Services & Resources
New Jersey county offices on aging
The County Offices on Aging were established by the Older Americans Act and are your first point of contact for services and resources. All 21 counties in NJ have their own office (see contact information below) and are available to help you with information and assistance or to screen you for county, state and local programs.
Hunterdon
Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disabilities and Veteran's Services
Toll-free: 1-877-222-3737
Monmouth
Monmouth County Division of Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Services
Morris
Morris County Division on Aging, Disabilities & Community Programming
Toll-free: 1-800-564-4656
Passaic
Passaic County Department of Senior Services Disability and Veterans Affairs
Resources
Age Friendly NJ
Age-friendly Virtual Fair
The Age-friendly Virtual Fair on Sept 15, 2022, brought together hundreds of people interested in promoting age-friendly efforts throughout NJ. Recordings and descriptions of the presentations are available.
WHO Age-friendly Cities
IN 1991, UN Member States adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons, based on the International Plan of Action on Ageing, encouraging Governments to incorporate the principles of Independence, Participation, Care, Self-fulfilment and Dignity into their national programs wherever possible. These principles are the foundation for the Age-friendly Cities approach.
Age-friendly Health Care
Age-friendly care is health care based on what research shows are the most important things to pay attention to as we get older - the 4Ms: what Matters, Medication, Mentation and Mobility.
Caregivers
National Center on Caregiving/Family Caregiver Alliance
For NJ resources and local chapters of organizations.
Statewide Respite Care Program
The New Jersey Statewide Respite Care Program gives a short-term or periodic break to family (or other caregivers) from the demands of daily care for functionally impaired persons, including the frail elderly.
United Way Caregivers Coalition
United Way Caregivers Coalition offers family caregivers support, information, resources, and education to help them with their vital role.
NJ Family Leave Insurance
NJ Family Leave Insurance provides NJ workers cash benefits for up to twelve weeks to provide care for a seriously ill (including COVID-19) or injured loved one. (609) 292-7060
Family Caregiver Alliance
Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) has created an array of new resources including tip sheets in Spanish, Chinese and other languages.
Earned Sick Leave
Earned Sick Leave is the law in New Jersey, providing workers with up to 40 hours of earned sick leave per year so they can care for themselves or a loved one,
COPSA
Comprehensive Services on Aging (COPSA) provides compassionate, state-of-the-art mental health care for individuals and families in NJ.
Care2Caregivers
Care2Caregivers provides free help and support for anyone concerned about or caring for someone with memory issues or other complex needs. (800) 424-2494
United Way Caregivers Coalition
The United Way Caregivers Coalition offers support for those caregiving for someone with disabilities, issues of aging and people with mental health challenges.
Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey
Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey is an interfaith nonprofit agency dedicated to providing free supportive services to the frail elderly and the home-bound.
Aging & Disability Resource Connection
This site is designed to help you find information and resources for you or your loved one while facing aging and disability issues
PPP
The New Jersey Personal Preference Program (PPP) offers an alternative way for NJ FamilyCare Plan A members who qualify for the Personal Care Assistant (PCA) services benefit to remain in their home and active in their community, and does not require the use of a home health care agency.
Roslyn Carter Institute for Caregivers
The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers promotes caregivers’ health, strength, and resilience
Grandparents / Grandfamilies
Grandfamilies.org
Grandfamilies.org serves as a national legal resource in support of grandfamilies within and outside the child welfare system.
Health Issues & Support
ADRC of NJ
The Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) of New Jersey helps adults, seniors and caregivers find benefits and services. 877-222-3737
Alzheimer's Association Greater NJ Chapter
The Greater New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves and supports fourteen counties in Central and Northern New Jersey
My Health Finder
MyHealthfinder is a trusted source of information provided by the US Department of Helth and Human Services to help your family stay healthy.
Richard West Assistive Technology Center
The Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center assists individuals across New Jersey in overcoming barriers in the system and making assistive technology more accessible to individuals with disabilities throughout the state of New Jersey. (609) 292-9742
Healthcare Decision Resources
POLST Forms
The Practitioners Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment, or POLST form, gives specific care instructions related to a patient’s personal goals of care, artificial nutrition, resuscitation and re-hospitalization.
The Conversation Project
The Conversation Project® is a public engagement initiative of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) to help everyone talk about their wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected.
Healthcare for Professionals
4Ms of age-friendly care
WebMD has partnered with The John A. Hartford Foundation to create a series of videos featuring the 4Ms of age-friendly care — what Matters, Medication, Mentation and Mobility — and diagnostic excellence for older adults.
