Are you interested in learning about what resources and programs are available to older adults in New Jersey?

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Your first step could be calling 1-877-222-3737, the hotline for New Jersey’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC). Whether you need information about full-time long-term care or just the address of the nearest senior center, the ADRC will assist you in finding the information and services you need.

For a more local introduction, your Area Agency on Aging (AAA) could also be a good place to start. As part of the 1965 Older Americans Act, each New Jersey county has designated an AAA that coordinates all programs on aging within its borders and serves as the central source for information and referral for services and programs. AAAs are the entities responsible for administering community-based services for all older adults within its borders and are therefore great sources of information about these programs. A list of each county’s AAA, complete with phone number and link to its website, can be found on the ADRC website. 

Older adult resources

These services have been organized into the following topics:

• Wellness & Self Care: As you age, the ways you take care of yourself and stay healthy can change. This section outlines the specific programs available to older adults looking to achieve or maintain wellness. 

• Food & Nutrition: Mobility or financial issues can make it harder for older Americans to fulfill their nutritional needs. This section introduces the various programs available to older adults that ensure they are getting the food they require.

• Services in the Home: Many older adults are able to continue to live in their homes or in their communities—and avoid institutional care—with the help of certain programs. This section outlines the services ensuring that New Jerseyans can address the financial, transportation-related, or medical challenges that can occur when aging at home.

• Services in the Community: There are a many programs for older adults that take place outside the home, which can help reduce the feeling of isolation while increasing our independence. This section provides an overview of the various community-based services available to older residents.

• Older Adult FAQs: Have any questions about services in New Jersey? This section addresses the most common questions about accessing useful information on aging in the State.

Other resources

The ADRC has also compiled and organized resources for caregivers and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, which organize information about these topics into an easy-to-read format.

In addition, the ADRCNJ website can be a powerful tool for finding specific programs or learning more about certain issues. On the home page, the most popular search terms have been collected into twelve easy-to-identify boxes. The ADRC Resources dropdown tab contains a powerful search function; guides to topics relevant to aging New Jerseyans, from legal advocacy to health insurance; and a directory of all organizations dealing with aging and disability issues in the State. Any questions about the contents of the website, as well as how to best use it, can be answered by calling the ADRC hotline number mentioned above (1-877-222-3737).

Finally, the New Jersey Division on Aging Services website is another useful resource. Not only does it outline the programs offered by the State to help aging adults—including services & supports and the NJSave application for reduced Medicare premiums, prescription costs, and other living expenses—it has collected information on a variety of relevant topics, such as protection from elder abuse and fraud.