County health department offers services

| 18 Sep 2017 | 05:01

    — The Sussex County Division of Senior Services recognizes the need for supports and services for caregivers. Caregivers are individuals who help an elderly or disabled family member or friend with tasks such as shopping, managing finances, or getting to the doctor. Caregivers also assist with personal care, housekeeping, nutritional needs, legal and financial matters, transportation, coordination of medical care, and more. Assistance may be provided for as little as a few hours a week or many hours a day. Providing these services on a continual basis can present multiple challenges for caregivers. In most instances the caregiver does not know what they need until they need it and are unaware of the local services and supports available to them.
    The 2017 Caregiver Expo, sponsored by the Sussex County Division of Senior Services, provides caregivers the opportunity to learn about the many resources available in the county to support them as they strive to enable seniors to remain as independent as possible in their homes and communities. This event will take place on Thursday, October 12, 2017, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Farmstead Golf and Country Club, 88 Lawrence Road, Lafayette.
    Caregivers will be able to gather valuable information and resources that will assist them in specialized care, self-care, and planning for future eventualities. These will include home care services, transportation, nutrition programs, medical equipment, social services, legal services, financial services, respite services, support groups, and much more.
    The program will include a short overview of the services provided by each agency in attendance, allowing the caregiver to know the depths of supports available. A light dinner will be provided. Admission is FREE, but pre-registration is required. Register today by contacting the Sussex County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555 ext. 1277, by fax at 973-579-0550, or by email at seniorservices@sussex.nj.us
    Facilitator training for stress-busting program
    The Sussex County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Senior Services is pleased to announce the availability of a Facilitator Training for the Stress-Busting Program (SBP) For Family Caregivers. Facilitators will be trained to deliver this evidence-based program, which is designed to improve the quality of life for family caregivers who provide care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or other related dementia. This is accomplished by helping caregivers manage their stress and cope better with their lives. Caregivers who have participated in this program have reported significantly lowered stress, depression, and anxiety, as well as improved quality of life.
    The program runs once a week for nine weeks and is conducted in a small group setting with two trained group leaders. Facilitators will be trained to provide participants with many resources including a handbook, a meditation CD, and a relaxation strategies DVD. The multi-component SBP improves the lives of family caregivers through stress management, problem-solving, support and education, which includes the stress management techniques of relaxation breathing, guided imagery, meditation, art, music, and journaling.
    The Sussex County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Senior Services, will be sponsoring the Facilitator Training for the SBP on Wednesday, October 25, 2017, and Thursday, October 26, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Sussex County Administrative Center, in the Second Floor Conference Room, located at One Spring Street, Newton. Registration is required for the training by calling 973-579-0555, ext. 1222, or by email at seniorservices@sussex.nj.us.
    The Division of Senior Services urges those interested in helping caregivers or those who have been caregivers to participate in this program.
    Complete metabolic profile blood screening
    The Sussex County Division of Health, Office of Public Health Nursing is having a Blood Screening Clinic that includes: Lipid profile tests (cholesterol), glucose (blood sugar), liver function tests, kidney function tests, complete blood count…and more.
    • Saturday, November 18, 2017, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
    • Screening will be held at 201 Wheatsworth Road, Suite 4, Hardyston, NJ 07419 (Hamburg on GPS).
    • Fee for blood screening is $50.00
    • Cash or Check only (Credit/Debit cards will not be accepted).
    • Pre-registration is required. Please call 973-579-0570, ext. 1211 for an appointment.
    • Walk-Ins will not be accepted.
    • Medicare and Medicaid will not be accepted / Private Insurance will not be accepted.
    For more information, please contact the Sussex County Division of Health, Office of Public Health Nursing at (973) 579-0570 ext. 1211 or visit <URL destination="http://www.sussex.nj.us/nursing. ">www.sussex.nj.us/nursing.