How to Pay for In-Home Care
How to Pay for Home Care in New Jersey
Jump to a state to see its Medicaid programs, waivers, and other ways to help pay for in-home care.
This directory lists New Jersey-specific and federal payment sources that can pay for, reimburse, offset, or help plan for home care. Some are direct payment sources; others are indirect supports that reduce the amount of private home care a family must buy. New Jersey's strongest state-specific pathways include NJ FamilyCare MLTSS, the Personal Preference Program, JACC, Statewide Respite, the Alzheimer's Adult Day Services program, CHSP, Community Choice, and statewide PACE expansion, and VA benefits are broken out because they can be one of the strongest payment pathways for eligible New Jersey veterans and surviving spouses.
Updated August 2026
Reviewed by Valerie VanBooven, RN, BSN
Private Pay
Personal income, savings, investments and retirement funds
Direct paymentHelps pay for: Any lawful home-care expense, including agency care, private caregivers, respite, transportation, companion care and household help.
Who qualifies: No program eligibility; limited by available household resources.
How to start: Compare written quotes using the same care schedule and duties.
Good to know: CareScout reported a 2025 New Jersey median annual cost of $86,944 for non-medical in-home caregiving based on 44 hours/week. Actual rates vary by locality and care needs.
Family contributions or pooled family care fund
Direct paymentHelps pay for: Caregiver hours, respite, transportation, meals, supplies, home modifications and other agreed care costs.
Who qualifies: Family agreement.
How to start: Use a written contribution plan and document payments.
Good to know: Can spread the cost across adult children or relatives while keeping spending transparent.
Direct-hire household caregiver
Direct paymentHelps pay for: Personal care, companionship, meal preparation, errands, supervision and other agreed duties.
Who qualifies: No public-benefit eligibility; employment and tax rules may apply.
How to start: Use a written employment agreement, timesheets and compliant payroll.
Good to know: A directly hired caregiver may be a household employee under federal and New Jersey employment rules.
Written family caregiver / personal-care agreement
Direct paymentHelps pay for: Reasonable compensation to a relative who provides documented care.
Who qualifies: Care recipient has funds and the arrangement complies with tax, employment and Medicaid rules.
How to start: Have an elder-law attorney review the agreement before payments begin if Medicaid may later be needed.
Good to know: Documentation can help distinguish legitimate compensation from gifts during a later Medicaid review.
Insurance / Planning
Traditional long-term care insurance
Direct payer / reimbursementHelps pay for: Home care, personal care, respite, adult day services and other covered long-term services according to the policy.
Who qualifies: Policyholder must satisfy benefit trigger, elimination period, provider rules and benefit limits.
How to start: Request the full policy and open a claim as soon as qualifying care begins.
Good to know: Check whether the policy requires an agency/licensed provider or permits informal/family care.
New Jersey Long-Term Care Partnership-qualified insurance
Direct payer + Medicaid planningHelps pay for: Pays covered LTC benefits; qualifying Partnership benefits may protect a corresponding amount of assets if Medicaid is later needed.
Who qualifies: Must own a Partnership-qualified policy and later satisfy Medicaid eligibility requirements.
How to start: Confirm Partnership status with the insurer and New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance.
Good to know: A standard LTC policy is not automatically Partnership-qualified.
Hybrid life/LTC policy or chronic-illness rider
Direct/indirect payerHelps pay for: May reimburse or advance funds for qualifying long-term care or chronic-illness expenses.
Who qualifies: Depends on policy terms, health status and benefit trigger.
How to start: Request an in-force illustration showing the effect on death benefit and cash value.
Good to know: Using benefits may reduce the amount ultimately paid to beneficiaries.
Life insurance cash value, policy loan, accelerated death benefit, life settlement or viatical settlement
Cash-flow sourceHelps pay for: Can generate cash that may be used for home care.
Who qualifies: Depends on policy type, health status and transaction rules.
How to start: Consult insurer plus tax/legal adviser before borrowing against or selling a policy.
Good to know: Can affect taxes, Medicaid eligibility and the death benefit.
