Getting old in NJ is expensive. Our investigative series can help guide you
In the coming years, growing numbers of sons, daughters, siblings and spouses in New Jersey will have to grapple with something many adult children rarely consider or comprehend until it’s forced upon them: seeking care for a loved one when that family member can no longer care for themselves.
And the number of New Jersey families entering this complicated, expensive and emotionally draining world is going to grow to levels never before seen.
As the bulk of the baby boom generation enters their golden years, the number of New Jerseyans over 60 is expected to explode this decade to 3 million residents — a jump of almost 1 million. That wave of older New Jerseyans, which will be larger than the number of school-age children in New Jersey by 2030, will place an enormous strain on a patchwork of services that is already difficult to access.
Today, for our subscribers, NorthJersey.com and the USA Today Network New Jersey has launched an ongoing series, "Aging in NJ," to help readers navigate the byzantine world of elder care.
More:Amid NJ's senior population boom, families face many sensitive and costly care choices
We will take a look at the complicated range of elder care options, from at-home care to nursing homes; how to plan ahead and pay for the costly care; how to make the difficult decision to take an elder loved one's car keys away; how to care for someone living in a distant state; whether enough services are in place to allow seniors to continue living at home; and the distinct issues faced by New Jerseyans who also experience homelessness.
These stories provide a crucial window into how to navigate all these decisions.
The reporting, done over six months by health care reporters Scott Fallon and Lindy Washburn, included examination of data and dozens of interviews with experts and families about the burgeoning need for services.
More:These are the important steps in preparing to care for an elderly relative
It was time consuming, but necessary work done by our team to help guide you through this critical phase in the lives of your loved ones.
You will see that these stories are for subscribers only. It is your support as a subscriber that allows us to pursue and continue this important work. That support means more to us than you can know, so thank you for allowing us write these stories.
Thank you
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: 'Aging in NJ' helps navigate the outrageous cost of getting old in NJ
