With a one-in-a-million diagnosis rate and limited resources for families, CareOne shines a light on the unique role of assisted living facilities in CJD care and caregiver support

NOVEMBER 05, 2024 – FORT LEE, NJ – CareOne, a leading, family-owned senior care provider with more than 60 locations in the U.S., partnered with Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center to host a Continuing Medical Education (CME) event on Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) and other prion diseases. This event was aimed at building CJD awareness and educating medical professionals about this devastating condition that often goes unrecognized. Having recently cared for two patients with CJD, CareOne has identified a critical need for robust patient and caregiver support. Assisted living and memory care facilities are uniquely equipped to address these challenges effectively.

Though rare, it most commonly affects people between the ages of 55 and 75, with symptoms developing between the ages of 60 and 65. Because symptoms present similarly to dementia and Alzheimer’s, many of those with CJD often have a delayed diagnosis. An aggressive disease, 70% of those diagnosed will not survive a year. In New Jersey, there are upwards of 18 new cases diagnosed every year.

“Families of these patients require support both in CJD awareness and in caring for their loved ones. This disease progresses so rapidly and the CJD Foundation is a lifeline to these caregivers,” said CareOne Certified Dementia Specialist, Mary Beth Rose, who cared for the two CJD patients at CareOne. “Without access to specialized communities, families often feel completely alone. We learned that settings like assisted living or memory care facilities offer a lifeline – not only for the patients themselves but also for their caregivers who may feel overwhelmed by the progression of this disease.”

As scientific research on this rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease continues to advance, Mary Beth emphasizes the importance of providing holistic support to patients and their caregivers.

“For those impacted by CJD, finding a community of understanding and compassionate environments can make all the difference in navigating such a difficult journey,” she added.

This event, held in the Cooperman Barnabus Medical Center Auditorium on October 29^th, was attended by many New Jersey professionals across the healthcare industry. These professionals included physicians, nurses, case managers, psychiatrists, neurologists, social workers, infectious disease experts, memory care and skilled nursing facilities, and more. Dr. Brian Appleby, a neuropsychiatrist at the University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Medical Director of the CJD Foundation, attended the event as its speaker. Attendees walked away with CJD awareness, a comprehensive understanding of other prion diseases, including the underlying pathophysiology, key clinical features, and the ability to differentiate between the various types of prion diseases.

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The large integrated healthcare network successfully concluded its second annual charitable giving program across multiple states 

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 – FORT LEE, NJ – CareOne, a leading, family-owned senior care provider with more than 60 locations in the U.S, ended its second annual Summer of Sharing charitable giving program, raising funds for local charities. 

CareOne created Summer of Sharing in 2023 in an effort to affect change on a local level and mobilize its facilities across multiple states to give back to the communities it serves. Last year, the healthcare network raised $60,000. 

Earlier this summer, each building selected a local cause or charity for which to raise money. Over the past three months, buildings have organized fundraisers and engaged with their community networks to support their causes. 

“Summer of Sharing is our yearly opportunity to invest back into the communities that have always embraced us,” said CareOne Chairman and CEO, Daniel E. Straus. “I am proud to see our teams mobilize and extend our commitment to care beyond their four walls and make a difference in the lives of those who may need a little extra support.” 

CareOne selected more than 30 local organizations that support a variety of causes, from food banks, family services, housing and beyond. Fundraising efforts included facility events such as family fun days, “paint and sip” parties as well as car washes. To close out the initiative, many CareOne locations hosted celebrations honoring their beneficiaries to present them with the funds raised. 

“Giving back to the community is a core pillar of the CareOne Difference,” said Anne Marie Gauntlet, SVP of Operations for CareOne. “We are thankful to our employees, residents and patients who dedicated their summer to their causes. It was heartwarming to see the CareOne community work together to further support the communities they serve.” 

To view a complete list of the chosen beneficiaries, please click here. 

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CareOne is delighted to announce the launch of its philanthropic initiative, Summer of Sharing, for the second year in a row!

Summer of Sharing is CareOne’s company-wide charitable giving program aimed at supporting numerous social causes benefiting the communities that CareOne serves. Each of CareOne’s 60+ buildings in the northeast have selected a local charity for which they will raise funds throughout the summer. Among the organizations CareOne will support this year include:

Steps Together

PALS- Parsippany Police Athletic League

American Legion Post 21 Cresskill

Daisy Rec Camp

Imagine A Center for Coping with Loss

Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Camden County Animal Welfare Association

Parsippanypal.org

Pawsitively 4 Pink

Middletown Helps its Own

Mobile Meals of Hamilton Township

Women In Transition

The Frances Foundation

Heading Home Inc.

Paramus Board of Education

Team Noah Foundation

Wilmington Food Pantry

Criolas Contra Cancer

Fulfill Food Bank Monmouth County

Springfield Carnival Association (Caribbean American African Athletic Social Club)

Weymouth Food Pantry

Massachusetts Alzheimer's Association

American Diabetes Association

Southbury Needy Fund

MA Brain Injury Association

Top Dog Therapy

Randall's Rescue

Meals on Wheels North Jersey

American Legion post

Gilda's Club Grand Rapids

From We Can't to We Can

Friendship Circle

At the core of CareOne’s values, Summer of Sharing reinforces the integrated health network’s commitment to compassionate care and community. CareOne’s involvement in its local communities, coupled with its personal affiliations with the causes it cherishes, has helped drive meaningful impact. Beyond this, the Summer of Sharing initiative has fostered a culture of giving, inspiring others to help those in need.

“A cornerstone of CareOne’s success lies in our teammates who provide exceptional care, both inside and outside of our facilities,” said CareOne CEO Daniel Straus. “The $60,000 raised last summer was invested directly back into the communities we are proud to call home. This year’s goal of $75,000 is aimed at extending that impact to create lasting and positive change.”

The program will run from June 1 to August 31. CareOne will document fundraising progress and share ways for communities, employees, patients and family members to lend support throughout the summer!

Follow us along our journey:

Twitter: @CareOneCares
Facebook: @care1cares
LinkedIn: @CareOne
Instagram: @CareOneCares

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