Official Site
of The State of New Jersey
Caregiver Support Hub
Caregivers provide vital daily support.
This hub offers resources, training, and tools to support you along the way.
Are you an Archangel?
One in six Americans takes care of someone without getting paid while also managing other responsibilities. Take the Archangels intensity quiz to find out your score and see tailored resources.
Need Help? Here's What to Do!
To talk to someone:
Call AAA/ADRC
Contact your Local County Office for:
Information, benefits assistance, and counseling for individuals and caregivers.
Support for living at home with in-home care and transportation services.
Programs for exercise, wellness, and nutrition.
Social services, health programs, and community support to stay connected.
Programs for Caregivers
These lists give information about programs that help teach caregivers, offer them breaks from caregiving, and connect them with other caregivers for support.
Statewide Respite
Care Program (SRCP)
SRCP gives services to people who need care so that unpaid caregivers can have a break, called "respite." These services can include adult day care, home care, companion services, campership, or a short stay in a facility. There is also an option where caregivers can pay for services or items that help them with caregiving and then get their money back.
Alzheimer’s Adult Day Services Program (AADSP)
AADSP gives a break, called "respite," to unpaid caregivers who take care of someone with Alzheimer's disease or a similar disorder, like dementia. It helps pay for adult day care at certain centers. These centers have more staff and special care for people with dementia. There are co-pays that depend on income.
Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC)
JACC is a state-funded program that offers various in-home and community-based services to people aged 60 and older. It is for those who need nursing home-level care but want to stay in their homes in the community.
Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC/AAA)
The ADRC/AAA connects older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers to community services and supports. Contact your local office for help with navigating available resources.
Home & Community Based Services
Home and community based services help people who need support with everyday activities stay in their homes and communities. These services can be found through different programs.
Personal Care Assistant Service (PCA)
PCA services involve health-related tasks that are not emergencies. These tasks are done by trained staff in the home of someone who is part of NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid). The program helps with everyday activities and household chores that are important for the person's health and comfort.
Personal Preference Program (PPP)
The PPP gives NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) another way to receive their Personal Care Assistant (PCA) services.
Instead of receiving care from a regular agency, eligible members can manage their own care. They can choose who provides their services and how those services are given. Participants work with a financial management service to make a care plan, decide what kind of help they need, and hire the people or agencies they want.
Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP)
PASP is a state-funded personal care assistance program for people with permanent physical disabilities or aged individuals who can manage their own services. The program offers up to 40 hours a week of regular, non-medical personal care to adults 18 and older who want to live and work independently. You hire and manage your own personal assistants who help with tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, grooming, making meals, shopping, light cleaning, driving, or using public transportation.
Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS)
MLTSS is a New Jersey program designed to help seniors and individuals with disabilities live at home for as long as possible. MLTSS also offers private duty nursing services for children who need skilled care.
Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
PACE is a program for frail individuals aged 55 and older that provides complete medical and social services. These services are coordinated by a team of professionals at a community center and in the participants' homes, helping them delay or avoid moving to a long-term nursing home. To join PACE, a person must be 55 or older, need nursing home-level care but be able to live safely in the community with PACE services, and live in the area served by a PACE organization. Participants can leave the PACE program whenever they want.
Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC)
JACC is a state-funded program that offers various in-home and community-based services to people aged 60 and older. It is for those who need nursing home-level care but want to stay in their homes in the community.
Caregiver Support & Counseling
Trualta
Trualta can connect you with other caregivers and find support, resources, and guidance when you need it.
Care2Caregivers offers free and private phone counseling, education, support, referrals, and resources for people in New Jersey and their caregivers. Trained peer counselors, who have experience as family caregivers themselves, provide help and guidance throughout the caregiving journey. Care2Caregivers is a program of Rutgers COPSA, which also provides diagnosis and treatment services.