Home Equity / Assets
Reverse mortgage / Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)
Cash-flow sourceHelps pay for: Loan proceeds can be used for home care and related living costs.
Who qualifies: Generally homeowners age 62+ meeting HECM property, equity and financial requirements.
How to start: Complete HUD-approved counseling and compare lenders.
Good to know: Borrower must continue taxes, insurance, occupancy and property obligations; home equity declines as the loan grows.
HELOC, home-equity loan, sale, downsizing or rental income
Cash-flow sourceHelps pay for: Private home care and other living costs.
Who qualifies: Depends on home equity, credit, housing needs and lender requirements.
How to start: Compare financing costs and long-term housing consequences.
Good to know: Debt secured by the home creates repayment and foreclosure risk; sale or transfers can affect Medicaid planning.
Income Supports
Social Security, pensions, retirement withdrawals and family support
Cash-flow sourceHelps pay for: Any privately purchased home-care expense.
Who qualifies: Depends on benefit entitlement and household income.
How to start: Build a monthly care budget and preserve an emergency reserve.
Good to know: These are income sources, not special home-care benefits.
Tax / Savings
HSA, medical-expense deduction and dependent-care credit
Indirect cost reductionHelps pay for: Qualified medical or long-term-care expenses and, in some cases, care that enables a taxpayer to work.
Who qualifies: Federal definitions, chronic-illness/care-plan rules and documentation requirements apply.
How to start: Keep care plans, invoices, timesheets and proof of payment; consult a tax professional.
Good to know: Ordinary companionship and housekeeping do not automatically qualify. Do not double-count the same expense.
NJ ABLE account
Tax-advantaged savings / indirectHelps pay for: Qualified disability expenses such as health, housing, transportation, assistive technology and personal support may free other funds for care.
Who qualifies: Beneficiary must meet federal ABLE disability-onset and eligibility rules.
How to start: Review NJ ABLE eligibility and qualified-expense rules.
Good to know: Most relevant to people whose qualifying disability began before the federal ABLE onset-age limit.
Medicare
Original Medicare home health benefit
Direct payer for skilled careHelps pay for: Intermittent skilled nursing, therapy, medical social services and limited home health aide care tied to qualifying skilled services.
Who qualifies: Must meet Medicare home-health requirements, including provider order, homebound status and use of a Medicare-certified agency.
How to start: Ask the treating clinician for a home-health assessment/order.
Good to know: Does not cover 24-hour care, routine homemaker services, meal delivery or personal care when that is the only need.
Medicare Advantage home health and supplemental in-home benefits
Direct/indirect payerHelps pay for: Medicare-covered home health plus plan-specific benefits such as meals, transportation or limited in-home supports.
Who qualifies: Must be enrolled in a plan offering the benefit and meet plan rules.
How to start: Review the current Evidence of Coverage and obtain plan authorization when required.
Good to know: Benefits vary by county, plan and year; do not assume ongoing custodial care is covered.
Medicare caregiver training services
Indirect cost reduction / trainingHelps pay for: Clinician-directed training for caregivers helping with a patient treatment plan.
Who qualifies: Medicare beneficiary meets coverage requirements and clinician orders covered training.
How to start: Ask the treating clinician whether caregiver training is medically appropriate.
Good to know: Does not pay caregiver wages, but may help family provide care more safely.
Medicare GUIDE dementia-care model
Care coordination + caregiver supportHelps pay for: Dementia care navigation, 24/7 support, caregiver education and qualifying respite through participating GUIDE organizations.
Who qualifies: Generally Original Medicare beneficiary with dementia who meets current GUIDE criteria and aligns with a participant serving the ZIP code.
How to start: Use CMS participant information or call Medicare to locate a GUIDE participant.
Good to know: GUIDE respite is limited and is not an unrestricted cash caregiver benefit.
Medicare hospice benefit
Direct payer for terminal-illness careHelps pay for: Hospice nursing, aides, equipment, symptom medications, social work, short-term inpatient respite and other plan-of-care services.
