Family Caregiver Resources for New Jersey
Caregiving may be one of the most important, and challenging, roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier.
AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey.
To order a print copy of this online guide, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.
Caregiver Support
Caregivers of New Jersey (800-372-6510)
Offers resources for caregivers, including advocacy, respite care references and training.
Statewide Respite Care Program (877-222-3737)
Gives short-term, intermittent relief to caregivers. Potential services include home care, adult day care, or inpatient care at an assisted living or other facility.
United Way Caregivers Coalition (973-993-1160)
Offers a range of free programs, including caregiver support groups, educational workshops and a free educational video series.
Finances
NJ Helps
Provides eligibility and enrollment information for food assistance, cash assistance and health insurance.
NJ SAVE (800-792-9745)
Helps low-income older adults and people with disabilities save money on Medicare premiums, prescription costs and other living expenses.
Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance (609-292-7060)
Offers New Jersey workers cash benefits to provide care for a seriously ill or injured loved one or to bond with a newborn, newly adopted or newly placed foster child.
Wounded Warrior Caregivers Credit
Provides a tax credit to qualified family caregivers of a military service member who has a disability arising out of service in any war or conflict on or after September 11, 2001.
Legal
Disability Rights New Jersey (800-922-7233)
Provides a wide array of advocacy services for people with disabilities, their families and other stakeholders including investigating abuse and neglect, legal representation, information and referrals, etc.
Legal Services of New Jersey (888-576-5529)
Provides civil legal assistance, advice and referrals to low-income residents.
New Jersey Adult Protective Services (877-222-3737)
Provides information and investigates allegations of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.
Health
Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter (800-272-3900 24-hour help line; 973-586-4300)
Offers consultations, support groups, education, connection to respite care and community resources.
HealthEASE (609-438-4797)
Provides healthy living and disease prevention resources for older adults.
Mental Health Association in New Jersey (866-202-4357)
Provides information and connections to mental health services such as legal, housing, employment, rehabilitation, inpatient and outpatient, self-help and more.
NJ FamilyCare (800-701-0710)
Helps qualified residents of any age access affordable health insurance. This is a federal- and state-funded health insurance program for people who do not have employer insurance.
NJ Medicaid (800-701-0710)
Provides health insurance to parents/caretakers and dependent children, pregnant women, and people who are aged, blind or disabled. Coverage includes hospital services, doctor visits, prescriptions, nursing home care and other health care needs.
Housing and Care Facilities
Affordable Housing: New Jersey Housing Resource Center (877-428-8844)
Free, online searchable registry of housing units, including affordable rental housing, homes for sale and housing with accessibility features.
Homelessness Prevention Program: NJ Department of Community Affairs (609-913-4501)
Provides limited financial assistance to low- and moderate-income tenants in imminent danger of eviction due to temporary financial problems.
I Choose Home NJ (855-466-3005)
Helps those living in a nursing home or developmental center for 90-plus days, and who are eligible for Medicaid, move back into the community if appropriate.
Jersey Assistance for Community Caregivers (877-222-3737)
Provides in-home services to older adults at risk of placement in a nursing home, including respite care, homemaker services, environmental accessibility adaptations, emergency response systems, meal service, caregiver training, social adult day care, health services, medical equipment and supplies, and transportation.
New Jersey Office of the Long- Term Care Ombudsman (609-826-5090 general questions; 877-582-6995 complaints)
Provides consumer protection advocacy services to residents of long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, specialty care facilities and boarding homes. Anyone can use an ombudsman to report a concern and get help resolving problems, including residents, residents’ family members and friends, and long-term care facility employees.
Information and Services
Aging & Disability Resource Connection of New Jersey (877-222-3737)
Assists seniors and caregivers in finding publicly and privately funded services for a variety of support, from transportation and housing to utility and energy assistance.
End of Life
Compassion & Choices (800-247-7421)
Offers planning tools and advance planning consultation services related to end-of-life options, including access to medical aid in dying.
Home Care & Hospice Association of New Jersey (732-877-1100)
Provides resources and education for terminally ill patients and their families on services available in homes, nursing homes or dedicated hospice units.
