Home to historic museums, a bustling senior center and a well-funded public library, Plainfield offers a vibrant backdrop for retirement living. It’s among the most affordable places to live in New Jersey and has a generally comfortable climate, and economically priced health care services make it a great option for those managing chronic conditions. A dozen hospitals are located within a 15-mile radius, including JFK University Medical Center in Edison and Overlook Medical Center in Summit. Nearly 55,000 people reside in the city, an estimated 12% of whom are seniors, promoting high access to community-based services and supports.
Older adults in Plainfield who need help with daily living activities may enjoy a worry-free lifestyle at one of the region’s numerous assisted living facilities. Monthly rates vary, but the typical assisted living facility in Plainfield charges $5,991 for services, which is well below the statewide rate.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living facilities in the United States charge approximately $4,300 per month for care. In New Jersey, fees are considerably higher at $6,650. Plainfield is among the more economical places in New Jersey to obtain assisted living, with fees coming in at $5,991. Across state lines, seniors may be able to find more affordable care. In Maryland, assisted living facilities charge approximately $5,000 per month, and in New York, facilities charge $4,800. Pennsylvania is the most economical bordering state for assisted living at $3,955 monthly, and in Delaware, rates are among the highest in the nation at $6,690.
With assisted living fees coming in at $5,991 per month, Plainfield is a comparatively affordable city for assisted living. In Atlantic City and Ocean City, monthly averages are lower at $5,790 and $4,945, respectively. In Vineland, rates tend to be higher, with seniors paying approximately $6,523 per month, and in Trenton rates are the highest in the state at $7,478.
Note: Data for Plainfield was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, New York Area, NY, was used instead.
Qualifying seniors in Plainfield may pay for assisted living through the statewide Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports program. It covers community residential services and assisted living, as well as care management, mental health services and vehicle modifications. This program is an entitlement, meaning everyone who meets eligibility guidelines is guaranteed to receive services.
To learn more about New Jersey’s managed care program, see our Assisted Living in New Jersey page.
Contact | Description | |
Plainfield Senior Center | (908) 753-3506 | The Plainfield Senior Center is open to all Plainfield residents aged 55 and over. This center hosts a range of activities such as games, age-friendly fitness classes and special events throughout the year. It also has options counselors who help seniors access services and financial assistance programs. No membership dues or joining fees are required. |
Union County Division on Aging | (908) 527-4870 | The Union County Division on Aging is a nonprofit organization that administers direct and contracted services to those aged 60 and over in Plainfield and the surrounding region. It operates ASK, which travels throughout the region and provides information on support services, respite care and nutrition services. It also provides accessible transportation and congregate meals at various sites in the region. |
Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ | (973) 929-3140 | The Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ is a nonprofit organization with a range of programs for older adults in Plainfield, including transportation services, case management and advocacy for those in assisted living. Services are available to all seniors in Plainfield regardless of culture, ethnicity or religion. |
Central Jersey Legal Services | (908) 354-4340 | Central Jersey Legal Services is staffed with licensed legal professionals who provide free information, advice and assistance to those aged 60 and over in the Plainfield region. Seniors can speak with the office regarding issues related to long-term care, including problems with an assisted living facility’s intake or discharge procedures, standard of care or billing errors. |
State Health Insurance Assistance Program | (800) 792-8820 | The statewide Medicare options counseling program is staffed with trained volunteers who provide free, impartial health insurance counseling for seniors. Through this program, older adults get answers to questions regarding Medicare eligibility, cost-sharing responsibilities and benefits, as well as available Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. |
New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (877) 582-6995 | The statewide long-term care ombudsman program has a hotline that seniors can call for help with understanding their rights, obtaining the services they need in assisted living and resolving issues related to quality of care. |
Union County Office of Veteran Services | (866) 640-7115 | The local veterans’ service office has trained officers who screen veterans and their dependents or survivors for benefits that may help cover assisted living expenses, including veterans’ and survivors’ pensions and Aid and Attendance. The office also connects veterans with community-based services such as social and recreational activities, financial assistance and transportation services. |
The New Jersey Department of Health regulates and monitors assisted living facilities in Plainfield and the rest of New Jersey. It ensures compliance with regulations through scheduled and unannounced inspections and by investigating reports of substandard care. It also certifies aides and administrators to ensure they meet minimum state standards.
More information on state-specific regulations is available on our Assisted Living in New Jersey page.