Who qualifies: Must meet hospice eligibility and elect the Medicare hospice benefit.
How to start: Ask physician or Medicare-certified hospice for an assessment.
Good to know: Hospice is not a general 24-hour custodial home-care benefit; aide frequency is based on the hospice plan.
Medicaid / New Jersey
NJ FamilyCare Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS)
Direct care fundingHelps pay for: Long-term services and supports in home/community settings for eligible members; may include personal care, care management, respite and other authorized HCBS.
Who qualifies: Must meet NJ FamilyCare financial rules plus nursing-facility clinical eligibility and program requirements.
How to start: If already enrolled in NJ FamilyCare, contact the assigned MCO. Adults 21+ who are not enrolled can start with the county ADRC/AAA or County Social Service Agency for clinical/financial screening.
Good to know: MLTSS includes care management, home/vehicle modifications, home-delivered meals, respite, PERS and the full NJ FamilyCare Plan A benefit package; other LTSS are coordinated by the MCO.
MLTSS personal assistance / personal care
Direct care fundingHelps pay for: Hands-on help with ADLs such as bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility and eating when authorized.
Who qualifies: MLTSS member with assessed need in the plan of care.
How to start: Ask the managed-care organization/care manager after enrollment.
Good to know: Ongoing hours depend on assessment and authorization, not a fixed statewide allowance.
MLTSS respite and caregiver support
Caregiver support / cost reductionHelps pay for: Temporary substitute care and related supports authorized in the member care plan.
Who qualifies: MLTSS member with qualifying need.
How to start: Ask MLTSS care manager about available respite and caregiver supports.
Good to know: Can reduce the amount of privately purchased respite needed.
MLTSS home/community supports such as meals, emergency response and accessibility services
Cost reductionHelps pay for: Authorized non-institutional supports that can reduce reliance on paid caregiver time or make the home safer.
Who qualifies: MLTSS member with assessed need and service authorization.
How to start: Ask the care manager which HCBS are included in the current benefit package.
Good to know: Specific covered services and limits should be confirmed with the current managed-care plan.
NJ FamilyCare Personal Care Assistant (PCA) services
Direct care fundingHelps pay for: Ongoing, non-emergent health-related personal care in the home, including ADL/IADL assistance such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation and light housekeeping.
Who qualifies: NJ FamilyCare member who meets clinical and program requirements for PCA services.
How to start: Ask the NJ FamilyCare managed-care plan or provider to assess eligibility for PCA.
Good to know: Hours are based on medical necessity determined through a nursing assessment. New Jersey describes PCA as long-term/chronic or maintenance support rather than short-term skilled home health.
Personal Preference Program (PPP)
Paid family / self-directed careHelps pay for: Self-directed Medicaid option that allows eligible participants to direct a cash allowance for approved personal assistance and related supports.
Who qualifies: NJ FamilyCare eligible; approved for PCA services and expects to need PCA for at least six months; must be able to self-direct or use an authorized representative.
How to start: Ask the NJ FamilyCare plan about enrollment in PPP.
Good to know: PPP allows participants to hire workers including trusted friends, relatives or neighbors. Fiscal-intermediary procedures and worker rules apply.
New Jersey State Program
Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC)
Direct care funding / cost shareHelps pay for: Home and community services that may include care management, homemaker/personal care, respite, adult day, meals, transportation and related supports.
Who qualifies: New Jersey resident age 60+ living in the community; nursing-facility level of care; 2026 income no more than $4,855/month single or $6,582/month married; liquid assets no more than $40,000 single or $60,000 couple; not enrolled in Medicaid/MLTSS or certain overlapping state programs.
How to start: Call the county AAA/ADRC for screening.
Good to know: State-funded, non-Medicaid program. 2026 service cost cap is $1,090/month per participant plus care management. A sliding-scale copay may apply. Participant-employed providers can be used when qualified.
Statewide Respite Care Program
Caregiver support / reimbursementHelps pay for: Temporary care and respite services that give an unpaid caregiver a break.
Who qualifies: Care recipient age 18+ living in the community with functional impairment and daily unpaid caregiver support. 2026 income limits: $2,982/month single or $5,964/month married; liquid assets up to $40,000 single or $60,000 couple. Cannot simultaneously participate in certain overlapping programs.
How to start: Contact the county AAA/ADRC.
Good to know: Available in every county. Cost share ranges from 0% to 25% based on income. Program is designed to give the unpaid caregiver a short-term or periodic break.
Alzheimer’s Adult Day Services Program (AADSP)
Cost reduction / caregiver respiteHelps pay for: Subsidizes adult day care for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia for up to five days per week; subsidy may cover 20% to 100% of service cost based on program rules.
Who qualifies: New Jersey resident age 18+ with documented Alzheimer’s/related dementia, community residence, daily unpaid caregiver support, and financial eligibility; cannot simultaneously participate in specified overlapping programs.
How to start: Apply through a participating adult day center; ADRC can help identify program centers and other funding.
Good to know: Current state page lists 21 subsidized adult day centers in 14 counties; participants are not limited to a center in their home county.
I Choose Home NJ
Transition funding / Medicaid LTSSHelps pay for: Helps eligible Medicaid beneficiaries transition from nursing facilities back to community living, linking them to MLTSS personal care, transportation, home modifications, durable medical equipment and other supports as needed.
Who qualifies: Medicaid-eligible nursing-facility residents who meet current transition criteria; the state notes residents living in a nursing facility for more than 60 days may qualify.
How to start: Contact I Choose Home NJ / NJ FamilyCare transition staff.
Good to know: New Jersey’s Money Follows the Person program. Call 1-855-HOME-005 for current transition assistance.
Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP)
Subsidized supportive servicesHelps pay for: In selected subsidized housing, may provide group meals, housekeeping, shopping, laundry, meal preparation and personal assistance such as bathing/dressing.
Who qualifies: Low-income older adults or adults with disabilities who live in a participating subsidized housing building.
How to start: Ask the housing property or Division of Aging Services whether the building participates in CHSP.
Good to know: New Jersey provides service subsidies that reduce participant costs; exact services vary by building.
Community Choice / Pre-Admission Screening
Navigation to Medicaid home/community careHelps pay for: Counseling and assessment for Medicaid long-term care applicants and for hospital/nursing-facility residents exploring home/community alternatives.
Who qualifies: People applying for Medicaid-reimbursed long-term care or eligible residents/patients considering community alternatives.
How to start: Ask hospital/nursing-facility discharge staff for Community Choice, or contact the Office of Community Choice Options.
Good to know: Not a direct cash benefit; can connect eligible people to MLTSS and other community supports instead of institutional care.
PACE
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in New Jersey
Integrated direct payerHelps pay for: Coordinated medical care and long-term services, including home care, personal care, adult day, therapy, prescriptions and transportation when authorized.
Who qualifies: Generally age 55+, live in a PACE service area, meet nursing-home level of care, and can live safely in the community with PACE.
How to start: Use New Jersey PACE directory and contact a program serving the residence.
Good to know: New Jersey announced statewide PACE expansion to serve all 21 counties in January 2026. Confirm the current operating provider and service area before enrollment; PACE may also accept private-pay participants.
AAA / Community
County Area Agency on Aging / ADRC services
Direct support / navigationHelps pay for: May arrange or fund personal care, homemaker help, meals, transportation, respite, caregiver support, benefits counseling and other local services.
Who qualifies: Eligibility varies by Older Americans Act, state, county and grant-funded program.
How to start: Call the ADRC for the county where the person lives.
Good to know: Every New Jersey county has an AAA/ADRC lead agency. Local funding and wait lists vary.
National Family Caregiver Support Program through local AAA
Caregiver support / cost reductionHelps pay for: Caregiver information, counseling, training, respite and supplemental services.
Who qualifies: Unpaid caregivers meeting federal/state/local eligibility rules.
How to start: Ask county AAA/ADRC for caregiver support assessment.
Good to know: Can reduce burnout and the need to privately purchase all respite.