The Caregiver Action Network (CAN) helps many different family caregivers, including parents of children with special needs, families and friends of wounded soldiers, young couples facing a diagnosis of MS, and adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer's disease. CAN offers education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers all over the country for free.
Family Caregiver Alliance helps families and friends who provide long-term care. They offer programs at national, state, and local levels to support and assist caregivers.
Care Quality & Safety
AHCA advocates for quality care and services for individuals who are frail, elderly, and/or have disabilities
The Well Spouse Association supports people who care for those with chronic illnesses or disabilities. They provide peer-to-peer support and educate healthcare professionals and the public about the unique challenges that "well" spouses experience every day.
The National Alliance for Caregiving is a group of national organizations that focus on family caregiving. Members include local community groups, professional associations, service organizations, groups that focus on specific diseases, government agencies, and companies.
The Safe Care Cam program program offers free 30-day loans of small surveillance cameras to anyone who thinks their loved one might be abused or neglected by home health aides or other in-home caregivers. For more information, you can call the Division of Consumer Affairs toll-free at 1-800-242-5846 or 1-973-504-6375.
The Mom2Mom helpline (1-877-914-6662) provides mental health and peer support to mothers of children with special needs. The hotline is available 24/7 and is staffed by moms who have been trained in peer counseling and crisis support. These moms also have children with special needs, so they understand what you're going through.
Mental Health & Wellness
NAMI NJ is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. It offers peer-led support groups and education programs (NAMI Family-to-Family, NAMI Basics, NAMI Homefront) to family members and caregivers. Culturally sensitive services are provided to families through four multicultural programs.
Advocacy & Caregiver Task Force Members
The Arc of New Jersey
The Arc of New Jersey advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. They provide information, support, and resources to help individuals live fulfilling lives in their communities.
LeadingAge New Jersey
LeadingAge New Jersey represents non-profit and mission-driven aging services providers across the state. They advocate for quality care and services for older adults and their families.
Home Care & Hospice Association of New Jersey
HCHANJ represents home care, hospice, and community health organizations throughout New Jersey. They work to ensure access to quality home-based and end-of-life care for all residents.
Caregivers of New Jersey / Family Resource Network
The Family Resource Network serves as the New Jersey Lifespan Respite Coalition under the name Caregivers of New Jersey. They promote services and support for family caregivers of all ages across the state.
AARP New Jersey
AARP New Jersey empowers people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. They provide resources, advocacy, and information on caregiving, health, finances, and community engagement.
Alzheimer's Association of Greater New Jersey
The Alzheimer's Association provides care and support for those affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias. They offer a 24/7 Helpline, support groups, education programs, and resources for caregivers.
Programs for Organizations
To help employees who have to take care of a family member or friend with an illness or disability, here are resources for organizations. These resources aim to support working caregivers and help create healthy and supportive workplaces.
Trualta
As people live longer, the demands on our healthcare system will grow. It's important to find new ways to help and to bring care into people's homes. Caregivers are becoming a key part of healthcare. Trualta can help you with this.
Archangels
ARCHANGELS can help your organization manage the demands on caregivers by planning and using strategies that support and engage them, making a noticeable impact.
The Reality: Caregivers are all around us, they might not look like what we expect, and many don't realize they are caregivers.
Join a Community That Understands Your Life
You're not alone. Connect with other caregivers and find support, resources, and guidance when you need it.
Join for Free
Caregiver Training
Enhance your caregiving journey with free, expert-led resources designed to support you. Whether you prefer learning at your own pace through our video library or joining a structured 6-week workshop, we're here to help you build essential skills while prioritizing your own well-being. Explore both options below to find what works best for you.
Free comprehensive library of online training videos that are expert-led. From hands-on care techniques to self-care strategies, these videos offer practical guidance
Browse Caregiver Videos
Free 6-week online workshop proven
to help caregivers improve their caregiving skills, physical and mental
health and overall
well-being.
