Assisted Living in Bergen County, NJ

Assisted Living Costs in Bergen County

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care survey, Bergen County’s ($5,916) average assisted living cost is significantly higher than the national average of $4,000 and approximately $100 less than the New Jersey state average of $6,065. The most expensive cities, Trenton ($7,230) and the Vineland Area ($6,855), are close to, if not over, $1,000 more than Bergen County, whereas the lease expensive cities, Ocean City ($4,800) and the Atlantic City Area ($5,100), are close to $1,000 less than Bergen County. 

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Bergen County: $5,916
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $6,065
• Trenton, NJ: $7,230
• Vineland Area, NJ: $6,855
• Atlantic City Area, NJ: $5,100
• Ocean City, NJ: $4,800
• Kingston, NY: $4,100
• Albany Area, NY: $5,050

Care Cost Comparison

The biggest factor impacting the cost of care is the level of care an individual needs. Nursing home care in a semiprivate room ($12,091) is more than double the cost of assisted living care and substantially higher than home health costs. Assisted living is an economical choice when it comes to seniors who need assistance with activities, such as meal prep, dressing, bathing and medication management. These costs are typically built into assisted living plans along with room and board and some utilities. Home health costs don’t include an individual’s home upkeep, but usually include light housekeeping, meal prep and personal care assistance. 

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $5,916
• Homemaker services: $4,576
• Home health aide: $4,767
• Adult day health: $1,950
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $12,091

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Bergen County

Medicaid in New Jersey

Aged, Blind, and Disabled Medicaid (ABD) is free or low-cost health insurance provided to those in New Jersey who are low-income residents. This program offers services, including doctor visits, hospital services, prescription medications and other health care programs, depending on an individuals unique needs. 

Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be age 65 and older, blind or disabled
• Be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien
• Be a permanent resident of New Jersey for at least 5 years (not a rigid requirement)
• Disposable assets, such as savings, checking accounts and bonds, must be no more than $4,000 (single person) or $6,000 (married couple)
• Income of $1,041 per month or less for a single person
• Income of $1,409 per month or less for a married couple 

Applications for Medicaid are processed within 45 days of the date of the form. No interview is required for ABD Medicaid. 

Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) is a program for low-income seniors who can receive medical and nonmedical care services from the NJ FamilyCare managed care organization (MCO). MLTSS provides various services, such as personal care, home and vehicle modifications, assisted living and home health providers (including family members).

To qualify, seniors must meet the requirements of Medicaid and demonstrate that assistance is necessary to do activities of daily living, such as showering, grooming, dressing and mobility. If approved for financial and clinical Medicaid, seniors will be enrolled in MLTSS and MCO. 

To learn more about the MLTSS program, contact the local Area Agency on Aging or call (201) 336-7400.

For information regarding ABD Medicaid, please call (800) 356-1561. An application must be completed, along with forms of verification, and turned into the Bergen County Board of Social Services: 

218 Route 17 North, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662-3300
(201) 368-4200

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Elderlife Financial Services offers short-term loans for seniors who need immediate funding for assisted living or nursing home care while they’re waiting for long-term solutions, such as the sale of a home or benefit approval. Funds are sent directly to the care facility and are paid back in flexible, low-interest installments. 

Eligibility is based on factors such as income and creditworthiness, and approvals can be as fast as 24 hours. Seniors who can’t qualify on their own can include up to six cosigners, which may increase the likelihood of approval and result in lower payments. Installments can be split amongst family members. Lenders typically require that a permanent funding plan be in place prior to loan approval.

Seniors can apply for a bridge loan online or by calling (888) 228-4500.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Some insurance providers offer long-term care insurance policies that can cover the cost of assisted living facilities and nursing homes after an annual deductible is met. These policies can’t help seniors in current need of long-term care but may be available to those who are still relatively healthy and independent but want to plan for the future. Eligibility and terms vary by provider and plan. 

Assisted Living Resources in Bergen County

Bergen County Senior Centers

Senior centers offer residents a place  to socialize, remain active and receive guidance. These centers prevent isolation and provide various activities, including nutrition programs, health and wellness checks, educational information and day trips. 

Fair Lawn Senior Center
11-05 Gardiner Road, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
(201) 796-1191

Tenafly Senior Center
20 South Summit Street, Tenafly, N.J. 07670
(201) 569-2159

Martin Luther King JR. Senior Center
375 First Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
(201) 342-265

Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging plans, coordinates and funds senior programs in Bergen County. Their mission is to promote and support the well-being and independence of seniors. These locations below provide assistance with various goals, such as applying and completing forms for benefits, finding transportation, meal services and long-term care guidance. 

The Bergen County Division of Senior Services
One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd Floor, Hackensack, NJ 07601-7076
(201) 336-7400 

Social Security Offices

When seniors need to apply for or receive more information on Social Security retirement benefits or Supplemental Security Income, it’s best to call or visit the local office below. 

Hackensack, NJ Social Security Offices
401 Hackensack Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601
(800) 772-1213