Bills affecting Caregiver (family or unpaid) in New Jersey — 2026 session

Requires DOLWD to identify and recruit unemployed individuals for employment in healthcare facilities, home care services, and hospice services; makes appropriation.

Provides gross income tax credit for certain expenses paid or incurred for care and support of qualifying senior family member; designated as Caregiver's Assistance Act.

Requires appointment of State Dementia Services Coordinator; appropriates $150,000.

"Dementia Dignity and Advance Care Planning Act."

Requires Division of Children's System of Care to make changes to certain polices regarding the provision of family support and respite care services for certain eligible individuals.

Authorizes hospital patient with developmental disabilities to have designated family member, guardian, direct support professional, or other caregiver accompany patient throughout hospital stay.

Increases maximum age for pediatric long-term care facility residents to 26.

Imposes minimum staffing requirements and certain reporting requirements on certain long-term care facilities.

Expands scope of Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman; appropriates $1 million.

Requires long-term care facility to post certain information on its Internet website regarding Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

Stipulates that qualifying applicant for personal assistance services who is primary caregiver of minor child is automatically eligible for services.

Extends regulatory power of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to senior housing.

Requires long-term care facilities to annually review residents' proxy directives.

"Ruth Gilbert Alzheimer's Accessibility Act"; allows certain individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia to receive, and caregivers transporting those individuals to utilize, parking privileges reserved for persons with disability.

Provides gross income tax deduction for senior citizens for certain medical expenses for in-home care or care in assisted living and long-term care facilities and funeral expenses.

Requires residential psychiatric and long-term care facilities to provide certain financial information to facility residents and other individuals.

Authorizes home care for individuals who are disabled or elderly and requires health insurance coverage therefor.

Clarifies staff training requirements at long-term care facilities regarding care of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, and intersex seniors and seniors living with HIV.

Revises procedures for processing incomplete Medicaid applications; exempts asset transfers of up to $500 per month during look back period for determining eligibility for long-term care services.

Revises infection control regulation in long-term care facilities.