Aging in Place & The Michael Och House
People today are living longer than ever, including adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Adults with IDD experience age-related issues much earlier than the general population. However, like most adults, those with IDD prefer to remain in their own community as they age. JESPY is committed to meeting the changing needs of our clients.
Launched in 2017, our Aging in Place initiative developed programs and services to help our older clients remain part of the special community they have come to love – for many, the community where they found independent lives they could call their own.
JESPY’s Aging in Place initiative boasts an environment in which clients can continue to live within our client-centered, community-based setting throughout their senior years with access to the support they need. Improved wellness and health awareness for our senior clients is fostered in many ways:
- increased nursing coverage for medical screenings and medical condition monitoring to address any concerns as quickly as possible
- identification and treatment of clients with dual diagnoses using proven assessment tools for anxiety, depression, and other clinical areas
- healthy living workshops, led by the JESPY nurse, clinical and behavioral supports team and guest facilitators
- on-site physical and occupational therapists to help clients engage in daily living, work and social activities
- aging-appropriate safety and accessibility modifications, as well as adaptive furnishings, in all JESPY residential and program sites.
The Aging in Place initiative strengthens, expands and integrates services for our older clients so that they can maintain their independence and continue the relationships they have developed within the supportive JESPY community throughout their journey. For our work with Aging in Place clients, JESPY received the 2021 Carl F. West Award from NJ Advocates for Aging Well (NJAAW).
The Michael Och House – A Center for Aging at JESPY
Residents of The Michael Och House continue to be part of the JESPY community, with opportunities to participate in all the same activities and programs and to receive the same services and supports that are available to all JESPY clients. Van service is available so clients can comfortably and safely go into town and attend JESPY events at other JESPY locations.
New clients who have not yet sought services from JESPY, but who are requiring increased support as they age or when caregivers become incapacitated are welcomed to apply into the program.
Funding for The Michael Och House was generously provided by the Och family, honoring their father’s 20+ years of Board leadership and service to JESPY. JESPY’s Aging in Place initiative is funded in part by The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey.
To learn more about our programs and service options, schedule an interview with JESPY's Intake Coordinator by calling (973) 762-6909 Ext. 302 or email intake@jespy.org.