The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Passaic, NJ for 2024

Passaic is a city of approximately 70,500 residents, located about 20 minutes north of Newark. According to the 2020 census, 8.7% of its citizens are aged 65 and over, almost half the national average. However, this statistic masks the city’s appeal to seniors, including an essentially free paratransit program and excellent health care facilities.

Assisted living facilities provide safe and comfortable living spaces for seniors who can no longer handle daily tasks without assistance, such as getting in and out of bed and dressing. However, not every resident needs the same level of support, with many choosing this senior living option because it offers 24/7 assistance from attendants with the added benefit of socializing with their peers in a senior-friendly environment. Costs tend to be around $5,750, which, although above the national average, is very competitive when compared to the norm for New Jersey.

This guide compares assisted living costs in New Jersey, reveals the average fees for alternative types of senior care and reviews the benefits and drawbacks of living in Passaic. It also provides links to several of the city’s senior-friendly resources.

The New Jersey Department of Health regulates assisted living facilities within the state and issues licenses to those that satisfy standards relating to resident care, health and safety and fire safety. It also issues assisted living administrator certificates to those with management responsibilities who pass the appropriate tests.

• The overall cost of living index for Passaic is 125.7, which is above the state and national averages. However, seniors need to consider this in context, as the cost of living in northeastern states is frequently higher than the rest of the country. Additionally, Passaic is within the NYC metro area, which increases living costs further, although the opportunities that come with living in one of the world’s great centers are clearly advantageous.
• There’s a wealth of highly regarded hospitals in and around Passaic, as well as many world-class facilities on the other side of the Hudson in Manhattan. St. Mary’s General Hospital is the primary facility within the city, while nearby are St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson and Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair.
• Passaic’s oceanic climate is responsible for around 11 inches more rainfall than the country’s average, although the city’s inland location reduces its hurricane risk to very low. Snowfall is a little below average, and the number of sunny days is normal for the country. It can get cold in winter, with temperatures averaging a chilly 22 degrees, but the summer months usually see the mercury sitting around a very pleasant 86 degrees. 
• Violent crime in Passaic is above normal for New Jersey, although slightly below the U.S. average. Property crime is also more common when compared to the average for the state, although the gap isn’t as wide and Passaic’s stats are more favorable when compared to the national median. As with every city, some neighborhoods are safer than others. In Passaic, these tend to be the areas bordering Rutherford, Nutley and southern neighborhoods of Clifton.
• Passaic County Paratransit is a curb-to-curb service for residents with disabilities and those aged 60 and over. The program’s vehicles can also accommodate service animals and portable oxygen devices. Although trips beyond Passaic County can only be for medical appointments, those within it can be for any purpose. Rides are free, although a $2 per trip donation is recommended. 

According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average fee for assisted living in Passaic is around $1,250 per month more than the national average of $4,500. Although this is a significant difference, Passaic is more affordable by New Jersey standards, where the typical senior pays $6,495.

Passaic’s average fee of $5,750 is the lowest in the state, with only Atlantic City coming close at $5,807. In Vineland, seniors are more likely to pay $6,400 per month, while in Ocean City, $7,490 is the norm. The costliest city in New Jersey is Trenton, where fees are usually around $8,145. 

Nursing home care is the most expensive option in New Jersey, with costs averaging $12,471 for a semiprivate room. Adult day health care is the most affordable at $1,950. Assisted living is mid-range, costing approximately $30 per month more than home health care’s average of $5,720, although in-home care is more affordable at $5,529.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in New Jersey page.