Mission:

The Bergen County Dementia Friendly Initiative aims to build inclusive communities for people living with dementia and their care partners through improved opportunities for meaningful social interaction and community awareness, education, and training.

Who we are:

Bergen County Dementia Friendly Initiative is a diverse group of community members and organizations committed to improving accessibility and inclusion for people living with and impacted by dementia.

What We Do:

Bergen County Dementia Friendly Initiative is a diverse group of community members and organizations committed to improving accessibility and inclusion for people living with and impacted by dementia.

Why it Matters:

• NJ has the 6th highest rate of Alzheimer’s in the U.S.
• More than 20,000 seniors in Bergen County have some form of dementia.
• Most people with dementia live and work in the community.
• Stigma surrounding dementia prevents people from getting the help they need.
• People don’t know where to go for help.

Is your business or organization interested in becoming Dementia Friendly? Contact DFBC to schedule free training to better recognize and assist people living with dementia or cognitive impairment.

We offer in-person or virtual training tailored to your organization’s needs.

To learn more about training and education opportunities contact us at

• 201-336-7400 or rrebich@co.bergen.nj.us
• Become a Dementia Friend: dementiafriendsusa.org
• Dementia Friendly America Sector Training https://www.dfamerica.org/sector-guides

What is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term that includes many diagnoses that include memory loss or a decline in cognitive ability. Daily tasks may become challenging due to dementia symptoms, resulting in frustration and isolation.

Get Educated! Learn more about dementia, related behaviors, and communication tips at 

https://www.alz.org/alzheimer_s_dementia

Behaviors to Look For:

• Wandering or appearing lost or disoriented.
• Struggling to communicate.
• Difficulty with financial transactions, leaving without paying.
• Confusion or poor judgement.

Communication Tips:

• Smile and make eye contact.
• Be patient: allow individuals time to respond and be prepared to repeat yourself.
• Speak slowly, use simple sentences.
• Be specific when referring to a person or object.
• Ask one question at a time and try to use questions with Yes/No answers.
• If you can, contact the person’s friend or family to help.
• Avoid arguing, instead redirect.

Below is a list of the current projects DFBC is working on…check back soon for updates.

• Community Survey: a survey is in development to better understand the community’s understanding of available resources and services and ideas for improvement.
• Action Team:
  • Our action team reflects the diversity of individuals and organizations in Bergen County including community members, people living with dementia, caregivers, dementia professionals, health care professionals, social service workers, business owners, and more.
• Community Education and Training: Dementia Friendly Bergen County offers:
  • Educational events and presentations to improve community awareness and general understanding of dementia.
    • Presentations for students, seniors, and everyone in between.
    • (picture of Kerri’s presentation at Fair Lawn)

  • Training for city and county staff, social service providers, business owners and employees, first responders like police, fire fighters, and EMTS, and any other professionals or sectors who works with the public to improve their awareness and understanding of dementia and promote accessible, inclusive services for people living with dementia and their care partners.

• Community Events
  • April 2023 - DFBC Kickoff Event

  • 2024 Event - TBD

• Dementia Friendly Library Program
  • Our goal is to improve accessibility and inclusion for people living with dementia and their care partners by providing dedicated resources for people living with dementia, their families and care partners, as well as information for the general public to learn more about dementia.
• Brochure and Resource Guide
• We are developing a physical brochure and resource guide to connect people with helpful information, resources, and services.

General Caregiver Resources:

Bergen County Division of Family Guidance

• (201) 336-7350
• Juvenile/Family Crisis Unit Hotline. All youth under 18 years old.
• One Bergen Plaza, Hackensack, NJ 07601

Care One at the Cupola, Caregiver Support Group

• 201-444-8200
• 1st Wednesday of the Month at 5:30 pm
• 100 West Ridgewood Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652

Caregiver Coalition – BC Division of Senior Services

• 201-336-7427
• The coalition works to strengthen services, resources, and access to information for caregivers.
• Caregivers-Coalition-of-Bergen-County-Brochure

Dorot Caregivers’ Connection

• (212) 769-2850
• Informational workshops and support groups are conducted through telephone conference calls. Caregivers can share concerns, exchange suggestions, and get much needed information in the comfort of their home.
• https://www.dorotusa.org/

