VNA of Northern NJ can provide exclusive access to free, state-funded caregiver support services.
If you’re a family caregiver for an elderly parent, spouse or another loved one, you may qualify for a state government grant to cover home health aide visits, short-term respites or the cost of other essential needs. In fact, Visiting Nurse Association of Northern NJ (VNA), the designated administrator for the NJ State Respite Care Program in your county, will provide a personalized eligibility assessment to every caregiver who calls 1-800 WE VISIT (1-800-938-4748) or requests help online at wevisit.org, along with application assistance for those who qualify.
“Caring for an elderly family member with physical limitations or cognitive impairment is an act of love, but it can also be stressful, frustrating and isolating. Often the caregiver becomes immersed in or overwhelmed by this role and it takes an emotional, physical or financial toll,” said Faith F. Scott, MPH, MBA, president and CEO of VNA. “We’re pleased to partner with the state government to help alleviate some of the challenges caregivers face.”
Personalized Monthly Allocations
Caregivers admitted to this program will check-in monthly with a friendly, supportive VNA professional to discuss their caregiving experience, any new developments and emerging needs. The VNA may recommend and arrange for a home health aide to make visits and assist with household chores or provide other respite options such as adult day care or short-term admission to an appropriate custodial facility for the loved one who requires supervision.
Funds may also be authorized for the caregiver to purchase goods and services needed to improve the quality of life of their loved one. A variety of expenditures may qualify including home safety enhancements, such as light fixtures and shower bars, and supplies including foods that comply with dietary restrictions.
Care Recipient Income Guidelines
These grants are designed to relieve the pressure on family caregivers for loved ones with limited financial resources. Therefore, eligibility is based on income and assets of the person being cared for rather than the caregiver. The income threshold for single persons this year is a maximum of $2,742 monthly income (gross before deductions) and $40,000 in liquid assets. For married people, the maximum is $5,484 combined monthly income (gross before deductions) and a maximum of $60,000 in combined liquid assets. Non-liquid assets such as cars and homes are not counted. NJ State Respite Care grants are subject to availability of program funds, renewable annually and released in monthly increments as needed.
Enrollment Assistance
For more information and application assistance, call the VNA, the state’s exclusive designated administrator for this program in the counties of Passaic, Sussex, Morris and Somerset, at 1-800 WE VISIT (1-800-938-4748), or request help online at wevisit.org,
About VNA
The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern NJ (VNA) is a leading nonprofit provider of comprehensive home health care with a distinguished tradition of caring in this region that spans 125 years. VNA services include skilled nursing; physical, occupational and speech therapy; hospice and palliative care; certified home health aides; caregiver counseling, training and respites; and other home-based care solutions. VNA serves residents of more than 140 municipalities across six counties. To learn more about VNA, visit vnannj.org.