Wellness

The Office of Community Resources, Education & Wellness administers numerous programs to educate consumers and professionals about aging services and health and wellness trends and programs.

  • HealthEASE
    The HealthEASE program coordinates and expands health promotion and disease prevention services for older adults at the local level. On this site you will find information on physical activity, health education and coordinated screening programs that help seniors live healthier, more independent lives. HealthEASE Program Guide - this on-line publication describes the major components of HealthEASE.
  • Move Today
    The Move Today program is a 30-45 minute non-aerobic exercise class designed to improve flexibility, balance and stamina.
  • Take Control of Your Health
    Take Control of Your Health are peer-led programs that give people with chronic conditions and/or their caregivers the knowledge, skills and confidence to take a more active role in their health care.
  • A Matter of Balance
    A Matter of Balance is a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have this concern.
  • The Otago Exercise Program
    The Otago Exercise Program is a falls prevention exercise and walking program led by a physical therapist.
  • Project Healthy Bones
    Project Healthy Bones is an exercise and education program for people with, or at risk of osteoporosis includes exercises that target the body’s larger muscle groups to improve strength, balance and flexibility.
  • Stress-Busting for Family Caregivers
    Stress-Busting for Family Caregivers is a nine-session workshop to help caregivers of individuals with dementia manage their stress and cope better with their lives.
  • Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance
    Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance is a 60 minute exercise class that is geared for older adults at risk of falling and/or people with balance disorders.

The website for New Jersey's Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) provides seniors, adults with physical disabilities and their caregivers 24-hour access to information about services and programs designed to keep them healthy and independent in the community.

  • Osteoporosis
    Get all the facts on this chronic condition known as "The Silent Disease." Learn more about Osteoporosis.
  • Arthritis
    Arthritis is New Jersey's leading cause of disability. Learn more about arthritis and key resources.
  • Falls Prevention Awareness
    One in three older adults fall each year. Get the facts and join statewide efforts to raise awareness of fall prevention. Visit the Falls Prevention.
  • Flu Shots
    An estimated 2,000 New Jersey seniors die each year from the flu. The Department of Health Seasonal Influenza webpage has prevention tips and, during flu season (October-April), a comprehensive listing of flu shot clinics.
  • New Jersey Quitline
    It is never too early - or too late - in life to give up cigarette smoking and tobacco use. Visit the New Jersey Quitline website for more information.
  • COVID-19
    Visit the Department of Health COVID-19 webpage for information about Coronovirus (COVID-19). View this document with Tips for Caregivers for Managing COVID19.
  • Medicare Counseling through SHIP
    The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, objective and confidential help to New Jersey Medicare beneficiaries who have problems with, or questions about, Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage Plus, Medicare Prescription Drug coverage and Long-Term Care Insurance.
  • Get Help Paying Your Medicare Costs
    Qualifying Medicare beneficiaries can get help paying their Part B (doctor) and Part D (prescription) expenses. View the Medicare Counseling webpage.
  • Medicare Fraud Prevention
    Stealing from Medicare costs taxpayers billions of dollars each year. Learn more about Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) of New Jersey, Protecting Seniors from Medicare & Medicaid Waste, Fraud and Abuse. To Report Medicare or Medicaid Waste, Fraud and Abuse, or to Become a SMP Volunteer, call 1-732-777-1940, ext. 1117
  • NJ’s Medicare Information and Referral Service
    Information and assistance with Medicare matters is available from 8:30 in the morning to 4:30 at night weekdays (except for State Holidays) by calling our statewide toll-free hotline at 1-800-792-8820.

The service is provides free, unbiased counseling for seniors regarding Medicare and other insurance issues.  Individuals with concerns that cannot be addressed over the phone are referred to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) office in their county for assistance.

The unit also administers, and is the out-of-state default service for, the ADRC hotline at 877-222-3737. This number connects people calling from a landline within the state to their county office on aging where they can learn about and apply for a broad range of services.

In 2015, nearly 47,300 seniors and caregivers received information and assistance by calling 800-792-8820. Another 170,000 callers reached their county offices on aging, including an estimated 75,000 who used the ADRC toll-free number.

In addition to calls, the unit also responded to approximately 1,000 constituent letters and emails.

  • Become a Volunteer
    A great way to stay active in retirement is to volunteer your time, energy and skills to a good cause. Contact the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) or volunteer center in your county to get involved.
  • Become a SHIP Volunteer
    SHIP – the State Health Insurance Assistance Program – provides free, objective and confidential help to New Jersey Medicare beneficiaries who have problems with, or questions about, Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage Plus, Medicare Prescription Drug coverage and Long-Term Care Insurance. SHIP is recruiting volunteers to help seniors make informed choices.
  • Become a Medicare Fraud Prevention Volunteer
    Help fight Medicare waste, fraud and abuse by joining the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) of New Jersey's volunteer corps.
  • Become a Volunteer Advocate
    The Long Term Care Ombudsman is seeking volunteers to help ensure quality of life and resolve minor quality of care concerns raised by residents of long-term care facilities.