It was standing room only at the Verona Community Center Last week. Verona LIVE (Lifelong Involvement for Vital Elders) presented “Sandwiches for the Sandwich Generation,” a program for caregivers and seniors interested in learning about support services in the area.

“Sandwich Generation” is the term given to those who are taking care of their children and parents or elder loved ones at the same time and therefore, sandwiched in between.

Karen Alexander, Director of Eldercare Services for United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ, and a co-presenter of the program noted that almost half of the homes in Verona include an adult over 60 years old. “We are really thrilled with the turnout,” Alexander commented, “this is a great opportunity to make these support services more visible to the attendees.”

In the room were more than 20 vendors exhibiting their services and handing out brochures and information packets. Participants included the Alzheimer’s Association, Mountainside and Saint Barnabas Hospitals and St. Joseph Healthcare System, Mobile Meals of Essex, both the Verona Police and Rescue Squad, attorneys specializing in issues for the elderly, the Veterans Affairs and Health Administration, housing and transportation services and caregiver support groups.

In addition to the exhibits, a special presentation was given by Wendy Sabin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Jewish Family Services of MetroWest. Sabin is also the social worker at Verona LIVE and available for free consultations by appointment at the Verona Community Center on Tuesdays.

The presentation covered a variety of topics with an overview of benefits availability, costs, financial planning, housing, and caregiver burn out. Also highlighted was the new website for elderlink, connecting those in need with eldercare resources at www.elderlinkmetrowest.org.

Elderlink is a telephone and web-based program, whose sole focus is to provide eldercare information and referral services.  The Elderlink website has been established to assist seniors, their families, professionals, caregivers and the community in their efforts to navigate eldercare resources.  Sabin added, “For those not comfortable with computers, the same services are available by phone at 973-765-9050. It’s also important to note that the program is non-sectarian, open to all of any religion, gender, race or age who are overwhelmed and don’t know where to turn in regards to providing or requiring care for the elderly.”

Rachel Cohen, the Site Coordinator for the Jewish Vocational Service of MetroWest pointed out, “It’s vital to not only know what support is available but also when it’s time to reach out. If you need help, don’t wait until it’s too late, and if you’re providing help, don’t wait until you’re overcome and exhausted. We can step in from when people are just realizing they need a little extra help, up to when they need skilled home health aid.”

Anyone over 60 is invited to join Verona LIVE. Located in the Verona Community Center, it is a free program whose goal is to enhance the lives of older adults and assist them to thrive and remain in the community. To learn more or to be added to the mailing list, call Verona LIVE at 973-830-0096

Verona LIVE is a non-sectarian program in partnership with Verona Township and local organizations. Support is provided by the US Administration on Aging and United Jewish Appeal, funded in part through a grant from Partners for Health.