The diagnosis of a life-threatening illness or the sudden death of a loved one are traumatic, emotional times for any family. But they can be even more stressful and confusing if you are not organized.

To help seniors prepare for unforeseen events, Somerset Medical Center, the Somerset County Freeholders and the Somerset County Office on Aging kicked off the Senior Plan Ahead Project on May 1 at Somerset Medical Center. About 80 people attended the inaugural program, which coincided with the start of National Older Americans Month.

The Senior Plan Ahead Project, which is free to people over the age of 60, teaches seniors about the importance of organizing documents such as insurance forms, deeds, financial information and marriage licenses and provides a convenient folder for storing their papers. In addition, seniors receive free photo identifications, which can be used to verify their age for senior discounts and also assist police in locating missing persons.

The program is coordinated by Somerset Medical Center�s Senior Advantage in Life (SAIL) Program. Funding was made possible through a $35,000 legislative grant supported by State Senator Walter Kavanaugh and Somerset County Freeholder Ken Scherer.

�This program is indicative of the changing role of hospitals,� said Vince D�Elia, vice president of marketing and public relations at Somerset Medical Center. �People tend to think of hospitals as illness-oriented, but that�s not the case anymore.�

Hospitals have become more proactive in their efforts to maintain good health and they realize that in order to do so they need to collaborate with other agencies and organizations. The Senior Plan Ahead Project is one example of how Somerset Medical Center is working with other regional groups to fill the community�s evolving health care needs, he said.

Scherer told seniors that the program will help enhance their golden years.

�The Senior Plan Ahead Project will empower you as seniors to take control of your life,� he said. �It is designed to guide you in getting your financial affairs in order and prepare you for any changes that may occur.�

Scherer said the lessons taught in the Senior Plan Ahead Project are ones he, too, must heed. His widowed 71-year-old mother has always been self-sufficient, but over the past year, her health has declined.

�I�m very embarrassed to say that I don�t know all of her finances and she doesn�t either,� Scherer said. �We�ve got to get organized.�

Other speakers at the kickoff event included Peter Palmer, a Somerset County freeholder, Carol Auger, director of the Somerset County Office on Aging, Frances J. Varga, community services administrator for the Somerset County Office on Aging, and Serena Collado, program coordinator for Somerset Medical Center�s SAIL Program.

The Senior Plan Ahead Project will be offered periodically throughout the year at Somerset Medical Center and other local sites. The next program is set for Tuesday, August 14 from 10 a.m. to noon at Somerset Medical Center.

For more information about the Senior Plan Ahead Project, call Somerset Medical Center�s SAIL Program at (908) 595-2345. To learn more about SAIL or other programs at Somerset Medical Center, call 1-800-443-4605.