The Season of Giving and Gratitude

At JFCS, we are immensely grateful for the generosity and compassion of our South Jersey community 365 days of the year.  Without the endless support of our partners, be it volunteers, businesses, philanthropic individuals, houses of worship, schools, and other community-based organizations, we would not be able to improve the lives of so many.  This holiday season, the level of kindness shown to our clients was overwhelming.  A mere “thank you” hardly seems appropriate.

Volunteers happily prepare meals for this year’s Thanksgiving Community Cooking Project

Over Thanksgiving, a steady stream of food donations, including frozen turkeys, came through our doors, ensuring that our clients were able to have a proper Thanksgiving meal with their loved ones.  Not only were we “wowed” by the donations of food, but our Thanksgiving Community Cooking Project brought in over 50 volunteers to prep, cook and assemble 295 meals, with an additional 54 side meals for turkeys!  How inspiring to see people of various ages work together to help our fellow community members.  Then, 224 of those meals were delivered to 105 households by 40 volunteer drivers.  Delivered meals went to homebound seniors and other local families.

MRS Associates with just a sample of gifts for this year’s Adopt-a-Family program

After Thanksgiving, our holiday gift collection kicked into full gear, and we were amazed by what followed.  We received more gift donations than ever before, making it possible for so many struggling families to experience the excitement and fun of receiving, and giving, holiday gifts. Local synagogues Adath Emanu-El, Congregation Beth El, Temple Beth Sholom and Temple Emanuel collected hundreds of gifts from charitable congregants.  For the second year in a row, the Cherry Hill Police Department included JFCS clients in their Shop-With-A-Cop program, where the lucky participants, escorted by new friends from the police department, selected their own presents at Target.  We wish to give a special thank you to all of the individuals and businesses, too numerous to list, that contributed as well.

Staff from Nationwide Property and Appraisal Services happily drop off gifts for our holiday gift drive

In total, 1,066 gifts were collected and distributed to clients of our Rhona Fischer Family Assistance Program, Special Needs program, and our Senior Services Department, including Holocaust Survivors.  Without the giving spirit of all those involved, these individuals would not have had such a bright holiday season.

The generosity of this community is truly astounding.  It is with gratitude, humility and much sincerity that we thank all of those who helped us to make the holidays more hopeful and happy for our neighbors in need.

 

The Value of a JFCS Resource Consultation

We all want the same things as we grow older.  We want to age gracefully.  We want to maintain an independent, active lifestyle.  We want to live on our own terms, without being reliant upon others.  These wishes, however, must be balanced with the limitations that often come with the aging process, such as physical and cognitive issues, visual impairment, and reduction of strength and mobility.  Many people want to explore safe housing options.  For those individuals and family members that find themselves in need of clarity, the question of how to sustain overall wellness can be daunting.

Through our 60+ Services Department, JFCS offers an answer:
The Resource Consultation

An excellent first step to understanding opportunities and options within the community, the resource consultation, at a cost of $300,* is an individualized and comprehensive appointment for older adults, their care partners, and/or their adult children.  One does not need to be a client of JFCS to schedule a resource consultation, and there is no obligation to acquire JFCS services thereafter.

In this meeting, an experienced staff member will engage in discussion about the individual’s unique situation.  What are their perceived issues?  What are their challenges?  What supports do they have in place? How does their financial situation lend itself to solving these problems?  Frequently, upon further exploration, it is discovered that there are related needs and questions, beyond the issues initially discussed.  Within a resource consultation, individuals will receive general information about aging as well as information specific to their health and living situation.  Such information may include venues for socialization, support groups, and options for transportation.  There can be a review of current medical needs, financial circumstances, insurance options, and eligibility for public entitlements such as Veterans benefits or Medicaid.

Common questions discussed at the resource consultation may include:

• What does it mean to age in place?
• When is it safer to move from home to assisted living?
• What services can be brought into the home and what is covered by insurance?
• How do I advocate for myself with my care providers?
• What supports are out there to help cope with transitions?
• How do I choose a homecare agency?
• When is it better to have live-in care vs. hourly care?
• What is the difference between a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and an Assisted Living Community?
• Would I benefit from a consultation with an elder law attorney?
• Can I access Medicaid services while still living at home?
• As a Veteran, am I eligible for financial assistance to pay for care?
• What services does my insurance cover and what is private pay?

The consultation may be a one-time event, or it may be a springboard for case management and supportive services as needs arise.  The Jones** family first met Rebecca Rosenau, Director of 60+ Services, in 2010, for a resource consultation, which was sought to address Mr. Jones’ developing Alzheimer’s. Their son had this to say about the consultation and ensuing relationship:

With sensitivity, patience, incredible communication skills and careful, open-ended           questioning, Rebecca established a beautiful rapport with my mother while also            identifying areas of concern and options for addressing them.  Many things were       implemented during these years including volunteers to drive Mom to eye injection     appointments, housekeeping services, holiday meal deliveries, a lifting recliner chair,   emergency responder services, and referrals to adult day care for Dad that gave Mom      much-needed respite.

The staff of the JFCS 60+ Services Department possess tremendous expertise on issues of aging.  Through a resource consultation, they can provide a sounding board, thoughtful guidance, and tools to make the most informed decision.  Most importantly, through their wealth of resources, they can provide peace of mind.  If you, your loved one, or a friend are not sure how to best move forward, please call (856) 424-1333 and ask for Senior Services Intake.

*We offer sliding scale fees based upon income.
**Client name has been changed to protect confidentiality.