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Stay up to date with NJFA by viewing our Press Releases. NJFA creates Press Releases to annouce our activities, such as our annual conference and event, as well as, inform the public about issues effecting New Jersey's seniors, like our Press Release regarding the Food Stamp Program.
CLICK ON PRESS RELEASES BELOW TO READ FULL TEXT
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2010 PRESS RELEASES
New Law to Protect Vulnerable Seniors (click to open in new window)
For Immediate Release Contact: Grace Egan or Melissa Chalker
January 27, 2010 609-421-0206
New law to protect vulnerable seniors
Trenton- In NJ, if you are a firefighter, an EMT, a nurse, an optician, a podiatrist, a dentist, or any licensed health professional, you are now required to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of persons over age 18 years to Adult Protective Services. Every county in NJ has an agency that receives these reports and investigates. Often times, these reports require many visits to determine the facts and to address the needs of the victims.
This law now identifies new legal responsibilities for first responders and health care professionals. More than 18 different health care professions are now required by this law to report abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. These groups included acupuncturists, chiropractors, social workers, occupational therapists, audiology & speech therapists, to name just a few. Grace Egan, the Executive Director of the NJ Foundation for Aging noted, “This law creates a new focus on the silent victimization of vulnerable adults. Now, professionals who work with seniors are required to report which is the first step to ending this cycle of violence. National statistics indicate that only 1 in 20 incidences of abuse or neglect is reported. While this law does not go far enough to provide financial support for more needed services, it does create a legal requirement for professionals to report.”
This law requires reporting of abuse against a vulnerable person who is living in the community. A "vulnerable adult means a person 18 years of age or older who resides in a community setting and who, because of a physical or mental illness, disability or deficiency, lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make, communicate, or carry out decisions concerning his [or her] well-being and is the subject of abuse, neglect or exploitation.” To report abuse for vulnerable adult living in the community call 1 800-792-8820, or 211 to find the contact information for your county Adult Protective Service Provider (APS). APS contact numbers are also listed on the NJ Foundation for Aging’s website, www.njfoundationforaging.org/services.html
Reports of abuse against institutionalized persons are investigated by the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly. This office investigates and responds to complaints of abuse, neglect and exploitation of individuals 60 years of age and older who reside in licensed facilities within the State, both public and private. To make a report, call 1-877-582-6995.
To learn more about the work of the NJ Foundation for Aging
visit www.njfoundationforaging.org, or call 609-421-0206. Established in 1998, it focuses on services and polices that enable older adults to live in the community with independence and dignity.
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2010 Grantee Announcements (click to open in new window)
For Immediate Release Contact: Grace Egan or Melissa Chalker January 15, 2010 609-421-0206
New Jersey Foundation for Aging Announces Two Grantees to increase services to NJ Elderly
Trenton- The New Jersey Foundation for Aging (NJFA) is pleased to announce that grants have been awarded to two exceptional organizations in New Jersey, Greater Mercer TMA’s Travel Training Program and Camden City Garden Club.
The program at Greater Mercer TMA will provide training to seniors that will allow them to access public transportation. Transportation is a vital resource for older adults living in the community. Without access to transportation, seniors are unable to make medical appointments or maintain contact with the community, leading to poor health and isolation. In addition to getting to medical appointments, seniors often also need access to transportation for grocery shopping and social interaction. Through Travel Training, which will instruct seniors how to use public transportation, NJFA and Greater Mercer TMA hope to make a difference for seniors who find themselves without transportation. NJFA is proud to support a program that will be so beneficial to the senior population of Mercer County.
NJFA grant award to the Camden City Garden Club will help raise awareness about food insecurity among the aging population in New Jersey. Many residents in urban areas have little or no access to affordable, healthy food options. These urban areas also often have many vacant lots. NJFA hopes that by supporting the outreach efforts of the Camden City Garden Club some of these issues can be alleviated. The Camden City Garden Club will help seniors in the community to create gardens throughout the city of Camden, as well as educate them about growing and preparing healthy foods. Access to affordable and healthy food is key to aging well.
NJFA believes strongly in working toward making New Jersey a great place to age well and believes these two programs will help older adults do that. The Foundation is pleased to continue its Community Grant Program, through which $340,000 has been awarded over the past nine years, serving more than 25,000 NJ residents. NJFA congratulates this year’s grantees and wishes them much success with their programs.
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