38 Assisted Living Communities in Essex County, New Jersey

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $7,2several a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 38 Assisted Living Communities in Essex County and 30 in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Essex County, NJ

• Assisted Living: $7,230
• Nursing Home Care: $10,342
• In-home Care: $4,576
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,842

According to Genworth’s Cost of Care study, at $7,230, Essex County’s average monthly cost for assisted living is 20% more expensive than the state average of $6,065 and significantly more expensive than the national average of $4,000. Aside from the Vineland area, Essex County is also the costliest region in the state when compared to other, smaller cities such as Ocean City ($4,800) and Atlantic City ($5,100).

Note: Senior care cost data was unavailable for Essex County, so data for the closest city, Trenton, was used.

The cost of senior care is based upon a number of factors, particularly location and the degree of care offered. In Essex County, assisted living costs 50% more than either homemaker or home health aide services. These services, while less costly, don’t include living expenses such as rent, utilities, property taxes and home upkeep, so it’s important to factor these into the overall cost of remaining at home. A semiprivate room in a nursing home, which requires a greater level of care, is almost 50% higher than assisted living and twice as expensive as homemaker services.  

Medicaid, a national and state-funded system of health care, provides health coverage and services for low-income Americans of any age. In New Jersey, Medicaid is overseen by the Medical Assistance and Health Services division of the NJ Department of Human Services, and it’s administered through NJ FamilyCare Aged Blind and Disabled Programs.

Seniors who wish to receive Medicaid must meet certain eligibility requirements. In addition to being a U.S. citizen and New Jersey resident, single applicants must show a monthly income of $1,041 or less and assets of $4,000 or less. Medicaid considers all sources of income, including wages, bank accounts, cash, investments, pensions and SSI. For married couples with one spouse applying, the only income considered is that of the applicant. According to the American Council on Aging, nonapplicant spouses are entitled to monthly incomes ranging from $2,057.50 to $3,160.50 to ensure sufficient income on which to live.

In addition to all sources of income, investments and any real estate other than the applicant’s primary residence are considered assets. Personal belongings, such as jewelry, household furnishings, an automobile and burial trusts, are exempt.

If seniors are eligible for Supplemental Security Income, they automatically qualify for the Aged, Blind and Disabled program. Monthly income limits for SSI are lower than requirements for Medicaid, at $781.25 for individuals and $1,150.36 for couples, with assets at $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for couples.

Long Term Care Services and Supports

For seniors wishing to live within their communities in assisted living or within their homes, LTSS may be available. Income and asset limits are slightly higher for individuals seeking LTSS, at $2,250 and $2,000. Evaluations for eligibility are administered through two agencies: The local County Welfare Agency conducts the financial review, and the Division of Aging Services conducts the clinical assessment. Applicants must require assistance with at least three or more activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming and dressing.

For more information about New Jersey Medicaid or LTSS, visit the NJ FamilyCare Aged Blind and Disabled Programs page to complete an application online or call (800) 356-1561. Applications may also be printed and brought to the local Essex County Welfare Agency.

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Those needing short-term funds to help facilitate a move to assisted living may qualify for an Elderlife Financial Services bridge loan. Available as either a line of credit or lump sum payment, these loans have 12-month terms and are easily applied for. Applications can be taken over the phone, and funds are normally available within 24 hours. To learn more about assisted living bridge loans, contact Elderlife Financial at (800) 228-4500.

Veterans Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits

New Jersey veterans who need help with daily tasks or who are housebound may qualify for Aid and Attendance or Housebound VA benefits. There are many different ADLs, and a veteran does not necessarily need to require aid with all of them to qualify for this top-up program. Dressing, bathing, preparing food, transportation and medical management are some of the rudimentary ADLs. Those with disabilities who are bedridden are also considered eligible for A&A, as are applicants who reside in nursing homes.

Veterans who have a permanent disability that confines them to their homes may qualify for Housebound benefits. It is important to note that even if applicants meet the criteria for both Housebound and A&A, they may only receive benefits from one program. To apply or learn more, veterans should contact the Newark Regional Veteran Office at (800) 827-1000.

VA pensions, services and programs are available for veteran seniors in Essex County. Interested individuals may visit the Newark Regional Office or their local Veteran Affairs office. Those needing medical services can visit the East Orange Campus of New Jersey’s VA Health Care System.

Newark Regional VA Office
20 Washington Place, Newark, NJ 07102
(800) 827-1000

East Orange Campus of the VA Health Care System
385 Tremont Avenue, East Orange, NJ 07018
(973) 676-1000

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.