Independent Living Communities in New Jersey

Independent living communities in New Jersey are a great place for healthy older adults to live their lives as they see fit and only receive assistance when needed. Although each location varies, seniors are sure to find a range of amenities and opportunities for recreation. Whether it's a studio apartment, a small cottage and anything in between, independent living is a popular long-term care option for seniors in New Jersey.

Find INDEPENDENT LIVING Facilities In NEW JERSEY

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Cost Comparisons of New Jersey's Independent Living

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Hackettstown $2,435 $3,450 $2,990
Ocean City $3,557 $4,650 $4,000
Vineland $2,918 $3,875 $3,461

New Jersey has 65 independent living communities with the average cost of $3,371 per month. 

Comparing costs is a great place to start when looking for an independent senior living option. One of the key benefits to this care type is the range of amenities found in different communities. Here are a few costs found throughout New Jersey. 

Recreation & Attractions in New Jersey

New Jersey offers many incredible places for residents to visit such as the Liberty State Park, Ellis Island, Grounds for Sculpture, and the Struggle Against World Terrorism monument. Liberty State Park is close by Liberty Island and Ellis Island, which makes for a short trip to visit the Statue of Liberty.

Between 1892 and 1954, Ellis Island was the gateway for over 12 million immigrants. It is now an immigration museum. Grounds for Sculpture is a large garden full of large sculptures made by artists from all over the world using various styles and techniques. The Struggle Against World Terrorism monument, also known as the 9/11 teardrop memorial, is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. 

New Jersey's Climate, Geography & Culture

The weather in New Jersey has the average temperature of 55 degrees with a high of 63 degrees and a low of 37 degrees. The summers are warm and humid with cold, somewhat harsh winters while spring and fall are mild and comfortable. New Jersey receives 46.01 inches of rainfall and about 19-30 inches of snowfall, depending on the location. The winter temperatures are in the 40s and the summer temperatures are usually in the 90's. The spring and fall temperatures range between the 70-80 degrees.

As the third state to ratify the United State’s constitution, New Jersey retains a rich history and boasts plenty of colonial towns and seaside villages. Residents can enjoy the surf and sand of Ocean City beaches or the thrill of Atlantic City’s casinos. Other places like Cape May give residents a portal to the past with Victorian architecture, while Newark provides music festivals and modern shopping areas.

New Jersey Independent Living Regulations and Laws

All rules and regulations of New Jersey independent living communities are overseen by Department of Health. These regulations ensure that all communities meet the appropriate health, safety, and medical conditions. Your safety and satisfaction are of utmost importance to your community and fellow residents, so never feel discouraged from airing your grievance if you think a violation has been made. 

Crime & Safety in New Jersey

Sperling’s Best Places ranked New Jersey 41 on a scale of 100 (1 being the lowest crime) for violent crime and 35 for property crime; the United States overall ranked 41 for violent crime and 44 for property crime. New Jersey has many neighborhood watches, police departments, and crime stoppers who all aim to prevent and reduce crime in New Jersey. 

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

(source: safewise.com)

Payment Options for New Jersey Independent Living

Medicare does not cover independent living communities costs and typically only provides coverage for short-term inflictions, not including old age. Veteran’s benefits may possibly offer a single veteran $1,644 per monthly, veteran couples $1,949 per month, and the surviving spouse $1,056 per month. Long-term care insurance is also an option that seniors can use to pay for their care and receive a daily allowance to pay for their care.

 

Senior & Elderly Rights for Independent Living in New Jersey

The New Jersey Department of Health and Human services outlines the rights that residents living in independent living communities are afforded. These rights cover the ability to live in a safe and sanitary environment, receive medical care or consultation when needed, and to retain personal privacy. Along with the right to express grievances, residents in independent living communities in New Jersey retain their constitutional rights as they stand.

Friends and family are allowed to visit and you have the right to know only what you share regarding your care. You can refuse procedures and care you are uncomfortable with, and make plans for your well-being. If you believe any of your rights have been violated, contact a lawyer familiar with elder law.

For assistance in learning about and exercising your rights, you can review the New Jersey Ombudsman for more details. 

NJ Independent Living Medical Record Rules & Regulations

State and federal HIPAA laws require all resident records and medical reports of services provided on community grounds are recorded, maintained, and available to residents in a timely manner. This information is personal and private, so don't feel pressure to disclose it to anyone. You are also entitled to receive copies of this information by submitting a formal request and a small fee to your healthcare provider. These records will be available for several years after you have left a community or received medical attention and can be retrieved at any time. 

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.