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Memory Care in New Jersey

An estimated one in 10 Americans aged 65 and older has Alzheimer's. The disease causes over 2,800 deaths annually in New Jersey, where Alzheimer's rates are rising by 10.5% each year among seniors. By 2025, an estimated 210,000 New Jerseyites will be diagnosed with dementia, and many will require long-term care services.

Residential memory care services provide 24/7 support and supervision designed to slow the progression of memory loss, reduce the risk of wandering and help those with Alzheimer's remain as independent as possible. At a statewide average of $8,000 per month, memory care rates in New Jersey are well above the national average of $5,064 per month.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of memory care in New Jersey, including information on costs in New Jersey and neighboring states, and links to financial assistance programs for those living with memory loss. There's also a summary of the state laws and regulations for memory care services, and a list of free resources for people with Alzheimer's, their loved ones and guardians. 


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in New Jersey



The SeniorScore is a data-based index compiled from over 100 factors that impact the livability of an area for older adults. The score is divided into four categories that cover the cost of living, access to health care services, climate and safety. New Jersey's overall state score is 72, which is the same as the national average. 

New Jersey's highest category score, 74, was for Health and Safety. Seniors in the state with Medicare coverage have plenty of providers to choose from, and there's a high number of hospitals, senior living facilities and home health care professionals. The statewide life expectancy is 80.3, which is above the national average of 78.6. 

The lowest category score, 54, was for Finances. This ranking is largely due to the fact that property and sales tax rates in New Jersey are relatively high, and the overall cost of living is exceptionally high compared to many other states. Long-term care costs are also far higher than the nationwide averages for adult day care, nursing home and assisted living care. 


The Cost of Memory Care in New Jersey



Memory care services are largely provided by highly trained caregivers in a specialized setting geared toward the unique needs of those with Alzheimer's. While there's currently no data available on memory care rates we know that memory care usually costs 20-30% more than assisted living. We estimated the included memory care rates by adding 25% to the assisted living rates documented in Genworth's 2019 Cost of Care Survey. 

Based on these calculations, the average monthly cost of residential memory care in New Jersey is $8,000, which is significantly higher than the national average rate of $5,064. Rates in neighboring New York State are much lower at $5,064, and in Maryland at $5,375 per month. In Pennsylvania, memory care costs an average of $4,891 per month, while rates in Delaware are closest to those in New Jersey at $7,544 per month. 

  • New Jersey: $8,000
  • United States: $5,064
  • New York: $5,788
  • Pennsylvania: $4,891
  • Delaware: $7,544
  • Maryland: $5,375

The Cost of Memory Care in New Jersey's Top Cities

As is common in most states, memory care costs in New Jersey vary depending on location. Rates are lowest in the southwestern city of Vineland at $5,750 per month, and highest along the Pennsylvania border in Trenton at $8,438 per month. In the southeastern part of the state, rates average $6,120 per month in Ocean City and $6,500 in Atlantic City. 

  • Vineland: $5,750
  • Ocean City: $6,120
  • Atlantic City: $6,500
  • Trenton: $8,438

Senior Care Cost Comparison in New Jersey

Residential memory care is just one of the types of long-term care available in New Jersey. The least-expensive care option is adult day care at $1,842 per month, while nursing home care is the costliest at $10,646 per month. Assisted living care costs an average of $6,400 per month, while 44 hours of in-home care or home health care costs $4,767 per month. 

  • Memory Care: $8,000
  • In-Home Care: $4,767
  • Home Health Care: $4,767
  • Adult Day Care: $1,842
  • Assisted Living Facility: $6,400
  • Nursing Home Care: $10,646


Top Memory Care Communities 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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Financial Assistance for Memory Care in New Jersey



Medicaid Managed Long-Term Services and Supports


Website: https://nj.db101.org/nj/programs/health_coverage/ltc/faqs.htm

Managed Long-Term Services and Supports is a New Jersey Medicaid program that provides a wide range of long-term services for seniors aged 65 and older, as well as adults with qualifying disabilities.

The program is designed to help Medicaid beneficiaries delay or avoid nursing home placement by funding services, including memory care, that are delivered in a noninstitutional setting such as a licensed assisted living facility. 



VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound


Phone Number: myVA311 or (844) 698-2311
Website: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/#:~:text=VA%20Aid%20and%20Attendance%20or,find%20out%20if%20you%20qualify.

