Commission on Aging

On June 11, 2017, 66 members of the diocese were honored with the David P. Hegg II Lifetime Achievement Award at the 21st annual Senior Ministries Evensong, held at St. Peter's Church in Morristown with the Rt. Rev. Mark M. Beckwith, Bishop of Newark, officiating.

When selecting an assisted living community for an older family member, don’t count on first impressions. Many facilities make great first impressions with beautiful chandeliers, pretty landscaping, and calm environments, but the true character of a facility will only be revealed through frequent visits. Family members do well to talk to the professionals there about every aspect of the care provided, the facilities available, and how the residents get along. Conversations like these should leave no stone unturned.

How often do we take the time to recognize individuals who have provided years of support to the ministries in our congregations? We are referring to our seniors, who are among the Diocese of Newark’s most active and productive volunteers. Now is the time to honor these individuals for their leadership and wisdom and for the countless gifts of time and talent they have shared with their congregations and the community.

We’ve all seen it – the little old lady who can barely see over the steering wheel, the old man who drives 5 miles down the highway with his blinker on, or the headlines proclaiming another senior citizen has confused gas pedal and brake pedal, and has driven into a building.

Home. It is the dwelling where we rest our head at night. However, for many it represents so much more. It is where we raise our family, share time with grandchildren and where we create most of our fondest memories. As we age and/or experience medical compromises our bodies and minds are impacted. Physical impairments can evolve that can alter strength, balance and flexibility which thereby have consequences on the ability to walk, shower and perform daily activities and unfortunately increase the risk of life-altering falls. Our ability to remain in our homes is threatened.

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia, it can be life-changing for the entire family. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disease that destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks of daily living. It is the most common cause of dementia and impacts over 500,000 New Jerseyans.

What a funny pair of words – “Blue Christmas.” I am sure any kid can tell you that Christmas is red and green and not blue. Blue is a cold word, even a sad word, possibly, and Christmas, as everyone knows, is a happy time. At Christmas our hearts are full of joy, we sing carols, we play with the kids in the family, we enjoy gift giving, eating too much and possibly drinking too much. Right?

The Affordable Care Act, officially called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, PPACA or ACA (and informally, Obamacare), has been around in full force for the past several years. Despite this there is still considerable misunderstanding about it. In this brief article I seek to clarify the major points.