Area Agencies on Aging in New Jersey

Structure of Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in New Jersey

In New Jersey, aging services are managed by a network of 21 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). These agencies are responsible for implementing both federally funded Older Americans Act (OAA) programs and state-funded services. The AAAs coordinate the delivery of aging services, such as meals, transportation, case management, and caregiver support, but do not typically provide these services directly. Instead, they contract with local providers to meet the needs of older adults in their service areas.

Each of the 21 AAAs in New Jersey serves one county, which allows for targeted services based on the specific needs of that community. The state’s Division of Aging Services (DAS), which is part of the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), provides oversight and allocates funding to the AAAs. This ensures that the programs are coordinated, compliant with federal guidelines, and aligned with state policy.

Key Aspects of New Jersey’s AAA Structure

1. 21 Regional AAAs:
   • New Jersey divides its aging services into 21 regional AAAs, with each one serving a single county.
   • This localized approach ensures that services are tailored to the unique needs of specific communities.
2. State Oversight by the Division of Aging Services (DAS):
   • The New Jersey Division of Aging Services (DAS) provides central oversight, funding, and technical assistance to the AAAs.
   • This structure ensures consistency across the state while allowing local agencies to adjust services based on their community’s needs.
   • DAS works closely with the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to manage federal funds under the Older Americans Act (OAA).
3. AAAs Provide Coordination, Not Direct Services:
   • New Jersey’s AAAs primarily coordinate services, working with local providers who directly deliver services like meals, transportation, and case management.
   • These services are typically offered in partnership with local service providers, including nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other community-based entities.
4. Integrated Aging and Disability Services:
   • New Jersey has integrated services for both older adults and individuals with disabilities. The state’s AAAs also serve as Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs).
   • The ADRC model ensures a single entry point for accessing aging and disability services, streamlining the process for individuals seeking long-term care options.
   • This model is similar to Wisconsin, Missouri, and North Carolina, where ADRCs are also integrated into the AAA structure.
5. Services Provided by AAAs Include:
   • Home-delivered meals and congregate meals
   • Transportation assistance
   • Case management and caregiver support
   • Medicare and Medicaid counseling (SHIP program)
   • Adult protective services and elder abuse prevention
   • Long-term care ombudsman services
   • Legal assistance for seniors
   • Respite care for caregivers
   • Employment and volunteer opportunities for older adults
6. Focus on Aging in Place:
   • New Jersey places an emphasis on aging in place by promoting home- and community-based services (HCBS) over institutional care.
   • The New Jersey Community Choice Program helps seniors receive Medicaid-funded home care, enabling them to remain in their homes and avoid nursing home placement.
   • This focus is aligned with national trends, as many states, such as Minnesota and Oregon, prioritize home-based services over institutional care.

Comparison with Other States

Similarities:

• Federal Compliance with the OAA:
  • Like all states, New Jersey’s AAAs operate under the Older Americans Act (OAA) and receive funding from the Administration for Community Living (ACL).
  • This ensures that core services like nutrition programs, caregiver support, and transportation are aligned with national aging policies.
• 21 Regional AAAs:
  • New Jersey’s 21 regional AAAs are similar to states like California (33 AAAs) and Texas (28 AAAs), which also divide their state into several regional agencies to ensure localized service delivery.
  • However, New Jersey’s AAAs are smaller, serving one county each, which allows for targeted services but may lead to challenges in service consistency across larger regions.
• Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs):
  • New Jersey’s integration of ADRCs within its AAAs is similar to states like Wisconsin and North Carolina, which have also integrated aging and disability services into one streamlined access point.
  • Many states are moving towards this integrated model to help individuals navigate both aging and disability programs with ease.
• Emphasis on Aging in Place:
  • New Jersey, like states such as Minnesota, Oregon, and Vermont, prioritizes home and community-based services (HCBS) over institutional care.
  • This focus is in line with national trends, where more seniors are opting to age in place and receive care in their homes rather than move into nursing facilities.

Differences:

• Smaller, Regional AAAs:
  • New Jersey’s AAAs operate on a county-by-county basis, which is different from larger states like California and Florida, where AAAs typically cover larger regions or multiple counties.
  • The county-level approach in New Jersey offers more tailored services but may present challenges in terms of resource distribution and consistency of services across the state.
• State Control of AAA Operations:
  • New Jersey’s state-run AAA system contrasts with states like Florida and Texas, where AAAs function as independent regional entities.
  • While DAS in New Jersey provides oversight, regional AAAs operate with a high level of state guidance, which may limit flexibility at the local level compared to states with more decentralized models.
• More Regionalized than Some States:
  • While New Jersey has 21 AAAs, it is still more regionalized compared to states like Alaska and Rhode Island, where there is only one AAA serving the entire state.
  • This makes New Jersey’s model more locally responsive but less streamlined than single-AAA systems.
• Integration of Aging & Disability Services:
  • Unlike some states where aging and disability services are separated, New Jersey’s AAAs serve both aging and disability populations, integrating these services under the same umbrella.
  • This contrasts with states like California, where aging and disability services are often managed by separate entities.

Conclusion

New Jersey operates a 21-county network of Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), each serving a specific county and coordinating services like home-delivered meals, transportation, case management, and caregiver support. This structure is overseen by the Division of Aging Services (DAS), which ensures consistency and compliance with federal and state policies.

New Jersey’s aging system shares many characteristics with other states, such as its emphasis on aging in place, the integration of Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), and a strong focus on community-based services. However, its regional AAA model and state-run oversight distinguish it from larger states with more decentralized AAA structures, such as California and Texas.

By maintaining a county-level focus, New Jersey is able to tailor its services to local needs, but this may limit the ability to scale resources and create uniformity across the state. Nonetheless, New Jersey’s system effectively integrates services and supports aging in place, making it an effective model for many older adults seeking long-term care options.

List of Area Agencies on Aging in New Jersey