According to data obtained from the Alzheimer's Association, 2,629 New Jersey seniors lost their lives as a result of Alzheimer's disease in 2019. This statistic constitutes more than a 200% increase in dementia-related deaths since 2000. Currently, 190,000 New Jerseyites are living with Alzheimer's disease, and this number is expected to grow by approximately 10.5% by 2025. The disease is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., and the CDC predicts that dementia, including Alzheimer's, will affect approximately 14 million Americans by 2060. This is almost a threefold increase from the 4 million sufferers reported in 2014.
Memory care facilities provide those living with Alzheimer's and dementia with care that is tailored to their unique needs. Memory care can take place in its own facility, or as part of a designated wing of another residential care community. Staff members of memory care units or facilities undergo specialized training in caring for those with memory impairment, and the facilities often coordinate social activities and schedules specifically for the needs of those living with Alzheimer's or dementia.
This guide will cover the cost of memory care in New Jersey, financial assistance options for paying for memory care, free memory care resources in the state and a directory of memory care facilities in New Jersey.
Because of the specialized staff training and resources required to provide high-quality memory care, memory care typically costs more than other types of residential care. On average, memory care will cost 20-30% more than assisted living.
To determine the average cost of memory care in New Jersey, we added 25% to assisted living costs as listed in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
The cost of assisted living in New Jersey for seniors needing memory care services averages $8,119 per month, which is $2,494 higher than the national average rate of $5,625. New Jersey's neighboring state of Delaware reports slightly lower prices for memory care at $7,494, while in New York ($5,725) and Pennsylvania ($5,125), costs are lower by more than $2,000 per month.
The costs for memory care in New Jersey can vary widely depending on the location sought for assisted living. For instance, the capital city of Trenton has one of the state's highest rates at $10,181 monthly, with memory care in Ocean City averaging $818 less at $9,363. Costs in Atlantic City are less than the state average at $7,259, while rates in Vineland are on par with the state's median costs at $8,000 per month.
Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports
The New Jersey Comprehensive Medicaid Waiver encompasses the state's Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program. This program provides eligible seniors with medical care and support services via a managed health care organization (HMO or MCO) under the auspices of NJ FamilyCare. Assisted living and memory care services may be covered under this managed care program for seniors who meet eligibility requirements and have personal care needs consistent with several daily living tasks.
The financial eligibility requirements for seniors applying to receive long-term care services in New Jersey are limited to certain maximum monthly income amounts and countable liquid assets. The current 2022 income limit cap for a single applicant is $2,523 per month. There is a resource limit restriction of $2,000 or less.
However, if income is more than the eligibility limit, applicants can open a Qualified Income Trust (QIT) with the amount in excess of the limit amount to qualify for services.
All income and assets must be disclosed for a "look-back" period that includes transactions performed over the past five years to determine financial eligibility. Some assets may be exempt for applicants, such as a primary home (with an equity limit of $858,000), one vehicle, an irrevocable funeral trust and certain life insurance policies.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in New Jersey
family size | annual income limits | asset limits |
---|---|---|
Single Person | $30,276 | $2,000 |
Two-Person Household (Single Applicant) | $30,276 | $2,000 for applicant & $137,400 for non-applicant |
Two-Person Household (Dual Applicants) | $60,552 | $3,000 |
In addition to meeting financial and clinical requirements, applicants to New Jersey Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports must also:
Helpful resources in New Jersey are available to assist applicants when applying for MLTSS.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
Aging & Disability Resource Connection | 877-222-3737 | Seniors can get assistance with the Medicaid application process through their county's Area Agency on Aging Disability and Resource Connection (ADRC) office. "Options Counseling" is a component of MLTSS that helps counselors identify seniors' needs for certain services on an individualized basis. |
NJHelps | 800-701-0710 | A component of the New Jersey Department of Human Services, NJHelps has health benefit coordinators available to assist seniors who are applying for NJFamilyCare and MLTSS programs. |
Get Covered NJ | 833-677-1010 | Staffed by certified local agents, Get Covered NJ is the state's official health insurance marketplace where seniors can find out if they qualify for NJ FamilyCare and MLTSS and other types of financial help. |
Medicaid Hotline | 800-356-1561 | Run by the Department of Human Services and state social services caseworkers, this phone service helps seniors determine eligibility for Medicaid services in New Jersey. |
Unfortunately, Medicare does not generally cover the cost of Memory Care. Most Memory Care Facilities are considered to be "social settings," so Medicare does not cover the cost incurred in these facilities. The only exception to that is if you are receiving memory care services in a Nursing Home. While this situation is much less common, Medicare would sometimes cover the cost, depending on a number of circumstances.
That being said, Medicare does still cover qualified doctor visits, medications, etc., as it would if you were still at home, but it will not cover the cost of care received at the Memory Care Facility.
In addition to the state programs mentioned above, those looking for resources to finance memory care may consider:
In New Jersey, assisted living facilities (ALFs) that provide residential memory care are regulated and licensed through the Department of Health (DOH), Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing. ALFs are licensed for a minimum of four residents, but New Jersey regulations do not specify maximum occupancy limits. There are two types of residential ALFs in the state:
Facilities that offer Alzheimer's and dementia care are required to have admission and discharge guidelines in place and ensure that staff attend a mandatory dementia training program. Additionally, facilities must have a written plan for activities, safety policies and specific procedures relating to memory care residents that can be provided to staff, residents, family members or the public upon request.
To ensure compliance with state regulations and continued quality of care, the Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing performs unannounced inspections of all licensed facilities every two years, as well as investigative inspections in response to complaints.
ALR and CPCH facilities in New Jersey should operate according to assisted living values that encourage and promote independence, dignity and privacy for residents in a homelike environment. These facilities provide housing along with a coordinated range of 24-hour supportive services to meet the needs of residents. The personal and health-related services offered may be provided by the facility's staff or arranged through outside providers and may include:
According to New Jersey regulations, assisted living settings are appropriate for those who can respond to their environment, demonstrate independent activity, interact with others and express volition. State regulations allow ALR and CPCH facilities to accept individuals with a wide range of disabilities and frailties. They also stipulate that 20% of a facility's residents must require a nursing home level of care. The table below provides a general guide on individuals who may and may not be admitted to an ALR or CPCH:
Residents Who May Be Admitted
Disabled adults aged 18 or older and seniors who:
Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted
Those who:
ALR and CPCH facilities in New Jersey are required to obtain a healthcare provider's assessment for each resident in the 30 days prior to their admission. This is necessary to verify that the level of care the facility provides is appropriate for the individual's needs. Details on the person's nursing requirements, preferences and usual routines should also be obtained from their current caregivers, if applicable.
When a resident is admitted, an initial assessment by an RN is required to determine what services the individual needs, and a general service plan must be developed within 14 days after admission. If the person requires healthcare services based on the initial assessment, an RN must complete an additional assessment. Those diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia must be assessed to determine their cognitive and functional abilities.
Based on these assessments, the facility is required to develop a personalized care plan for the individual during their first 14 days of residency. The service and care plans for each resident must be reviewed quarterly and revised as needed to reflect changes in their physical and/or cognitive condition.
New Jersey has specific rules regarding the administration of medications in ALR and CPCH facilities, including injections of pre-drawn insulin, disposable insulin pens and epinephrine. A facility may designate staff to provide supervision and assistance to residents who self-administer medications. These staff members must receive training from the facility's RN or a licensed pharmacist.
Alternatively, facilities may designate trained, supervised staff, including certified home health aides and nurse aides to administer medication. These staff members must complete a medication aide course, pass an exam to become certified and be supervised by an RN. It is also required that facilities use a unit-dose drug distribution system for the delegated administration of medications.
ALRs and CPCH facilities in New Jersey may offer single- or double-occupancy accommodations, with a maximum of two residents per room. ALRs must provide apartment-style units that have a lockable entry door, kitchenette and private bathroom with a toilet, bathtub/shower and sink. Rooms in CPCH facilities may have shared bathrooms, and kitchenettes are not required. However, each room must have a lockable entry door.
The amount of living space required in a unit depends on the type of facility:
Assisted living facilities in New Jersey are required to have sufficient professional and unlicensed staff on duty to provide the basic care, assistance and supervision residents require, based on assessments of each resident's needs. ALRs and CPCHs must appoint an administrator who holds a valid New Jersey assisted living or nursing home administrator license, and employ personal care staff who are certified homemaker/home health aides, certified nurse aides or have passed a personal care assistant training course.
There is no minimum staff-to-resident ratio required in ALRs and CPCHs, but state regulations include specific staffing guidelines for these facilities:
ALRs and CPCHs are also required to provide personal care staff with orientation training before they begin working with residents. This training should cover assisted living concepts, care of residents with physical impairments, pain management and infection prevention and control, as well as abuse and neglect, resident rights and emergency procedures.
Ongoing training is also required for all direct-care staff members:
Additionally, facilities that offer memory care services must provide training in dementia and Alzheimer's care for all staff members directly involved in the care of memory-impaired residents.
New Jersey Medicaid covers the cost of services provided in ALR and CPCH facilities for eligible enrollees through the Managed Long Term Services and Supports program. However, those who qualify for the program are responsible for paying the room and board portion of the monthly fees charged by their facility.
The New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman is authorized through the Older Americans Act to investigate, resolve or refer complaints involving residents of ALRs and CPCHs. Concerned parties can file anonymous complaints regarding neglect, abuse, bodily injuries, exploitation or crimes by contacting the ombudsman's office at 877-582-6995. Complaints about treatment or care in facilities licensed through the New Jersey DOH may be made by calling the department's Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing complaint hotline at 800-792-9770.
New Jersey families and seniors living with memory-related impairments may be able to access several free or low-cost resources through government-run or nonprofit organizations. Services such as nutritional assistance, transportation and advocacy are a few of the resources available.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
NJ 211 | 211 | Available by phone, online chat or email 24 hours a day, community resource specialists at NJ 211 connect people to more than 7,600 community services that range from Medicaid to legal assistance to transportation options. |
Alzheimer's New Jersey | 888-280-6055 | New Jersey seniors and their families impacted by Alzheimer's disease and other memory impairment issues can access the professionally staffed helpline, programs and services provided by this nonprofit organization. Experts in the dementia field deliver educational seminars and run support groups and wellness programs, in addition to providing connections to community support. |
Alzheimer's Association - South Jersey | 800-272-3900 | With services geared toward seniors living in Southern New Jersey, this Alzheimer's Association chapter provides local services and education as well as a hotline for residents. |
New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman | 877-582-6995 | This free advocacy service offers conflict resolution and education concerning residents' rights for seniors living in nursing, assisted living and memory care facilities. |
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs | 609-530-4600 | Veterans and their spouses can apply for Aid and Attendance and other benefits through various service offices throughout the state to help cover memory care costs in assisted living facilities in New Jersey. This is a needs-based payment in addition to a VA pension to pay some of the costs associated with long-term care, and it's typically awarded to individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. |
Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/10/2022. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your Memory Care Facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.
question | answer |
---|---|
Am I allowed to visit my loved one in person? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Is my loved one required to quarantine after I visit him or her? | No |
Am I required to wear a mask if I visit my loved one in person? | Yes |
Are visitors screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Are residents allowed to leave the facility at-will? | Yes |
Are residents of senior living facilities who leave required to quarantine when they get back? | No (Conditions Apply) |
Are staff members and contractors checked for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Are staff members and contractors tested for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Do staff members have to regularly screen residents for COVID-19 symptoms? | Yes |
Do staff members have to regularly check residents for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Do staff members have to regularly test residents for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |