HUMAN SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS FOR SENIORS
PISCATAWAY - Emphasizing the evolution of Long Term Services and Supports for New Jersey’s seniors, Department of Human Services (DHS) Deputy Commissioner Lowell Arye toured Parker at the Pavilion Adult Day Services in Piscataway to get a first-hand view of services provided to seniors. The Francis E. Parker Memorial Home provides a comprehensive continuum of care that tends to seniors’ medical and social needs through day programs and residential living options.
“Parker is just one of many private organizations in New Jersey that have effectively adopted a holistic service model for seniors,” said Arye, who has been visiting an array of senior care facilities throughout the state since the Division of Aging Services moved from the Department of Health to DHS. “It’s impressive to see the mini-communities of individuals participating in the various programs that encourage and support seniors’ ability to age in place for as long as possible.”
Parker has day programs (medical and social), an Assisted Living community, residential nursing care and a child development center that serves children of employees and the greater region. Children enrolled interact weekly with residents and members of the facility through its Intergenerational Program, during which they do crafts, have sing-alongs and play games together.
“By developing quality intergenerational programming, we have created an environment in which the young and aging can engage with each other, learn from each other and appreciate what each has to offer,” said Roberto Muniz, President and CEO of the Francis E. Parker Memorial Home. “The therapeutic value of this interaction is vital to the healthy spirit of our seniors.”
The FY’13 budget transferred senior supports and services from the Department of Health to the Department of Human Services. This restructuring: creates a single point of access for seniors and people with disabilities, improves the coordination of Federal and State funded programs, allows for a continuum of coordinated and integrated disability and long-term care resources and creates the opportunity and the ability for aging adults to remain at home with appropriate supports.