10 Best Nursing Homes in Princeton, NJ

There are several ways that seniors and their families can pay for nursing home care. In this section, we’ll cover financial resources such as private funding, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid.

In New Jersey, skilled nursing homes are regulated by the state through the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH). The DOH is responsible for licensing and inspecting nursing homes, assisted living residences, dementia care homes, and room and board homes. It ensures that nursing homes and other long-term facilities meet state and federal criteria when it comes to staffing, rules, finances, equipment, and more.

An inspection is completed before licensing to determine compliance. Once licensed, these facilities receive regular unannounced inspections every two years or whenever a complaint is lodged. Should a facility fall below DOH standards, it can receive a fine or lose its license.

You can visit New Jersey’s DOH page to search for licensed facilities and services. Just enter a city or facility name and narrow down your search. You can also look up New Jersey nursing home deficiency reports by entering a facility’s name in the search bar. If you have any questions about nursing home violations, contact the New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

Nursing home-specific standards

In order to foster a home-like atmosphere, nursing facilities are commonly single-story buildings with an average capacity of 120 beds in semiprivate and private rooms. These facilities also feature accessible bathrooms, communal dining halls, and public areas for recreation and socialization.

Residents must be individuals who need skilled nursing care on a regular basis by a doctor’s order. For every eight residents, there must be a certified nurse aide for the day shift. There must also be one direct care staff member for every 10 residents for the evening shift and one for every 14 residents for the night shift. Under a 2005 law, nursing homes must publicly report on a quarterly basis how many staff members are involved in direct patient care. The staff-to-resident ratios show the average nurse staffing levels.

Assisted living- and memory care-specific standards

The same New Jersey DOH licensing and regulation standards apply to assisted living and memory care facilities. However, communities that accept memory care residents have some additional requirements. For instance, memory care staff members must attend a mandatory dementia training program, and those who work at specialized assisted living facilities must have dementia-specific training.

Additionally, seniors must be screened for cognitive impairments before being admitted to a memory care facility. These facilities aren’t allowed to admit people who are in a persistent vegetative state.

Finally, memory care facilities must be transparent. Family members have a right to know their safety policies, senior activities, criteria for admission and discharge, and all procedures relating to residents.

New Jersey Department of Health
55 N. Willow St.
Trenton, New Jersey, 08625
Phone: 800-367-6543

COVID-19 regulations for Princeton nursing homes

In 2022, the New Jersey Department of Health switched to level-based guidelines suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for mitigating COVID-19. Generally, people only need to wear masks when they’re diagnosed with COVID-19 or visiting someone who’s vulnerable. Vaccines remain free to everyone but aren’t mandatory.

However, the guidelines are typically more rigid for memory care residents. At many facilities, at-risk individuals and visitors must wear masks, staff members and residents must undergo COVID-19 tests and have their temperatures taken; and staff members must be current with vaccinations and boosters.

The New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub is a great resource for the latest guidelines.

Nursing homes in Princeton are known for providing a secure and supportive environment for seniors with complicated medical needs. Apart from nursing care, such facilities also offer daily living assistance, rehabilitation services, and social and recreational activities that support the well-being of residents.

Understand skilled nursing

Although A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with nursing homes, we do partner with 14 assisted living and memory care facilities that may also offer skilled nursing care. Because most seniors only need skilled nursing services in the short term, you may find that another senior living option better fits you or your loved one’s needs.

In facilities that offer skilled nursing services, you or your loved one will benefit from constant supervision and licensed caregivers. This level of care is critical for seniors who have suffered a stroke, surgery, or extensive treatment for health conditions.

Exploring assisted living and memory care

In comparison to nursing homes, assisted living facilities are less focused on residents’ health and more on their quality of life. For example, amenities at these types of facilities typically include housekeeping, personal care, meal preparation, social outings, and more. Certain health care services may also be offered, but you should check with each facility to confirm whether or not its services are provided by licensed or unlicensed staff members.

Another option for you or your loved one could be a memory care facility. These facilities are very similar to assisted living communities, but the staff’s training level and provided amenities look a bit different to accommodate residents with dementia. Depending on an individual’s level of independence, they may benefit from a long-term stay at an assisted living or memory care facility.

Facility requirements

Some skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities have admission requirements. For instance, most senior communities have a minimum age of 55, and memory care facilities cannot accept residents who are in a full-time vegetative state.

You’ll also want to consider which payment methods can be used to fund your loved one’s stay. For example, skilled nursing facilities can accept residents without a physician’s signed order, but insurance may not cover the stay unless you have one.

Princeton offers a few renowned trauma centers and hospitals.

In Princeton, about 86% of our partner facilities offer transport to residents. Although some are paid options, most are free. This is a great perk for residents who might have physical limitations that temporarily or permanently prevent them from getting around on their own.

There aren’t any Princeton transportation options designed specifically for seniors with dementia. However, depending on their level of independence, assisted living or memory care residents could utilize public transportation methods with a caregiver or family member. Here is a list of possible options in Princeton:

• Tiger Transit is Princeton University’s free public transportation system. Boarding assistance is available for seniors and individuals with wheelchairs, making it perfect for residents who need some extra help.
• The Princeton Municipal Transit Bus is the town’s free public transportation system.
• Access Link is an assistance service for individuals with disabilities.
• Crosstown transports individuals with disabilities and seniors who are 65 or older. This door-to-door system works great for residents and their families. To register, call 609-751-9699.
• ​​EZ Ryde4Life and GoGoGrandparent act as ridesharing programs for seniors. The former option runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the latter is available 24/7.
• Senior Services of Greater Princeton helps seniors make their medical-related appointments within a 10-mile radius of the town’s center using private cars.
• Transportation Resources to Aid the Disadvantaged and Elderly provides elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals with no-cost transportation.

In Princeton, nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities offer an enriching range of outings and activities for residents. In-house activities can include things like pet therapy, cooking lessons, art classes, music therapy, arts and crafts sessions, gardening, or exercise classes. Generally, visiting family and friends can join in on the fun.

If you’d like to explore Princeton with your loved one, there are some great spots to visit. For instance, the Princeton University Art Museum features free admission, wonderful performances, and thousands of art pieces. The historical Updike Farmstead, which features 19th-century buildings and equipment, is easily accessible for seniors and individuals in wheelchairs. There’s also Grounds for Sculptures, a one-of-a-kind garden where seniors and individuals with disabilities can easily view outdoor artwork.

Princeton also provides many opportunities for assisted living and memory care residents to enjoy a good meal. Local favorites include Blue Point Grill and Witherspoon Grill. No matter your loved one’s independence or mobility level, there is something for everyone in Princeton.