Marquis Health Services Expands Free Dementia Caregiving Support Group and Education Programming in Monmouth and Ocean Counties

Well-known Geriatric Care Specialist Mira Ahuja Leads Efforts

BRICK, N.J., Nov. 12, 2019 – Caring for loved ones with dementia often presents daily challenges. As part of its community outreach programming in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, locally based Marquis Health Services has expanded its dementia caregiving support and education at Coral Harbor Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Brick and Coral Harbor Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Neptune City.

Marquis’ Mira Ahuja, Psy.D., a respected geriatric care specialist, leads free, bi-monthly meetings open to the public at both skilled nursing facilities. The gatherings help caregivers focus on learning how to care for themselves while caring for others. Ahuja regularly brings in guest speakers, and participants also have the opportunity to engage in a general discussion, getting tips and peer-to-peer support.

“Mira is well known throughout the region for her compassion and expertise in dementia caregiving,” said Norman Rokeach, chief executive officer of Brick-based Marquis. “She does an exceptional job in leading our dementia caregiving support and education programming, and we are pleased to continue expanding this much-needed outreach initiative, particularly as it is right here in our own community.”

At Coral Harbor, the caregiver meetings take place on the first and third Mondays of the month. For more information, contact Elyse Kleiman at 732-840-3700. Coral Harbor meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays. For more information, contact Lisa Green at 732-774-8300.

Easing the Transition for Dementia Patients and Their Families

Ahuja for the last two decades has worked with Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers, and has been involved since 2002 in research trials with several top pharmaceutical companies for new medications targeting Alzheimer’s disease. Since 2005, she has worked as a life coach and conducted support groups like the ones now in place at Coral Harbor and Coral Harbor.

Ahuja in early 2019 joined Marquis Health Services. In addition to the caregiver meetings, she leads dementia care training for the nursing and activity staff members at Marquis’ regional skilled nursing facilities, also including Crest Pointe Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Point Pleasant. She additionally serves as the director of memory care coordination at Coral Harbor, which has a dedicated dementia care neighborhood. She meets one-on-one with each dementia care patient and family members – often before the patient moves to Coral Harbor – to help in easing the transition.

“For both dementia patients and their families, a move from in-home care to a facility environment can be a stressful time,” Rokeach said. “Our patients and families are so appreciative of Mira and our entire clinical staff at Coral Harbor in their efforts to address any and all concerns. Mira, who I have had the pleasure of working with for many years, has been known to lend herself 24/7 to families, especially during the transition phase.”

Coral Harbor’ secure and nurturing dementia care setting creates a neighborhood that is truly home to both residents and their family members who are always welcome to visit. The skilled nursing facility provides 24-hour skilled nursing services, comprehensive innovative treatments and structured daily activities designed to meet the needs of those with memory impairment. The high ratio of qualified caregivers to residents allows for more one-to-one interaction, increased supervision and greater piece of mind for family and loves ones.

Marquis is a recognized leader in providing subacute rehabilitation and skilled nursing care. The organization has a strong regional presence in New Jersey and operates nearly 3,000 beds at 25 Mid-Atlantic and New England properties. Marquis Health Services, the healthcare affiliate of Tryko Partners, is a family-owned organization with three generations of skilled nursing involvement. Today, 75 percent of the Marquis Health Services portfolio has received four- and five-star ratings for outstanding care.

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