Miriam Apartments

Pros

• The staff and other occupants were very friendly, nice, and helpful to her.
• David is awesome.
• The workers provide great customer service and take time to explain any questions.

Cons

• The owners and staff don't care about residents; all they care about is money.
• Dinner is no longer served in the dining room as a cost-cutting measure.
• There is little to no security or emergency assistance available after 8 p.m.
• The two top administrators yell at and bully their vulnerable guests.
• The place should be avoided.

Review

A careful look at these notes reveals a complex picture of a place that has held very different meanings for different people. On one hand, there is a deeply affectionate memory: a grandmother who lived there was cared for by staff and fellow residents who were described as friendly, nice, and helpful. The warmth of those interactions stands out as a bright spot in what otherwise reads like a mixed-to-contradictory assessment. That favorable memory suggests that, in some moments, the environment could feel welcoming and supportive, with people who were attentive and kind to the residents they served.

But beneath that warmth lies a stark, urgent warning. The strongest, most emphatic statements urge readers to beware: "Owners and staff don't care about your loved one. All they care about is the money." Those words convey a perception of profit motive eclipsing genuine care, a perception reinforced by the assertion that changes in how the facility operates were driven by cost-cutting pressures rather than residents' well-being. The language is pointed and visceral, signaling a deep sense of betrayal or disappointment from those who felt the facility shifted away from the level of care they expected.

One of the most concrete examples offered of these cost-cutting measures is a change in dining arrangements. The review notes that "dinner is no longer served in dining room," which is framed as a deliberate cost-cutting action. This detail matters to families and residents because it speaks to daily routines, social interaction, and the overall quality of life within the community. When a meal service moves out of a traditional dining setting, it can imply less communal interaction, fewer opportunities for supervision and engagement during meals, and a sense that even shared experiences are being trimmed back in the name of efficiency. The mention of this change underscores how seemingly small shifts can carry emotional weight for residents and their families.

Safety and security are another major thread in these comments. The claim of "little to no security/emergency assistance available after 8pm" paints a troubling picture of what the night hours might feel like for residents who need help after traditional business times. This detail raises practical concerns about emergency response, daily safety, and the reassurance that families seek when a loved one is in someone else's care. It contrasts sharply with any earlier impression of a well-run community and adds a sense of vulnerability that can be hard for families to overlook when evaluating a long-term care setting.

The timeline suggested by the notes adds another layer of sadness and complexity: the facility is described as "an amazing, caring place to live up until 2021." That attribution implies a significant shift occurred around that time. For those who experienced the place as exemplary before 2021, the changes since then may feel like a drastic reversal - an erosion of the standards and the sense of community that once existed. The contrast between the past and the present is a recurring theme, and it helps explain why some reviewers feel compelled to sound a strong alarm about staying or recommending the place.

Into this rough terrain comes a stark moral critique of leadership. The specific claim - that "the 2 top administrators yell at and bully their vulnerable guests" - is described as unforgivable. These words carry a moral judgment about how those in charge treat residents who are already in vulnerable positions. It's a charge that goes beyond mere dissatisfaction with policies or services; it targets the behavior and demeanor of the people who are charged with safeguarding residents' dignity and well-being. The seriousness of this accusation helps explain why some readers might feel compelled to advise against engagement with the facility, despite any positive experiences that occurred within its walls.

Against the backdrop of controversy and critique, there is also recognition of genuine excellence in service from individuals within the staff. The praise centers on the person named David, described with warmth and admiration: "David is awesome!" The comments go on to say that all the workers should take after him, highlighting his "great customer service" and his willingness to take time to explain questions. This level of individualized praise points to what can be achieved when at least some staff members go above and beyond, offering clarity, patience, and personal attention that make a meaningful difference to residents and families. It serves as a clear counterpoint to the harsh criticisms of administration, illustrating that care can be deeply personal and well-executed on an individual basis even within a larger system that others find problematic.

Taken together, the notes present a nuanced, if unsettled, portrait of a facility that can feel like two different places at once. For some residents and families, the community was and remains a place of warmth, camaraderie, and genuine kindness from staff and residents who formed a supportive microcosm. For others, the experience is overshadowed by concerns about financial priorities over wellbeing, changes in daily life that reduce the quality or fullness of daily interactions, insufficient after-hours safety, and a leadership style that is perceived as harsh toward vulnerable individuals. The presence of a standout employee like David offers a hopeful counter-example and suggests that improvements may be possible if more staff members embrace that same level of care and communication.

Ultimately, the collection of comments invites readers to weigh a person's experience against the institution's stated values and the broader realities of managing a care community. There is a clear call to approach with caution, especially for families seeking a consistently safe, dignified, and responsive environment for loved ones - while still recognizing that there are individuals within the organization who demonstrate exceptional dedication and service. The memories of a once-caring place and the specific, pointed criticisms of recent leadership together form a complex, living narrative about the quality of care, the meaning of community, and the ongoing effort required to balance compassion with practicality in long-term care.

Located in Clifton, New Jersey, this neighborhood provides a convenient and diverse array of amenities for senior living. Places of worship such as the Clifton Blue Mosque and Ahavas Israel offer spiritual fulfillment, while nearby restaurants like La Ziza and Ming Feng Restaurant provide a variety of dining options. Access to pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy ensures easy access to medications and healthcare needs. The area also boasts proximity to quality healthcare facilities such as St Joseph's Regional Medical Center and Summit Medical Group. For recreational activities, parks like Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park and Van Saun County Park offer opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. Additionally, transportation options like the NJT stations provide convenience for travel around the area. Overall, this neighborhood offers a well-rounded community with amenities that cater to the needs of older individuals looking for a comfortable and accessible living environment.

Places of Worship

• Clifton Blue Mosque (0.9 miles)
• Bais Torah U'tefilah (2.6 miles)
• Ahavas Israel (2.9 miles)
• Community Church Of Glen Rock (5.8 miles)
• All Saints Episcopal Church (6 miles)
• Hawthorne Gospel Church (6.5 miles)
• Immaculate Heart Of Mary School (6.6 miles)

Restaurants

• La Ziza (1 miles)
• McDonald's (2.1 miles)
• Sportsmans' Tavern (2.8 miles)
• Applegate Farm (3 miles)
• Ming Feng Restaurant (3.1 miles)
• The Rock Bar & Grill (3.2 miles)
• Wendy's (3.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)

Hospitals

• St Joseph's Regional Medical Center (1.4 miles)
• The Valley Hospital (7.7 miles)

Parks

• Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park (2.5 miles)
• Rutherford Memorial Park (3.4 miles)
• Anderson Park (3.8 miles)
• Edgemont Memorial Park (4.5 miles)
• Saddle River County Park - Dunkerhook Area (5.6 miles)
• Saddle River County Park (6.1 miles)
• Van Saun County Park (6.6 miles)

Physicians

• Paterson Community Health Center (3 miles)
• Summit Medical Group (5.5 miles)
• Retina Associates of New Jersey PA (6.2 miles)
• Christian Health Care Center () (6.9 miles)
• Women First Health Center (7.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (3.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.9 miles)
• Paper Plane Coffee Co. (5.4 miles)
• Bogota Press Cafe (6.4 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Clifton Commons 16 (3.8 miles)
• Dreamscape at AMC Garden State Plaza (4.9 miles)
• Cinemark (5.3 miles)
• AMC DINE-IN Shops At Riverside 9 (7 miles)

Transportation

• NJT - Hawthorne Station (4.2 miles)
• NJT - Watchung Station (4.4 miles)