Caregiver Resources

Many caregivers find that they need help navigating healthcare and social service systems and feel that learning more about available resources and connecting with other caregivers for support is crucial to fulfill their caregiving responsibilities.  The Healthy Aging Program at Atlantic Health System suggests the following helpful resources for caregiver information:

Respite Care

Respite care provides short-term, temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities through the use of outside services to help prevent or delay permanent facility placement. Many caregivers utilize respite care to “take a break” for their own health and well-being. Respite can be used for a few days or a few weeks, depending on the needs of the caregiver.  Forms of respite care can include home health services or temporary facility placement. Many assisted living and skilled nursing facilities offer discounted respite rates for short-term stays.  Most respite care is an out-of-pocket expense, however, there are some grant programs to help those with limited financial resources.

New Jersey Statewide Respite Care Program
The Statewide Respite Care Program provides respite care services to relieve their unpaid caregivers of stress arising from the responsibility of providing daily care. Services include home health aides, medical or social adult day care, private duty nursing, or a short-term stay in a skilled nursing facility. 
1-877-222-3737

Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program
The program supports individuals who care for a spouse, relative, or friend who requires assistance due to disease or disability. Services may include caregiving assistance, education and counseling, and reimbursement for supplies used to provide care. To learn more about the program’s eligibility requirements and how to apply, contact your local Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging.

More Resources

Aging & Disability Resource Connection of New Jersey (ADRC)
1-877-222-3737

Alzheimer’s New Jersey
Offers care consultations, support groups, educational opportunities, connection to respite care and linkage with local community resources for patients and families coping with Alzheimer’s.Offers a Respite Care and Wellness Program grant of $1,000 to help support the cost of respite care services.
973-586-4300 or 888-280-6055

Alzheimer’s Association 
Offers information and education, connection to clinical trials and linkage to national and regional support resources for both caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s. Online Training Center – online Alzheimer’s and dementia courses in English and Spanish

AlzConnected
Free, online community message boards for everyone affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias.  Individuals living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, family members and friends can ask questions, get advice and find support.
800-272-3900 – 24/7 National Helpline 

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
This national organization provides support, education and services to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias. A National Memory Screening Program coordinates free memory screenings for community members throughout the country. 
866-232-8484 – helpline available 7 days a week.

Atlantic Home Care

Atlantic Private Care

Caregiver Action Network
855-227-3640

Caregiver Coalitions of the United Way of Northern New Jersey 
Morris and Somerset Counties – 973-993-1160 x534
Suburban Essex County – 973-993-1160 x209
Sussex and Warren Counties – 973-993-1160 x305

Assistive Technology for Caregivers Program
Morris & Warren Counties
Through this free program, caregivers and those they care for receive and learn how to use devices to help ease the stress of caregiving. From medication reminders to remotely checking in on a loved one, assistive technology is tailored to meet the needs of each family. For more information, call 973-993-1160 x115 or x108

Catholic Charities – Assistance for Caregivers of Elderly Individuals
908-497-3900

Eldercare Locator
800-677-1116

Family Connections – Caregiver Connections Program
973-675-3817

Jewish Family Services of Metrowest
973-765-9050

Jewish Family Service of Central NJ
908-352-8375

Lewy Body Dementia Association 

New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
1-800-367-6274

NJ 2-1-1 Partnership
 1-800-435-7555

Passaic County CARES (Caregivers Assistance Relief Education and Support)
Provides a broad array of services for Passaic county caregivers to better understand and utilize services while providing care to others.
973-569-4060

SAGE Eldercare
908-273-5550

Sussex County Caregiver Support Groups
973-579-0555 x 1288

The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration
NJ Support Group – 732-208-1340
866-507-7222

Thomas Glasser Caregivers Center at Overlook Medical Center
908-522-6348

Veterans Administration (VA) Caregiver Support Services
855-260-3274 – National VA Caregiver Support hotline

WellSpouse Association – Support for Spousal Caregivers
1-800-838-0879

Family Caregiver Alliance
800-445-8106

National Caregivers Library

Next Step in Care

American Parkinson Disease Association – Resources for Care Partners
800-223-2732

Parkinson’s Disease Foundation
Offers education about Parkinson’s for both patients and caregivers, along with regional and online support resources.
800-473-4636 – National Helpline

Atlantic Health System Stroke Support Groups 

Morristown Medical Center groups – 973-971-4412
Overlook Medical Center groups – 908-522-5933
Chilton Medical Center groups – 973-831-5385
Newton Medical Center groups – 973-579-8620