Q: My husband’s Alzheimer’s disease is becoming too much for me to manage on my own. Where can I get help?

A: Here are two options that can assist you:

• Jewish Vocational Services Caregiving Companions provides caring and reliable non-medical homecare. For more information, call Rachel Cohen at (973) 674-2415, ext. 293.
• Jewish Family Services of MetroWest provides family consultations, geriatric assessments, In-Office or In-Home counseling, case management, and caregiver support groups. For more information, call JFS Intake at (973) 765-9050.

Q: I am concerned about my mother continuing to live independently in her home. What housing options can you suggest?

A: Jewish Community Housing Corporation (JCHC) serves as an umbrella operation responsible for housing, with services for the senior citizens 62 years of age and older, in five locations.

• Jewish Federation Plaza, West Orange: (973) 731-2020
• Jewish Federation Towers, Irvington: (973) 374-1702
• Village Apartments of the Jewish Federation, South Orange: (973) 763-0999
• South Orange B’nai Brith Federation House , South Orange: (973) 761-4602
• The Lester Senior Housing Community, a 180-unit complex, including 123 Independent residences and 60 N.J. licensed assisted living residences on the Alex Aidekman Family Jewish Community Campus, Whippany: (973) 428-0300, ext. 217

The Charles Bierman Home of Daughters of Israel in South Orange, offers housing for the elderly, consisting of a private studio apartments clustered around a common living space, designed to integrate the individual into a group environment. Services include three kosher meals a day, heavy housekeeping, medication monitoring, and social activities. Call Daisy Pujals at 973-763-6627.

Q: I can’t drive anymore. How do I find transportation to medical appointments?

A: Metro Transport provides limited door-to-door transportation for eligible individuals. Call Lauren O'Gorman at (973) 400-3394.

JFS has recently published a guide to transportation resources in the MetroWest community. Click here to download it.

Q: My sister is hospitalized and I am her only family member … but I have medical problems myself, can’t visit and live in Canada 3,500 miles away. Does the Jewish Community have anyone to visit her?

A: The Joint Chaplaincy Committee sends chaplains to visit Jewish individuals in hospitals and nursing homes, offering them and their families pastoral and spiritual care and guidance. Call Cecille Asekoff, (973) 929-3168.

Q: My father recently moved from Brooklyn into my home in West Orange. Is there anyplace he can attend to make new social connections and play cards with other Jewish senior adults?

A: JCC MetroWest offers a wide variety of health and wellness programs, recreational activities, and nutrition support to seniors throughout the MetroWest community. Call Sharon Gordon at (973) 530-3480.

For answers to your eldercare questions, contact:

A personal, professionally-staffed individualized one-stop connection
to the vast array of eldercare resources, services, and advice
available in the MetroWest community and beyond.
elderlink@jfsmetrowest.org | (973) 765-9050

Elderlink is supported with grant funding from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey.