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Home Care In National Park, NJ

Home Care National Park, NJ

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Morristown National Historical Park in National Park, NJ gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in National Park, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in National Park, NJ?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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Senior Care National Park, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in National Park, NJ

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
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Respite Care National Park, NJ
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
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Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in National Park, NJ with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
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Home Care National Park, NJ
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local ROBERT or visit Independence National Historical Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

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Benefits of Home Care in National Park, NJ

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in National Park, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Elderly Care National Park, NJ

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NJ's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
Senior Care National Park, NJ

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in National Park, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.

Respite Care National Park, NJ

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
Caregivers National Park, NJ

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Pines Village
  • The Orchards Assisted Living
  • Vista on 5th
  • Arbor Terrace Shrewsbury
  • Cedar Glen Lakes Inc
  • Monarch Bella Terra
Home Care National Park, NJ

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

In-Home Care National Park, NJ

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in National Park, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

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Latest News in National Park, NJ

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AWARDS DEP NEARLY $1 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR WALLACE HOUSE HISTORIC SITE REHABILITATION

(25/P52) TRENTON – The National Park Service has awarded the Department of Environmental Protection a combined $950,000 in grants to implement an interior rehabilitation project, improve educational resources and support stream and riparian restoration at the Wallace House, a Revolutionary War historic site in Somerville, Somerset County.The funding complements an ongoing exterior restoration project at the Wallace House, which served as General George Washington’s headquarters when the Co...

(25/P52) TRENTON – The National Park Service has awarded the Department of Environmental Protection a combined $950,000 in grants to implement an interior rehabilitation project, improve educational resources and support stream and riparian restoration at the Wallace House, a Revolutionary War historic site in Somerville, Somerset County.

The funding complements an ongoing exterior restoration project at the Wallace House, which served as General George Washington’s headquarters when the Continental Army encamped at Middlebrook during the winter of 1778-1779.

“New Jersey offers an unparalleled experience for residents and visitors seeking to retrace the steps of those who fought to secure our independence and learn about our state’s unique role during the Revolutionary War,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “Our state played a central role during the Revolution, and we are committed to ensuring our historic sites across the state are ready for the nation’s 250th anniversary.”

The Wallace House interior rehabilitation project will include stabilizing the second floor, installing energy-efficient heat pumps, and recreating period-appropriate finishes on paneling, paint and plaster using sustainable materials. This work is funded by a $750,000 Semiquincentennial Grant from the National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund and is expected to be completed by 2028.

Additionally, a $200,000 Preservation Planning Grant from the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program will fund the creation of a report to guide historic interpretation upgrades and environmental rehabilitation at the site. The report will include a feasibility study to enhance storm resilience by daylighting a buried waterway that connects the Wallace House Historic Site to the neighboring Old Dutch Parsonage Historic Site.

“Somerset County is proud to celebrate this important investment in our shared history,” said Somerset County Deputy Director Melonie Marano, liaison to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission. “New Jersey played a vital role during the American Revolution, and the Wallace House tells a unique story about the significance of Somerset County. The National Park Service’s grant is essential in making this important community asset more visitor-ready for the nation’s 250th anniversary and beyond. We’re excited that both our residents and visitors will be able to experience this site’s rich history for years to come.”

“The State Park Service is thrilled to receive continued support from the National Park Service for the Wallace House Historic Site, allowing New Jersey to rehabilitate this landmark in advance of the nation’s semiquincentennial anniversary,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “The Wallace House stands as a tangible link to New Jersey’s role as the crossroads of the American Revolution.”

During the time that General Washington used the Wallace House as his headquarters, the Continental Army was encamped in strategic locations around the Watchung Mountains. These hills provided protection from attack and an elevated position to monitor the enemy’s movements. Washington’s decision to stay in this region played a crucial role in maintaining the Continental Amy’s morale and wearing down British forces.

Ongoing Wallace House Restoration Efforts

The exterior of the historic site is undergoing restoration to repair the roof, chimneys, clapboard, framing, windows and foundation; improve drainage and ADA accessibility; and restore the structure’s historic linseed oil paint finish. This work is funded by a previously awarded $500,000 National Park Service Semiquincentennial Grant with additional support from semiquincentennial funds made available by Governor Phil Murphy.

Furthermore, the Wallace House Historic Site received upgrades to its parking lot, on-site visitor center and interpretive signage using funds Governor Murphy made available through the American Rescue Plan.

“The Wallace House Historic Site is a must-see stop for anyone looking to connect with New Jersey’s Revolutionary War history for the nation’s anniversary celebrations,” said Mark Texel, DEP’s Administrator for State Historic Sites. “These projects ensure that the history of the Wallace House will remain vibrant and accessible for generations to come.”

