NJ Senior Resources: A County-by-County Guide to Aging Services
Need Home Care? Call (908) 912-6342
New Jersey offers one of the most comprehensive networks of senior services in the United States , but navigating county-by-county resources can be overwhelming for families. This guide provides a complete overview of aging services available in each of the 11 counties served by 24 HOUR Home Care NJ, including county Divisions on Aging, statewide programs like PAAD, Lifeline, and NJ EASE, as well as senior centers, Meals on Wheels, and transportation options. For private 24-hour home care, call (908) 912-6342.
NJ EASE: The Gateway to All NJ Senior Services
NJ EASE (Easy Access Single Entry) is New Jersey’s centralized intake system for long-term care and aging services. One call , 1-877-222-3737 , connects NJ seniors and families to trained counselors who screen for eligibility across dozens of programs: Medicaid home care, assisted living waivers, adult day services, caregiver respite, home-delivered meals, transportation, and more. NJ EASE operates statewide and connects callers to their county’s Division on Aging for local follow-up. Before calling any individual county office, start with NJ EASE.
Key Statewide NJ Programs for Seniors
Several programs operate across all NJ counties and are available regardless of where you live:
- PAAD (Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled) , Reduces prescription drug costs to a $5 co-pay for income-eligible NJ seniors aged 65+ and disabled adults. Call 1-800-792-9745 to apply.
- NJ Lifeline Credit Program , Annual utility bill credits for income-eligible NJ seniors and disabled adults to help manage heating and electric costs. Call 1-800-792-9745.
- NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) , Managed through NJ DMAHS, NJ FamilyCare covers home care, adult day services, and personal care for income-qualifying NJ residents through the MLTSS program.
- Meals on Wheels , Home-delivered hot and cold meals for homebound NJ seniors aged 60+, coordinated through county Divisions on Aging.
- NJRide / Volunteer Transportation , Connects NJ seniors with volunteer driver programs for medical appointments and essential errands. Coordinated through county Divisions on Aging.
- SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) , Free, unbiased Medicare counseling for NJ seniors through county volunteers. Call 1-800-792-8820.
Coordinating care for a NJ senior? (908) 912-6342
Free in-home assessment. We serve all 11 NJ counties. Private pay and LTCI accepted.
County-by-County Guide: NJ Divisions on Aging
Every NJ county has a Division on Aging or Area Agency on Aging (AAA) that administers local senior services. Below are the 11 counties served by 24 HOUR Home Care NJ, with links to their Division on Aging and our local home care hub page:
- Union County Home Care , Division on Aging: ucnj.org
- Essex County Home Care , Division on Aging: essexcountynj.org
- Morris County Home Care , Division on Aging: morriscountynj.gov
- Middlesex County Home Care , Division on Aging: middlesexcountynj.gov
- Bergen County Home Care , Division of Senior Services: co.bergen.nj.us
- Somerset County Home Care , Division of Senior Services: co.somerset.nj.us
- Passaic County Home Care , Division on Aging: passaiccountynj.org
- Hunterdon County Home Care , Division on Aging: co.hunterdon.nj.us
- Ocean County Home Care , Division on Aging: co.ocean.nj.us
- Monmouth County Home Care , Area Agency on Aging: monmouthcountyparks.com
- Mercer County Home Care , Area Agency on Aging: mercercounty.org
Each county Division on Aging offers some combination of the following services: benefits counseling, caregiver support groups, Meals on Wheels coordination, transportation assistance, legal services, adult day program referrals, emergency response system installation, and home modification assistance for safety. Contact your county’s Division on Aging first for no-cost services, and call (908) 912-6342 for private home care needs that public programs do not cover.
Union and Essex County Senior Resources
Union County‘s Division on Aging operates the Runnells Center for Rehabilitation in Berkeley Heights, coordinates senior transportation through the JARC transit network, and provides caregiver support programs through the county’s Department of Human Services. Key Union County senior centers are located in Westfield, Summit, Cranford, and Elizabeth. Essex County‘s Division on Aging serves over 130,000 seniors through senior centers in Montclair, West Orange, Maplewood, Livingston, and Newark. Essex County administers the Caregiver Support Program and coordinates Meals on Wheels delivery throughout the county.
Morris and Somerset County Senior Resources
Morris County‘s Division on Aging provides benefits counseling, senior transportation through the Morris County Mobility Network, and coordinates adult day programs throughout the county’s 39 municipalities. The Morris County Senior Resource Directory lists over 200 local programs. Somerset County‘s Division of Senior Services offers the Somerset Community Action Program, transportation through the Somerset County Office on Aging’s ride program, senior centers in Bound Brook, Bridgewater, and Hillsborough, and caregiver support through the Family Caregiver Alliance affiliate.
