Alzheimer’s New Jersey offers support, education, and community to people who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Stop & Shop supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program.
Tell us about Alzheimer’s New Jersey.
Alzheimer’s New Jersey® has played a crucial role in the New Jersey fight against Alzheimer’s disease for over 38 years. We continue to do so today as an organization that focuses 100% of its volunteer, staff, and donor resources completely on the growing needs of local families in our communities who face Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia every day.
We are an independent, New Jersey incorporated and headquartered nonprofit.
Our vision is to improve the lives of people in New Jersey who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias by offering continuous hope and support.
Our mission is to respond to the needs of people in New Jersey who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias by providing programs and community partnerships that increase awareness and access to services.
What services do you provide to the community?
Today, there are over 350,000 caregivers in New Jersey who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Family members or friends provide most of the care in the home. Caregivers often experience physical and emotional stress that impacts their own health.
Today, there are over 350,000 caregivers in New Jersey who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
Alzheimer’s New Jersey programs include a telephone Helpline, Support Groups, The Respite Care and Wellness Program, education and training for family caregivers and healthcare professionals, Always Safe® and Clinical Trial Connections®.
Our programs are designed to help caregivers better understand dementia and how it changes cognition and personality in persons with the disease. These programs also provide practical tips and techniques that caregivers can use to best manage care of a loved one, gain access to community resources and recognize and manage caregiver stress.
Alzheimer’s is a difficult disease. We want caregivers to know that they don’t need to face it alone.
Most of all, our programs and resources help caregivers come to terms with the knowledge that they are doing the best they can in the face of sometimes overwhelming challenges. Alzheimer’s is a difficult disease. We want caregivers to know that they don’t need to face it alone.
What sets Alzheimer’s New Jersey apart from other nonprofits in your community?
As a local New Jersey-based nonprofit organization, we know our communities and the resources that are available for caregivers. Building connection and community is at the heart of our mission. Connecting to our programs and services helps to ease the isolation of the disease and empowers caregivers to have the best days possible. We provide caregivers with a place to share feelings and concerns. Our caring and professional Helpline staff is just a phone call away to answer questions about the disease, discuss specific issues of concern, or just listen.
Connecting to our programs and services helps to ease the isolation of the disease and empowers caregivers to have the best days possible.
Tell us a story that illustrates the good work of your organization.
Instead of a story, I would like to share a few quotes from caregivers that illustrate some of the challenges people confront with this disease and how Alzheimer’s New Jersey has been there to support them:
“All I can say is thank you for caring so much about total strangers going through some of the hardest times of our lives. If you or anyone is dealing with this disease, reach out to Alzheimer’s New Jersey.”– Marty
“Alzheimer’s New Jersey has helped me with caregiver resources, local resources, elder care attorney information, geriatric doctors, seminars, driving assessment centers, and the list goes on and on. Alzheimer’s New Jersey has helped my dad and me live our best lives possible. A true miracle.” – Carrie
“I am forever grateful to Alzheimer’s New Jersey for their caring professional staff. It helped me better understand Alzheimer’s disease and gave me tools to help my mom with this disease. Alzheimer’s New Jersey support groups provided me with strength and courage at a very difficult time and inspired me to help others through my experiences.” – Ginger
What is your most outstanding achievement or contribution to the community?
We take our role on the front line with caregivers seriously, and we are proud of our reputation as an organization that supports caregivers and individuals facing this disease. At the same time, we are honored and humbled that families trust us enough to let us into their lives at some of their most difficult times. Our focus is on the positive impact of our work to help preserve dignity and independence for people with dementia and their caregivers. Our five Walk to Fight Alzheimer’s® events located throughout the state, which gather over 2,500 walkers from all backgrounds dedicated to bringing awareness to Alzheimer’s disease, are another example of our connection to the community. We are most proud of being there for caregivers whenever and wherever they need us, so they know they do not have to face this disease alone.
What do you want people to know about Alzheimer’s New Jersey?
We often say that learning about the disease and knowing what to expect can really help caregivers feel more in control and better able to plan ahead. We find that one of the most effective ways to ensure optimal care for people with Alzheimer’s disease is through caregiver education. Education and support can improve the quality of life for everyone in the family. We work collaboratively with hospital systems, area offices on aging, churches, synagogues, and other community organizations to provide families with opportunities to participate in dementia-specific education programs. Our programs range from basic education about Alzheimer’s disease to specialized topics such as coping with challenging behaviors, communication tips and techniques and caregiver stress. All programs are free of charge to the community.
We often say that learning about the disease and knowing what to expect can really help caregivers feel more in control and better able to plan ahead.
How are you using the funds you’ve received from the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program?
We are an organization that completely relies on charitable contributions to fund our work. 100% of the funds that we receive support New Jersey families. Our generous donors support our core programs which are our telephone Helpline, Support Groups, the Respite Care and Wellness Program, education and training for family caregivers and healthcare professionals, Always Safe and Clinical Trial Connections. As part of the respite program, we provide respite care “scholarships” to eligible caregivers. Caregivers use the funds they receive to take a break or time off from caregiving. This is an opportunity for caregivers to relax, rejuvenate and replenish themselves. For eligible caregivers, this can be the first time many of them experience a break from caregiving. They know that their loved one is in good hands, and they can attend their own medical appointment, run an errand, or have lunch with a friend.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
Over 600,000 people in our state are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. It is important for them to have a place to turn for support and assistance as they face the life-changing challenges of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Alzheimer’s New Jersey is that place, a local resource in New Jersey. Connecting with Alzheimer’s New Jersey helps people with dementia and their caregivers know they’re not alone. We are a place to turn when they’re overwhelmed. If someone is looking for education, support, and community, we’re just a phone call away.
Interview with Pam Marusic, Senior Director of Community Engagement.
Published February 27, 2024.