The Community Foundation of New Jersey announced that the Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation has committed $303,300 to family caregivers in Morris, Somerset and neighboring counties.
The funding will take the form of a three-year grant to the Morristown Medical Center Foundation, specifically for its care program. The program aims to improve practical caregiving skills, improve caregivers’ knowledge and understanding of what to expect as their loved one ages, and provide counseling and links to caregivers. community resources.
“The SHCHF Board is committed to meeting the care needs of the elderly population through programs that allow them to stay in their homes and the Caregiver Program is a reflection of this support,” said Kathy Cummins , Chairman of the Board of Directors.
The SHCHF grant will allow the caregiver program to expand its existing services and bring in a licensed clinical social worker to provide more consultation to caregivers. The Powell Center for Healthy Aging currently has one full-time social worker. The addition of a second full-time Licensed Clinical Social Worker will allow for the growth of this program over the long term.
The caregiver consultations, which will take place both virtually and in person, aim to better prepare caregivers to meet the needs of their loved ones. During hour-long sessions, the Registered Clinical Worker will work with the caregiver to identify, address, and support the caregiver’s specific needs through assistance with long-term planning and referrals to community resources. The Caregiver Program will also expand existing senior support programs by providing a telephone and email helpline available seven days a week to address the needs and concerns of caregivers and seniors.
“We view family caregivers as our ‘silent patients’ and recognize the need to partner with them to achieve better outcomes for their aging loved one while keeping them healthy and supported,” said Bonnie Gannon, Director of Relationships with corporations and foundations, Foundation for Morristown Medical Centre. “The expanded Caregiver Program will augment the hospital’s senior support services and allow us to create a truly comprehensive center for healthy aging.
Additionally, the Caregiver program will expand on current offerings from Morristown Medical Center’s David and Joan Powell Center for Healthy Aging. The center seeks to provide information and support for the health needs of older adults through a geriatric assessment center, a healthy aging program to educate older adults, a training and an education program for caregivers, as well as classes and wellness events offered to seniors.
SHCHF is a component fund of the Community Foundation of New Jersey. Those interested in learning more about this grant should contact Madeline Rivera, program officer at the Community Foundation of New Jersey, at [email protected].
The Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation is a donor driven fund of the Community Foundation of New Jersey. SHCHF was created with funds raised by the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills, a provider of home and community health care services. SHCHF seeks to fund projects and programs that promote healthier individuals and communities in Morris and Somerset counties. For more information, visit www.cfnj.org/somersethills.
The Community Foundation of New Jersey creates and scales custom solutions for “motivated” individuals, families, and businesses. From projects that address societal or political issues to scholarship funds, corporate philanthropy, legacy funds, and donor-advised funds, the CFNJ “handles nearly every type of gift and tailors solutions to meet critical needs. In 2021, CFNJ has awarded more than $100 million to nonprofits in New Jersey and beyond.
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