Home Away From Home in Nutley, NJ

Pros

• The center is amazing, and the staff are very friendly.
• It feels like a home away from home for residents.
• The center is the best and most blessed place.
• The staff are friendly, and the environment makes people happy to be there.
• The center is a place where people can make friends and feel welcome.
• It is a great place for frail elderly and disabled individuals to thrive, with engaging activities and medical supervision.
• The employees at the center are nice and friendly, especially the drivers.
• The vibe is upbeat and friendly, making it a good place to send family members.
• The staff genuinely care for the clients, and their smiles reflect that care.

Cons

• The service was terrible, and the driver did not care.

Review

Home Away From Home in Nutley, NJ, is best suited for frail elderly or disabled individuals who thrive in a warm, home-like daytime setting that emphasizes companionship, light medical oversight, and structured activities. The model reads as a robust day program rather than a traditional residential facility, making it a strong choice for families seeking daytime supervision while a loved one remains socially engaged and comfortable. Residents benefit from a supportive staff that treats participants as family, with a focus on smiles, friendly interactions, and routine. Those who require overnight housing, private apartments, or around-the-clock medical care should look to other assisted living options, as this setting centers on daytime care and socialization.

Carefully consider alternatives if the needs include 24/7 supervision, memory care with secure dementia-focused programming, or formal residential amenities with meals served on-site and housekeeping included. For seniors with complex medical regimens or who require constant monitoring, a full-service assisted living community may be a safer, more comprehensive solution. Transportation costs and availability can also influence the fit; if reliable, door-to-door transport is essential, ensure the program can meet those expectations reliably. Price structures may differ when comparing a day program to a traditional AL, so clarity on what's included matters.

Positive impressions consistently highlight a truly welcoming staff, a homey atmosphere, and an upbeat vibe. Clients and families repeatedly note that staff are genuinely friendly, that drivers are dependable, and that the setting feels inclusive and respectful. The breadth of activities and the presence of basic medical oversight give families peace of mind that a loved one can stay socially engaged while receiving necessary supervision during the day. This combination often compensates for the lack of overnight lodging by delivering a sense of belonging, purpose, and daily structure that can dramatically reduce caregiver burnout and loneliness for the participant.

One or two reviews flag occasional service gaps or transportation concerns, underscoring the importance of checking current operations before enrollment. Given the day-program format, turnover or inconsistency in a particular driver can color a single experience, but the enduring consensus across notes is that the core environment remains supportive and reliable. Prospective families should ask pointed questions about staff ratios at peak hours, the specific nature of medical supervision, and how transportation is scheduled and monitored. Align expectations with the center's stated policies to avoid friction later on.

Families evaluating should press for clarity on hours, what exactly is included in the daily rate, and whether respite options exist for temporary care needs. Confirm the level of medical oversight - whether a registered nurse is on site, who handles medication management, and how emergencies are handled. Probe the range of activities, cognitive programming, and whether cultural or personal interests (such as music) are integrated into the routine. It is also wise to visit during a typical day, observe interactions, and speak with staff, participants, and family members who can provide candid feedback about day-to-day life and transportation reliability.

Overall, Home Away From Home is a compelling choice for families seeking a warm, social, daytime setting that feels like an extended family. For seniors who do not require overnight housing but need meaningful engagement, supervision, and compassionate care, this center delivers measurable value and peace of mind. However, for those with ongoing, round-the-clock health needs or dementia-focused memory care, alternatives in the assisted living space will provide the necessary intensity and security. The prudent path is a thorough on-site visit, direct conversations with caregivers, and a candid read of references to confirm that the expected level of warmth, reliability, and supervision matches the loved one's daily rhythm.

This part of Nutley, New Jersey offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to reside in the area. With several restaurants nearby such as Wendy's, Rutt's Hut, and Ming Feng Restaurant, there are plenty of dining options to choose from. In terms of entertainment, the AMC Clifton Commons 16 theater is within close proximity for movie buffs. For those who enjoy a good cup of coffee, Starbucks and Paper Plane Coffee Co. are easily accessible for a relaxing break. Additionally, there are pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens nearby for any medical needs that may arise. Places of worship such as Ahavas Israel and Bais Torah U'tefilah cater to different religious preferences in the community. If you enjoy the outdoors, parks like Rutherford Memorial Park and Anderson Park provide opportunities for leisurely walks or picnics. Transportation options are also readily available with several NJ Transit stations nearby for easy access to surrounding areas. For medical care, Summit Medical Group and St Joseph's Regional Medical Center offer quality healthcare services in the vicinity. Overall, this part of Nutley is a well-rounded neighborhood with amenities that cater to various interests and needs for seniors seeking a comfortable living environment.

Restaurants

• Wendy's (0.6 miles)
• The Rock Bar & Grill (1.3 miles)
• Rutt's Hut (1.6 miles)
• Ming Feng Restaurant (1.6 miles)
• McDonald's (1.7 miles)
• McDonald's (2.4 miles)
• Applegate Farm (2.5 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Clifton Commons 16 (0.7 miles)
• Cinemark (7.1 miles)
• Dreamscape at AMC Garden State Plaza (7.3 miles)
• AMC DINE-IN Shops At Riverside 9 (8.4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (2.9 miles)
• Paper Plane Coffee Co. (3.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.9 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.7 miles)
• Starbucks (6.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Ahavas Israel (1.9 miles)
• Bais Torah U'tefilah (2.2 miles)
• Clifton Blue Mosque (3.2 miles)

Parks

• Rutherford Memorial Park (2.1 miles)
• Anderson Park (3 miles)
• Edgemont Memorial Park (3.1 miles)
• South Mountain Reservation (4.7 miles)
• Eagle Rock Reservation (4.8 miles)
• Degnan Memorial Park (6 miles)
• Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park (6.2 miles)

Transportation

• NJT - Watchung Station (2.8 miles)
• East Orange Station (5.5 miles)
• NJT - Brick Church Station (5.5 miles)
• Harrison Path Station (6.1 miles)
• NJT - Frank R. Lautenberg Secaucus Junction Station (6.1 miles)
• Newark Penn Station (6.5 miles)
• NJT - Hawthorne Station (8 miles)

Physicians

• Summit Medical Group (3.4 miles)
• Women First Health Center (5.8 miles)
• Care Station Medical Group (5.8 miles)
• Summit Medical Group (6.1 miles)
• Paterson Community Health Center (6.7 miles)

Hospitals

• St Joseph's Regional Medical Center (5.2 miles)