Submitted by Tara Montague, Manager, Client and Family Advocacy, NJ (GAO)

Perth Amboy (PER) Client Service Manager Julia Nelson and I had the pleasure of meeting with PER client Joseph P. and his mother Bernadette at their home in Manasquan.  We were joined by Assemblyman Edward Thomson and Director of Constituent Services Kerry Textor.  As a client in the Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Program, Joe told the Assemblyman how much he loved his home health aide Alice.  Bernadette shared that she is an 86 year old mother caring for her 57 year old son who has multiple sclerosis.  PCA services are vital to her ability to keep Joe at home as he wishes. Unfortunately, they are not always able to get someone to cover the hours authorized due to the difficulty of recruiting aides in the Monmouth County area.  The Assemblyman, who is new to the office, offered to look into what additional services or supports they may be entitled to in order for Joe to remain with his family.