Press Release

March 20, 2006
Contact: Kaylyn Kendall Dines
Phone: (973) 972-3000
dineskd@umdnj.edu

UMDNJ Sponsors Free Seminars for Caregivers of Older Adults

EDISON—Free seminars on caring for older adults are being held at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey as part of the 2006 Family Caregiver Education Series.

This seminar series, which was designed for families or friends who are caregivers of seniors, is sponsored by Educate, Advocate, Reduce Stress for Caregivers Program at UMDNJ ’s Comprehensive Services on Aging. COPSA, which is part of the UMDNJ-University Behavioral HealthCare, offers a variety of family-focused geriatric services, a toll-free helpline, diagnostic clinics, clinical trials, community outreach for patients and caregivers, adult day care, caregiver support groups and educational programs for professionals and the public.

The seminars, which are open to the public, will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., on March 22, April 19 and May 3, at the UMDNJ-University Behavioral HealthCare, 100 Metroplex Drive, Second Floor, Suite 200, in Edison.

On Wednesday, March 22, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., "Helping Caregivers Cope: The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Model," will be facilitated by Dr. Leon Hyer, professor of psychiatry at the UMDNJ-University Behavioral HealthCare. Dr. Hyer will describe this innovative, therapeutic and practical approach for helping caregivers improve their coping skills in dealing with caregiver stress.

The "Live Safe: Safety-Proofing the Home for Your Elderly Family Member" seminar will take place on Wednesday, April 19, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and will be facilitated by Dale L. Ofei-Ayisi, supervisor, and Susan P. Schwartz, counselor, both of EARS for Caregivers at the UMDNJ-University Behavioral HealthCare. This presentation will offer tips that were developed at the New Jersey Institute for Technology to enhance home safety, from preventing falls to making homes accessible for stroke victims.

The third seminar will take place on Wednesday, May 3, from 1 to 3 p.m., is "Elder Law Update: What’s New for 2006." Benjamin J. Menasha, an elder law attorney at Pisciotta & Menasha in North Brunswick, will explain recent changes in laws and policies affecting older adults. He will highlight the latest in Medicaid eligibility requirements that will significantly impact long-term care planning.

For further information, please contact either Dale Ofei-Ayisi at (732) 235-8452 or Susan Schwartz at (866) 300-3277.