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Assisted Living in New Jersey

More than 1.4 million residents age 65 and older enjoy New Jersey's beautiful beaches, great food and diverse culture. One of the few states to completely experience all four seasons, the Garden State is home to more than 75 resort cities and historical sites, including the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk on the stunning Jersey Shore. Because social security isn't taxed at the state level, New Jersey continues to be an attractive retirement state despite a higher than average cost of living.

New Jersey's population has steadily risen each year, including an upsurge in senior residents undeterred by the higher cost of assisted living within the state. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, seniors over 65 comprised 13.5% of the population in 2010, which increased to 16.1% by 2019. The average monthly cost of assisted living in New Jersey was $6,400, according to the Genworth 2019 Cost of Care Survey, making it significantly higher than the national average of $4,051.

This guide offers state-specific cost data with comparisons on how well New Jersey stacks up regarding other types of care and against neighboring states. It also covers the quality of life for New Jersey seniors, programs offering financial assistance for assisted living and state regulations that govern assisted living facilities.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in New Jersey



New Jersey has a SeniorScore of 72%, identical to the U.S. average and considered a high score. SeniorScore is the first livability index especially for seniors with over 100 data points taken from a variety of sources, including assorted government and private databases. The goal is to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of locations based on the needs of seniors.



SeniorScore™ for New Jersey



The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.

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SeniorScore™ Overview

  • New Jersey's SeniorScore™ of 72 is the same as the national average of 72.
74

Health & Safety

  • New Jersey has very high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
  • New Jersey has a high number of hospitals within the state.
  • New Jersey has a high number of senior living facilities within the state.
  • New Jersey has a high number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
  • The average life expectancy in New Jersey is 80.3, compared to the national average of 78.6.
  • New Jersey has an average overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
  • New Jersey has an average overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
66

Recreation & Leisure

  • 27% of the population in New Jersey are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
  • New Jersey has 294 golf courses in the state.
  • New Jersey has a low number of municipal parks throughout the state.
  • New Jersey has 3,195 churches in the state.
54

Finances

  • The property taxes average 7.30% of total income in New Jersey, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.79%.
  • The property taxes average 1.86% of property value in New Jersey, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.09%.
  • The average sales tax in New Jersey is 7.00%, which is higher than the national average of 6.97%.
  • The average state income tax in New Jersey is 2.43%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 3.38%.
  • The mean household income in New Jersey is $96,017, which is significantly higher than the national average of $64,580.
  • New Jersey's median household income is $76,347, which is significantly higher than the national average of $51,560.
  • The average per capita income in New Jersey is $35,669, which is significantly higher than the national average of $25,611.
  • Assisted living costs in New Jersey average $77,947 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $42,700.
  • Nursing home costs in New Jersey average $132,622 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $92,481.
  • Costs for adult daycare in New Jersey average $22,088 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $17,931.
  • Costs for home healthcare in New Jersey average $48,337 per year, which are higher than the national average of $46,197.
  • The unemployment rate is about 8.76% in New Jersey, which is higher than then national rate of 8.26%.
  • The overall cost of living in New Jersey is very high compared to national averages.
  • 0.56% of the senior population in New Jersey are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
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General Quality of Life

  • New Jersey receives an average of 46.5 inches of rain per year.
  • New Jersey has an average annual temperature of 52.6 degrees fahrenheit.
  • New Jersey has an average low temperature of 42.1 degrees fahrenheit.
  • New Jersey has an average high temperature of 62.0 degrees fahrenheit.
  • New Jersey has an average population density of 2,969 people per square mile.
  • New Jersey has a very high public school quality ranking.
  • New Jersey has a very high public school safety ranking.
  • New Jersey has an average graduation rate of 87.38%.

New Jersey ranks on the lower end for overall quality of life with a score of 61%. This is potentially due to a chilly annual temperature average of 52.6 degrees, higher than average annual rainfall and a high population density. However, its quality of living ranks higher than the neighboring states of New York and Pennsylvania.

With an impressive 74% score for health and safety, New Jersey shines with its very high access to Medicare-registered health care providers and high number of hospitals and senior living facilities across the state. The abundance of available care may account for the state's higher than average life expectancy, which is 80.3 compared to the national average of 78.6. New Jersey also boasts lower overall property crime and violent crime rates compared to neighboring states, especially New York.

Where New Jersey falters in its overall SeniorScore is the 54% score it garnered under the finances section. With a higher than national average sales tax of 7% and significantly higher property taxes, the overall cost of living in New Jersey is very high compared to national averages. However, New Jersey has a significantly lower average state income tax of 2.43% compared to 3.38% nationally and to all neighboring state averages with Pennsylvania at 3.07%, Delaware at 4.42% and New York at 4.81%.



