Finding CCRC in New Jersey

Continuing care retirement communities are retirement communities with accommodations for independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care, offering residents a continuum of care. The communities ensure a dignified place for your or your senior to stay. Depending on your location and specific needs your options may vary. Since many sponsors of CCRCs include religious, fraternal and community organizations, and other companies involved with developing these retirement communities, they often imbue their philosophies and ideals within the communities. Although there is no overarching federal agency that regulates retirement communities, the private non-profit organization CARF-CCAC provides a voluntary process for individual CCRCs to become accredited.

Find CONTINUING CARE Facilities In NEW JERSEY

Find Senior Caring Options by County

Recreation and Attractions In New Jersey

As the third state to ratify the United State’s constitution, New Jersey retains a rich history and boasts plenty of colonial towns and seaside villages. Residents can enjoy the surf and sand of Ocean City beaches or the thrill of Atlantic City’s casinos. Other places like Cape May give residents a portal to the past with Victorian architecture, while Newark provides music festivals and modern shopping areas. Whatever your range of mobility may be, there’s always something more to explore in the Garden State!

New Jersey's Climate, Geography, and Culture

New Jersey natives are a bunch of hard-working, no-nonsense citizens. A stone's throw from New York City, New Jersey offers a variety of east coast culture along with a taste of the big city. Winters can become cold with the noreaster hitting in the colder months and the summer heat can kick up from time to time.

New Jersey's Continued Care Regulations and Laws

New Jersey has put into place regulations and laws dedicated to ensuring that CCRCs are up to par with state and federal regulations. The regulations include regular facility inspections and well as a strict health code. New Jersey prides itself on providing some of the nicest CCRCs on the east coast.

Crime and Safety in New Jersey

New Jersey’s crime rates are below the national average with only 2.61 violent crimes and 17.34 property crimes per 1,000 residents overall. The crimes per square mile average at around 73 compared to the national 32.8. This is most likely to do with more crimes being committed in dense cities and areas with heavy tourism. Below are the safest places to look for nursing homes in New Jersey.

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000Property Crimes Per 1,000
Chatnam03.93
Morris.13.83
Bergenfield.583.87

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in New Jersey

The payment plans will differ at each CCRC, however, large entrance fees are to be expected and can range anywhere from $30,000 to $500,000 and even up to $1 million at a single time depending on your contract and location. The national average cost of an entrance fee based on the most recent data is $248,000, and this price is expected to continue to fluctuate based on local housing prices. 

The type of contract entered into by the resident will include a monthly maintenance fee costing between $300 and $4,500 or more depending on which services are utilized. Some residents may choose a “buy-in” option, meaning they join the community through buying an actual property. Whether you buy a property or not, it’s still necessary to look out for any additional maintenance or service fees before signing a contract. 

The difference in prices is largely a result of the type of contract residents enter into, as well as their individual health care costs and possible Medicare or Medicaid coverage. 

  1. Extensive Contracts – Guarantee a lifetime of housing and care at any and all levels provided by the community. This includes monthly fees in exchange for a wide range of services. Because there is a relatively lower degree of risk, the upfront costs are much higher.
    1. Entry Fee: $160,000 - $600,000
    2. Monthly Fee: $2,500 - $5,400
  2. Modified Contracts – Modified contracts only extend to a set number of days. After exceeding this limit, services are paid for out of pocket by the resident. Monthly fees are also still charged at an ongoing rate.
    1. Entry Fee: $80,000 - $750,000
    2. Monthly Fee: $1,500 - $2,500
  3. Fee-For-Service Contracts – Residents only pay for the services they currently use, however, are not safeguarded from any future changes in pricing or service availability. Most of the financial burden is borne by the resident, depending on Medicare or Medicaid eligibility. These are considered to be the contracts with the highest risk, even though their upfront costs are the lowest.
    1. Entry Fee: $100,000 - $500,000
    2. Monthly Fee: $1,300 - $4,300
  4. Rental Agreements – Allow residents the ability to rent a housing unit on a monthly or annual basis. This type of contract does not guarantee access to health care on a fee-for-service basis, unlike other agreements.
    1. Entry Fee: $1,800 - $30,000
    2. Monthly Fee: $900 - $10,700
  5. Equity Agreements – Shares of the community or association are afforded to individuals by the transferal of actual home, condominium, or townhome ownership within the CCRC. Healthcare services can still be purchased for additional fees. Through an equity agreement, the property’s appreciation benefits the individual or their estate as specified by the terms of the contract. This type of agreement relies heavily on the fluctuations of real estate in the area.

From a Report by The U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Senior and Elderly Rights For Continued Care in NJ

State and federal rights are in place for those who enter a CCRC. Just because you're entering continued care does not mean you lose your rights as a citizen. These rights guarantee you dignified and caring service from your caretaker. If these rights are violated, don’t hesitate to contact a legal advisor familiar with the senior law.

NJ CCRCs: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Many CCRCs will require applicants to submit health records as well as an up-to-date physical examination. Unfortunately, it is common for applicants with frailties and those older than 80 years of age to be denied admission, especially if their pre-existing medical conditions are excluded from the health care coverage to be provided. Residents receiving nursing home care or any other type of medical attention in New Jersey are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. State and federal laws provide that residents have access to their records and health information, as well as the right to know when disclosures have been made. Otherwise, these records are to remain confidential for up to 7 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee. 

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.