"Long-term care services" is a broad term used to encompass a broad spectrum of choices one has to assist or provide care to a person and/or the caregiver.
Understanding your options based on the type of care needed, financial considerations, the accessibility of community support services for in-home care, and the availability of a bed in a facility that meets your requirements are important considerations to making the right choice. The social workers at The Valley Hospital are available to help patients and their families make an informed choice while providing emotional support during this stressful time.
Other resources:
A Guide to Community-Based Long Term Care in New Jersey
Long Term Care in New Jersey – Health Care Association of New Jersey
Aging and Disability Resource Connection – Area Agency on Aging
Community Choice – NJ Department of Health & Senior Services
A Place for Mom
Search for Long-Term Care Facilities – NJ Department of Health
Bergen County Division of Senior Services
New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman
BenefitsCheckUp – National Council on Aging
Benefits.gov
Care at Home
Care Managers
Care managers are available to help determine and coordinate the care and services needed by elderly individuals and others.
Aging Life Life Care Association (Find an Expert)
Connections Care Management
Caring Choices Case Management
The Elder Expert
Heightened Independence & Progress
MLTSS (Managed Long-Term Services and Supports)
For individuals who need assistance activities of daily living in the home on a long-term basis, Medicaid-eligible persons can receive services in the home as a way to prevent institutionalized care, such as a nursing home. MLTSS enables a beneficiary to live in the community with long-term supports for as long as possible.
Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports – NJ Department of Human Services
MLTSS Frequently Asked Questions
Managed Care – NY Department of Health
Home Care/Homemaker Services
Valley Home Care
Medicare.gov Home Health Services Search
Other Resources
Consumer Guide to Community-Based Long Term Care – NY State Department of Health
Getting Help at Home – NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services
Getting Answers – NJ Aging and Community Services - Getting Answers
Community Programs
A variety of community support services can help individuals remain in the community to prevent or delay the need for a higher level of care, such as assisted living or nursing home care. These services include:
Adult Medical or Social Day Care Programs
National Adult Day Services Association
Bergen County Senior Activity Centers
Rockland County Caregiver/Counseling Services
Communal Housing
If an elderly or disabled person needs more supervision than can be provided in the home, the following communal housing options may be considered. In addition to what is listed below, NJ Department of Human Services Division of Aging provides a website with a listing and resources for various types of housing arrangements for senior citizens.
Home Sharing/Shared Housing
An affordable alternative to living alone may be sharing a home or apartment. Some people wish to share their homes because they need more income to remain in their homes, or because they need help with chores, or are seeking companionship. Other individuals are looking for an affordable place to live or are offering service in exchange for rent.
Shared Housing – Women’s Rights Information Center
Home Sharing, Inc.
Home Sharing – New York Foundation for Senior Citizens
National Shared Housing Resource Center
Livable New York Resource Manual
S.H.A.R.E. (Shared Housing Association for Ridgewood and Environs)
Rooming and Boarding Houses
These facilities provide temporary or longer-term housing, which for the period of occupancy, may serve as a principal residence. Residents must be independent in caring for themselves. Residents usually have a private room with shared kitchens, bathrooms and common living areas. Some facilities may provide complementary services, such as housekeeping, meals and laundry services. These facilities may be appropriate for persons with general frailty or persons with chronic mental illness.
Apartments for Seniors/The Disabled
Independent living units with age requirements. Monthly rent does not usually include meals, activity programs or services. Some senior apartments are subsidized by the government.
Affordable Apartment Search – US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Residential Healthcare Facilities (RHCF)
These facilities are for individuals who are unable to live independently but can walk with or without an assistive device, are reasonably oriented mentally and do not have significant medical needs. These facilities provide a home-like atmosphere, food, recreational activities, supervision of medication needs, bathing, dressing and assistance in getting health services. This setting encourages independence while providing a safe environment. Some facilities are freestanding in that they provide only one level of care, while others are part of a multi-level facility.
Facility Search – NJ Department of Health
New LifeStyles – Guide to Senior Living & Care
Assisted Living Residences and Comprehensive Personal Care Homes (ALR, CPCH)
These are intended to promote “aging-in-place.” ALRs and CPCH are less restrictive settings than nursing homes in that the individual is in a “home-like” setting that allows the individual to engage in independent activity. However, it provides health monitoring and social services.
Facility Search – NJ Department of Health
Adult Care Facilities – NY State Department of Health
Choosing Assisted Living – A Place for Mom
Assisted Living Federation of America
National Center for Assisted Living
Assisted Living Program (ALP)
This is a Medicaid program offered to seniors and disabled persons who live in publicly subsidized housing. It provides nursing and personal care by an agency licensed by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). The beneficiary will still be responsible for rent, food and other household expenses.
Assisted Living Program Provider List – NJ Department of Human Services
Adult Family Care (AFC)
AFC is a community-based health program that offers room, board and personal care services to physically impaired individuals who are seeking an alternative to institutionalization. Participants are placed in the homes of carefully screened caregivers that provide supervision and assistance with activities of daily living. Placements are short- or long-term, depending on the individual's need. The program offers service to both private pay participants and those eligible for Medicaid.
Adult Family Care Program FAQs – Senior Citizens United Community Services
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)
CCRCs combine independent living, assisted living and nursing home care in a single setting in order to provide a continuum of care. An entrance fee is usually required, but an individual is provided with a lifetime of housing, meals, recreational activities, healthcare and support services.
Facility Search – NJ Department of Health
New LifeStyles – Guide to Senior Living & Care
Nursing Home
A facility licensed to provide healthcare and services involved in managing complex and potentially serious medical problems. Nursing home care is paid privately by the individual or if eligible Medicaid pays. Some long-term care insurance policies may supplement nursing home costs.