Home-delivered meals / senior nutrition
Cost reductionHelps pay for: Prepared meals delivered to eligible homebound older adults or served through congregate sites.
Who qualifies: Eligibility and local availability vary.
How to start: Contact county AAA/ADRC.
Good to know: Can reduce caregiver meal-preparation hours and food costs.
Senior and disability transportation
Cost reductionHelps pay for: Local rides for medical appointments, shopping, senior centers and other approved destinations.
Who qualifies: County/local eligibility and scheduling rules vary.
How to start: Contact county AAA/ADRC or NJ 211 for local programs.
Good to know: Can reduce paid caregiver time devoted only to transportation.
Benefits / Cost Offset
NJSave benefits application
Household cost reduction / gatewayHelps pay for: One application can screen for PAAD, Senior Gold, Medicare Savings Programs, Lifeline utility assistance and other savings programs.
Who qualifies: Older adults and eligible people with disabilities who meet each program’s rules.
How to start: Apply through NJSave or request help by phone.
Good to know: Does not itself authorize home-care hours, but savings can preserve cash for care.
Medicare Savings Programs through NJSave
Household cost reductionHelps pay for: Can help eligible Medicare beneficiaries with Part B premiums and, depending on category, other Medicare cost-sharing.
Who qualifies: Income/resource and Medicare eligibility rules apply.
How to start: Apply through NJSave / state Medicaid process.
Good to know: For 2026, QMB/SLMB/QI have separate income limits; the highest QI annual income limit is $21,546 single / $29,214 married, with assets up to $9,950 single / $14,910 married. Apply through NJSave.
PAAD prescription assistance
Household cost reductionHelps pay for: Helps eligible New Jersey older adults and people with disabilities with prescription costs.
Who qualifies: New Jersey resident age 65+ or age 18-64 receiving Social Security Title II Disability; 2026 income below $54,943 single or $62,390 married, plus other program rules.
How to start: Apply through NJSave.
Good to know: Lower drug costs can preserve monthly cash for home-care expenses.
Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program
Household cost reductionHelps pay for: Prescription savings for eligible residents above PAAD income limits but within Senior Gold limits.
Who qualifies: New Jersey resident age 65+ or eligible adult receiving Social Security Disability; 2026 income generally $54,943-$64,943 single or $62,390-$72,390 married.
How to start: Apply through NJSave.
Good to know: Cost offset rather than a direct home-care payer.
Lifeline utility assistance through NJSave
Household cost reductionHelps pay for: Helps eligible older adults and people with disabilities with electric/gas costs.
Who qualifies: Program income and eligibility rules apply.
How to start: Apply through NJSave.
Good to know: Can preserve household funds for caregiving.
NJ SNAP
Household cost reductionHelps pay for: Food benefits that can reduce grocery costs.
Who qualifies: Households meeting SNAP eligibility rules.
How to start: Apply through NJ SNAP / county social services.
Good to know: Indirect support; does not pay caregiver wages.
LIHEAP / Universal Service Fund and other energy assistance
Household cost reductionHelps pay for: Helps eligible households with heating, cooling or utility costs.
Who qualifies: Income and program requirements apply; some programs are seasonal.
How to start: Use New Jersey Department of Community Affairs energy-assistance access.
Good to know: Indirect support that can preserve money for care.
Benefits / Navigation
New Jersey SHIP
Benefits optimization / navigationHelps pay for: Free, unbiased Medicare counseling, including Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Part D and cost-assistance programs.
Who qualifies: Medicare beneficiaries, families and caregivers.
How to start: Call Division of Aging Services/SHIP or use county counseling resources.
Good to know: SHIP does not pay for care, but can prevent unnecessary insurance costs and identify available coverage.
Other Coverage
Workers’ compensation or employer injury benefits
Direct/indirect payerHelps pay for: May cover medically necessary home health, attendant care or related services when the care need results from a compensable workplace injury.
Who qualifies: Depends on accepted workers’ compensation claim and medical necessity.