Veterans, survivors and dependents who qualify for the regular VA pension and who require memory care services may be eligible for an additional monthly cash benefit under either VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound Allowance. These two enhanced pension programs provide funds that can be used towards the cost of residential memory care services in New Jersey. 

To be eligible for Aid and Attendance, applicants must be either bedridden, legally blind, dependent on a caregiver for help with activities of daily living and/or live in a skilled nursing facility. For the Housebound Allowance, applicants must have a permanent disability rated by the VA at 100%, which renders the applicant largely housebound. 


New Jersey Memory Care Rules and Regulations



Residential care facilities in New Jersey are regulated under a number of state laws and rules enforced by the New Jersey Department of Health. Memory care services can be provided two types of assisted living facilities (ALFs): assisted living residences (ALRs) and comprehensive personal care homes (CPCHs). Licensing is required for all ALFs with four or more residents. 

Scope of Care

ALFs provide 24/7 nonmedical care and supervision along with limited skilled nursing care. Programming may include recreational and social activities geared toward resident needs and preferences, such as specialized programming for those with memory loss. ALFs cannot admit or retain individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others; who require mechanical ventilation; are entirely bedridden; and/or who cannot interact with their environment. 

Care Plan Requirements

ALFs must obtain a health assessment completed by a licensed medical provider before admitting a new resident. Upon admission, a comprehensive care plan must be developed within 14 days, and the plan needs to address what services and supports the individual requires. Care plans must be reviewed at least once every 90 days and adjusted in response to any changes in the individual's cognitive and/or physical needs. 

Medication Management Requirements

Staff who have successfully completed a state-approved medication aide course may administer non-injection, nonnarcotic medications under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, so long as the facility receives all resident medications in predosed packaging from a licensed pharmacy. Trained staff may also provide assistance to residents who are able to self-administer prescription and over-the-counter medications. 

Staff Screening Requirements

Prior to commencing work, staff must successfully complete a background check and provide the facility administrator with proof of educational qualifications. 

Staff Training Requirements

All staff who work in a licensed ALF must have either completed a personal care assistant course; be a certified nurse aide; or be a certified home health aide or homemaker. Facilities must also have a Registered Nurse either on-site or available on call at all times. 

Medicaid Coverage

New Jersey Medicaid's Managed Long Term Services and Supports program includes coverage for assisted living services, although the program does not cover room and board costs. 

Reporting Abuse

Anyone who has concerns about the safety and well-being of a long-term care resident in New Jersey is encouraged to file an anonymous complaint by calling the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at (877) 582-6995. Issues that involve an immediate threat to a vulnerable person should be reported to local law enforcement officials. 


Free Memory Care Resources in New Jersey



Alzheimer's Association - Greater New Jersey Chapter

The Alzheimer's Association is a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing services and treatments for those living with memory loss. The New Jersey Chapter offers a range of online and in-person resources, including patient and caregiver support groups, educational sessions and advocacy services. Anyone can contact the AA for information about local resources. 

Long-Term Care Ombudsman

New Jersey's Long-Term Care Ombudsman program provides free, independent advocacy services to long-term care residents throughout the state. Ombudsmen work to resolve complaints and concerns from residents, family members and concerned citizens regarding long-term care services. Anyone can contact the Ombudsman office to learn about the rights of long-term care residents or file a complaint. 



Area Agencies on Aging in New Jersey


Area Agencies on Aging are federally mandated agencies that oversee regional services for seniors aged 60 and older. New Jersey has a network of 21 regional Area Agencies on Aging that provide seniors, caregivers and community members with information on local long-term care resources, health care options and programs that offer financial assistance to those living with memory loss. 

To contact the nearest AAA, call the nationwide AAA referral line at (877) 222-3737 or search the New Jersey AAA online directory. 



Social Security Offices in New Jersey


Low-income, low-asset seniors aged 65 and older may qualify for a modest monthly cash Supplemental Security Income benefit that can be used to help cover memory care costs. This benefit is administered by the federal Social Security Administration, and seniors who are deemed eligible for SSI may also qualify for additional state and county benefits and services. 

New Jersey seniors can locate their nearest Social Security office by phoning the SSA at (800) 772-1213 or using the online office locator tool. 



Veteran Affairs Offices in New Jersey


The VA offers a number of services and benefits for eligible veterans and their dependents that can help cover memory care costs, including the VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound Allowance enhanced pension benefits. To locate the nearest VA office in New Jersey, call myVA311 or search the VA online directory.

 

Other Cities in New Jersey

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