Family Support Organization of Bergen County

• (201) 796-6209
• A family-run, county-based nonprofit that provides education, advocacy, support groups, and workshops for families and caregivers of children with mental, emotional, and behavioral needs.
• 0-108 29th St., Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
• https://www.fsobergen.org/

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group - Bergen Family Center/Family Success Center Caregiver Support Services

• (201) 796-6209; ls@fsobergen.org
• 44 Armory Place, Englewood, NJ 07631
• https://www.fsobergen.org/

Holy Name Medical Center Caregiver Support Group Caregiver Support Services

• (201) 833-3757
• 725 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666

In-Home Caregiver Education & Support Program - Bergen County Division on Disability Services

• (201) 336-6504
• Teaching plan for unpaid caregivers includes learning skills necessary for providing care.
• IN-HOME CAREGIVER EDUCATION & SUPPORT PROGRAM
• In-Home Caregiver Education & Support Program

Kinship Navigator

• (201) 398-9110
• Information, referral and advocacy services for family caregivers. Request a copy of the brochure which lists services for grandparents raising grandchildren. Also, inquire about available services and benefits.
• PO Box 717, Trenton, NJ 08625

NJ Self-Help Group Clearinghouse

• (800) 367-6274
• Maintains a database of information, provides information and referral services, also trains people to find and form self-help groups. Go to www.njgroups.org to download the Self-Help Support Group directory.
• https://www.njgroups.org/

National Organization for Empowering Caregivers (NOFEC)

• Empowering caregivers with resources, private counseling and healing circle.
• https://www.care-givers.com/

New Bridge Medical Center (formerly Bergen Regional) Long-Term Care Division Caregiver Support Services

• (201) 967-4073
• Provides temporary residential care (beds) for a minimum of 3 days and up to 30 days. Meals are provided, as well as round the clock nursing care. Must complete application. Call to inquire about fees and/or to visit the facility. Medicaid and private pay.
• 230 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Parkinson’s Support Group - Cedar Hill Christian Reformed Church

• 422 Cedar Hill Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481
• Ron773h@yahoo.com, aweldon@optonline.net, ratner2@optonline.net

Psychiatric Emergency Screening Program (PESP) - Care Plus NJ

• (201) 262-4357
• A Division of Care Plus NJ, Inc. is the designated screening center for Bergen County. Services are available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
• 610 Valley Health Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652

Statewide respite care program

• (201) 336-6500
• 1 Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, NJ 07601
• Provides relief services e.g. homemakers/home health aides, medical or social adult day care, short-term inpatient care, camp, assisted living, (skilled nursing) to caregivers. Call to inquire about eligibility requirements.
• https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/doas/services/q-z/srcp/

Sunrise Assisted Living of Paramus, Caregiver Support Group

• (201) 493-9889
• 3rd Sunday of the Month at 4:00 pm
• 567 Paramus Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652

The Gallen Center’s Caregiver Support Group, Jewish Home Family

• (201) 784-1414
• Addresses the emotional and practical issues of caring for a loved one in a supportive atmosphere.
• 10 Link Drive, Rockleigh, NJ 07647
• https://www.jewishhomefamily.org/

Vantage Health System, Inc.

• (201) 385-4400
• Meets twice monthly, dine and discuss caregivers’ issues & spouse care recipients are supervised with therapeutic activities & dinner. Agency also has an Adult Child support group. Call for days and time.
• 2 Park Avenue, Dumont, NJ 07628

Volunteer Social Respite Care Program - Valley Home & Community Health Care, Inc.

