Program Description
New Jersey’s Alzheimer’s Adult Day Services Program (AADSP) is a state funded program that partially covers the cost of adult day care for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia or other related memory disorders (Vascular, Parkinson’s, Lewy Body, FTD, CJD etc.). The program’s objective is to help support and offer relief from the demands of caregiving for the primary caregiver. This program is run by New Jersey’s Department of Health’s Division of Aging and Community Services, and is administered locally by approximately 29 different day care centers.
There is Alzheimer’s Day Care centers located in 16 New Jersey counties. However, it is not a requirement that the program participant be a resident of the county in which they receive care. Therefore, should there not be a center in one’s county of residence, he or she can seek assistance in a neighboring county.
- Atlantic County
- Bergen County
- Burlington County
- Camden County
- Cape May County
- Cumberland County
- Essex County
- Gloucester County
- Hudson County
- Mercer County
- Middlesex County
- Monmouth County
- Ocean County
- Somerset County
- Union County
Did You Know? Persons in later stages of Alzheimer’s sometimes go back to speaking their first language if different from their current language.
Eligibility Guidelines
General Requirements
- New Jersey residents must be 18 years of age or older and diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or another related memory disorder.
- They must reside at home (not in a nursing home, adult foster care home, or assisted living residence).
- Must be receiving personal care or supervision from an unpaid caregiver. This may be a spouse, another relative, or friend.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must not be on Medicaid or receive assistance via the New Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving Program, the Statewide Respite Care Program, or the Congregate Housing Services Program.
Financial limits vary if the applicant is single or married.
Single
In 2023, single, widowed, or unmarried applicants must have an annual income of less than $50,256 ($4,188 / month) and under $40,000 in “countable” assets.
Married
Married couples are limited to $58,632 in annual income ($4,886 / month) and $60,000 in assets.
Benefits and Services
The state of New Jersey will pay 20% to 100% of the costs of adult day care for as many as 5 days a week for persons with Alzheimer’s or related conditions. Given the relatively high cost of adult day care in NJ, the annualized value of this benefit is approximately $23,400 / year or $1,950 / month. These figures are based on the statewide average cost of adult day care according to Genworth’s Cost of Care Calculator. Please keep in mind that the cost of care may vary widely based on the area of the state in which one resides.
In the day care centers, staff are trained in dementia care and individuals are provided with personal care, supervision, social activities, and meals. Transportation to and from the facility may also be provided.
How to Apply / Learn More
Additional program information is found on the Department of Human Services’ Division of Aging Services website. Interested parties can view a list of participating adult day centers here. The application process is managed by the adult day care centers. Families should be aware that if an adult day care center has no space available, they are able to seek assistance from an alternative location.
The state of New Jersey publishes a downloadable brochure about this program here.
