The Jewish Home at Rockleigh and the Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Bergen County are participating in a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) program which is funded by the Federal Government. The Jewish Home’s role is providing the Congregational Nurse (CN) component of the program. The congregational nurse’s role is to reach out to seniors in the Teaneck area who are living independently.
The program is designed to enable seniors to age comfortably in their own homes, delaying or even avoiding a nursing home stay, therefore preserving both their independence and finances. The Congregational Nurse receives referrals from JFS to visit seniors who may need some assistance. After making an assessment of the client and living area and evaluating their needs, a plan is developed to address any health care issues. The CN works closely with a case manager at JFS, Loren Birk, who assists in assessing programs and services that may be helpful to the individual.
Programs have been put in place to help clients with medication administration, skin problems, foot care, dental needs, the need for socialization, diet and exercise, preventive diagnostic testing, and other areas.
In addition to the home-based services, the CN gives presentations on health-related issues to senior groups. These lectures provide important medical information in areas such as medication management, safety and fall prevention, insomnia, depression, coping with grief, fear and anxiety, dental care, hearing loss, memory loss, aches and pains, and more. The presentations are interactive and the attendees really enjoy them and come away excited about the new knowledge they have gained.
For more information, contact Ms. Ridge at 845-304-1998 (e-mail - pridge2@optonline.net) or Loren Birk of JFS at 201-837-9090.