Sandra Avellan, Disability Services Coordinator

• Somerset County Disability Services is an information and referral resource for individuals with disabilities, family members, friends, and communities. The goal of Disability Services is to help improve the quality of life for all residents.

• The Somerset County Advisory Council on Disability Issues (ACODI) addresses the needs and concerns of individuals with disabilities through educational projects that help to raise awareness, including publications and workshops.

Caring for the Caregiver: A Wellness Evening Out (2025)

November is Caregiver Awareness Month. During this time, we recognize and honor the significant role caregivers play throughout our community. To celebrate their dedication, the Office on Aging and Disability Services hosted two special events: the first on November 6th at the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater, and the second on November 20th at the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge. Both gatherings provided an opportunity to show appreciation for caregivers and highlight the vital support they provide every day. We were grateful to have Legal Services of Northwest Jersey present information on living wills, advance directives, and the importance of planning ahead. Caregivers also enjoyed a relaxing chair yoga session led by Jillian Gerber and Jane Puckett.

Caregivers give so much of themselves to support others, and these moments of education, relaxation, and recognition are just a small way to honor all they do while reminding them to care for their own well-being. During these events, education was provided by Office on Aging and Disability Services Educators, Claudia Ernst and Amy Maritato, on healthy ways caregivers can participate in self-care. Claudia provided education on coloring. Coloring may be seen as a child’s activity, but it is a healthy way to relieve stress as it calms down your brain and body. While Amy Maritato, highlighted the benefits of journaling. Journaling can help manage symptoms of depression, reduce anxiety, increase self-awareness, and boost emotional intelligence. Journaling looks different for everyone, and for those wondering how to begin, the best approach is simply to start because there is no right or wrong way to journal. Participants were able to take one of these activities home for their future usage.

The Office on Aging and Disability Services want to say thank you for all the caregivers do for the ones they care for in our community. If you are caring for someone over the age of 60 and/or you yourself are over the age of 60 and a Somerset County resident looking for information and support, please contact the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services at 908-704-6346.