• (201) 291-6000
• Volunteer program that is strictly “social” respite services; must be homebound and have a caregiver. Priority given to Valley Hospital patients. (*There is a waiting list; to apply and/or inquire about waiting list, call the above number.)
• 15 Essex Rd., Paramus, NJ 07652

Dementia Specific Resources:

DFBC, Division of Senior Services, Area Agency on Aging, Aging and Disability Resource Connection:

• 201-336-7400
• The primary planning, coordinating, and funding agency for senior programs and services, promoting the well-being, health, and independence of Bergen County’s 220,000 older adults.
• co.bergen.nj.us/

Act Now Foundation:

• 201-721-6721
• info@actnowfoundation.org
• Free services to Bergen County residents include cognitive assessments, support groups, LTC planning, education seminars, advocacy and outreach.
• actnowfoundation.org

Alzheimer’s NJ

• 888-280-6055
• Education, care consultations, family support groups, respite care, clinical trials connection program.
• https://www.alznj.org

Adult Protective Services

• 201-336-4300
• Investigation and assessment, ongoing risk assessment and case management of adults determined to be unable to act in their own best interest or in need of protection due to disability, frailty of age, or situations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• bcbss.com/adult-protective-services/

Bergen County Board of Social Services

• 201-386-4200
• Helping families meet their basic needs so they can live in dignity and achieve their highest potential.
• https://bcbss.com/

Bergen Family Center

• 201-568-0817
• Provides services to individuals, families and children that enhance their ability to function independently, manage challenges and improve the quality of their lives.
• http://bergenfamilycenter.org/

Brightside Family

• 201-692-1000
• nonprofit that provides affordable housing, affordable assisted living, and support services that respond to the changing needs and preferences of low-and-moderate-income older adults.
• https://www.thebrightsidefamily.org/

Division of Disability Services

• 201-336-6504
• In Home Caregiver Education and Support Program
• Teaching plan for unpaid caregivers includes learning skills necessary for providing care.
• https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/divisions-of-disability-services

Disability Rights NJ/NJ Protection & Advocacy (NJP&A)

• 800-922-7233
• New Jersey’s designated Protection and Advocacy agency under federal law. We advance the human, civil, and legal rights of people with disabilities and promote their self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration into all facets of community life.
• drnj.org

Hackensack University Medical Center – Center for Memory Loss and Brain Health

• 201-530-7559
• The center provides comprehensive, patient-centered, coordinated care for dementia and memory disorders.
• https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/Services/neurosciences/Memory-Loss-and-Brain-Health

Heightened Independence

• 201-996-9100 voice; 201-996-9424 (TDD)
• Supporting independent living for people with disabilities
• https://www.hipcil.org/

Jewish Family & Children Services – Wolff Care Giver Center

• 201-837-9090
• Comprehensive services for family caregivers
• https://www.jfcsnnj.org/older-adult-services/
• https://www.jfcsnnj.org/caregivers/

Northeast NJ Legal Services

• 973-523-2900
• A private non-profit public interest law firm that provides free legal help in civil (non-criminal) matters to underserved individuals and families in four core areas of civil law—housing, consumer, family, and public benefits.
• https://www.northeastnjlegalservices.org

The Mission

• 201-336-6475
• Services for the homeless, precariously housed, or for those in need health and human services.

Rutgers University – Aging and Brain Health Alliance

• 973-353-3673
• Expanding understanding of aging, brain health, and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Focus on populations with elevated risk for dementia, especially African Americans, who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease at over twice the rate of the general population. Since 2015, over 400 older African Americans from in and around Newark have joined our “Pathways to Healthy Aging in African Americans” program to improve their own brain health and reduce their risk for Alzheimer’s disease, while also supporting and participating in NIA-funded research on healthy aging.
• https://brainhealth.rutgers.edu/

Senior Source

• 201-342-0962
• Located at The Shops at Riverside, 2^nd Unit 310, Hackensack, NJ 07601
• 11am to 4pm (3pm Sundays)
• A hub providing resources, networking, activities for seniors and their supporters.
• https://seniorsourcenj.org/

Age Friendly of North Jersey:

• Agefriendlynj.org
• Dedicated to making the communities where we live, work, and play better for longer, healthier, and more equitable lives.
• Age Friendly Englewood:
  • (201) 568-0817
  • agefriendlyenglewood@gmail.com
  • http://www.age-friendlyenglewood.org/

• Age Friendly Teaneck
  • https://www.agefriendlyteaneck.org/
  • Visit website for additional information.

• Age Friendly Ridgewood
  • 201-632-1554
  • https://www.agefriendlyridgewood.org/

• Age Friendly Fairlawn
  • (201) 777-6135
    • This is a voicemail only phone number. Please leave your full name, phone number/email and nature of your call when leaving a voicemail message.
  • https://fairlawnforallages.org/

• Age Friendly Garfield
  • https://www.generations4garfield.org/
  • Visit website for social media and other information.