Financial Help
Taking care of someone who is sick, elderly, or has a disability, whether at home or in a care facility, can be very expensive. Many caregivers use their own money for caregiving costs and often need financial help to maintain a healthy caregiving relationship.
New Jersey Paid Family Leave
If you need time off work to bond with a new family member or care for a loved one, you might be able to get help through New Jersey Paid Family Leave . Family Leave Insurance Benefits can help replace some of your wages when you have to stop working to care for someone with a serious health condition, like COVID-19, or to deal with certain issues related to domestic or sexual violence. Most employers in New Jersey must provide Family Leave Insurance for their employees. A doctor needs to confirm that your family member has a condition and needs your care. You can take caregiving leave all at once or in separate periods to fit your needs.
Can I Get Paid to Be a Caregiver?
Some programs can pay family members or friends to help take care of someone regularly. Sometimes, families who provide care can get money to help with certain things, like taking a break or buying things they need. These programs might be available through your Managed Care Organization (MCO) if the person you are caring for is part of the Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program.
For caregivers of children with catastrophic illnesses, the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF) may provide financial assistance to help families cover expenses not covered by insurance or other programs.
Which Program Is Right for You?
Several programs can help pay for personal care services. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide where to start.
| PCA Personal Care Assistance |
PPP Personal Preference Program |
PASP Personal Assistance Services Program |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Agency-directed in-home care for daily living activities (bathing, dressing, meal prep) | Self-directed version of PCA — you choose and manage your own personal care worker | Helps people with disabilities hire their own assistants for daily living and work/community activities |
| Who qualifies | NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) members who need help with ADLs | NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) members eligible for PCA who want self-direction | People with physical disabilities who want to live and work independently |
| Who directs care | Agency assigns and manages the aide | You hire and direct your own worker (can be a family member) | You hire and manage your own personal assistant |
| Funding source | Medicaid / MLTSS | Medicaid / MLTSS | State-funded (DHS/DDD) |
| Learn more | PCA Program → | PPP Program → | PASP Program → |
Not sure which applies to you? Contact your Managed Care Organization (MCO) or ADRC/AAA for personalized guidance.
Don't meet MLTSS criteria? You may still be eligible for JACC (Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving) — a state-funded program that provides similar support for those who need help but don't qualify for Medicaid-based services.
What's the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?
Understanding the difference between Medicare and Medicaid is important when planning for care coverage. They cover different types of services:
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people 65 and older. It covers episodes of care only — such as short-term skilled nursing, physical therapy after a hospital stay, or home health visits for a limited period. It does not cover long-term in-home personal care assistance.
Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare)
Medicaid can cover ongoing home health aide services if Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) — such as bathing, dressing, eating, or mobility — are unable to be performed independently. This includes long-term personal care assistance and community-based services through programs like MLTSS.
If you need help understanding which program applies to your situation, contact your local ADRC/AAA or call 1-800-792-9745.
PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)
If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual-eligible), PACE may be an option. PACE provides all the same services as managed long-term care — medical, social, and long-term services — but delivers them through a single coordinated program. Everything is managed in one place so you don't have to navigate multiple providers. Learn more about PACE →
NJSave Programs
Save over $200/month on premiums, prescriptions & costs.
NJSave is an online application to help low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities save money on Medicare premiums, prescription costs, and other living expenses.
Get Started — Apply for NJSavePrograms Accessed Through NJSave
- Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD)
- Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program
- Lifeline Utility Assistance
- Medicare Savings Programs (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) & Qualifying Individual (QI))
- Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (Extra Help)
- Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD)
Additional Screening Programs
- Universal Service Fund (USF)
- Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
You may also qualify for:
- Property Tax Freeze (Senior Freeze)
- Reduced Motor Vehicle Fees
- NJ Hearing Aid Project
For help completing the application, contact your county-based Area Agency on Aging (AAA),
or call 1-800-792-9745.