Top Assisted Living Facilities in New Jersey



Westfield Center - Westfield, NJ

Westfield Center

1515 Lamberts Mill Rd

Westfield, NJ 07090

1-855-224-5130

17 Reviews  

Located at 1515 Lamberts Mill Rd in Westfield, New Jersey, Westfield Center is a 227 bed senior care community. The facility is in a predominantly affluent area, with an average per-household income of $132,953. It is heavily populated, ...

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Harrogate - Lakewood, NJ

Harrogate

400 Locust St

Lakewood, NJ 08701

1-855-224-5130

12 Reviews  

Located within the Leisure Village area of Lakewood, New Jersey, Harrogate is a 68 unit senior community. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with approximately 94,000 poeple living in the 08701 zip code. It is a primarily middle ...

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The Cost of Assisted Living in New Jersey



New Jersey has a relatively high monthly rate of $6,400 for assisted living compared to the national average of $4,051. The average rate for neighboring New York state is much higher at $6,950, but Delaware is slightly lower at $6,035. However, Connecticut has considerably less expensive assistant living with an average of $4,880, and neighboring Pennsylvania is the lowest of all with a monthly average of $3,913.

  • New Jersey: $6,400
  • United States: $4,051
  • New York: $6,950
  • Pennsylvania: $3,913
  • Delaware: $6,035
  • Connecticut: $4,880

The Cost of Assisted Living in New Jersey's Top Cities

New Jersey is the 11th most populous state in the nation with nearly 8.9 million residents, but its proximity to significantly more populous New York and Pennsylvania often skews cost for assisted living data. Newark and Jersey City, the top two most populous cities in New Jersey, have an average monthly assisted living cost of $6,950 but this data was based on the New York area because both cities are so close to the Big Apple. Trenton, which is less than a third of the size of Newark and Jersey City, has an average cost of $6,750, but smaller cities to the south have a lower average. These include Vineland with an average cost of $4,600, Atlantic City at $5,200 and Ocean City at $4,896.

  • Newark: $6,950
  • Jersey City: $6,950
  • Trenton: $6,750
  • Vineland: $4,600
  • Atlantic City: $5,200
  • Ocean City: $4,896

Senior Care Cost Comparison in New Jersey

There are five primary types of senior care, and the costs for each have a wide range in New Jersey. The most affordable type of care is adult day care with an average monthly cost of $1,842. Nursing home care in a semi-private room is the most expensive at $10,646 per month on average. In-home care using homemaker services and home health care both average $4,767 per month. Because home health care provides advanced medical care compared to homemaker care, seniors can increase the amount of care provided in the home at no extra cost. In comparison, assisted living is quite a bit higher than all but nursing home care.

  • Assisted Living: $6,400
  • In-Home Care: $4,767
  • Home Health Care: $4,767
  • Adult Day Care: $1,842
  • Nursing Home Care: $10,646

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in New Jersey



Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports


Address: PO Box 712, Trenton, NJ 08625-0712
Phone Number: (800) 701-0710
Website: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/home/mltss.html

Managed Long Term Services and Supports delivers comprehensive long-term services and supports through New Jersey's FamilyCare program. MLTSS expands community-based services and promotes community inclusion by coordinating services in an assisted living facility. Some program initiatives include the I Choose Home and Balancing Incentive Program, which both work to help transition seniors from institutions to community settings.

Any resident of New Jersey age 65 or over who meets Medicaid's income asset limits may apply for MLTSS. Applicants also must require an assisted living level of care, which means they need help with activities of daily living.


Office of Community Choice Options


Address: 45 Kilmer Road, 2nd Floor, Edison, NJ 08817 / 852 South Whitehorse Pike,
Hammonton, NJ 08037
Phone Number: (732) 777-4650 / (609) 704-6050
Website: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/doas/home/directory.html

Community Choice is a statewide program that helps hospital patients and nursing home residents find community-based housing alternatives for their long-term care, such as assisted living facilities. Program administrators determine the applicant's required level of care by assessing health care needs and suggest appropriate housing alternatives and services that support dignity and independence.

Medicaid beneficiaries and those eligible for Medicare within 180 days if they remain in a nursing home qualify for Community Choice. New Jersey doesn't restrict eligibility based on an applicant's severity of disability, but a person may not be able to transition from a nursing home if they require 24/7 assistance or supervision.


Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly


Phone Number: (800) 792-8820
Website: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/doas/services/l-p/pace/

New Jersey's Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly agencies receive monthly funds from Medicaid and Medicare to provide participants with all the services covered by these programs but without the limitations. The purpose is to help PACE participants delay long-term nursing home care by providing access to comprehensive medical and social services in all types of settings, including assisted living facilities.

To qualify, seniors age 55 or older must live in a PACE service area and be state certified that they require a nursing home level of care but are capable of safely living in the community. Six PACE agencies operate in New Jersey, servicing all or parts of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hudson, Mercer, Monmouth and Salem counties. Confirm coverage areas by checking the detailed listing zip codes serviced.


