Caring for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia is devastating for families. Over time, the demands of Alzheimer’s cause caregivers and family members to feel overwhelmed, isolated, depressed, and exhausted. Alzheimer’s New Jersey developed the Respite & Wellness Program to provide caregivers with “Respite” care, designed to relieve stress and provide needed breaks from caregiving duties.

Alzheimer’s New Jersey offers Respite & Wellness Program scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to Alzheimer’s caregivers living in the state.

 The $1,000 scholarship is typically used to pay for 960-990 hours of home health care. The goal is to help caregivers manage stress and learn the importance of “time off” to maintain consistent, high-quality care.

HealthierJC + Alzheimer’s New Jersey

Alzheimer’s New Jersey believes that building a Culture of Health means helping New Jersey families – including those in Jersey City – impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

By raising community awareness about the disease, educating families, and taking steps to support primary caregivers, Alzheimer’s New Jersey aligns with HealthierJC goal to improve the health and the quality of life of seniors afflicted by this disease.

How was the Mini-Grant Used?

The HealthierJC mini-grant covered the cost of 2.5 caregiver scholarships to participate in the Respite & Wellness Program.

To identify scholarship candidates, Alzheimer’s New Jersey staff reached out to Jersey City home care agencies, adult day care programs, nursing homes, assisted living, and other resource centers to inform them about the program and scholarship opportunities.

The funds also enabled development of a four-part webinar on legal and financial planning issues related to Alzheimer’s disease progression over time.

 Making a Difference…

“With my respite care scholarship, I was able to get away for a much-needed
escape… My husband was in good hands.”
— A scholarship recipient

The program has received high praise from several scholarship recipients:

• “Knowing there is an understanding, caring community is a help in the midst of an overwhelming situation.”
• “I desperately needed help with my husband’s bathing, and he has benefited greatly.”
• “It makes a big difference to the patient when the caregiver is feeling healthy and alert.”
• “The needs of caregivers are numerous but getting time for themselves is important for their well-being.”

For more information, visit Alzheimer’ New Jersey at https://www.alznj.org/.