How to start: Coordinate with claim administrator, treating provider and attorney if represented.
Good to know: Coverage is injury-specific and governed by the workers’ compensation case.
Auto insurance/PIP, liability settlement or structured settlement after an accident
Direct/indirect payerHelps pay for: May pay medical, rehabilitation, attendant-care or future-care costs depending on policy and legal settlement.
Who qualifies: Depends on accident facts, policy and claim/settlement terms.
How to start: Contact insurer and attorney when appropriate.
Good to know: Do not assume routine senior home care is covered unless tied to the covered injury.
Employer, union or retiree caregiver benefits
Direct/indirect supportHelps pay for: May provide backup care, caregiver leave, navigation, subsidies or employee-assistance benefits.
Who qualifies: Current or former workers covered by a plan offering these benefits.
How to start: Ask HR, union benefits office or retiree plan administrator.
Good to know: Benefits vary widely and may change annually.
Trust distributions, inheritance or settlement funds
Cash-flow sourceHelps pay for: Can fund private care when permitted by the governing document or settlement.
Who qualifies: Depends on trust/settlement terms and legal authority of trustee or beneficiary.
How to start: Review documents with attorney, trustee and tax adviser.
Good to know: Special-needs trusts and Medicaid planning require careful legal review.
VA Benefits
VA Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care
Direct care fundingHelps pay for: VA-authorized personal-care help with ADLs and approved daily tasks.
Who qualifies: Eligible/enrolled Veteran with clinical need and VA authorization; availability varies.
How to start: Ask VA primary care, geriatrics or social work for a home/community services assessment.
Good to know: Not a cash allowance to spend with any agency; VA arranges or authorizes the service.
VA Skilled Home Health Care
Direct payer for skilled careHelps pay for: Skilled nursing, therapy, wound care and other medically necessary home health services.
Who qualifies: Eligible Veteran with skilled need and VA authorization.
How to start: Ask VA care team/social worker.
Good to know: Can sometimes be combined with other VA home/community services.
Veteran-Directed Care
Paid family / self-directed careHelps pay for: Self-directed budget for personal care and support; may allow chosen workers, including family/friends under local rules.
Who qualifies: Eligible Veteran needing help with daily activities; program must be available locally.
How to start: Ask VA social worker whether VDC is offered through the local VA system.
Good to know: One of the strongest VA pathways when a Veteran wants control over who provides personal care.
VA Respite Care
Caregiver support / direct careHelps pay for: Temporary in-home, adult day or short-stay respite to give the family caregiver a break.
Who qualifies: Eligible Veteran with qualifying need; copay may apply.
How to start: Ask VA social worker or caregiver support coordinator.
Good to know: Can reduce privately paid respite costs.
VA Home-Based Primary Care
Medical care at home / cost reductionHelps pay for: Interdisciplinary primary care for Veterans whose medical complexity makes routine clinic care difficult.
Who qualifies: Eligible Veteran with qualifying medical need and local program availability.
How to start: Ask VA primary care/geriatrics.
Good to know: Not a personal-care allowance, but can reduce travel and coordinate complex home-based medical care.
VA Aid and Attendance / Housebound pension increase
Cash-flow benefitHelps pay for: Adds money to an eligible VA pension, which can be used toward home care and other expenses.
Who qualifies: Must first qualify for VA pension and meet Aid & Attendance or Housebound criteria.
How to start: Apply through VA or an accredited Veterans Service Officer.
Good to know: Not a reimbursement program; benefit is increased pension income.
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
Paid family caregiver / supportHelps pay for: May provide an eligible primary family caregiver a monthly stipend plus training, counseling, respite and other supports.
Who qualifies: Veteran and caregiver must meet PCAFC eligibility and complete VA assessment.
How to start: Apply through VA Caregiver Support Program.
Good to know: Separate from Aid & Attendance and Veteran-Directed Care.
VA Community Care Network (CCN) - New Jersey Region 1
Authorized community careHelps pay for: VA may purchase authorized community services, including home health, hospice and other covered care, from approved community providers.
