New Jersey Assisted Living Facilities

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Cost of New Jersey Assisted Living Facilities

According to the 2015 Genworth Financial cost of care survey, the average cost of assisted living in New Jersey is $5,725 per month.

The monthly base rate for New Jersey assisted living is typically higher when compared to neighboring states. New Jersey is also more expensive compared to the national average.

This cost is the base cost for a one-bedroom assisted living unit in New Jersey. Additional fees beyond the base rate may apply.

More info on Assisted Living Costs

Monthly Costs Compared to Neighboring States

Assisted Living Regulations

New Jersey defines an assisted living facility as a building with communal dining and apartment style living units for four or more adults. New Jersey recognizes three levels of assisted living services: - new construction - comprehensive personal care homes - converted/residential boarding home that may not meet all building code requirements - assisted living programs - services provided

New Jersey Assisted Living Facilities Scope of Care

Facilities are required to meet the needs of all patients 24 hours a day. This includes supportive health and personal services, as well as meals, social interaction, activities, and support from a social worker, and nursing and pharmacy care. Home health agencies may be contracted by an individual resident.

New Jersey Assisted Living Admission Requirements

A New Jersey assisted living facility may not admit or keep a resident if he or she needs specialized long-terms care such as a ventilator, is bedridden for more than two weeks, is a danger to self or others, needs two or more people to assist in moving, and needs complete help with four or more ADL's.

New Jersey Assisted Living Care Plan Requirements

Intake assessments are mandatory with specific guidelines about the areas which must be assessed.

New Jersey Assisted Living Medication Management Requirements

Under the direction of an RN, a certified health care worker, or one who has received medication training approved by the Department of Health and Senior Services may administer medications. The only injections that may be given are for insulin.

New Jersey Assisted Living Facility Requirements

Each resident unit must have its own full bathroom with sink, toilet and tub or shower. No more than two people may share a room. A single unit must have 150 square feet of livable space, while a double occupancy unit requires 80 square feet of space per person.

New Jersey Assisted Living Staffing Requirements

Direct care staff must be sufficient in number to meet the needs of the residents, including an awake and dressed direct care staff person and one other employee present during the night. An RN must be available 24 hours per day. Administrators must be over 21, have a high school diploma and hold either a New Jersey nursing home administrator's license, or a New Jersey assisted living administrator's license.

New Jersey Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Global Options for Long Term Care (GO) is the name for New Jersey's home and community based waiver program, and assisted living is covered under GO.

New Jersey Alzheimer's Unit Requirements

Staff members who work in this unit must have adequate training to meet the needs of this population. There must be written policies and disclosure that include criteria, activities, and staff training.

New Jersey Medicaid Coverage of Assisted Living and Related Services

The State of New Jersey pays for services to individuals living in assisted living residences. The Medicaid program is called the Global Options Waiver and participants must elect to receive care from a managed care provider.

Under the New Jersey Medicaid waiver, individuals are given options like home care and assisted living services when qualified for nursing home care. Participants must choose to live at home or in an assisted living community to receive care services.

The Global Options Waiver was formed as association with 3 other Medicaid Waivers. They are:

- Assisted Living/Adult Family Care (AL/AFC): The Global Options for Long Term Care Medicaid Waiver permits individuals to reside in an Assisted Living setting while receiving services, thereby avoiding care in a nursing home facility. In order to participate, applicants must be financially and clinically eligible. They must also reside in a Medicaid-approved assisted living facility. Learn about the AL/AFC program here.

- Caregiver Assistance Program (CAP): CAP is a Medicaid Waiver that offers several care alternatives to individuals who would otherwise be at risk of placement in a nursing facility. Learn about the CAP program here.

- Community Care Program for the Elderly and Disabled (CCPED): CCPED is a Medicaid waiver program that provides services in an individual's home rather than in a nursing facility or institution. Learn about the CCPED program here.

The Global Options Waiver enables participants to self-direct some of their care; hire the individuals or agencies they desire. Family members such as the adult children can be hired as a caregiver for the recipient. All care providers must be approved by the State of New Jersey.

Services offered under the Global Options Waiver

Services are determined at the individual level during assessment and periodically thereafter:

- Adult Day Health Service

- Assisted Living/Adult Family Care

- Attendant Care

- Care Management

- Caregiver/Recipient Training

- Chore Service

- Community Transition Services

- Environmental Accessibility Modification

- Home-Based Supportive Care

- Home-Delivered Meals

- Personal Care Attendant

- Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)

- Respite Care

- Social Adult Day Care

- Special Medical Equipment

- Transitional Care Management

- Transportation

How to apply - one must apply for the GO Waiver with their County Board of Social Services, their local NJ Area Agency on Aging or by calling 1-877-222-3737.

Department of Health Phone 609-633-9034

Contact: John Calabria or Barbara Goldman Phone 609-633-9034

E-mail: john.calabria@doh.state.nj.us or barbara.goldman@doh.state.nj.us

Web Site: www.state.nj.us/health

What is the best number to call to get started? 1-877-222-3737

Is there a website? http://adrcnj.org/

New Jersey Contacts

New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services

New Jersey Assisted Living Facilities by City