The Record has identified dozens of thieves, drug dealers, and violent offenders certified to work in home health care in nearly every county in New Jersey. Many home health aides have long criminal records, yet continue to be recertified. In a lengthy interview Tuesday, Herr said he believes the law is effective. Whitman noted that mandatory background checks for all home health aides were recommended in the Elder Fraud Task Force report that the division completed in February 1997. The need for home health care is growing dramatically, fueled in part by the tremendous growth in the elderly population.
New Jersey has one of the largest concentrations of senior citizens in the nation.
Currently one in eight residents is 65 and older.