Who qualifies: Veteran must meet community-care rules and generally obtain VA referral/authorization before routine care.
How to start: Start with VA care team; New Jersey is in CCN Region 1, administered by Optum.
Good to know: CCN is a provider network/payment mechanism, not an unrestricted home-care allowance.
New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs benefits assistance
Benefits navigationHelps pay for: Accredited/state veteran service assistance can help identify and apply for VA and New Jersey veteran benefits.
Who qualifies: New Jersey veterans, dependents and survivors.
How to start: Contact the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs or a regional Veterans Service Office.
Good to know: New Jersey separated its veterans agency from Military Affairs in 2026. The Veterans Benefits Hotline remains 1-888-8NJ-VETS (1-888-865-8387).
Where New Jersey Families Can Start
Not sure where to begin? Match your situation to a contact below.
JACC, Statewide Respite, meals, transportation, caregiver support, county aging services and local benefit navigation
New Jersey Aging & Disability Resource Connection / County AAA
State aging programs, county AAA access and general senior-service navigation
New Jersey Division of Aging Services
PAAD, Senior Gold, Medicare Savings Programs, Lifeline and related savings programs
NJSave
Locate PACE organizations serving eligible New Jersey residents
New Jersey PACE directory
Food, housing, utilities, transportation and local community resources
NJ 211
Medicare home health, GUIDE, PACE, hospice and coverage questions
Medicare
VA health care, home/community services and referrals
VA General Information
PCAFC, caregiver support, respite and navigation
VA Caregiver Support Line
State and federal veterans-benefit navigation
New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs
Reverse mortgage / HECM counseling and housing finance guidance
HUD Housing Counseling
Before You Rely on Any Payment Source
Start with the care need, not the payer
List exact ADLs/IADLs, supervision needs, clinical needs, hours and timing before comparing benefits.
Call the county ADRC early
New Jersey county AAAs/ADRCs are the best local starting point for JACC, respite, meals, transportation and other aging supports.
Screen for MLTSS before spending down blindly
NJ FamilyCare MLTSS has both financial and clinical requirements. Get qualified advice before gifts, transfers, trusts or major asset changes.
Ask specifically about the Personal Preference Program
If an NJ FamilyCare member qualifies for PCA services and wants a family-directed arrangement, ask whether PPP is available and which workers may be hired.
JACC is an important non-Medicaid option
JACC is state-funded, allows participant-employed providers, and in 2026 has a $1,090 monthly service cap plus care management. It is not Medicaid and has separate income/asset rules.
Use respite programs even when full home care is unaffordable
Statewide Respite is available in every county, uses a 0%-25% sliding cost share, and can provide periodic relief when a family caregiver is already providing daily basic care.
PACE is integrated care, not just hourly home care
PACE combines medical care and LTSS for eligible adults 55+. New Jersey announced expansion to serve all 21 counties in January 2026; confirm that the local provider is operational and enrolling before relying on it.
Medicare is mainly skilled/medical
Original Medicare home health does not provide indefinite custodial bathing, dressing, meal preparation or supervision when those are the only needs.
GUIDE is dementia-specific
GUIDE can add care navigation, caregiver education and limited respite for qualifying Original Medicare patients aligned to a participating organization.
VA authorization matters
New Jersey is in VA CCN Region 1, administered by Optum. Routine community care generally requires VA referral/authorization before services are delivered.
Long-term care insurance should be claimed early
Request the full policy, benefit trigger, elimination-period rules and provider requirements before relying on reimbursement.
Document family-caregiver payments
Use written agreements, timesheets, payroll records and market-based compensation; undocumented transfers can create family or Medicaid problems.
Use household cost offsets strategically
NJSave, PAAD, Senior Gold, SNAP, energy assistance, meals and transportation do not pay caregivers directly but can preserve cash for care.
Recheck limits and availability
Income limits, cost-share scales, Medicaid rules, GUIDE service areas, PACE service areas and local grant funding can change. Verify before applying.
