New Jersey Assisted Living Homes

Under New Jersey law, an assisted living residence is defined as a apartment style housing residence which is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services to provide a coordinated array of supportive personal services, limited health services, 24 hour supervision, meal services, and assistance with daily living activities to a population of four or more adults who are unrelated to the management. Similar care arrangements can include 'comprehensive personal care homes' which provide a home-like setting for seniors to age-in-place. 

There are currently 205 licensed assisted living communities operating in New Jersey.

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Assisted Living Centers in New Jersey – Cost Comparison

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Vineland $3,950 $5,520 $4,680
Rest of State $3,280 $11,250 $5,725

The average cost of assisted living in New Jersey is $5,725 per month. Compared to the remainder of the United States, New Jersey is the fourth most expensive state for long-term elderly care. Within the State of New Jersey, the average cost of assisted senior living varies between New Jersey’s metropolitan areas. 

For more information about assisted living costs in New Jersey, check out Genworth’s 2015 Cost of Care Survey.

Recreation & Attractions in New Jersey

Located on the eastern seaboard of the United States, New Jersey offers numerous miles of beaches for any visitor or resident to enjoy. Of the most noted New Jersey seaside cities, Atlantic City and Ocean City are major destinations for surf, sand and a little extra entertainment at any time of the year.

Known for the boardwalk, Atlantic City offers miles of boardwalk filled with a vast array of shops, high-end restaurants, beach bars, interactive rides, and casinos. Ocean City is another seaside city with a more family friendly atmosphere than the casinos and beach bars of Atlantic City. Although it is a major beach destination for New Jersey, Cape May offers an alternate seaside city experience.

Known for its colonial style architecture, Cape May provides a relaxing and historic beach atmosphere with colonial style houses and the Cape May Lighthouse. Located inland, Jersey offers the Grounds for Sculptures exhibit. Spanning 40 acres, this sculpture park and museum began in the 1990’s and progressed into adding an array of programs and events to the attraction.

New Jersey’s Climate, Geography, & Culture

Contrary to popular belief, New Jersey is not what you may have seen on the MTV show, Jersey Shore. New Jersey is a well-rounded destination for you to age in place. The state is diverse with large groups of Italians, Quakers, Irish, Germans, and African-Americans.

Neighbored by the Atlantic Ocean, New Jersey experiences a moderate climate influenced by the Atlantic. During the winter, New Jersey experiences cold winters with January bringing the coldest temperatures hovering around freezing. New Jersey annually accumulates an average of 16 inches of snow per year. On the opposite side of the spectrum, July is the hottest month during New Jersey’s summer with temperatures climbing into the mid 70-degree range. Rainfall is moderate throughout New Jersey with an average accumulation of 42 inches annually.

New Jersey’s Assisted Living Homes Regulations & Laws

Assisted Living homes are regulated by a state-to-state basis. Every state has a publicly accessible legal document outlining the regulations, licensing, operation and other rules for assisted living and personal care homes. The complete document outlining the official regulations for assisted living residences operating in New Jersey can be viewed online. Public records concerning citations, inspections, violations and the like pertaining to individual homes can be obtained via the Search Facilities and Services page through the Department of Health, Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing.

Crime & Safety in New Jersey

When looking for a new place to live, it is always important to consider the safety of the community you are in. New Jersey takes safety seriously, with crime rates below the national average. If you are not sure where to start your search, we recommend starting your search with these communities in New Jersey:

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Washington Townshi0.371.76
Chatham Township0.093.83
Hillsdale0.193.91
Westwood0.453.77

(Source: safewise.com)

Payment Options for New Jersey Assisted Living Communities

Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS)

For those seeking financial assistance, New Jersey’s Medicaid offers the Managed Long Term Services and Supports program for low-income elderly residents. This program offers a broad range medical and non-medical care services including assisted living services to be distributed in any home of the participants choosing. To find more information and the eligibility guidelines for this program, visit the official Managed Long Term Services and Supports page via the Department of Medical Assistance and Health Services website.

Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP)

For those seeking alternate assistance, New Jersey provides a non-Medicaid Congregate Housing Services Program to all elderly residents who do not qualify for or do not wish to live in nursing home level care. This program provides a series of approved residences throughout the state, which offer low-level care and supportive services. Currently, 17 New Jersey Counties are home to 59 approved residence locations. To find more information on the program, please visit the official Congregate Housing Services Program page via the Department of Human Services, Division of Aging website.

Assisted Living Family Loans

Alternate payment options are available. Families can apply for an assisted living family loan. This provides temporary or long-term financial assistance when paying for assisted senior care. The program allows multiple people to contribute to payment.

Senior & Elderly Rights for Assisted Living Residences in New Jersey

While residing in the home, a resident retains constitutional civil rights, rights of privacy, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. The resident also retains the right to personal possessions, autonomy over personal finances, bodily autonomy, and power of attorney. The resident has a right to be informed of the process to file a complaint of unsatisfactory living situations, abuse, neglect and the like. The complete list of resident rights as guaranteed by the state of New Jersey can be found in the official state regulations for assisted living communities.

New Jersey Assisted Living Homes: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

New Jersey assisted living homes are required to provide appropriate health services that are ordered by an attending physician, as well as keep all medical information confidential, accurate, and complete. Medical records shall be readily accessible upon request and should be kept for a period no less than 10 years from death or discharge date. Summary sheets or medical records must be retained for a period of 20 years.

Residents in New Jersey assisted living centers have access to their medical records and can request a copy of all or a portion of their medical records. They can also request a copy of some or all of the information, and it is to be provided at a cost not to exceed the community standard.

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.