Bergen and Middlesex County Senior Resources
Bergen County‘s Division of Senior Services is one of the largest county senior services networks in New Jersey, serving over 200,000 seniors. Bergen County operates a comprehensive senior center network, coordinates Meals on Wheels for 6,000+ homebound seniors, and provides the Bergen County Senior Transportation Network. Middlesex County‘s Department of Aging and Disability Services provides senior centers in New Brunswick, Edison, Woodbridge, and Piscataway, coordinates the SHIP Medicare counseling program, and operates the Middlesex County Office on Aging’s transportation assistance program.
Passaic, Hunterdon, Mercer, Ocean, and Monmouth County Resources
Passaic County‘s Division on Aging serves seniors in Paterson, Wayne, Clifton, and surrounding communities through senior centers, Meals on Wheels, and the county caregiver support program. Hunterdon County‘s Division on Aging, serving one of NJ’s most rural counties, emphasizes transportation assistance and in-home services for isolated seniors. Mercer County‘s Area Agency on Aging coordinates services for Princeton, Trenton, and Hamilton through the county’s Human Services department. Ocean County‘s Division on Aging operates one of NJ’s most active senior center networks given the county’s large retired population in communities like Toms River, Lakewood, and Brick. Monmouth County‘s Area Agency on Aging coordinates senior services across 53 municipalities from Red Bank to Long Branch.
When Public Resources Aren’t Enough: Private Home Care
County senior services programs are invaluable , but they rarely provide the consistent, daily personal care that families need when a loved one has dementia, mobility limitations, or complex health needs. Public programs often have waiting lists, limited hours, and eligibility restrictions. Private home care fills these gaps immediately, with no waiting lists and no eligibility requirements beyond the ability to pay. Private-pay home care from 24 HOUR Home Care NJ is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in every NJ county we serve. Long-term care insurance is accepted. Call (908) 912-6342 for a free in-home assessment , we can start within 24 to 48 hours.
We serve families throughout New Jersey: Union County, Essex County, Morris County, Middlesex County, Bergen County, Somerset County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Mercer County, Passaic County, and Hunterdon County.
Professional Home Care Across All NJ Counties
24 HOUR Home Care NJ provides 24-hour care, live-in care, dementia care, and companion care throughout all 11 NJ counties.
Frequently Asked Questions: NJ Senior Resources
What is NJ EASE and how can it help my family?
NJ EASE (Easy Access Single Entry) is New Jersey’s centralized intake system for long-term care services. By calling one number , 1-877-222-3737 , NJ seniors and families can access screening for Medicaid, home care, assisted living, adult day services, caregiver support, and more. NJ EASE is available statewide and connects callers to their county’s Division on Aging. Visit nj.gov/health/ltc/nj_ease. For private home care, call (908) 912-6342.
What is the PAAD program in New Jersey?
The Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) program provides prescription drug cost assistance to NJ seniors and disabled adults who meet income eligibility requirements. Eligible NJ residents pay a reduced co-pay of $5 per prescription under PAAD. For information and to apply, visit nj.gov/health/pharm/paad or call 1-800-792-9745. For home care assistance coordinating medications, call (908) 912-6342.
How do I contact my county’s Division on Aging in New Jersey?
Each of New Jersey’s 21 counties has a local Division on Aging or Area Agency on Aging that provides benefits counseling, caregiver support, Meals on Wheels coordination, transportation, and access to state programs. Find your county’s Division on Aging through the NJ EASE system at 1-877-222-3737. For private 24-hour home care, call (908) 912-6342.
Does NJ have a Lifeline utility assistance program for seniors?
Yes. The NJ Lifeline Credit Program provides utility bill credits to qualifying low-income NJ seniors and disabled adults. Eligible residents receive annual credits on their electric and/or gas bills. To apply or learn more, visit nj.gov/treasury/lifeline or call 1-800-792-9745. For home care during extreme weather, call (908) 912-6342.
How do I arrange Meals on Wheels in New Jersey?
Meals on Wheels is available in all NJ counties through local meal programs coordinated by county Divisions on Aging. Eligibility is typically based on age (60+), need, and homebound status. To arrange Meals on Wheels delivery, contact your county’s Division on Aging via NJ EASE or visit mealsonwheelsamerica.org. For comprehensive home care, call (908) 912-6342.
What senior transportation services are available in NJ?
Senior transportation in NJ is available through several programs: NJ Transit provides senior discounted fares; county Divisions on Aging often operate or coordinate non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT); NJRide connects seniors to volunteer driver programs; and NJ Medicaid covers transportation to medical appointments for eligible recipients. For more information, contact your county’s Division on Aging through NJ EASE. 24 HOUR Home Care NJ caregivers also provide transportation as part of care plans. Call (908) 912-6342.
