Dedicated to keeping you in the home you love

Preferred Care at Home’s History

The First Agency

Since 1984, Preferred Care at Home has been a beacon of hope for families seeking reliable and affordable care. It all started with a vision to offer a quality of service that would allow seniors to age in place with dignity and grace. Recognizing the need for compassionate caregivers who could provide assistance without breaking the bank, our founders established the first agency with a commitment to excellence that continues to drive us today.

Going Nationwide

In 2007, recognizing that the need for quality senior care was not limited to one community, Preferred Care at Home began its nationwide expansion. This growth allowed us to bring our unique philosophy of care to families across the country. By partnering with like-minded individuals who shared our passion for service, we were able to extend our reach while maintaining the personal touch that defined our very first agency.

Today and Tomorrow

Today, Preferred Care at Home stands as a testament to the enduring power of compassionate care. We remain dedicated to our founding principles, constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of our clients. As we look to the future, our mission remains unchanged: to improve the quality of life for those we serve, safeguarding their independence and dignity in the home they love.

Our Mission

“For many older people, home is everything. It’s a window to the past, a safe haven for the present and the legacy they long to leave for the next generation.

Since 1984, the husband-and-wife founders of Preferred Care at Home have been helping seniors stay in their homes, happily and safely. Now a nationally franchised but still family-run business, Preferred Care at Home offers high-quality in-home care at affordable rates.”

Why Choose Us?

Owners Committed to Your Family

Jill Malanga

Owner, Preferred Care at Home of Northwest New Jersey

Jill Malanga brings deep commitment to providing exceptional care for seniors throughout Northwest New Jersey. Her dedication to quality home care services stems from understanding the challenges families face when a loved one needs support but wants to remain at home.

As owner of Preferred Care at Home of Northwest New Jersey, Jill has built a team of certified home health aides who share her values: treating every client with compassion, dignity, and respect. She believes that quality senior care should be accessible and affordable for all families across Somerset, Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Passaic, and Warren Counties.

Jill’s mission is simple: to help people maintain independence while giving families peace of mind. Whether your loved one needs Companion and Homemaker Care for a few hours each week or around-the-clock support, Jill and her dedicated team are committed to delivering the very best care services available in Newark and throughout Northwest New Jersey.

Award Winning Senior Home Care

Local Care Throughout Northwest New Jersey

Our office serves families throughout Northwest New Jersey. When you contact us, you reach neighbors who understand life in Newark and surrounding communities.

We Serve:

Including Newark and surrounding areas throughout Northwest New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Preferred Care at Home provide services in New Jersey?

Our Northwest New Jersey location serves families throughout Somerset, Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Passaic, and Warren counties. We’re locally owned and operated, which means we understand the communities we serve. Whether you’re in Newark, Morristown, or anywhere in between, we’re here to help.

When families call us, they often need help quickly. We typically arrange care within a few days of your first conversation with us. We’ll talk through your situation, understand what you need, and match you with the right caregiver as fast as possible. If it’s urgent, tell us. We’ll prioritize getting help to you.
We come to you for a free, no-obligation consultation. During this visit, we’ll sit down together and talk about daily routines, care preferences, and any concerns you have. Think of it as getting to know each other. There’s no pressure, just conversation about how we might help make life easier and safer.
Absolutely. Our services are flexible, ranging from just one hour a day to full 24-hour care. You decide what works for your situation and budget. As needs change over time, we adjust. There’s no minimum requirement that forces you to pay for more care than you actually need.
Costs vary based on how many hours you need and what type of care makes sense for your situation. Since 1984, we’ve built our reputation on keeping quality care affordable. We’ll give you a clear, personalized quote so there are no surprises. Understanding how to pay for home care can help you explore your options before we talk.
Most of what we provide (companionship, help around the house, personal care assistance) isn’t covered by Medicare. However, if you need skilled nursing services ordered by a doctor, Medicare may help with that portion. We’ll explain what your Medicare benefits cover and help you understand other ways to pay for care.
If you have a long-term care insurance policy, there’s a good chance it covers some or all of our services. We recommend calling your insurance company to ask about home care benefits. We’re happy to provide whatever paperwork they need to process your claim.
Yes. Many veterans and their spouses qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits, which can significantly help cover home care costs. Learn about veteran benefits for home care to see if you might be eligible. We can point you toward resources that help with the application process.
Our caregivers are Certified Home Health Aides supervised by a Registered Nurse. Every person goes through our comprehensive 7-step screening process, which includes criminal background checks, reference checks, skills testing, and personality assessment. We only work with people who demonstrate genuine compassion and reliability.
We’re a licensed home care agency in New Jersey (License #HP0168700), and we meet all state requirements for operating a home care business. You’re working with a legitimate, regulated organization.
Personal fit matters tremendously. We match caregivers based on personality and life experience, not just whoever is available. But if the match isn’t right, just tell us. We’ll find someone different who better suits your parent’s personality and needs. Your comfort comes first.
We believe in consistency. Once we find the right match, that’s who you’ll see week after week. Having the same caregiver builds trust and genuine relationship. Of course, if your regular caregiver is sick or on vacation, we’ll arrange for qualified backup coverage, but constant turnover isn’t part of our approach.
We offer everything from companionship and conversation to hands-on personal care like bathing and dressing. Caregivers can help with housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, and transportation to appointments. We’ll create a plan that addresses your specific needs, whether that’s a few tasks or comprehensive daily support.
Hospital-to-home transitions are actually one of our specialties. We provide Smooth-Transition Care that helps prevent readmission. A trained coach guides you through recovery, making sure medications are taken, appointments are kept, and the home environment is safe. This kind of support can make all the difference in successful recovery.
We do. Our caregivers receive specialized training in dementia and Alzheimer’s care. They understand how to communicate effectively, create safe environments, and provide the patience and compassion that memory care requires. Many families throughout New Jersey trust us to care for loved ones with cognitive challenges.
Think of it as a spectrum. Companion care focuses on social interaction and light assistance. Personal care adds help with bathing, dressing, and other daily activities. Homemaker care emphasizes household tasks. Live-in care provides 24-hour presence. Most families need a combination. We’ll help you figure out what makes sense. Not sure where to start? Try this quiz about needing home care.
We provide care wherever you live. Your own house, an apartment, a condo, or even inside an assisted living community where you want extra attention beyond what the facility provides. Home is wherever you call home.
No long-term contracts. We believe you should stay with us because you want to, not because you’re legally bound. Care needs change, and we adapt with you.
This is one of the most common challenges adult children face. Pride and fear of losing independence are powerful. Sometimes starting small helps. Maybe begin with someone coming to help with housework or errands rather than personal care. Once trust develops, your mother may become more open to additional support. Our caregivers are skilled at building relationships and respecting dignity. Falls are a real concern for many families. These fall prevention strategies might give you practical talking points.
Distance makes everything harder. That’s why we offer the Transparency Room, our online portal where you can see caregiver schedules, read daily notes, hear voice updates, and stay connected to what’s happening. You can check in from anywhere, anytime. Peace of mind when you can’t be there in person.
They probably will, and that’s okay. We adjust care plans as situations evolve. Maybe you start with four hours a week and eventually need daily support. Maybe you need intensive help after surgery but then scale back. We’re flexible. You’re never stuck with yesterday’s plan.
Many families don’t realize how many free services for seniors exist in their communities. From meal programs to transportation help, these resources can complement the care we provide and stretch your budget further.
More affordable than most people think. Live-in care costs significantly less than paying hourly rates around the clock. Here’s what 24-hour care actually costs and how it compares to nursing homes and assisted living.