Quick FAQs
Do you have questions about being a caregiver? This section answers the most common questions about the services available for people taking care of a loved one in New Jersey.
How Do I Know If I Am a Caregiver?
▼- Do you help with chores at home for someone you care about?
- Do you help them get ready in the morning or for bed at night?
- Do you take them to the doctor?
- Do you talk to doctors and nurses to make sure they are okay?
- Do you help with their money or important papers?
- Do you spend time with them so they aren't lonely?
Can I Get Paid to Care for a Family Member?
▼Sometimes, families who take care of someone can get money to help with things like taking a break or buying what they need. In some cases, they can even get paid for caregiving. These options might be available through your Managed Care Organization (MCO) if the person you care for is part of the Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS)
How Can I Find Someone to Care for My Family Member at Home?
▼There are many ways to get help at home, from housekeeping and chores to skilled nursing care. The kind of help you need depends on what your family member and you need. The Personal Care Assistant Service (PCA) Program might be able to help you find the right care.
How Can I Help My Family Member If I Don’t Live Nearby?
▼Caregivers can help from far away too! If you live far from your loved one, you can still help by organizing their care, finding a care manager, and learning about services they need. You can also help with their money, set up help at home, and plan for emergencies. One of the most important things you can do is keep in touch and support their social and emotional needs.
How Can I Take Time Off Work to Care for a Family Member?
▼
The New Jersey Family
Leave Insurance Program gives workers in New Jersey cash benefits for up to
12
weeks
to spend time
with a new baby or a newly adopted or foster child. This benefit is also for people
caring for a loved one who is very
sick or hurt, including with COVID-19.
The New Jersey Paid Sick Leave law says that all employers must give full-time,
part-time, and temporary workers up to
40 hours of sick leave each year. This can be used to care for yourself or a loved
one.
I Need a Break! How Can I Find Respite Care?
▼In New Jersey, respite is available to caregivers in different ways that depend on the clinical and financial eligibility of the care recipient.
- Respite may be available to through your MCO as part of Medicaid NJ Family Care (these include MLTSS and the Community Care waiver)
- If eligible, the Statewide Respite Care Program offers a periodic break for caregivers through a sliding scale payment model. More information can be found at the following link: New Jersey Respite Care Brochure (English) New Jersey Respite Care Brochure (Spanish)
- Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC) can also offer respite services for caregivers if it is deemed a priority under the care recipient’s plan of care. More information can be found at the following link: JACC Brochure (English) JACC Brochure (Spanish)
- The Alzheimer's Adult Day Services Program is another option for caregivers of individuals with dementia or related disorders who would like to send their loved one to an Adult Day Center in order to enjoy a break Alzheimer's Adult Day Services Program (English) Alzheimer's Adult Day Services Program (Spanish).
- In some counties, the Aging & Disability Resource Connection/Area Agency on Aging (ADRC/AAA) offers respite through the Older Americans Act Title III E National Family Caregiver Support Program.
- The Family Resource Network serves as the New Jersey Lifespan Respite Coalition under the name Caregivers of New Jersey. That is a coalition of organizations that promote services and support for family caregivers. More information can be found at the following links: Caregivers of New Jersey.
- Click here for even more information on Respite.
How Do I Handle the Daily Stress of Being a Caregiver?
▼The Self-Help Group Clearing House helps people find and form all types of self-help support groups in order to provide hope, strength and experience to those in need in order to not feel alone.
How Can I Make a Complaint About a Family Member’s Care?
▼If you are concerned about your family member's care in a facility, you can reach out to the facility or organization directly or contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate for residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
If your family member lives in the community, you can contact Adult Protective Services if you suspect abuse, neglect exploitation. Every county has an Adult Protective Services provider.
How Do I Get My Family Member’s Legal and Financial Affairs in Order?
