Morris County, New Jersey, now part of the New York City metro area, was once considered The Military Capital of the American Revolution due to its strategic location. The population of Morris County is 499,000, 16% of whom are aged 65 and older, a demographic that is particularly vulnerable to memory care conditions. Of these seniors, 13% are estimated to have Alzheimer's disease or dementia and will likely need care and treatment in one of the county's 15 memory care facilities.
Memory care facilities in New Jersey are referred to in state statute as Dementia Care Homes (DCHs) and are licensed and regulated by the New Jersey Department of Health. Requirements include graduated levels of care for the residents according to the severity of their condition.
- The cost of living in Morris County is noticeably higher than the national average, at 157 compared to 100. This is due to the high cost of housing, at 228 compared to the U.S. average of 100, and may affect the fees that residents in memory care homes pay. Higher housing costs may result in higher operating costs for DCHs, although the cost of healthcare, groceries and utilities, also important to those in memory care, are in line with the rest of the country.
- While income derived from Social Security is not taxed by the state of New Jersey, income from retirement accounts is on a sliding scale. This may affect families budgeting for a loved one's memory care.
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Weather in Morris County may be enjoyable to seniors sensitive to high heat, as July high temperatures rarely reach into the 90s. Winters are cold and snowy, however, with January lows in the low 20s. Those in memory care with health conditions affected by cold weather may be uncomfortable here.
- Morris County is home to world-class medical facilities, including those specializing in brain health and dementia, such as Kindred Hospital New Jersey - Morris County and Saint Clare's Denville Hospital, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.
Note: Data reported on this page was updated in 2019 and based on the latest 2018 figures.