The Division of Elder Advocacy works to secure, preserve and promote the health, safety and welfare of New Jersey’s elderly population, through investigations of abuse and neglect, legislative and regulatory advocacy, policy work, education and outreach. Several of our hot issues include how to help people live independently for as long as possible, protecting the elderly from financial exploitation, abuse and neglect, and improving the quality of care at various types of long-term care facilities.

The Office of the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly within the Division of Elder Advocacy helps with specific concerns regarding people age 60 or older living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility. The ombudsman responds to reports of abuse or neglect and takes steps to protect those in institutions from harm. By law, callers may remain anonymous and the case files are closed to the public. To file a complaint, people can call their 24-Hour Toll Free Hotline: 1-877-582-6995 or (609) 943-4023 for more information.