The Bayonne Office on Aging is the focal point for more than 12,000 local seniors, providing direct services and benefits available through national, state, county and local community agencies.

The primary objectives are:

1. To help the elderly reach their fullest potential;
2. To make them aware of their rights under the law
3. To make the· public aware the frail elderly problem areas and to seek solutions to these problems;
4. To insure a lifelong continuum with a focus on program participation and fostering maximum independence.

WHAT WE DO 

Information & Assistance/Options Counseling 

The Bayonne Office on Aging is available to provide specific information or assistance to or on behalf of older persons (60 and older), which will link or enable individuals to obtain available entitlement program benefits and services to which each person may be eligible., including but not limited to SNAP (Food Stamps), PAAD/Senior Gold (prescriptions), SLMB (Part B premiums), Property Tax savings programs 

Care Management 

Our main focus is to provide "client-directed" care management services free of charge to help individuals and their family/caregiver assess care needs for an elderly person. Care Planning and Management services include: 

1. Professional assessment
2. Outreach Home Visits
3. Defining care needs
4. Arranging home care or care services by way of "client-centered" planning
5. Locating existing community resources
6. Discussing ways to pay for elder care
7. Advocacy of client's rights

The time required for the assessment process varies and is dependent upon the ability of the Care Managers to schedule the individual and/or caregiver for an appointment. It is important to call immediately if you have concerns and want to request a home visit to assess a particular situation.

Caring for Adults Living At Home

The New Jersey Division of Aging and Community Services administer a number of programs and services to help individuals receive care in the community rather than a nursing home setting when appropriate. These in-home services may include:

a. Home Health Aide
b. Home Delivered Meals
c. Transportation
d. Adult Day Care
e. Respite Care for Family Caregivers
f. Chore Service
g. Personal Emergency Response Systems

These services are available to income-eligible individuals. The Bayonne Office on Aging will assist both individuals and their caregivers to apply for and become eligible for these state and federal programs, which include ABD (Aged, Blind and Disabled) Medicaid, MLTSS (Managed Long-Term Services and Supports) and JACC (Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving).

PROGRAMS WE OFFER

EMERGENCY FUNDING FOR SENIORS
One time only – can assist for any unfunded or noninsurance reimbursement service or item. Services limited per person and targeted to lower income individuals. This program is funded by the Hudson County Office on Aging for seniors 60 and older.

EYEGLASS PROGRAM FOR SENIORS
Hudson Eyeglass Program provides payment for one pair of eyeglasses up to $450 per person for seniors 60 and older. Any remaining amount due is paid by the individual. Wait lists apply and only available to the extent of grant awards. Program cannot pay more than one pair of glasses every three (3) years for each person. The following professionals agree to participate: WISE OPTICAL, PALISADE EYE (Bayonne & Jersey City), HUDSON EYECARE ASSOCIATES, SPECS UNLIMITED. All referrals are made through the local Care Management program funded by Hudson County Office on Aging.

SHIP (STATE HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM)
The State Health Insurance Counseling Program (SHIP) provides help to NJ Medicare beneficiaries who have problems with, or questions about Medicare supplement policies, long-term care insurance policies, benefits or claims as well as Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. The Bayonne Office on Aging has SHIP counselors trained in areas of health insurance coverage and benefits that affect Medicare beneficiaries, evaluate health insurance needs and provide information and assistance for dealing with claims and choosing Part D prescription drug plans.

Volunteer counselors do not provide legal advice, sell, recommend, or endorse any specific insurance product, agent, insurance company, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plan. They provide information and assistance so that you can make your own decisions.

The Bayonne Office on Aging consists of certified counselors who will give you one-on-one guidance based on your unique situation and needs. The Counselors help with:

- Understanding your insurance choices;
- How to enroll in Medicare and Medicaid;
- Insurance plan comparison
- coverage and costs paying for Medicare and prescriptions
- troubleshooting billing issues
- submitting appeals
- Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7)
- referral to other resources

C&D Quick Reference: Enrollment Periods For Medicare C&D

STAFF
Dawn M. Herring - Executive Director/SHIP Counselor
Shanna McKennan – Clerk/SHIP Counselor
Lorine Alfred – Care Manager/SHIP Counselor
Anna Gonzalez – Care Manager/SHIP Counselor
Meghan Luzzi – Care Manager/SHIP Counselor
Teresa Troglio – Care Manager/SHIP Counselor
Maureen Bowers-Conlin – Telephone Reassurance Program
Robert Greenwood – Telephone Reassurance Program

CONTACT
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AVAILABLE PROGRAMS & SERVICES, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE ON AGING AT (201) 858-6119