New Jersey Assisted Living Rules and Regulations



The New Jersey Department of Health regulates assisted living residences within the state. Assisted living residences must comply with N.J.A.C. 8:36-1 through 21 of the Standards For Licensure of Assisted Living Residences, Comprehensive Personal Care Homes and Assisted Living Programs, which covers resident care, staffing requirements, abuse reporting and numerous other aspects to protect the health and well-being of seniors in assisted living facilities.

Scope of Care

Assisted living facilities ensure residents receive 24/7 supportive personal, health and social services to enable them to maintain their independence and dignity in apartment-style living units. This may include personal care, dining, recreational activities, pharmacy and nursing services to meet the residents' personal needs.

Care Plan Requirements

Each resident must receive an initial assessment upon admission to determine individual needs and a health care assessment completed within 14 days of admission for residents whose initial assessment indicated they require health care services. Assisted living programs must promote decision participation by the resident.

Medication Management Requirements

Certified nurse aides or staff members with equivalent training who have completed a medication aide course and passed a certifying exam may administer medication under the direction of a registered nurse.

Staff Screening Requirements

Each staff member must undergo a fingerprint criminal background check, and assisted living communities must check individuals against the New Jersey Certified Nurse Aide Registry before hiring a job candidate.

Staff Training Requirements

Personal care assistants must complete an approved nurse aide training course, homemaker/home health aide training program, or equivalent training program, and complete 20 hours minimum of continuing education covering assisted living concepts every two years. All personnel must complete annual in-service education covering services and assistance relating to the concepts of assisted living annually.

Medicaid Coverage

Assisted living facilities are reimbursed under the NJ Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports waiver for assisted living services of those who qualify.

Reporting Abuse

All alleged and/or suspected cases of resident abuse or exploitation should be reported to the Complaints Program of the Division of Long-Term Care Systems at (800) 792-9770 and, if the resident is age 60 or older, to the State of New Jersey Office of the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly at (877) 582-6995.


Free Assisted Living Resources in New Jersey



New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman

The New Jersey State Long-Term Care Ombudsman investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation and other injuries of long-term care facility residents aged 60 or over. Anyone living in an assisted living facility or their family may seek information and assistance from the LTCO, who will resolve the problem or refer the case to the appropriate law enforcement or regulatory entity for further action. The NJ LTCO also provides housing resources and financial tips.

Contact: Call (877) 582-6995 more information, or email [email protected]

New Jersey Care Planning Council

The New Jersey Care Planning Council provides lists of providers who help families deal with long-term care to educate people on the importance of care planning and provide information for elder care services available in government and private sectors. This service is available to any New Jersey resident struggling with the challenges of long-term care.

Contact: Call (800) 989-8137 for more information or contact NjCPC online.

NJ State Health Insurance Assistance Program

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program provides free help statewide to any Medicare beneficiary with health insurance issues, including questions about insurance options, benefits, supplemental policies and claims. SHIP counselors also assist seniors in evaluating their health insurance needs, which may include Medicaid benefits relating to assisted living.

Contact: Call (800) 792-8820 for more information or contact local SHIP offices directly.


New Jersey Agencies


Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services

Address: P.O. Box 715, Trenton, NJ 08625-0715
Phone Number: (800) 792-8820 or (877) 222-3737
Website: https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/doas/home/

New Jersey's Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services administers numerous federal and state-funded programs for older residents so they can live independently for as long as possible, which includes recommending assisted living facilities and other long-term care. Eligibility varies with programs specifically available for adults ages 55, 60 or 65 and older and some programs require seniors to qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.


Area Agencies on Aging in New Jersey

New Jersey has Area Agencies on Aging in 21 counties that develop comprehensive systems of community-based services for older residents and serve as the Aging & Disability Resource Connection to ensure seniors have easy access to long-term services, supports and information. AAA is the principal source of information and referrals for aging adult programs and services and coordinates all programs on aging regardless of the funding source.

Contact the AAA toll-free nationwide at (877) 222-3737 or view the AAA directory for local details.


Veteran Affairs Offices in New Jersey

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs provides veterans within the state with guidance filing claims through its network of regional Veterans Service Offices. VSOs also help veterans with various issues, including assistance with housing, social and medical services and how to use their benefits to help pay for assisted living. NJ veterans also may be eligible for additional financial assistance from the Aid and Attendance benefit.

Call the New Jersey Department of Military & Veterans Affairs at (609) 530-4600 or view the list of New Jersey Veterans Services Offices in each county.

Social Security Offices in New Jersey

Social Security offices help eligible New Jersey residents apply for Social Security benefits to help pay for long-term care after retirement. Anyone between the ages of 62 and 70 who has worked for 10 years is eligible to file a claim and begin receiving benefits. Persons applying for benefits who are within three months of being 65 years old and haven't applied for Medicare may apply for both using the same form. New Jersey residents age 65 and older who meet the financial limits may also apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits. SSI may be used to cover the cost of assisted living.

Apply for Social Security benefits by phone at (800) 772-1213 or find local Social Security offices on the official website.

 

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