A Guide to Using the 4Ms While Caring for Older Adults.
The John A Hartford Foundation released a new book, “Age-Friendly Health Systems: A Guide to Using the 4Ms While Caring for Older Adults.” This provides health care professionals with an easy-to-use manual for implementing evidence-based practices that enable health systems to become more age friendly and focus on what matters most to older patients.
Age-friendly Health Systems
Dedicated to Improving the Care of Older Adults. the John A Hartford Foundation invest in aging experts and practice innovations that transform how the care of older adults is delivered.
Assisted Living Provider Coalition
The New Jersey Assisted Living Provider Coalition has produced a detailed primer on the ALPS programs
Foundational Competencies in Older Adult Mental Health Certificate Program
The E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging, in partnership with the Rush Center for Excellence in Aging, has developed an online educational program that provides basic knowledge for mental health clinician working with older adults
Healthy Aging in Supportive Housing
CSH's Healthy Aging in Supportive Housing Toolkit for service providers, developers, and property managers
Monmouth University Certificate in Aging
The Monmouth University School of Social Work Professional Education Program (PEP) offers a continuing education certificate program - The Certificate in Aging.
Home & Housing
ANCHOR tax rebates
Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) replaces the Homestead Benefit program and provides property tax relief to New Jersey residents who owned or rented their principal residence and meet the income limits.
NJ211.org
This statewide service connects people to senior services, shelters, affordable housing units, social services and more. Free, confidential, multilingual and available 24/7/365. Visit online or dial 2-1-1.
NJ Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance
New Jersey’s Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) program provides financial assistance for eligible homeowners who have experienced a significant decrease of income or increase of expenses due to COVID-19 and have been unable to remain current with their mortgage payments.
NJ SHARES
Connects low- and moderate-income households with assistance to help pay for energy (gas, electric), water, communications and environmental resources. Visit online or call 609-883-1626 or toll-free 1-866-657-4273.
Property Tax Relief Programs
Property tax relief program information provided is based on current law and subject to change.
I Choose Home
I Choose Home, also known as Money Follows the Person moves people out of nursing homes with supports and services.
Legal Issues
Community Health Law Project
973-275-1175 The Community Health Law Project (CHLP) is a statewide not-for-profit advocacy and legal service organization which provides legal representation and advocacy services to low-income individuals with disabilities and the frail elderly.
NJ Adult Protective Services
To report abuse or neglect, call the office in your county.
National Center on Elder Abuse
The NCEA provides the latest information regarding research, training, best practices, news and resources on elder abuse, neglect and exploitation to professionals and the public
Volunteer Guardianship One on One
Provides trained volunteers to serve as legal guardians to incapacitated adults in central NJ
Law Points for Senior Citizens
The New Jersey State Bar Association Foundation has a range of free events and publications for Senior citizens, including "Law Points for Senior Citizens."
LGBT and Older Adults
LGBT Healthcare
Garden State Equality’s Affirming Healthcare Map is a directory of healthcare providers that have proactively identified themselves as LGBTQ-friendly.
Garden State Equality
Garden State Equality is the largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in New Jersey
Long Term Care
Eldercare Locator
This nationwide U.S. Administration on Aging resource links older adults and caregivers seeking assistance with state and local agencies on aging as well as community-based organizations. Call toll-free 1-800-677-1116.
LTCO Nursing Home Facility Data
This dashboard aims to provide Garden State residents with the information they need to choose a safe quality long-term care facility for their loved ones.
Medicare, Medicaid, and Health Insurance
Medicare Plan Compare
Compare your options for Medicare coverage, including Medicare advantage plans and supplements. 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Medicare Savings Program
Get help from your state paying your Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) Part A (Hospital Insurance) Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
NJ Save
For assistance with Medicare premiums, prescription costs and other living expenses (PAAD, Sr. Gold, Medicare Saving Programs, Lifeline and more). Call toll-free 1-800-792-9745.
Senior Medicare Patrol
Senior Medicare Patrols (SMPs) assist Medicare beneficiaries prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse . (877) SMP-4359
SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
For medical counseling and general aging services questions. Call toll-free 1-800-792-8820.
Mental Health Resources
Addiction Treatment
NJ Department of Human Services has launched a free, confidential, first-of-its-kind on-line tool to connect New Jerseyans in need with appropriate addiction treatment care and deliver user-friendly information about the quality of available programs: ATLAS, or Addiction Treatment Locator, Assessment, and Standards Platform, at www.TreatmentATLAS.org
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
NJ has connected to the new, three-digit number 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The 988 number provides free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress via call, text or chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the U.S.