250th Anniversary Projects Statewide

The restoration of the Wallace House is part of a much larger initiative to rehabilitate and restore New Jersey’s Revolutionary War historic sites in anticipation of the nation’s 250th anniversary. In 2022, the Murphy Administration made a $25 million investment in restoration and visitor readiness upgrades to 10 Revolutionary War historic sites. Projects are underway at:

Flagship Project at Washington Crossing State Park

The flagship project for New Jersey is a new state-of-the-art visitor center and museum at Washington Crossing State Park in Mercer County. The visitor center and museum will feature exhibits on the Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783, an immersive 4D experience that places visitors on a ferry with video reenactments of the crossing projected on the walls, a 125-seat multipurpose theater, flexible gallery for rotating exhibits, planted roof, and an observation deck overlooking the site of the crossing.

Funding for the project comes from constitutionally dedicated Corporate Business Tax revenue under the Preserve New Jersey Act, with additional support provided by the American Rescue Plan and a grant from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

For more about New Jersey’s Parks, Forests & Historic Sites, visit stateparks.nj.gov

Like New Jersey’s State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/newjerseystateparks

NJDEP Photo/Wallace House, Somerville

NEW JERSEY STATE PARKS BRANDING AND MERCHANDISE LINE UNVEILED IN ADVANCE OF NATION’S 250th BIRTHDAY

(25/P53) TRENTON – In advance of the celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday, the Department of Environmental Protection today unveiled new branding and merchandise lines to showcase New Jersey’s state parks, forests and historic sites, many of which preserve the state’s pivotal role in the War of Independence.More than 100 parks, forests, recreation areas and historic sites fall under the newly branded New Jersey State Parks, including places that reverberate in American history ...

(25/P53) TRENTON – In advance of the celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday, the Department of Environmental Protection today unveiled new branding and merchandise lines to showcase New Jersey’s state parks, forests and historic sites, many of which preserve the state’s pivotal role in the War of Independence.

More than 100 parks, forests, recreation areas and historic sites fall under the newly branded New Jersey State Parks, including places that reverberate in American history such as Princeton and Monmouth battlefields, the Trenton Battle Monument, and Washington Crossing State Park along the Delaware River.

“The new branding focuses on the historic, cultural and natural diversity of our state park system, one of the best in the nation,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said during a media event at the newly restored Rockingham Historic Site in Franklin, Somerset County. “We welcome people from all over to visit our Revolutionary War and other historic sites and encourage them to also enjoy the splendid scenery and outdoor adventures offered by our parks, forests and recreation areas. Come for the history, stay for the fun.”

The Rockingham Historic Site, George Washington’s final wartime headquarters and where he wrote his famous Farewell Order to the Armies, underwent a full exterior restoration, including window and gutter repairs, roof and siding replacement, painting, and structural work on the front porch. The adjacent stone building, which houses public restrooms and the museum gift shop, was also restored. Additional improvements included new pathways, an upgraded entrance, enhanced wayfinding and updated interpretive signage.

Governor Murphy’s Legacy of Parks and Open Space

Throughout his administration, Governor Murphy has been committed to protecting and enhancing open space and parks, whether at the local or state level, and making them accessible for all. Toward that end, the administration has made significant investments over the years to enhance and expand state parks including:

Branding in Detail

In all, New Jersey State Parks encompasses more than 454,000 acres, including 41 state parks, 11 state forests, five recreation areas, six marinas, four golf courses, more than 50 historic sites and districts, over 1,100 miles of trails, and more than 1,400 overnight facilities. The park system is enjoyed by more than 17 million visitors each year.

The new branding reflects this diversity and includes a refreshed logo and name for the New Jersey State Park Service, which will now be known more simply as New Jersey State Parks to reflect the welcoming and friendly experience that the state’s parks offer visitors. for a link to a video on the new branding.

The new logo incorporates symbols reflecting the state’s natural diversity, with a bird representing the more than 300 bird species found throughout state parks and a pine tree echoing the yellow-and-green shield on the former State Park Service logo and representing the Pine Barrens, which sprawls over nearly one-fourth of the state. It also incorporates rolling hills depicting central and northern New Jersey landscapes, as well as a breaking ocean wave representing the state’s treasured coastal parks.

The bird and ocean wave are also a nod to the longstanding logo of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the parent agency for New Jersey State Parks and the first environmental agency of its kinds in the nation, formed on the first Earth Day in 1970.

Eleven park-specific logos were developed as part of the branding initiative, each highlighting distinctive park features for Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, Belleplain State Forest, D&R Canal State Park, High Point State Park, Island Beach State Park, Liberty State Park, Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Ringwood State Park, Stokes State Forest, Washington Crossing State Park and Wharton State Forest.

