NJ Elder Ombudsman

07/13/2026

Reason #101 that we need financial transparency for nursing homes now.

07/13/2026

The shocking yet not surprising result of shortsighted federal policies combined with financial incentives for nursing homes to pay essential workers less than their true value.

Medicaid cuts and immigration restrictions are threatening an already strained workforce.

07/08/2026

Our colleague Ryann Siclari, Esq., appeared on ONNJ recently to talk about how long-term care residents need and deserve more consumer protections. Check it out!

Choosing a nursing home for a loved one can be overwhelming, and navigating the paperwork and financial requirements can make the process even more stressful.

06/22/2026

NJ Long-Term Care Ombudsman Laurie F. Brewer (right) and Ray DiFrancesco (center), a member of the group NJ Nursing Home Residents United, joined Ken Rosato and for a discussion of Bill S2980/A4722, which would require greater financial transparency from New Jersey’s nursing homes. View here:

It's budget season in New Jersey, and one issue getting attention in Trenton is nursing home funding and accountability. Nearly 40,000 New Jersey residents

06/01/2026

New Jersey has the money to increase the personal needs allowance. It's a small price to give people their dignity.

After a lifetime of work, nursing home residents deserve more.

05/08/2026

Residents from NJ Nursing Home Residents United were able to testify in front of the NJ Assembly to show the importance increasing the Personal Needs Allowance from $50 to $140. Here's a short clip of how that went. Let's keep the momentum going to get this legislation passed!

04/27/2026

"Even though government dollars are meant to cover the cost of our care, residents are still responsible for everyday essentials like clothing, haircuts and snacks. We’re expected to cover all of that with just $50 a month. It shouldn’t be this way, especially when billions of taxpayer dollars flow into nursing homes each year."

New Jersey facilities received massive public funding yet paid $285 million above allowable costs to companies they own, while residents struggle to afford snacks, greeting cards and basic toiletries on meager monthly allowances.

04/27/2026

New Jersey facilities received massive public funding yet paid $285 million above allowable costs to companies they own, while residents struggle to afford snacks, greeting cards and basic toiletries on meager monthly allowances. 🗞️ There's more at the link in comments.

04/20/2026

Congratulations to our General Counsel, Beth L. Barnhard, who received a Distinguished Service Award from the New Jersey Bar Association's Elder and Disability Law Section recognizing her contributions as a champion for older adults and people with disabilities. The surprise award was presented April 17 at the 28th annual Elder and Disability Law Retreat. Beth was a presenter, along with our Chief of Staff, Lisa Mullen, and Policy Director, Amy Brown, teaching other elder law attorneys how to fight back against improper nursing home discharges.