Making decisions about an aging loved one’s care can be overwhelming, especially when those decisions come in the middle of a crisis. Knowing what questions to ask, understanding available resources, and having the right people to turn to can make all the difference.
That was the focus of “Know Before You Go”, an educational panel hosted by Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. The panel brought together senior care professionals from Generations Counseling & Care Management, ACAP Bergen County, CareOne, and Bergen Volunteers to help older caregivers and their families better understand the healthcare and senior care journey.
Representing Generations Counseling & Care Management, our Marketing Director, Laura Huisking, was one of the panel’s featured speakers, sharing information on the challenges families face and the importance of care coordination, advocacy, and proactive planning. She brought a personal and professional perspective to the presentation, combining both her first-hand experience as a primary caregiver and expertise on New Jersey senior care resources. She understands how important it is to plan ahead because navigating a healthcare crisis without one can be one of the most grueling things a family can go through.
Other experts included Eden Weiss, Regional Director of Business Development for CareOne, Brian T. Wilson, Director of Development & Communications for Bergen Volunteers, and Katie Richardson, Senior Vice President, Operations and Long-Term Care Administrator for Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. The discussion covered the many stages of the caregiver journey, emphasizing that preparation and education are essential long before a crisis occurs. Panelists explored a wide range of topics, including:
- Finding Support and Resources by discovering local programs, services, and tools for older adults and their families.
- Coordinating and Advocating for Care by learning how to organize appointments, medications, and insurance information; advocate; and communicate with healthcare providers.
- Exploring Care Options by understanding home care, assisted living, skilled nursing, and how to navigate changes in care needs.
- Planning Ahead As A Family by preparing for future needs through family conversations, legal planning, and advance directives.
- Caring For Yourself by discussing common caregiver concerns, managing stress, and building a strong support network.
“It was wonderful to see a mix of both adult caregivers and healthcare professionals coming together to learn, share information, and support each other.” Sarah E. Pingitore, Community Relations Coordinator, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
One of the most valuable aspects of the program was bringing together professionals in different areas of senior care. No single organization can address every need a family may encounter. By working together, senior care partners help create a stronger network of resources for caregivers.
The event also reinforced the importance of community education. Families don’t always know what services are available until they are in the middle of a crisis. Providing information before one strikes can help them feel more prepared, make informed decisions, and avoid unnecessary stress.
Perhaps the most important message from the day was that families do not have to figure everything out on their own. Planning, asking questions, understanding available resources, and building relationships with professionals who can help are all important steps toward navigating the caregiving journey with greater confidence.
This is at the heart of what we do. Our mission is to help families examine each unique situation and provide expert guidance about developing the best approach, advocacy, and support they need along the way. Every family is different, and our care managers are able to devote 100% attention to their clients and their individual needs.
We are grateful to Bergen New Bridge Medical Center for hosting this important conversation and to our fellow panelists at ACAP, CareOne, and Bergen Volunteers for sharing their knowledge and commitment to helping families in the Northern New Jersey and Rockland County, New York area.
“Let us remember that we don’t have to do it alone. Through compassion, connection, education, and community, we can support one another along the way.” Victoria Motkowski, School Contract Affiliations Coordinator, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Family-owned and operated for almost 40 years, Generations Counseling & Care Management, LLC is a full-service geriatric care management firm operating in both Northern New Jersey and parts of New York that provides care management, advocacy, and psychotherapy services with an integrated, professional, client-centered approach to the needs of the elderly, persons with disabilities, their families, and the caregiving community. Our expert staff are available 24/7 and offer a wide range of services that cover all aspects of elder care, including: care management, counseling, psychotherapy, elder care planning, transitional services to senior communities & nursing facilities, services for disabled individuals, benefits counseling, assessments, financial services and management, moving and relocation coordination, and much more. If you need more information on our services, please call our office at 201-845-7030.