National Substance Abuse Hotline
The National Rehab Hotline is free and available 24/7/365 to help anyone struggling through a substance use or mental health crisis get immediate help.
NJ State Resources
Disability Rights NJ
Disability Rights NJ support NJ's disabled residents with self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration into all facets of community life.
Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC)
JACC is a State-funded program that provides a broad array of in-home and community-based services to individuals age 60 and older who meet clinical eligibility for nursing home level of care and who desire to remain in their homes within the community.
New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services (DoAS)
The Division of Aging Services (DoAS) administers a number of federal and state-funded programs that make it easier for older adults to live in the community with independence, dignity and choice, as long as possible. 800-792-8820
Nutrition / Food Assistance
Hunger and Food
Find food support resources, including SNAP benefits, immediate food, congregate meals,
NJ Helps
This site will help to see if you are eligible for food assistance, cash assistance and health insurance; then you can apply for services or learn about additional resources.
Other Social Services
NJ 2-1-1
For assistance and information on a wide range of benefits, call 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211 or visit their website
Navicore Solutions
This nonprofit provides financial counseling to consumers in the areas of personal finance, consumer credit, student loans, foreclosure prevention and housing. Visit online or call toll-free 1-800-772-4557.
NJ Register Ready
NJ residents with special needs and disabilities are encouraged to add their personal information to the special needs registry, NJ Register Ready. The information provided will be shared with emergency response agencies so that first responders will be better equipped to serve registrants in the event of an emergency
Programs, Benefits and Assistance
Benefits Checkup
BenefitsCheckUp® is the nation’s most comprehensive online tool to connect older adults and people with disabilities to benefits. See if you may be eligible and find out where to apply online or how to get help from a benefits counselor.
Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration offers a range of services on line. For frequently asked questions you can answer online, visit their website:
Assistive Technology Loan Program
National Disability Institute can help you find and afford assistive technology with the Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Program provides affordable loans of up to $45,000 for the purchase or refinance of assistive technology to residents of New Jersey and New York.
Social Security & Pensions
Benefits Checkup
BenefitsCheckUp® is the nation’s most comprehensive online tool to connect older adults and people with disabilities to benefits. See if you may be eligible and find out where to apply online or how to get help from a benefits counselor.
Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration offers a range of services on line. For frequently asked questions you can answer online, visit their website:
Assistive Technology Loan Program
National Disability Institute can help you find and afford assistive technology with the Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Program provides affordable loans of up to $45,000 for the purchase or refinance of assistive technology to residents of New Jersey and New York.
Transportation
AAA Car-fit
CarFit is a community-based educational program that promotes continued safe driving and mobility among older drivers by focusing attention on safety, comfort and fit.
Access Link
NJ TRANSIT's ADA paratransit program known as Access Link provides public transportation to people with disabilities who are unable to use the local bus service according to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists
ADED trains and certifies the therapists and driver educators who perform driving evaluations and in vehicle training
Community Transportation
Every NJ county offers a transportation service for persons with disability and older adults. To learn more about these community transportation options visit their website or call your county Office on Aging
Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration outlines the physical effects of aging, as well as tips on coping with them so that you remain a safe driver as long as you can.
NJ Motor Vehicle Commission
NJ Motor Vehicle Commission provides lists of driver courses throughout the state
NJTIP @ Rutgers
The mission of the New Jersey Travel Independence Program (NJTIP) is to increase the independence and self-sufficiency of people with disabilities, older adults and others by empowering them to use the public transit system safely and independently.
NJ Transit Accessible Services
NJ TRANSIT provides accessible services to people with disabilities and senior citizens, separate from Access Link. NJ TRANSIT charges half-price fare for persons age 62+. (973) 275-5555 Operator assistance 8:30AM - 5PM (800) 772-2287 TTY for the hearing impaired.
NJ 2-1-1
NJ 2-1-1 provides information on transportation by phone or through their website. Dial 211
Pedestrian Safety
NHTSA's Be Healthy, Walk Safely program has safety tips for older adults
Mature Drivers Resource Center
This website provides a guide to resources related to mature driver safe driving, having a conversation when an older driver seeks to limit or stop driving, and mobility options after the individual has stopped driving.
TSA Cares
TSA Cares is a dedicated helpline that provides information on screening procedures pertaining to those with disabilities, medical conditions, and other circumstances as well as coordinates assistance through checkpoint screening via the Passenger Support Specialist (PSS) program
Safe Driving With Hearing Loss
The National Council on Aging has comprehensive information on Safe Driving with Hearing Loss.