As followers of Christ, we are called to care for those in need, and among the most wisdom-filled and often overlooked are our elderly neighbors. Many seniors face daily challenges – whether it’s mobility issues, managing health concerns, food security, or isolation – that can leave them feeling forgotten. Scripture reminds us in Leviticus 19:32, “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.”
A Growing Need: You Are Not Alone
As reported by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), more than 53 million Americans, or 1 in 5 adults, serve as unpaid caregivers, many of them caring for aging parents, spouses, or relatives. Family caregiving spans across all generations, and 61% of family caregivers are also working.
These numbers are expected to rise significantly as the population continues to age. These caregivers provide vital support – from transportation and grocery shopping to full-time medical and emotional care – often with little recognition or rest.
Resources and Support for Elder Care
There are many resources available to support both seniors and their caregivers. Local senior centers often provide wellness classes, social events, and meals. Organizations like Meals on Wheels, the NJ Division on Aging and their network of county offices, and community health clinics offer assistance with home care, legal services, and health education. There are also support groups for caregivers who need encouragement and connection.
Episcopal Jersey City and its support of Triangle Park Community Center has extended its ministries by delivering food and medical equipment to homebound elderly residents. Episcopal Jersey City (EJC) is a ministry of the Jersey City Episcopal churches of St. Paul And Incarnation and Grace Van Vorst. The organization is run by a board of ten directors including clergy and lay leaders from the churches. Ana Perez, TPCC’s Homebound Seniors Coordinator manages TPCC’s Senior Homebound program. TPCC is routinely featured in the media:
- Mutual aid: Neighbors helping neighbors in need
- Creative ideas help religious leaders move forward | Faith Matters
Many of our churches offer Health Fairs or Health screenings. The Senior Resource Center of New Jersey Health Fair 2024 was hosted at The Church of the Messiah last fall.
For over two decades, The Diocese of Newark has actively supported Shepherd’s Haven Social Adult Day Center, Triangle Park Community Center and the Senior Resource Center of New Jersey through the ACTS/VIM Fund, the Alleluia Fund for Outreach, or the David Hegg II Awards Evensong collection.
SRC NJ just recently updated the Senior Resource Center Resources page to help seniors and their caregivers navigate the complexities of aging. Resources are arranged by the following topics:
- State and County Resources
- Caregiver Resources
- Advocacy
- Opportunities to Volunteer Beyond SRC
- How to Connect Seniors with Volunteers to Assist Seniors
- On-Line Videos for Learning and Classes
- Health Topics
- Scams and Fraud Prevention
Many of our churches offer food pantries to assist our neighbors in need. Use the Episcopal Church Asset maps tools or check the list of churches with Food Ministries to find one near you.
Discipleship
We have a beautiful opportunity to step in and serve. Whether it’s through visiting a homebound neighbor, volunteering to drive someone to a doctor’s appointment or church, delivering a warm meal, teaching how to navigate changes in technology, or simply sitting and listening, these acts of love reflect God’s compassion.
If you’re already a caregiver, we see you and thank you. And if you’re not, perhaps God is calling you to this kind of quiet ministry. We encourage caregivers to learn about their county level service of respite for caregivers and to network with the following non-profits or state resources:
- Caring for Caregivers | United Way 211
- Care2Caregivers
- NJ Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers
Let’s open our hearts wider to the needs of our elders. If you’d like to get involved, please reach out to your outreach committee, review volunteer opportunities as summarized on Senior Resource Center NJ Resources, contact nearby Senior Housing or nursing homes, or reach out to the Commission on Aging – Diocese of Newark (NJ) You can also learn about how to serve as a New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Reimagine connections between churches and organizations who come together to serve.
Worship Opportunity
The Commission of Aging encourages members to worship alongside residents of Heath Village where the Rev. Dr. David Cabush currently serves as Chaplain. Through the extended presence of clergy in the region, an Episcopal Eucharist Service is offered every Tuesday at Heath Village at 10 AM as well as Bible Study groups during the week. Volunteers to assist residents are always welcomed. Contact the Rev. Lorna Erixson of St Mark’s, Mendham or the Rev. Paula Toland of St. Stephen’s, Millburn, both of whom serve monthly.
Let us be a church that cherishes its elders, honoring their wisdom and showing them the love of Christ – one act of service at a time.
Photo: Day residents at Shepherd’s Haven, next door to Christ Church, Pompton.
