NJAAW News and Resources
January 4, 2023
Happy Birthday to Us!
On February 3, 1998, New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well was incorporated as NJ Foundation for Aging. As a new, unique organization built from the experience of NJ's Area Agencies on Aging and leaders in the field of aging, we set out to collaboratively improve the lives of older adults throughout the state. For 25 years we have been shaping the narrative on aging in NJ into one that recognizes the importance of respect, inclusion, independence and dignity in aging policy and services.

You will hear much more about our past achievements and future plans in our anniversary year, starting with our 25th Annual Conference on June 9.
Stay tuned.........
NJAAW and the Age Friendly Institute Bring the
Certified Age Friendly Employer Program to NJ
We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Age-Friendly Institute to bring their Certified Age Friendly Employer (CAFE) program to NJ. This unique program identifies employers who proactively recruit and retain age 50+ employees, and assists employers in achieving age friendly goals. Age-Friendly Institute President Tim Driver and NJAAW Executive Director Cathy Rowe said “we’re delighted to join forces to better connect employers and older residents in the great state of New Jersey.”  
 
For the full press release, click here: Press release

To learn more about the Age Friendly Institute and the CAFE program, click here 
NJAAW's 25th Annual Conference - Save the Date!

Call for Speakers

NJAAW’s 25th Annual Conference
- celebrating our 25th year -
will be held on
Friday, June 9, at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick

In celebration of the 25 years since NJAAW began its work in aging, our conference theme will be 25...... 
  • What will the next 25 years look like in the field of aging? 
  • What changes do we need to work on now, to prepare for an older NJ population? 
  • What does it mean to individuals who can expect to live 25 years past the age of 65? 
Interested in presenting at our conference? Please click here: Call for Speakers 
Events
Caregiving in New Jersey Webinar Series
Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 15 at 1pm


Today in New Jersey, more than 1 million residents are serving as caregivers to family members or friends. While the roles may differ among families, all caregivers have common needs for support, training and recognition of their important role in our health care system.

As family members take on the role of caregiver, they do so with love and dedication but without training, skills or knowledge of many of the realities and tasks involved. The NJAAW Caregiving in New Jersey Series will bring together experts in the realm of caregiving to discuss the needs of unpaid family and friends caring for older adults. This series will help caregivers understand the scope of care they might need to provide, find support and develop skills to care for their loved ones and themselves, and identify their rights and benefits for family leave.

Broken into 3 sessions and held virtually on Wednesdays at 1pm, the series will include:
  • March 1 - Defining Caregiving & its Impact on Family, Patients & Friends.
  • March 8 - Finding Support & Building Skills
  • March 15 - Benefits: Family Leave, Respite Care, NJ Family Leave Insurance
Registration required – please click here: Caregiving in NJ registration

For a printable flyer, click here: Caregivers in NJ
This series is generously offered to all NJ residents with the support of Parker Life
NJ Treasury Dept. Offers Webinar for Community Partners & Agencies on the ANCHOR PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAM

Community partners and agencies across New Jersey are invited to attend a LIVE webinar hosted by the New Jersey Department of the Treasury to learn more about the ANCHOR - Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters - Property Tax Relief Benefit.

This event will provide an opportunity for community resource partners to ask questions about the program in order to better assist their stakeholders with applying for the program. 
 
WHO:             New Jersey Department of the Treasury                          
WHAT:           Live Q&A Session about ANCHOR Program  
WHEN:          February 7, 2023, 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET 
Register to attend the webinar Register
 Questions can be sent in advance to NJ.ANCHOR@treas.nj.gov .
 For more information about the ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Program, visit Anchor.NJ.Gov.  

CSH and Capital Impact Partners Offer Lunch & Learn - February 28th  

CSH is partnering with Capital Impact Partners for a February 28th Lunch & Learn to better understand the supportive housing client needs tied to aging in place.  To help understand the aging and health needs of clients and to inform the February 28 discussion, CSH asks supportive housing developers, service providers and property managers to fill out  this short survey: CSH survey

To register for the February 28 event, click here: Register
SNAP Benefits Changing March 1,2023
Since the Spring of 2020, SNAP recipients have received extra benefits known as SNAP Emergency Allotments. Changes in Federal Law which allotted financial support under the COVID Emergency will soon return benefits to their regular status and levels. While this will be a significant reduction for older adults who have received SNAP in the last 3 years, the minimum level has been increased to $50 per month compared to the pre-COVID level of $20.

SNAP recipients can check their benefits through their account portal or by calling 800-997-3333.
Resources
AARP Community Challenge Grant 
AARP is accepting applications for quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for all residents, especially those age 50 and over. Applications must be submitted through aarp.org/communitychallenge and are due by March 15, 2023, 5:00 p.m.

COVID-19 Vaccine/Booster Questions Answered

In the initial wave of vaccinations, NJ's older adults did well in accessing the COVID vaccine, thanks largely to all of your efforts. As the perceived urgency of COVID has waned, it is important to share up-to-date and accurate information on the importance of vulnerable people receiving boosters. 
NJAAW recently partnered with the NJ Department of Health to answer questions on the vaccine and boosters. In case you missed it, you can watch the recording here: COVID 19 Vaccine/Booster Questions Answered
New Nursing Home Facility Data 
The NJ Department of Health has launched a new dashboard that provides NJ residents with the information they need to choose a long-term care facility for their loved ones. The dashboard provides information to help families choose a facility where their loved ones are properly cared for and respected, including: 
  • quality ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; 
  • survey and inspection information; 
  • financial statements;  
  • general staffing levels, and compliance with staffing ratios 
  • identifies the licensed nursing home administrators and owners.