Action Teams

HEALTH: Seniors & People with Disabilities

United Way addresses pressing health and health care issues facing our Morris County community. Health is a basic need, impacting every aspect of a person’s daily life. There are many people in our community facing chronic illness, physical or developmental disabilities, and mental health conditions. When care is needed, family caregivers are the mainstay of our long-term health care system. In fact, 80 percent of long-term care is provided in the home and not in institutions.

United Way of Morris County’s Independence for Seniors & People with Disabilities Action Team works to help all people access the necessary care to remain as independent as possible and to support those who provide care for a loved one.

The Independence for Seniors & People with Disabilities Action Team engages volunteers and provides them with opportunities to better understand health issues – like caregiving – affecting our Morris County communities. Members discuss community problems, provide expertise and insight on how to better meet community needs, and work on project teams to address those needs (see Caregivers Coalition of Morris County).

Independence for Seniors & People with Disabilities Action Team Goals

• Seniors will maintain a healthy, secure, independent, and stimulating lifestyle with access to a continuum of services.
• People with disabilities will have opportunities to overcome barriers that prevent participation in home, school, work, or community activities.
• People with chronic mental illnesses will have opportunities for a meaningful life.
• Family caregivers of seniors and people with disabilities will have the support needed to reduce the stress associated with caregiving responsibilities.

To learn how you can get involved with the Independence for Seniors & People with Disabilities Action Team, please email Email Carol DeGraw or call 973.993.1160, x128.