“The mission of Alzheimer’s New Jersey
is to respond to the needs of people in
New Jersey who are affected by
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias,”
comments Ken Zaentz, president and
CEO of the organization. “We provide several
programs and community partnerships
that increase awareness and access
to services for both local victims and their
caregivers. They need to know that they
are not alone as they face the many challenges
of Alzheimer’s.”
In addition to helping to advance research,
Alzheimer’s New Jersey offers
community-based support, assistance and
education through a special helpline, family
support groups and education programs
for family caregivers and healthcare professionals.
The education programs, including
Alzheimer’s 101, Understanding
Memory Loss, Coping with Caregiver
Stress, Healthy Aging Tips for Your Body
and Brain and Coping with Behavior
Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease, give caregivers
and others the opportunity to learn
about the condition, ask questions, gain
helpful tips and, most importantly, have a
constant shoulder to lean on.
Alzheimer’s New Jersey also provides a
respite care and wellness program, which
reminds caregivers to not forget the importance
of also caring for themselves.
“We recently conducted a survey with
Fairleigh Dickinson University where
more than 85 percent of caregivers said
that assisting someone with the disease
has had a negative impact on their own
emotional health,” comments Zaentz.
“Our program provides family caregivers
with information about available community
respite care resources, such as home
health care, adult day care, and residential
respite, as well as assists with the cost of
these services.”
The value that Alzheimer’s New Jersey
provides to all affected by this devastating
disease is unparalleled. It is more than just
a helpful resource – it is an essential lifeline
that patiently guides New Jersey families
every step of the way. Bergen County resident
Sandy Czarkowski, who recently lost
her beloved husband to the disease, shares
her gratitude for the organization’s education
and emotional support. Upon being
diagnosed, her husband, too, revealed his
appreciation for the strengthening community
that was made available to him.
“He felt visible, cared for and could finally
get answers to his many questions.
This very much eased the tension at
home,” says Czarkowski.
Explaining Alzheimer’s to the patient
with the caregivers present was also a
huge help, providing a sense of dignity and
a voice to Sandy’s husband that carried
well into the final stages of his disease. She
goes on to recall him pouring over the
Alzheimer’s literature delivered by the organization,
which, after 16 months, sadly
became his only world.
Donna Telesca, a fellow caregiver, has
been impacted by dementia for most of
her life. Both her grandmother and father
suffered from it, and a few years ago, her
husband was diagnosed with early onset
dementia. Just like that, her world was
turned upside down once again.
“The impact on the individual diagnosed
and those who surround them is swift,
shocking, and frightening,” says Telesca.
“You change from someone who plans for
a beautiful and peaceful retirement to
someone who plans for a beautiful and
peaceful night, or for an ‘easy’ tomorrow.
You pray the day does not come when the
one you love forgets you. Mostly your life
goal is now that they remain safe, happy,
Alzheimer’s New Jersey
was established to
support and provide
local resources to the
more than 600,000
people in New Jersey
who are struggling with
the emotional and
financial aspects
of this disease.
Formerly known as the
Alzheimer’s Association
Greater New Jersey
Chapter, the non-profit
has been serving
New Jersey since 1985.
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