▼- South Jersey Legal Services
- Legal Services of North West Jersey
- Essex-Newark Legal Services
- Central Jersey Legal Services
- North East New Jersey Legal Services
Help for Veterans
Services may also be available through Veterans Affairs for caregivers of veterans. This may be through the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) or through the Veteran’s Directed Care Program. More information can be found from the VA Caregiver Support Program or from the Lyons Campus of the VA New Jersey Health Care System
The network of regional Veterans Service Offices (VSO), through the NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) provides the state's Veterans and their dependents with information and guidance on employment, education, burial, counseling, housing, social and medical services and more. Caregiver Support Program Teams are available at each VA Medical Center (VAMC) to help caregivers find the right support to meet their needs and to enroll in caregiver programs and services.
Get Local Veteran SupportOnline Workshops: Building Better Caregivers
Building Better Caregivers offers free online workshops designed specifically for veterans. Connect with others who understand, learn practical caregiving skills, and find the support you need, whenever you need it.
More Resources
Daily Living & In-Home Care
Health Coverage & Benefits
Transportation & Getting Around
Transportation
Services
Rides to appointments via Access Link, Uber Health, or Lyft. Rideshare may be covered by insurance.
Wellness & Emotional Support
Accessibility & Special Needs
Family & Caregiving
Housing Options
Finding the right housing for someone with a disability or an aging loved one can be overwhelming. Below is a comparison of different housing types available in New Jersey to help you understand your options.
| Housing Type | Description | Who Qualifies | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable Rental Housing | Income-restricted apartments with reduced rent, often managed by housing authorities or nonprofits. | Very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families | Rent capped at 30% of income; may have waitlists |
| Accessible Housing | Units designed or modified with accessibility features such as ramps, wider doorways, and grab bars. | People with physical disabilities or mobility challenges | ADA-compliant; search on NJHRC |
| Supportive Housing | Combines affordable housing with wraparound services like case management, mental health support, and life skills. | People with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or formerly homeless individuals | On-site or linked services; promotes independent living |
| Group Homes / Community Residences | Shared homes with staff support for individuals who need assistance with daily living. | Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (typically through DDD) | 24/7 support staff; small community setting |
| Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers | Federal rent vouchers that allow you to choose housing in the private market while paying a reduced rate. | Very low-income families, elderly, and people with disabilities | Portable between locations; long waitlists common |
| Assisted Living | Residential facilities providing personal care, meals, and health services in a home-like environment. | Older adults or individuals with disabilities who need help with ADLs but not full nursing care | May be covered by Medicaid/MLTSS for eligible individuals |
| Congregate Housing (CHSP) | Community-based housing with shared services like meals, housekeeping, and personal assistance to help residents remain independent. | Frail older adults and people with disabilities living in eligible housing developments | Learn about CHSP |
| Temporary / Emergency Housing | Short-term housing for individuals in crisis, including shelters and transitional programs. | Individuals facing homelessness, domestic violence, or emergency displacement | Search available on NJHRC; contact 2-1-1 for help |
Use the NJ Housing Resource Center to search for available housing by type, location, and accessibility features.
Search Housing on NJHRCAdditional Housing Resources
- NJ Housing Resource Center — Search rentals, for-sale, and accessible housing statewide
- iChoose NJ — Housing support and community living options
- Congregate Housing Services (CHSP) — Supportive services in community housing to help residents stay independent
- Protections: NJ law protects against housing discrimination based on disability, source of income, and other factors
- Need help now? Call 2-1-1 for homelessness and eviction prevention resources
Programs to Help You Stay in Your Home
New Jersey offers several programs to reduce housing costs and help residents remain in their homes.
- ANCHOR — Property tax relief for homeowners and renters who meet income requirements
- Senior Freeze — Reimburses eligible seniors and disabled persons for property tax increases
- Stay NJ — Property tax credit program to help seniors age 65+ stay in New Jersey
- Congregate Housing Services (CHSP) — Meals, housekeeping, and personal care in community housing settings