Logos have also been created for New Jersey State Historic Sites and for New Jersey State Parks’ celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Each logo may be viewed below.

“Each New Jersey park and forest has its own identity, and these park-specific logos help each area stand on its own while giving visitors a glimpse of what makes them unique,” said John Cecil, DEP’s Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “We look forward to rolling out the branding over the next year and introducing visitors to our refreshed image.”

State Parks Merch

Building off the branding initiative, a new line of New Jersey State Parks-branded merchandise is available for park enthusiasts in time for the holidays. The initial capsule collection is now available at the Wharton State Forest store and will be available at High Point State Park beginning this Saturday. The collection includes a T-shirt, beanie, water bottle and stickers.

The merchandise line and the number of park and forest locations are expected to expand over the next year. Online sales are not yet available but are planned as New Jersey State Parks develops an online store.

“We’re excited to launch this first collection with our new look and give visitors a way to show their love for New Jersey’s state parks, forests and historic sites,” said Rebecca Fitzgerald, Administrator for New Jersey State Parks. “Not only do these items give visitors a keepsake of their experience, but the proceeds also support park operations and improvements.”

Revamped Website Highlights Accessible Parks

Coinciding with the new branding, an updated website has been launched to help visitors more easily find activities and amenities. The updated website includes a new accessibility page highlighting park features for visitors of all abilities, including inclusive playgrounds for children with developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities.

These inclusive playgrounds are at Wawayanda State Park in Sussex County; Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County; and Wharton State Forest in Atlantic, Burlington and Camden counties.

The Sensory Awareness Trail at the Forest Resource Education Center in Jackson Township, Ocean County has been revitalized to improve accessibility for people with visual and mobility impairments. Additionally, wheelchair mats have been added at New Jersey State Parks’ swimming areas throughout the state. These and other accessibility features are outlined on the page.

250th Anniversary Projects Statewide

The DEP is continuing work to enhance New Jersey’s Revolutionary War historic sites in anticipation of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026 through its $25 million investment in restoration and visitor readiness upgrades to historic sites from the period.

Projects are underway at:

Flagship Project at Washington Crossing State Park

The flagship project for New Jersey is a new state-of-the-art visitor center and museum at Washington Crossing State Park in Mercer County. The visitor center and museum will feature exhibits on the Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783, an immersive 4D experience that places visitors on a ferry with video reenactments of the crossing projected on the walls, a 125-seat multipurpose theater, flexible gallery for rotating exhibits, planted roof, and an observation deck overlooking the site of the crossing.

Funding for the project comes from constitutionally dedicated Corporate Business Tax revenue under the Preserve New Jersey Act, with additional support provided by the American Rescue Plan and a grant from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Resources

Prioritize NJ Residents For Island Beach State Park Passes, County Says

Ocean County officials are calling for the taxpayers who support Island Beach State Park to have priority access to permits.OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — New Jerseyans pay taxes that fund the upkeep of state parks, so they should have priority when it comes to purchasing vehicle and fishing permits at Island Beach State Park, Ocean County officials said.The Board of County Commissioners is calling on the state to enact a brief priority registration period exclusively for New Jersey residents before the general sale of vehicle acce...

Ocean County officials are calling for the taxpayers who support Island Beach State Park to have priority access to permits.

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — New Jerseyans pay taxes that fund the upkeep of state parks, so they should have priority when it comes to purchasing vehicle and fishing permits at Island Beach State Park, Ocean County officials said.

The Board of County Commissioners is calling on the state to enact a brief priority registration period exclusively for New Jersey residents before the general sale of vehicle access permits, arguing that passes sell out in minutes “while a significant number are purchased by out-of-state individuals.”

“Ocean County is proud to host several of New Jersey’s most beautiful state parks, and we welcome the tourism that supports our local economy - but our Ocean County and New Jersey residents must come first. They fund these parks, and they deserve priority access, especially at Island Beach State Park,” said Ocean County Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Division of Business Development and Tourism. “New Jerseyans should not have to compete with out-of-state applicants for access to their own state parks.”

The board sent a resolution to the State of New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection and the Division of Parks and Forestry requesting the priority period so as to make things more equitable.

Bacchione emphasized that this would not reduce access to out-of-state visitors, but rather, would make a more fair process.

“We are not proposing to limit access,” Bacchione said. “We’re asking the state to sequence access in a way that gives New Jersey residents a reasonable window to obtain permits first. Once that window closes, the remaining permits can be made available to everyone. It’s a balanced, common-sense approach.”

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