Home Care

There are two main types of home care services – companion and medical – both of which are aimed at keeping seniors in their home. Companion home care services offer light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, laundry and help with errands. While, medical home care services use medical aides that are licensed professionals that provide companion services, as well as help with daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, walking and eating.

Paying For Home Care

Home care is often an out-of-pocket expense, as most medical insurance does not pay for ongoing home care. While Medicare does cover some home care services, such as help after surgery or hospitalization, this is usually for short-term support and requires the individual to meet specific criteria to continue to medically qualify for home care services.  

Other resources to help pay for ongoing home care include:

• Having a long-term care insurance policy that covers home care services
• Applying for NJ social service programs that provide home care
• If you are a veteran or spouse/widow(er) of a veteran, applying for the veterans aid and attendance pension benefit
   

The Healthy Aging Program at Atlantic Health System suggests the following helpful resources to help seniors with home care needs:   

• Atlantic Visiting Nurse - Home Health
  Visiting nurses, rehabilitation therapists, social workers and home health aides provide care and education at private residences and assisted living facilities in Morris, Union, Somerset, Sussex, Warren and Essex counties in New Jersey and Pike County in Pennsylvania. Services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances. In addition, nurse liaisons are available at Morristown Medical Center, Overlook Medical Center, Newton Medical Center and Chilton Medical Center.
  
  Morristown location - 973-379-8400
  Basking Ridge location - 908-766-0180

• Atlantic Private Care
  As an affiliate of Atlantic Health System, we have served the communities of Morris, Essex, Somerset and Union counties for more than 30 years and now offer services in Sussex County, as well. We provide private duty nursing services, home health care services, live in services, geriatric care management and 24-hour care.
  973-540-9000
  
  
• Home Care Association of New Jersey
  732-877-1100
  
  
• Medicare Home Health Compare
  Home Health Compare has information about the quality of care provided by Medicare-certified home health and hospice agencies throughout the nation. 
  
  
• Visiting Nurses Association of Northern New Jersey
  973-539-1216 or 1-800-938-4748