Mercer County Office on Aging (ADRC) - Trenton, NJ

Mercer County Office on Aging Overview

The Mercer County Office on Aging, also functioning as the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), is the federally designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for Mercer County. Located physically at 2210 Hamilton Avenue in Hamilton (with a Trenton mailing address), this agency serves as the primary gateway for seniors, adults with physical disabilities, and caregivers to access government-funded support services. The office's mission is to assist older adults in maintaining independence and dignity while living in their own communities for as long as possible.

Information and Access Services

As an ADRC, the office provides a central source of information for long-term services and supports. Key programs include:

• Information and Referral (I&R): Staff are available to answer questions about Medicare, Medicaid, housing options, and home care services.
• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Certified counselors provide free, objective assistance with Medicare enrollment, supplemental plans, and prescription drug coverage questions.
• Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC): A state-funded program that provides a broad array of in-home services to eligible individuals at risk of placement in a nursing facility.
• Pharmaceutical Assistance: Guidance on applying for PAAD and Senior Gold programs to help reduce medication costs.

Nutrition and Support Programs

The office manages critical wellness initiatives, most notably the Nutrition Program for the Elderly. This includes the operation of congregate meal sites throughout the county where seniors can socialize and receive a hot lunch, as well as the home-delivered meal program (often referred to as Meals on Wheels) for homebound individuals. Additionally, the office coordinates TRADE (Transportation Resources to Aid the Disadvantaged and Elderly), which provides non-emergency transportation for medical appointments and grocery shopping.

Location and Contact

While the main county administration is downtown, the Office on Aging's physical walk-in location is at 2210 Hamilton Avenue. Visitors are encouraged to call the toll-free number first to determine if an appointment is necessary or if their needs can be handled over the phone. The facility is wheelchair accessible and parking is generally available on-site.