• Age Friendly Westwood
  • https://www.westwoodforallages.org/
  • Visit website “contact” page for more information.

Healthcare:

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center

• 201-967-4000
• Not-for- profit safety net facility providing a wide range of comprehensive acute and long term health care services.
• https://www.newbridgehealth.org/

Hackensack Meridian Health

• 844-HMH-WELL
• https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/

Englewood Hospital

• 201-894-3000
• Englewood Health, 350 Engle Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
• https://www.englewoodhealth.org/

Holy Name

• 201-833-3000
• 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666
• https://www.holyname.org/

Valley Health

• 800-VALLEY-1
• https://www.valleyhealth.com/valley-hospital

Vantage Health

• 201-567-0059 ext. 3086 for senior services
• Provides services for seniors and caregivers support groups.
• https://vantagenj.org/

Dementia Care Specialists:

Vivian Green Korner

• 201-960-4277; korner@gmail.com
• Provides advice, guidance, and resources geared to the specific needs of individuals with cognitive decline and their family caregivers including practical tips to manage challenges, develop skills, and adapt home environments. Provides referrals to vetted home care agencies, allied professionals, and facilities. Assists caregivers with both short and long term planning, Offers dementia training to health care professionals.
• https://www.viviangreenkorner.com/

Rise Dementia Care

• 973-420-4550; risedementiacare@gmail.com
• Partnering with those living with dementia and individual or community support partners of those living with brain change by offering education, consultations, and educational support groups.

Dementia Caregiver Support Services:

Adler Aphasia Center Caregivers Support Group

• 201-368-8585 – Maywood Campus
• 551-287-2236 – Tom’s River Campus
• 551-287-2237- West Orange Campus
• https://adleraphasiacenter.org/

Applause

• 201-326-8051
• In-home care for Alzheimer’s or dementia
• https://applausehomecare.com/

Care 2 Caregivers:

• 800-424-2494
• Provides peer support, guidance on coping with loved when with dementia. Also provides counseling as well as education.
• https://care2caregivers.com/

Family Caregiver alliance

• 800-445-8106
• National center on caregiving provides education information with fact sheets on caregiving & depression, dementia behavior and caregiving planning, etc.
• https://www.caregiver.org/

Jewish Family & Children's Services - Wolff Care Giver Center

• 201-837-9090
• Comprehensive services for family caregivers
• https://www.jfcsnnj.org/caregivers/

Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, caregiver support group

• 201-408-1450
• 411 east Clinton Ave, Tenafly, NJ 07670
• https://www.jccotp.org/programs/caregiver-services/

The Respite Care and Wellness Program: Alzheimer's NJ

• (888) 280-6055
• 425 Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland, NJ 07069
• The Respite Care and Wellness Program is designed to provide family caregivers with information, education and help link to community-based respite care resources. Financial support available.
• https://www.alznj.org/services/respite-care-wellness-program/

Well Spouse Association

• This site provides support for spousal caregivers - support groups are listed and there is an online chat forum and there are resources and personal stories about taking care of a loved one.
• https://wellspouse.org

AngelSense

• This is a free app that tracks individuals through their phones or by wearing a watch.
• You can also communicate with them through the app and notify first responders if necessary.
• https://www.angelsense.com/gps-tracker-for-elderly/

National Resources:

Alzheimer’s Association:

• Helpline 800.272.3900
• https://act.alz.org
• Talk with specialists and clinicians 24/7 by phone, text or fill out a form and someone will get back to you.

Alzheimer's Foundation of America:

• Alzheimer's Foundation of America | Homepage (alzfdn.org)

Association for frontotemporal degeneration

• AFTD - The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (theaftd.org)

Dementia Friendly America

• https://www.dfamerica.org/
• https://www.dfamerica.org/sector-guides
• https://www.dfamerica.org/sector-videos

Lewy Body Dementia Association

• Lewy Body Dementia Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment (lbda.org)

Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center

• Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center, Supporting Those Affected by LBD (lewybodyresourcecenter.org)

National task group on Intellectual disabilities

• the-ntg.org