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Nursing Homes in New Jersey

New Jersey offers a wide range of resources for older adults, which makes it an excellent location for nursing home residents. The state is home to 1.47 million senior citizens who represent almost 17% of the state's 8.8 million residents. Retirees in the area can choose from charming coastal communities, attractive suburban neighborhoods and well-connected metropolitan areas. Nursing homes in the Garden State support more than 42,000 older adults statewide who require a high level of around-the-clock care. Nursing home care is typically needed by individuals who are unable to live safely at home or in assisted living facilities even with help from personal care aides. They're also useful for individuals who are leaving the hospital but need further rehabilitation and physical therapy before they can return to their own homes.

Older adults in New Jersey have access to more than 360 licensed nursing homes plus a large number of hospitals, including 14 top-rated facilities that have been ranked by U.S. New & World Report. Seniors who want to learn more about nursing home care in the Garden State can find information about average prices, financial assistance programs and free resources in this guide.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in New Jersey



Research from SeniorAdvice suggests that New Jersey offers an average number of amenities and services for nursing home residents. The state's SeniorScore of 72 is on par with the national average. This rating is based on more than 100 variables, including health care, cost of living, weather and public transportation, that may influence an area's overall livability. New Jersey received its lowest score of 54 in Finances. Residents put about 7.3% of their total income toward property taxes, which is 2.5 times the national average. Although residents make more than the typical American, long-term care costs here are very high. Seniors spend more than $132,000 per year on nursing home care, on average.

The state's performance improved in General Quality of Life with a score of 61. New Jersey has a dense population with nearly 3,000 people per square mile, and the climate is pleasant with average highs around 62 degrees. Recreation & Leisure opportunities, including nearly 300 golf courses and 3,200 churches earned the state 66 points in this category. Health & Safety is another important consideration for nursing home residents. New Jersey received 74 points in this category, thanks to the state's above-average life expectancy and very high number of Medicare-registered physicians and medical facilities.



Top Nursing Care 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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My Merwick - Plainsboro, NJ

My Merwick

100 Plainsboro Rd

Plainsboro, NJ 08536

1-855-221-7955

15 Reviews  

My Merwick is a 200 bed senior community located near the Princeton North neighborhood of Plainsboro, New Jersey. The encompassing area is densely populated, with around 21,000 individuals living in the zip code of 08536. With an average ...

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The Cost of Nursing Home Care in New Jersey



According to Genworth Financial, an organization that's been tracking long-term care costs for more than 15 years, nursing homes in New Jersey typically charge $11,254 per month. Although this is 45% more than the national average of $7,756, it's slightly lower than other states in the region. In New York and Delaware, seniors pay more than $12,300 per month for nursing home care. Rates are $1,673 higher in Connecticut at $12,927 and $1,216 lower in Pennsylvania at $10,038.

  • New Jersey: $11,254
  • United States: $7,756
  • New York: $12,319
  • Connecticut: $12,927
  • Pennsylvania: $10,038
  • Delaware: $12,349

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in New Jersey's Top Cities 

Nursing home costs in cities throughout New Jersey vary by almost $1,700 per month. Atlantic City is the most affordable option with a median cost of $9,277 per month. Nursing home care in Ocean City, Trenton and Vineland is much closer in cost, at $10,555, $10,783 and $10,950 per month, respectively. 

  • Trenton: $10,783
  • Vineland: $10,950
  • Atlantic City: $9,277
  • Ocean City: $10,555 

Senior Care Cost Comparison in New Jersey 

Long-term care costs vary widely depending on the level of service provided. Adult day care programs typically cost $1,901 per month, and in-home and home health care agencies charge approximately $4,957. Seniors who are transitioning to assisted living facilities can expect to pay $6,650 per month, while the average cost for memory care is $8,313. Nursing homes have the highest cost at $11,254 per month due to the level of skilled medical support provided.

  • Memory Care: $8,313
  • Assisted Living: $6,650
  • In-Home Care: $4,957
  • Home Health Care: $4,957
  • Adult Day Care: $1,901
  • Nursing Home Care: $11,254

Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in New Jersey



As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.

Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in New Jersey.

Medicaid in New Jersey

Due to the rising cost of health care, Medicaid is more important than ever for low-income and medically needy residents throughout New Jersey. As of 2020, the program covered more than 1.8 million children and adults, a 46% increase compared to 2013. NJ FamilyCare gives residents access to managed care organizations that provide primary and emergency medical services as well as long-term care when necessary. Medicaid is accepted by the majority of the state's 360 licensed nursing homes, and covers about 55% of the 42,400 residents of these skilled nursing facilities. 

Medicaid Eligibility in New Jersey

To qualify for Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports, which covers nursing home care, New Jersey residents must meet income and asset limits and require a nursing home level of care. Seniors can learn more about the state's financial and residency requirements below.

  • The income limit for Institutional Medicaid in New Jersey is 300% of the federal benefit rate. For 2021, the limit is $2,382 for individuals or $4,764 for couples applying jointly.
  • To qualify for Medicaid, individuals must use all of their income for care, excluding a $50 monthly personal needs allowance. Up to $3,259.50 in excess monthly income may be diverted to a nonapplicant spouse who's entitled to a minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance.
  • Assets are capped at $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. If only one spouse needs care, the nonapplicant can retain up to $130,380 in nonexempt assets. The state also excludes the applicant's primary home, one vehicle and personal property.
  • Benefits provided by NJ Family Care and MMLTSS are available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and legal aliens who live in New Jersey. A five-year waiting period may be required for legal permanent residents.

Individuals can begin the application process and request the required clinical needs assessment by contacting their county's Area Agency on Aging or calling the Aging and Disability Resource Connection at (877) 222-3737. Applications for Aged, Blind and Disabled benefits are also available online.

Additional Financial Assistance Options

  • Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
  • Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
  • Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.

New Jersey Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations



The New Jersey Department of Health licenses and inspects nursing homes and other certified healthcare facilities. Sites are typically inspected once a year to ensure compliance with more than 1,500 state and federal regulations. The department also accredits nurse aides and facility administrators. Here are some of the regulations nursing homes must abide by in New Jersey.

Scope of Care

Long-term care facilities, commonly called nursing homes, care for adults who require 24-hour nursing supervision. Facilities must employ sufficient nursing staff to provide at least 2.5 hours of direct care to each resident per day, plus additional care for individuals who require oxygen, wound cleaning, IV therapy or related services. Nursing homes must provide recreational activities, dietary services, dental care and other supports needed to maintain residents' health, hygiene and personal well-being.

Care Planning

Nursing homes must prepare an interdisciplinary care plan based on a comprehensive needs assessment and admission orders provided by a physician or advanced practice nurse. Each resident must be examined by a qualified physician or APN within 48 before or after their admission. An RN must perform a standardized needs assessment within 14 days of admission to develop a complete plan of care. This plan must be implemented within 21 days and should include rehabilitative care, self-teaching or other proactive health management techniques.

Pharmacy Services

Long-term care facilities may maintain a licensed in-house pharmacy or contract with an outside provider that can supply medications 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Facilities must meet pharmacy staffing and quality assurance requirements and comply with general regulations for procuring, storing, labeling and dispensing medications. A qualified pharmacist must review each resident's medication records within 48 hours of admission.

Staff Screening

New Jersey requires comprehensive criminal background checks for all nurse aides, personal care attendants and administrators. The state is responsible for maintaining a fingerprint-based criminal history background check registry that includes information about all certified caregivers. Information is sourced from the Division of State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and various regulatory agencies.

Staff Training

Certified nurse aides must complete a state-approved training program, consent to a comprehensive criminal background check and pass a written or oral competency exam evaluating their clinical skills. The Nurse Aide in Long Term Care Facilities Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) requires candidates to complete at least 90 hours of training, including 50 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical work experience.

Medicaid Coverage

Coverage for nursing homes is available through New Jersey's Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports program. MLTSS provides benefits through managed care organizations that are administered by private insurers and function similar to HMOs. Nursing homes must meet specific requirements to participate in the state's Medicaid program.

