Somerset County Recognizes National Family Caregiver Month in November, Offers Support and Resources for Caregivers

(For Immediate Release – Somerset County, NJ): November is National Family Caregivers Month and Somerset County is highlighting the important role that caregivers play in supporting the physical health, mental wellbeing, and longevity of older adults and disabled residents. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over 53 million unpaid caregivers that provide the equivalent of $470 billion in free care across the nation.

“The tasks and responsibilities of a caregiver can extend far beyond scheduling a doctor’s appointment for a friend or family member,” said Commissioner Elizabeth Graner, liaison to Somerset County’s Office on Aging and Disability Services. “Caregivers also assist with grocery shopping, running errands, managing prescription medications, and paying bills. These additional responsibilities, along with scheduling routine checkups, providing emotional support, and helping with personal care, are frequently managed by caregivers.”

The role of a caregiver looks different for every person. In addition to friends and family, many caregivers are also neighbors and volunteers. Despite the relationship, all caregivers are essential for helping disabled residents and older adults live a healthy, safe, and dignified life.

“No two caregivers have the same responsibilities, roles, or expectations,” said Ellen Russo, Eldercare Services Administrator. “Caregivers are essential for supporting people as their needs change, and caregiving responsibilities may change over time.”

However, it’s also important for caregivers to care for themselves. According to the CDC, nearly two in five caregivers suffer from chronic diseases of their own, and nearly one in five report having poor health. Additionally, many caregivers are forced to step away from work for extended periods of time.

Caregivers can find valuable resources and community support through Somerset County’s Office on Aging and Disability Services, which provides guidance to those caring for a loved one, aged 60 and older, or those 18 and older with a physical disability.

“We offer supportive services such as application assistance, locative technology, support groups, and more,” said Russo. “We all are and can be caregivers at any stage in our lives. Even if you are not in a caregiving role now, education and awareness are key in knowing where to turn if that time should come.”

For more information on available services, visit: https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/government/human-services/aging-disability-services

All centers will be closed for Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, for Thanksgiving on November 26, 2026, and for Thanksgiving Friday on November 27, 2026.

All Senior Wellness Centers, which are operated by the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services (OoADS), are dedicated to helping seniors stay healthy, active, and connected with community. Programs are free for registered members, unless indicated otherwise. Residents must call or visit a wellness center to register. Proof of identification, age, and residency are required.

For anyone aged 60 or older, Somerset County Senior Wellness Centers also offer a nutritionally balanced lunch, Monday through Friday, for a suggested donation of $2.50. Menu choices include a hot meat-based or meatless entrée or a cold meat-based or meatless boxed lunch. Make lunch reservations prior to 10 a.m. on the previous business day by calling the senior center you wish to attend.

The Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services provides information regarding aging safely in place and in the community. Supported by the Somerset County Commissioners and the NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services, Somerset County Senior Wellness Centers are open to independent, Somerset County residents, 60 years of age and above. Interested residents should contact the main office at (908) 704-6346 or (888) 747-1122 to hear more about eligibility criteria and center operations. Proof of identification, age, and county residency are required to participate.

SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER AT BASKING RIDGE
202 Mt. Airy Road
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
(908) 204-3435

Computer Lab – Available daily. Participants are invited to use computers at their leisure.

Stronger Seniors: Stretch – Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays. Enjoy a calming, pre-recorded stretching program that allows you to stay seated while gently working your entire body. This accessible 45-minute session is a great way to release tension, improve flexibility, and leave you feeling more comfortable and relaxed.

• Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 10 – 11 a.m.
• Tuesday: 1 – 2 p.m.

Zumba Gold with Joan Gregilovich – Mondays 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (August 31 – November 2) Get your blood pumping with some zesty music that will truly inspire a hearty workout. This class is achievable for beginners or others who need modifications to their exercise routine. Build cardiovascular health by challenging your heart and working hip, leg, and arm muscles by performing fun and rhythmic moves while sitting in a chair. The next series of Zumba Gold will be November 9 through December 28. Registration will begin October 12. The cost is $40 for the 8-week program. Please call Roberto for more information: (908) 204-3435.

Mahjong Club – Mondays & Wednesdays. 12:30 – 4 p.m. (October 5 – December 14). Mahjong is a great game to keep your brain sharp and supercharged. This club is for anyone who loves the game, wants to meet new people, and have some fun. This is not a competitive club. Join fellow center members to play this thought-provoking game. Club size is limited, registration for one time frame is required. The next quarterly sessions will start the week of January 11, 2027, through the week of March 15, 2027. Registration forms will be made available at the center starting the week of November 30, 2026. For more information, please call (908) 204-3435.

Chair Yoga with Jillian – Mondays & Wednesdays, 1 – 2 p.m. (September 21 – November 18). This class is open to all levels of skill. Poses can be practiced while either sitting or standing. This class will help increase bone density, and improve strength, flexibility, and balance while you are immersed in a relaxing class. Expect lots of gentle stretching to bring movement to joints and muscles. This class is perfect for relieving stress and helping gain an overall sense of well-being. The next series of Chair Yoga will be November 23 through January 13. Registration will begin October 19. The cost is $40 for the 8-week program. Please call Roberto for more information: (908) 204-3435.

Take Control with Exercise – Mondays & Thursdays 1 – 2 p.m. This is an ongoing exercise program, in video form, for all skill levels that can be practiced while either standing or sitting. This program will strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility and balance while boosting stamina.

Coffee/Tea Social – Mondays, 3 – 4 p.m. Stop by for a friendly Coffee & Tea Social where conversation flows as easily as the refreshments. It’s a simple and enjoyable way to unwind, meet others, and spend time together in a relaxed setting.

