What is the Congregate Housing Services Program?
The State-funded Congregate Housing Services Program provides selected
supportive services to low-income elderly persons or adults with disabilities, residing
in certain subsidized housing facilities. The services offered
include daily meals provided in a group setting, housekeeping,
personal assistance, and service coordination. Service subsidies
(comparable to rent subsidies) are available to assist tenants
in certain income categories to meet the full cost of the program.
The Congregate Housing Services Program combines shelter and services
to help those tenants who need some assistance to avoid inappropriate, premature, or overextended institutionalization.
The program is intended to provide the physical and social environment
that will extend the time span during which people can live
independently.
Many people benefit from the freedom and independence which
congregate housing affords them. Tenants can remain in their
accustomed residence with dignity and freedom of choice because
they are assisted with the daily tasks which they can no longer
complete by themselves as they age and their needs change.
What services are provided?
The Congregate Housing Services Program must provide one nutritionally
balanced meal seven days a week in a family style setting. Menus
are approved by qualified nutritionists and can be prepared on
site or purchased from an off-site caterer.
In addition to meals, the following housekeeping and home health
aid services may be available to participants who require them.
This will vary with the building.
- Housekeeping
- Shopping
- Laundry
- Linen change
- Meal preparation
- Companionship
- Personal care (such as bathing and dressing)
Who can receive these services?
The Congregate Housing Services Program is directed to the frail
or at-risk elderly and adults with disabilities who are experiencing decreased
energy and mobility but retain the capacity and desire for as
much self-management as possible. To participate in this program
a person must live in a building that has contracted with the
State to provide a Congregate Housing Services Program.
What are the benefits of a Congregate Housing Services Program?
The Congregate Housing Services Program:
- Supports independent living and prevents the unnecessary institutionalization
of older persons or adults with disabilities
- Prevents the deterioration of apartments by providing cleaning
services
- Prevents the decline in the health of tenants by providing personal
and nutrition services
- Creates a healthier environment for all residents by providing
services to the participants
- Provides participants with additional opportunities to socialize.
Cost of Services?
The total cost of a complete congregate package is considerably
less than the cost of a skilled nursing facility.
Costs for services vary according to a resident’s income
and the amount of assistance he or she receives. The State
of New Jersey provides a service subsidy to reduce the cost of
the program to eligible participants. Additional subsidies to
further reduce the cost to participants are allowable.
For additional information contact:
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
Division of Aging and Community Services
P.O. Box 807
Trenton, NJ 08625-0807
Phone: 1-800-792-8820
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