Reporting Abuse

The New Jersey Department of Health operates a telephone hotline for filing complaints about long-term care providers, including instances of abuse or neglect occurring in the state's nursing homes. Concerned individuals and mandatory reporters can file a complaint 24 hours a day by calling (800) 792-9770. Complaints are also accepted online, by fax or by mail when submitted using the required form.


Free Nursing Home Resources in New Jersey



Legal Services of New Jersey

Based in Edison, Legal Services of New Jersey has been providing comprehensive civil legal representation to disadvantaged residents for more than 50 years. It operates 23 local offices plus a statewide hotline that serves residents in all counties. Information about common legal issues, including elder law, is available online through LSNJLAW. Seniors can use this free resource to learn more about wills, trusts, advance directives and government benefits. Attorneys can also help with long-term care access and questions about nursing home admissions.

Health Care Association of New Jersey

The Health Care Association of New Jersey works to increase care quality in the state's long-term care facilities by educating the public, advocating for industry professionals and working with the government to establish reasonable regulations. In addition to tracking long-term care performance and establishing best practices, HCANJ offers an extensive collection of long-term care resources for seniors and families who need help finding a nursing home or understanding their long-term care options, including funding available through Medicare and Medicaid.

NJ Advocates for Aging Well

Since 1998, Advocates for Aging Well, formerly known as the NJ Foundation for Aging, has been serving as a voice for older adults and advocating for change when it comes to ageism and age-related stigmas and misconceptions. It focuses on tracking the state's affordability for seniors through its Elder Index, which collects information on housing, nutritional programs, health care and the overall cost of living. NJAAW also provides a comprehensive directory of local, state and federal resources for seniors and their families.



New Jersey Agencies


New Jersey Division of Aging Services 

Address: P.O. Box 715, Trenton, NJ 08625
Phone Number: (800) 792-8820
Website: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/doas/home/ 

Part of the New Jersey Department of Human Services, the DoAS distributes more than $313 million in annual funding to support various programs and services that benefit older adults. It manages a statewide respite care program for family caregivers. It provides Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, and NJ Save that offers financial assistance to low-income adults who need help with their Medicare premiums, prescription drugs and out-of-pocket costs. It also oversees the state's Area Agencies on Aging and Medicaid Managed Long Term Services & Supports program.

Aging and Disability Resource Connection NJ 

Address: P.O. Box 715, Trenton, NJ 08625
Phone Number: (877) 222-3737
Website: https://www.adrcnj.org/home

The Aging and Disability Resource Connection is an extension of the state's Area Agencies on Aging and no-wrong-door service network. This online directory provides information about publicly and privately funded resources and connects residents to counselors who can complete comprehensive needs assessments to determine whether they qualify for certain services. The ADRC offers general information as well as referrals for seniors who need help with specific long-term care issues, such as nursing home access, nutritional benefits and Medicare Savings Programs.



Area Agencies on Aging in New Jersey


New Jersey is home to 21 Area Agencies on Aging. There's one AAA and Aging and Disability Resource Center in each county. These agencies perform several key functions, including coordinating aging programs, distributing funds through the Older Americans Act, assessing the community's age-related needs and providing information about available senior services. Area Agencies on Aging serve disabled adults, caregivers and seniors aged 60 and older. Seniors can locate their county's AAA online or by calling (877) 222-3737.



Veteran Affairs Office in New Jersey


VA benefits are an important source of long-term care funding for veterans and surviving spouses. Families who have questions about health care benefits or pension supplements can contact their local Veterans Service Office for assistance. Officers provide benefits counseling and help with applications and appeals. New Jersey has 21 county-operated VSOs, and military families are served by a number of other organizations, such as AMVETS, the American Legion and Catholic War Veterans. Veterans can visit the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to find their local VSO.



Social Security Offices in New Jersey


The Social Security Administration manages several programs that are vital to older adults. Social Security retirement benefits provide stable income to individuals based on their work history. Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income support adults and seniors who have long-term disabilities or limited income and assets. Social Security offices also handles Medicare enrollment, which can help beneficiaries qualify for up to 100 days of skilled nursing care. The Social Security Administration provides a convenient online tool to help residents find their local office.

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