Program rules, income limits, and availability change over time and can vary by county. Confirm current details with the program directly, or ask a home care provider in New Jersey to help you navigate the application process.
← Back to How to Pay for In-Home CareHome Care Providers in New Jersey
These providers serve families in New Jersey and can help you apply what you've learned above to your specific situation.
Adult Alternative Home Care – Elizabeth, NJ
Serving New Jersey
At Adult Alternative Home Care, we offer around-the-clock non-medical home care services to ensure that our clients get the attention they deserve. Among other services, we specialize in Skilled Nursing Care, 24-Hour Care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, Chronic Disease Management, Post-Surgery Care, and Veterans’ Home Care.
Services Available
24-Hour Home Care • Companion Care • Personal Care • Dementia & Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care
Communities Served
Chatham, Clark, Cranford and surrounding areas
View Provider Profile →
Adult Alternative Home Care – Short Hills, NJ
Serving New Jersey
Adult Alternative Home Care provides home care services in Short Hills, NJ and the surrounding communities it serves.
Services Available
24-Hour Home Care • Companion Care • Personal Care • Dementia & Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care
Communities Served
Chatham, Clark, Cranford and surrounding areas
View Provider Profile →
Applause Home Care – Fair Lawn, NJ
Serving New Jersey
Applause Home Care provides home care services in Fair Lawn, NJ and the surrounding communities it serves.
Services Available
24-Hour Home Care • Companion Care • Personal Care • Dementia & Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care
Communities Served
Allendale, Cliffside Park, Emerson and surrounding areas
View Provider Profile →
Applause Home Care – Maplewood, NJ
Serving New Jersey
Applause Home Care provides home care services in Maplewood, NJ and the surrounding communities it serves. At Applause Home Care, we believe great care is about more than completing tasks — it’s about building trust, creating meaningful connections, and showing up for families when it matters most. We proudly provide personalized in-home care throughout Northern New Jersey, helping seniors maintain independence, safety, and quality of life in the comfort of their own homes.
Services Available
24-Hour Home Care • Companion Care • Personal Care • Dementia & Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care
Communities Served
Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn and surrounding areas
View Provider Profile →
Caring Solutions Home Care NJ
Serving New Jersey
Caring Solutions Home Care NJ provides home care services in Hawthorne, NJ and the surrounding communities it serves.
Services Available
24-Hour Home Care • Companion Care • Personal Care • Dementia & Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care
Communities Served
Bergen County, Passaic County
View Provider Profile →
Expert Home Care
Serving New Jersey
Expert Home Care provides home care services in New Brunswick, NJ and the surrounding communities it serves.
Services Available
24-Hour Home Care • Companion Care • Personal Care • Dementia & Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care
Communities Served
Bridgewater, Edison, Flemington and surrounding areas
View Provider Profile →
Family First Healthcare Services – North Brunswick, NJ
Serving New Jersey
Family First Healthcare Services provides home care services in North Brunswick, NJ and the surrounding communities it serves.
Services Available
24-Hour Home Care • Companion Care • Personal Care • Dementia & Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care
Communities Served
North Brunswick
View Provider Profile →
Generations HomeHealth Care
Serving New Jersey
Generations HomeHealth Care provides home care services in Gladstone, NJ and the surrounding communities it serves.
Services Available
24-Hour Home Care • Companion Care • Personal Care • Dementia & Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care
Communities Served
Somerset County, Union County, Hunterdon County and surrounding areas
View Provider Profile →
Helping Hands NJ
Serving New Jersey
Helping Hands NJ provides home care services in Clark, NJ and the surrounding communities it serves.
Services Available
24-Hour Home Care • Companion Care • Personal Care • Dementia & Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care
Communities Served
Berkeley Heights, Chatham, Clark and surrounding areas
View Provider Profile →
Lares Home Care LLC
Serving New Jersey
Lares Home Care LLC provides home care services in Matawan, NJ and the surrounding communities it serves.
Services Available
24-Hour Home Care • Companion Care • Personal Care • Dementia & Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care
Communities Served
Colts Neck, Freehold, Hazlet and surrounding areas
View Provider Profile →