Franklin House

Pros

• The apartments have great closet space and make excellent use of windows, providing a bright living environment.
• The facility is very clean and maintains an odor-free atmosphere.
• There is a nice exercise room with donated equipment available for residents to use.
• Small pets are allowed, which can be a positive aspect for pet owners looking for housing.
• Despite some concerns, the management ensures cleanliness within the facility.

Cons

• The cigarette smoke is pervasive and creates an unbearable environment for residents, particularly affecting the health of elderly individuals.
• There is a lack of proper management oversight, as the person in charge is often absent and conducts private business on-site.
• Higher rental rates seem to be prioritized over providing assistance to seniors who genuinely need it, suggesting misallocation of resources.
• Residents report encountering strange and potentially unsafe individuals living in the facility.
• The hallways are excessively narrow, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that detracts from the overall living experience.
• Despite having a nice apartment layout, there is little sense of community due to insufficient activities and engagement opportunities for residents.
• The exercise room lacks basic amenities like a TV, making it less appealing for use despite being equipped with donated equipment.
• Many find the living spaces uncomfortably small and reminiscent of low-income housing conditions.

Review

The experiences reported by residents and their families in this senior living facility paint a troubling picture of the environment and management practices. A primary concern highlighted is the pervasive issue of cigarette smoke infiltrating the hallways and individual apartments. One reviewer noted that the cigarette odor is “almost unbearable,” with the foul smell seeping into their parent's room, creating an unhealthy living situation. For elderly residents, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions, exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke can be detrimental. The review underscores a significant gap in understanding how such an environment affects older adults’ well-being, particularly when fresh air contributes positively to their health.

The reviewer expressed confusion as to why management does not enforce stricter smoking policies or arrange for designated smoking areas on higher floors to minimize the impact on non-smokers. This lack of planning raises questions about the facility’s commitment to fostering a healthy living environment for its residents. It is especially concerning that this disregard continues despite known risks associated with prolonged exposure to smoke—risks that are even greater for seniors whose lungs may already be compromised. The distress conveyed in these reviews reflects not only personal discomfort but also broader issues related to public health standards within senior housing.

Additionally, complaints were raised about the management's availability and effectiveness. Residents described the property manager as often absent or preoccupied with running her private business from within the facility rather than focusing on resident needs. This observation leads many to feel neglected, suggesting that priorities lie elsewhere rather than in providing proper oversight or improving conditions for residents who depend on staff support. The absence of reputable management can lead to feelings of insecurity among residents and their families, who must rely on staff supervision while living in assisted housing.

Moreover, there seems to be an underlying tension regarding financial accessibility within this community. Some reviewers suggested that there appears to be an emphasis on attracting residents who can pay higher rents rather than prioritizing those seniors truly in need of assistance. Despite assumptions that senior housing may receive some governmental funding or subsidies aimed at supporting low-income individuals, it seems these resources are not effectively translating into financial relief for those who require it most desperately.

In contrasting evaluations of physical spaces within the building itself, some describe positive attributes like cleanliness and adequate apartment layouts—though these observations come with caveats about limited space and community engagement opportunities. Residents have noted tight living quarters that might resemble low-income housing environments more than a supportive community designed for seniors' specific needs. While clean hallways without unpleasant odors are a plus, narrow passages contribute to feelings of claustrophobia among inhabitants.

Finally, while certain amenities like small pet allowances (for pets under 30 pounds) or exercise rooms equipped with donated equipment provide glimpses into potential community-building efforts, they do little to mask the overarching concerns about environmental safety and resident wellbeing voiced in these reviews. The disparity between hopeful features like natural lighting from windows compared against suffocating hallways reveals larger issues regarding design choices made without full consideration of resident comfort—a crucial aspect when creating spaces meant for vulnerable populations such as seniors.

In summary, it is clear from multiple perspectives shared by both family members and prospective tenants that significant changes may be necessary at this senior living facility if it aims to truly serve its population effectively while promoting healthy lifestyles free from harmful influences like cigarette smoke and inadequate oversight.

The area of Franklin, New Jersey, offers a variety of amenities within a short distance for senior living. There are several dining options nearby, such as the Sit n' Chat Diner and Brick & Brew, along with fast food chains like McDonald's and Wendy's for convenience. For medical needs, there are multiple physicians' offices in close proximity, including Skylands Medical Group and Skyview Orthopedic Associates. Pharmacies like Rite Aid and Walgreens are also easily accessible. Additionally, there are cafes like Starbucks and Cloveberry for leisurely outings. In case of emergencies, St Clare's Hospital MICU is located just 5.1 miles away. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the nearby parks such as Station Park and Wawayanda State Park for outdoor activities. Overall, this part of Franklin provides a mix of services and recreational opportunities that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment.

Restaurants

• Sit n' Chat Diner (0.4 miles)
• McDonald's (0.5 miles)
• Wendy's (0.7 miles)
• Brick & Brew (1.5 miles)
• Crystal Springs Country Club (3.1 miles)
• The Bagel Tree North (4.3 miles)
• Bubbakoo's Burritos (5 miles)

Physicians

• Skylands Medical Group (0.4 miles)
• Skylands Medical Group (3.8 miles)
• Skyview Orthopedic Associates (5.1 miles)
• Sparta Medical Associates and Ambulatory Surgery Center (5.1 miles)
• Eye Care Northwest (5.6 miles)
• John F Fisher (6 miles)
• Wellness Pediatrics (6.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Nutri Sport Pharmacal (0.8 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (5.1 miles)
• Sparta Pharmacy (6.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (6.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (7.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (7.4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (5 miles)
• Cloveberry (6.5 miles)
• Cafe Pierrot (6.5 miles)
• The Daily Bean (7.1 miles)
• Hampton Diner (8.7 miles)

Hospitals

• St Clare's Hospital MICU (5.1 miles)
• Barn Hill Rehab (10.6 miles)

Parks

• Station Park (5.6 miles)
• Wawayanda State Park (10.8 miles)
• Stokes State Forest (11.7 miles)
• Swartswood State Park (12.8 miles)
• High Point State Park (13.5 miles)