of pre-existing condition clause and they have no annual maximum.Editor's Note: This exact program is also available in Health Discounts. To find out more about either plan call Mark Heller toll free at 888-866-8451.Author: Mark Heller