Support Groups and Support Services
The text includes state and federal web-site links. For county-specific
resource information, click "Search for Information" located
at the top of each page.
Counseling Services
Drug and Alcohol Services
Support Groups
Support Services
Counseling Services
Counseling services are generally provided to caregivers by individuals
trained in social and interpersonal relations. This service is
designed to assist caregivers in adjusting to the change in personal
roles, and in learning effective tools for controlling personal
and family stress. Call your local
AAA for information.
Drug and Alcohol Services
Persons with drug or alcohol problems may receive assistance from
more than 225 local agencies throughout New Jersey. The New
Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Addiction Services
maintains a comprehensive directory
of programs. Seek an assessment from the local
AAA prior to contacting drug and alcohol services.
Support Groups
NJ Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
The NJ Self-Help Group Clearinghouse, through its toll-free helpline at 1-800-367-6274, provides contacts for over 4,500 local self-help groups in New Jersey. It also helps those interested in joining with others to start new self-help groups.
Children of Aging Parents (CAPS)
CAPS is
a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting adult children
and their aging parents. From its beginning as a self-help group,
CAPS has grown into a national clearinghouse of information on
elderly parent issues and resources for help. It also offers informational
printed materials and video tapes.
Well Spouse Foundation
The Well Spouse Foundation is a national, not for profit membership
organization, which gives support to wives, husbands, and partners
of the chronically ill and/or disabled.
Alzheimer's Support Groups
Alzheimer's Support Groups are groups made up of family members
whose relatives have Alzheimer's disease. Group members share coping
techniques for handling the decrease in functioning of Alzheimer's
patients. Contact the Greater
New Jersey Chapter, the Delaware
Valley Chapter, or your local
AAA for more information.
Support through Veterans Benefits
The New
Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
administers a variety of programs to assist veterans and their families.
Caregivers’ Connections
Caregivers’
Connections is a telephone conference call program
that brings informational workshops and support groups to those
who care for the elderly. Through these sessions, both professional
and family caregivers, can share mutual concerns, exchange ideas
and get much needed information without leaving their homes or workplaces.
Family caregivers can also receive emotional assistance through
weekly support groups facilitated by geriatric social workers, nurses,
and care managers.
Caregivers’ Connections is offered by DOROT, a multi-service
agency in New York that provides support to homebound and homeless
elders. DOROT uses its own teleconference system to call caregivers
toll free and connect them to informational workshops and support
groups. No special equipment is needed, only a regular telephone.
All groups meet weekly and sessions last for 50 minutes. Discussions
address specific concerns of caregivers, and provide a unique opportunity
to both give and receive emotional support.
For information about the sessions or to register, contact DOROT
at their toll free number, 1-877-819-9147. There is a $10.00 registration
fee and support groups are $15.00 per series (about 6 sessions).
Scholarships are available; single sessions are free.
Support Services
Independent Living Centers
Independent Living Centers are community based
organizations devoted to assisting people with disabilities to
achieve and maintain independent lifestyles. The local organizations
are run by people with disabilities who have training and personal
experience sufficient to assist their peers. Services are usually
free and comprehensive.
County Offices for the Disabled
County Offices for the Disabled function as clearinghouses for
information about programs and services, advocate for people with
disabilities, and provide technical assistance at a local level.
To find a specific County Office for the Disabled, see the New
Jersey Resources Directory, page 16, under "County
Resources".
Division of Disability Services
The New Jersey Department of Human Services
works in partnership with families, consumers, advocacy groups,
service providers and state and municipal officials throughout
the state to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities
are protected and that they and their families have access to quality
programs and services that meet their needs. Services include,
but are not limited to, the provision of health care for people
with special needs, community living, employment-related and day
programs, community-based mental health and in-patient care for
both children and adults with emotional and behavioral problems,
and assistive technological devices for people who are blind or
deaf. For more information, visit the Division
of Disability Services website, or call the division
toll-free at 1-888-285-3036.
|
Back
to top of this page 