Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey

01/26/2026

Are you caring for an elderly loved one or need help yourself? You may qualify for FREE assistance.

The Statewide Respite Care Program (SRCP) provides respite care to those who qualify. Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) administers SRCP in , , , and . Additional grant-funded programs for those who are frail, elderly, or disabled and do not have the help of a caregiver are available in Morris and Sussex counties.

These services are made possible through grants received from the New Jersey Department of Human Services and the Morris County and Sussex County Boards of County Commissioners. Eligibility requirements may apply.

​There is a Statewide Respite Care program in every county. For more information about the program in your area, please call toll-free at 1-877-222-3737.

01/23/2026

Inspired by the Payday candy bar, this simple cookie mimics the flavor of the candy’s caramel nougat center through a brown butter-infused dough. Once shaped, the dough is then rolled generously in salted roasted peanuts for crunch and an irresistible nod to the candy.

Inspiration: Make it intergenerational by baking with children / grandchildren!

Inspired by the Payday bar, this simple cookie mimics the flavor of the candy’s caramel nougat center through a brown butter-infused dough. Once shaped, the dough is then rolled generously in salted roasted peanuts for crunch and an irresistible nod to th

01/22/2026

There's a in effect! Here are some important safety tips from the National Institute on Aging to keep in mind, especially if you're a senior or a :

If you must go outside, don’t stay outside for long.
Let others know when you’re planning to spend time outdoors and carry a fully charged mobile phone.
Keep warm blankets and extra cold-weather clothing handy in case of power outage.
Wear a hat, scarf, and gloves or mittens to prevent loss of body heat through your head and hands. Also consider using disposable or rechargeable hand- and foot-warming products.
Wear warm and loose layers of clothing. The air between the layers helps to keep you warm.
Change out of damp or wet clothes as soon as you can.
Keep outside walkways clear of snow and ice with an ice melt product or sand.
Avoid shoveling snow yourself when possible. In addition to the risk of falling, there is a risk of heart attack for older adults while shoveling snow.
Use railings to help avoid slipping on icy stairs and walkways.
Wear nonskid, rubber-soled, low-heeled footwear.
Set your heat to at least 68°F. Even mildly cool homes with temperatures from 60 to 65°F can lead to hypothermia in older adults.
Place a rolled towel in front of doors to keep out drafts.
Keep your blinds and curtains closed, and if you have gaps around the windows, try using weather stripping or caulk to keep the cold air out.
When you go to sleep, use extra covers. Wear long underwear under your pajamas and consider wearing a head covering.
Make sure you eat enough food to maintain your weight — some body fat is necessary for staying warm.
Avoid or limit alcohol intake. Alcoholic drinks can make you lose body heat.
Ask someone to check on you during cold weather. If a power outage leaves you without heat, try to stay with a relative or friend.

01/19/2026

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”

The news and social media often tend to emphasize controversy and negativity. That’s why we need to recall the importance of selflessness, compassion, and service to others exemplified by leaders like Martin Luther King.

01/17/2026

Inspired by the Italian dish of sautéed puntarelle (an Italian variety of chicory) and white beans, this recipe makes a satisfying vegetarian main course or a hearty side dish for roast chicken or sausages. It opts for canned white beans, for the sake of weeknight convenience, and Swiss chard, which is much milder than puntarelle and easier to find in the U.S. Kale or escarole would also work well, if that’s what you’ve got. Grated Pecorino Romano cheese gives the broth a more pungent element, but Parmesan will work in its place. Serve in shallow bowls with toasted country bread to mop up the garlicky broth.

Get the recipe: https://www.vnannj.org/braised-white-beans-greens-parmesan.html.

01/16/2026

Thank you, Evelyn, for acknowledging the hard work and great service of our team member John!

"John was professional, courteous and knowledgeable about the care that I needed."

01/14/2026

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month! Learn more about how to recognize and treat from the Glaucoma Research Foundation.

Why the urgency? Glaucoma, often called the silent thief of sight, is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the United States, yet as many as half of

01/13/2026

Check this out: An age-simulation suit.

Carrying out daily tasks in the MIT-designed outfit provides a taste of the challenges the elderly face, and motivation to prepare By Amy Dockser Marcus, Wall Street Journal, Sept. 3, 2025 An MIT a…

01/12/2026

What is the ? It's a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate.

Millions of people have , but up to 60% may be undiagnosed. Women are 5-8 times more likely than men to develop thyroid problems.

Thyroid issues can cause fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, and affect many organs. In addition, is highly treatable when caught early.

Talk to your healthcare provider about symptoms like , unexplained weight changes, or a neck lump. A simple blood test can check thyroid function. Family history, age, conditions (like ), and certain medications may increase risk.

01/10/2026

Dehydration in seniors is common because the sensation of thirst and the ability to conserve water is actually reduced as people age. This is as important to realize in the winter with dry, sometimes overheated, rooms, as it is in hot summer. Dehydration is a leading accompaniment of UTI's in seniors.

Make hydration delicious with this recipe for rosemary citrus water: https://www.vnannj.org/refreshing-hydrating-rosemary-citrus-water.html.

01/09/2026

A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that older people who eat citrus fruit frequently were 23% less likely to get dementia! (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28521847/)

According to the USDA, citrus fruits include:

* clementines
* grapefruit
* kumquats
* lemons
* limes
* oranges
* pomelos
* tangerines

Mandarin oranges were the most commonly eaten fruit in the region studied.