| Configuration | Coverage pattern | Best for | Cost tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Companion / hourly | 3-12 hr/day · 3-7 days/week | Meal + medication + safety + errands | $-$$ |
| Live-in | One caregiver 24 hr with 8-hr sleep window | Client sleeps through most nights · spare bedroom available | $$$ |
| 24-hour rotating | 2-3 caregivers rotate 8-12 hr shifts | Sundowning · wandering · advanced dementia · 2-person transfers | $$$$ |
| Overnight aide | 10-12 hr overnight (typically 8pm-8am) | Family present in the day · nights are the risk window | $$-$$$ |
| Respite | Short-term (weekend / week / vacation) | Family caregiver rest · surgery recovery · travel | $-$$$ |
| Post-discharge rapid start | Same-day from hospital · first week rush | Immediate coverage after HUMC / Morristown Medical / Kessler / Saint Barnabas discharge | $$$$ (rush week 1) |
| Configuration | Coverage pattern | Best for · discharge from nearest anchor hospital | Cost tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Companion / hourly | 3-12 hr/day · 3-7 days/week | Meal + medication + safety + errands | $-$$ |
| Overnight aide | 10-12 hr overnight (8pm-8am) | Parent alone at night · sundowning window | $$-$$$ |
| Live-in | One caregiver 24 hr with 8-hr sleep | Client sleeps through nights · spare bedroom | $$$ |
| 24-hour rotating | 2-3 caregivers rotate 8-12 hr shifts | Sundowning · wandering · 2-person transfers | $$$$ |
| Post-discharge rapid | Same-day from nearest anchor hospital | Immediate coverage after discharge · first-week rush | $$$$ week 1 |
| Respite | Weekend / week / vacation | Family caregiver rest · surgery recovery · travel | $-$$$ |
Home care configurations in New Jersey · what fits which household
According to 24 Hour Home Care NJ, New Jersey families choose from a small set of care configurations · Sofia matches the right one on the intake call:
- Companion / hourly · 3-12 hr/day. Meal + medication + safety + errands. Weekly cost $400-$3,000 depending on hours.
- Overnight aide · 10-12 hr nightly. Parent alone at night · aide covers 8pm-8am. Weekly cost $2,000-$3,000.
- Live-in · 24-hour presence with 8-hr sleep window. Single dementia-trained caregiver. Daily $400-$550 in New Jersey.
- 24-hour rotating shifts · someone always awake. Two or three aides rotating. Daily $720-$1,080.
- Post-discharge rapid start. Same-day coverage from the discharging facility. Rush pricing for first week only.
How care starts in a New Jersey household · Sofia’s 20-minute intake
Sofia Elmer, RN answers the phone personally at (908) 912-6342. The intake conversation takes 20 minutes and tells your family exactly what you’ll pay, who the caregiver will be, and when they can start. No sales script. No pushy follow-up. If the fit is wrong, Sofia says so and points you elsewhere.
Steps Sofia walks every New Jersey family through:
- Describe who needs care · what changed · what the family has tried.
- Sofia proposes a specific care configuration + estimated cost.
- Sofia identifies 2-3 caregivers on her New Jersey roster who fit.
- Family meets the proposed caregiver(s) BEFORE anyone enters the home.
- Care begins · same-day for discharge urgencies, next-morning for planned starts.
- Sofia calls at 24 hours · weekly RN check-ins after that.
Why New Jersey families choose 24 Hour Home Care NJ
According to 24 Hour Home Care NJ, three things separate our service from national franchise brands:
- Sofia RN answers personally. No menu, no queue, no offshore intake center. Direct line at (908) 912-6342.
- Local caregivers matched to your town. Aides recruited from New Jersey and the surrounding New Jersey area. They know the New Jersey landscape · the roads, the pharmacies, the hospitals, the community programs.
- Continuity of face. The same caregiver on Monday is on Monday next month. Sofia stays connected weekly · not just at intake.
Frequently asked questions
How much does home care cost in New Jersey?
Companion visits run $30-$40/hr. Live-in runs $400-$550/day. 24-hour rotating runs $720-$1,080/day. Sofia gives a specific estimate for your household on the 20-minute intake call at (908) 912-6342.
How quickly can care start?
Same-day for hospital-discharge urgencies. 24-48 hours for planned starts. Sofia confirms a matched caregiver within 2 hours of the first call.
Are your caregivers dementia-trained?
Yes. Every caregiver on the New Jersey roster completes dementia + calm-voice + redirection training. Sofia refreshes the training protocol quarterly.
Do you bill Medicare or Medicaid?
No. 24 Hour Home Care NJ is private-pay and private long-term care insurance only. Sofia helps read LTCi policies and file claims on behalf of families.
Will I meet the caregiver before care starts?
Always. Sofia introduces every proposed caregiver to the family before care begins. Families approve who walks through the door.
What if the fit is wrong?
Sofia proposes a different caregiver within 24 hours. No agency-pool rotation. Family is in control.
Meet Sofia Elmer, RN · in person or by phone
24 Hour Home Care NJ is a locally verified Google Business Profile. See real family reviews, ask a question, or call directly.
Authority references
Take Sofia’s free NJ home care reference sheet with you
One page, plain English, no sales pitch — the questions to ask any NJ home care agency + what a real hourly rate range looks like across the 21 counties. Sofia RN made it for you.