Stronger Seniors: Core Strength – Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays. Build strength and stability with Stronger Seniors: Core Strength, a pre-recorded exercise program designed to gently target your core muscles. Using resistance bands, this safe and accessible workout helps improve balance, posture, and overall fitness—feel free to bring your own band.

• Tuesday: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
• Thursday: 10 – 11 a.m.
• Friday: 1 – 2 p.m.

Project Healthy Bones – Tuesdays, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. (September 15 – February 23). Project Healthy Bones is a 24-week exercise and education program for older women and men at risk for, or who have osteoporosis. The program includes exercises that target the body’s larger muscle groups to improve strength, balance and flexibility. The 24-week curriculum includes sessions on the importance of exercise, nutrition, safety, drug therapy and lifestyle factors. Registration and physician consent form required for participation. To register or for more information please contact Tiffany Stribling at (908) 704-6327.

Canasta Club – Tuesdays, 12:30 – 4 p.m. Join fellow card enthusiasts for an afternoon of Canasta, a classic game that combines strategy, concentration, and friendly competition. Playing card games can help strengthen memory and critical thinking skills while providing a fun, social way to connect with new and familiar friends. New members are always welcome.

Bridge Group – Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bridge is a mentally challenging card game that offers intellectual and social stimulation. Playing bridge regularly stimulates your brain to keep it alert and helps your memory stay active. New members and beginners are always welcome.

GeriFit 4-Weeks with Connie – Mondays & Wednesdays, 10 – 11 a.m. (October 19 – November 9). Rebuild the strength lost through the aging process to gain a higher level of functioning. This class combines strength training with stretching and range-of-motion exercises, stability, and balance training for fall prevention, cardiovascular activity for heart health, and gait exercises to help improve walking. **Weights and stretch bands provided. Bring water. Exercises are done sitting in chairs. Standing is optional. Pre-registration required. For more information, please call Tiffany Stribling at (908) 704-6327.

Line Dancing with David Cross – Thursdays, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Get moving with Line Dancing, a fun and engaging way to improve coordination, balance, and overall fitness. This upbeat activity also gives your memory a workout as you learn and follow lively dance steps in a friendly, supportive setting.

November 2, 1 – 1:45 p.m. Gambling Awareness Presentation with Allison from Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center. This is an educational initiative designed to inform individuals about the risks and potential negative impacts of gambling. It aims to promote responsible gambling behaviors, resources to those affected by gambling-related issues, and prevent addiction by increasing awareness of the warning signs and available support services.

November 3, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. November Trivia with Roberto. Put your knowledge to the test with a fun-filled trivia challenge featuring questions on science, history, pop culture, and more. Trivia is a great way to keep your mind active, boosts memory and problem-solving skills, and enjoy friendly competition.

November 3 & 17, 9:15 a.m. – 12 p.m. State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Assistance with Pat Guempel. Medicare is complicated but understanding your health insurance and making sure costs are affordable is essential to managing your health. Certified State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors offer free, one-on-one expert, unbiased assistance to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages in navigating the complexities of Medicare. SHIP counselors will be available to meet, by appointment, in the SHIP office at Bridgewater and Basking Ridge Senior Wellness centers. Appointments can be made by calling (908) 704-6319 or stop by the satellite office to schedule an appointment during office hours.

November 4, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Shopping with Kindness. Learn about free, volunteer-based services available to Somerset County residents age 60+ through Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties. Services include grocery and prescription delivery, friendly visits, and companionship for games, music, and other activities. Discover how these programs can help older adults stay connected, supported, and independent in the community.

November 5, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Blood Pressure Screenings with Visiting Nurse Patty. Stop by for a quick blood pressure screening with Visiting Nurse Patty. Regular blood pressure checks can help increase awareness of your cardiovascular health, identify potential concerns early, and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about maintaining healthy blood pressure.

November 6 & 20, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bingo with Roberto. Bingo is more than an exciting activity but also a way to promote health and wellness. Researchers have found that engaging in Bingo has multiple health benefits such as promoting socialization, strengthening hand-eye coordination, listening and short-term memory.

November 9, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Clifford Seay Musical Performance Enjoy a lively vocal performance featuring an array of music spanning the decades, including oldies, soul, R&B, and country. Sing along to familiar favorites, reminisce through music, and enjoy an entertaining afternoon with Clifford Seay.

November 10, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thanksgiving Themed HDM Cardmaking with Staff Get creative while spreading joy! Join Basking Ridge participants in making themed greetings cards for Home Delivered Meals clients, a meaningful activity that encourages connection and fosters community while giving back.

November 11 – Center closed in observance of Veteran’s Day.

November 12, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Amwell Vaccination Clinic. Amwell Pharmacy supports communities across Somerset County by providing seamless, professional, and on-site vaccination services. Please have photo ID, Medicare parts B&D and completed intake form available at front desk. Walk-Ins are welcome.

November 12, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bright View sponsored Fall Craft. Celebrate the season with a fun, hands-on fall craft presented by Brightview. Participants will have the opportunity to get creative, enjoy a relaxing activity, and socialize with others while making a festive seasonal project to take home. Supplies limited. Preregistration required.

November 13, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. RVCC Dance Ensemble. This performance includes dances created by RVCC faculty, students, and guest artists. Dance techniques will vary from ballet to modern jazz and beyond! All are welcome. Made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

More News from Raritan

• Park Commission To Open Entries for 2026 Photo Contest Photos of Somerset County’s Parks Will Be Accepted until December 31, 2026
• RVCC Administrator Honored by NAACP of Hunterdon County The theme for the October 24 event, held at the Bridgewater Manor, was “One Legacy, Ours to Build.”