WISE COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAMS
Wellness, Independence and Socialization for our Elders (W.I.S.E.)
WISE Community Services helps older adults age 50+, and those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, cognitive impairments, and/or other functional challenges maintain independence and improve their quality of life. In 38 years of operation, WISE has grown to encompass a variety of services designed to support these individuals and their caregivers.
- Innovative Programming and Approaches to Care
- Trained, Qualified & Compassionate Staff
- Alzheimer's NJ Caregiver Support Group
- Community Bereavement Support Group
- Safe Facilities & Specialized Equipment
- Specialists in Dementia Care
- Community Engagement & Education
- Provider of in-home Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERSYS)
WISECONNECT
WISEConnect combines health and wellness opportunities with supportive activities to keep members with cognitive impairments or other functional challenges cognitively stimulated, physically active, and social engaged. Weekly hybrid (in-person and virtual) activities range from games, puzzles, discussion, and arts (journaling, storytelling, painting, poetry, music, movement) to group exercise (cardio, yoga, resistance, balance, & flexibility). WISEConnect registration includes the WISE Cardio Jam program, and participants will automatically receive Engage WISEly daily email newsletters.
A Full Privilege YMCA Membership is required to participate. Please check with your health insurer for participating programs or reimbursement options that may be available for YMCA Membership. We participate in SilverSneakers, Renew Active, Medicare OnePass, United Healthcare Fitness Reimbursement and Horizon B Fit. YMCA Financial Assistance is available.
WISE FIT ASSIST
The WISE Fit Assist program enables individuals who require additional assistance, or individuals with cognitive impairment or other functional challenges and their caregivers to receive specialized fitness coaching. Certified fitness professionals experienced in working with people with dementia and/or other functional disabilities guide participants through exercise sessions. By working 1:1 with each participant, WISE Fit Assist staff can give the personalized direction, physical assistance, and emotional support needed when each participant works out, every time they work out.
Contact Us to scheduled your WISE Fit Assist sessions today!
A Full Privilege YMCA Membership is required to participate. Please check with your health insurer for participating programs or reimbursement options that may be available for YMCA Membership. We participate in SilverSneakers, Renew Active, Medicare OnePass, United Healthcare Fitness Reimbursement and Horizon B Fit. YMCA Financial Assistance is available.
WISE Cardio Jam
Make your heart happy as we move through a variety of exercises designed to improve your endurance, strength, and flexibility. Routine can be done seated or standing and modifications are demonstrated and encouraged! WISE Cardio Jam in-person program is available to Full Privilege Members and is listed on the Y’s Group Exercise schedule and M-Dock mobile app.
Register HERE Registration for this program is not required and does not guarantee a spot in the program. Entry will be first come, first serve. Capacity is limited.
Virtual WISE Cardio Jam
In this Virtual version of WISE Cardio Jam, participants connect from home to join in. Make your heart happy as we move through a variety of exercises designed to improve your endurance, strength, and flexibility. Routine can be done seated or standing and modifications are demonstrated and encouraged! The Virtual WISE Cardio Jam program is available for Full Privilege YMCA Members and Virtual Only Members, and is listed on the Y’s Virtual Group Exercise schedule and M-Dock mobile app.
Virtual Engage WISEly
Engage WISEly is a daily e-mail newsletter packed full of activities and information to keep you active and engaged at home. Brain games, exercise, music, memories, culture, cooking, history, home life, trivia, travel – everything and anything you might be interested in!
Register to receive this innovative newsletter, which is available for YMCA Members and the Community. For additional information, Contact Us
Virtual WISE Center Program
The Virtual WISE Center Program provides Engage WISEly daily cognitive activity emails, virtual WISEConnect including virtual group activities, virtual one-on-one member activities, virtual social work support, and phone availability of WISE staff for caregivers. It adapts the best practices of creating routines and utilizing sensory experiences into activities that can be done by an individual whether they are being monitored or not. Assistive technology is provided so everyone who wants to participate has internet accessible devices to do so. This gives individuals with dementia a sense of independence while giving their caregiver a respite from the full-time job of caregiving.
In this virtual version of our WISE Adult Services Program, WISE staff will provide daily activities, information, and support to your email; weekly social work support by phone or email; weekly live virtual Zoom activities for groups and individuals, recorded activities accessible online or on DVD (by request). Participants will be notified of weekly events by the WISE Center team with links to register for any events you are interested in.
Available on a case-by-case basis for individuals who are too physically distant or unable to visit the WISE Center Branch in person. Includes the virtual activities of WISEConnect as well as the Engage WISEly daily email newsletters. Please Contact Us to learn more.
CLICK HERE for Virtual Program Registration Step-By-Step Directions
WISE COMMUNITY AWARENESS EVENTS
View our Events Calendar for upcoming events.
Community Awareness Events provide opportunities to teach the larger community about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other health concerns to promote awareness. Seminars are offered by WISE staff on topics such as “Aging Well – It’s Not That Hard to Do!”, “Forgetfulness, Normal or Not?”, and Taking care of Yourself.” Special events are hosted for Senior Health & Fitness Day and Older Americans Month.
