Circle of Life

Pros

• They describe the facility as a life saver for their parents and express deep gratitude.
• They describe a driver as cheerful and encouraging, calling her an angel sent by God who inspires them.
• They note that the staff treats people like family.
• They say the staff and owners are cool.

Cons

• Bonnie is very rude and condescending.
• She lacks professionalism and has serious attitude problems.
• She has no patience for people and is in the wrong profession.
• The reviewers had a personal and horrible experience with her.
• The owners need to let the staff do their jobs.

Review

This place has clearly made a meaningful difference for the reviewer's family. The writer emphasizes that their parents are patients there and describes the facility as a life saver, something they are deeply grateful for. The tone throughout the remarks about the facility itself is warm and appreciative, highlighting the sense that the care provided has had a genuine positive impact on their loved ones during what sounds like a challenging period.

Within that overall gratitude, the reviewer points to a specific interpersonal issue: Bonnie, who is identified as the head of nursing, is described in very negative terms. The critique is pointed and personal: Bonnie is portrayed as rude and condescending, lacking professionalism and patience, and the reviewer even suggests she belongs in a different profession. The sentiment is not isolated to a single incident; the reviewer says they and others had a personal and horrible experience with her, conveying a strong disappointment in her conduct and bedside manner. This contrasts sharply with the otherwise favorable impression of the facility as a whole and illustrates how a single staff member can color a family's perception of care.

In stark relief to the negative encounter with Bonnie, the reviewer shares a heartening interaction with one of the facility's drivers. While traveling through heavy rush-hour traffic from north Jersey to the central area, the reviewer encountered a driver who had a notably uplifting presence. This driver's enthusiasm and encouragement during a difficult stretch of the journey left a lasting impression, described as something rare and genuinely moving. The writer even suggests that the driver's demeanor felt almost angelic and posits that such kindness likely extends to the way she interacts with clients at the facility, painting a vivid picture of compassionate, person-centered service behind the scenes.

Beyond individual staff dynamics, the reviewer emphasizes a cultural atmosphere that feels familial. The expression "They treat ppl like family" captures a sense of warmth and close-knit care that permeates the facility. This portrayal aligns with broader positive sentiments about the staff, suggesting a community where residents and their families are treated with care and consideration rather than as mere patients. The sense of a family-like environment appears to be one of the facility's strongest appeals, contributing to the overall gratitude expressed by the writer.

On the administrative side, there is a mixed message about leadership. The reviewer notes that the staff are "real cool," and even mentions the owners in a complimentary light, yet there is a caveat: the owners "need to let the staff do their jobs." This hints at a tension between supportive leadership and overbearing oversight, implying that while leadership and ownership may be positive in spirit, there could be friction regarding autonomy and trust in the caregiving team's day-to-day work. The result is a nuanced portrait: capable, likable staff operating within a managerial environment that some feel could grant them more space to exercise their professional judgment.

Finally, there is a brief, somewhat ambiguous closing sentiment: "It's igh." The incomplete or clipped wording suggests a residual mixed feeling - perhaps acknowledging that, despite the strong positives, there are still disappointments or uncertainties. Taken together, the review paints a layered picture of a facility that is incredibly valued for keeping a family connected to their loved ones and delivering compassionate care in many situations, but with identifiable areas for improvement in personnel interactions and management dynamics.

Overall, the narrative reads as a heartfelt testament to the facility's life-changing impact on a family, balanced by a candid critique of how some staff experiences - particularly with a senior nurse - and the management style can color the perceived quality of care. The reviewer's gratitude for the life-saving support and the personal warmth of certain staff members coexists with a clear call for improved professionalism and autonomy in handling day-to-day caregiving responsibilities.

Located in South Plainfield, New Jersey, this neighborhood offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. With multiple dining options such as Chick-fil-A and Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet, residents can enjoy delicious meals close to home. Nearby pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens provide easy access to healthcare needs. In terms of recreation, there are several parks within a few miles, including Columbia Park and Donaldson Park. For spiritual fulfillment, various places of worship cater to different faiths such as Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church and the Muslim Center of Middlesex County. Additionally, reliable transportation options like NJ Transit stations are available for seniors to easily travel around the area or visit nearby towns. The proximity to hospitals like St Peter's University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital ensures residents have access to quality healthcare services when needed. Overall, this neighborhood in South Plainfield offers a well-rounded living environment with convenient amenities suitable for seniors looking for a vibrant community to call home.

Restaurants

• Chick-fil-A (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet (2.2 miles)
• The Original Tastee Su (2.8 miles)
• Skylark Diner & Lounge (3.5 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.6 miles)
• Edison Diner (3.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Amneal Pharmaceuticals (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (4 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.8 miles)
• Starbucks (5.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.4 miles)
• Wegmans Food Markets (6.6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.7 miles)

Transportation

• NJT - Edison Station (2.4 miles)
• NJT - Metuchen Station (3.3 miles)
• New Brunswick Train Station (4.1 miles)
• New Jersey Transit - Metropark Station (4.9 miles)
• NJT - Rahway Station (8.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church (2.6 miles)
• Muslim Center of Middlesex County (2.9 miles)
• Somerset Presbyterian Church (4.8 miles)
• Chinese Christian Church (5.2 miles)

Parks

• Grandview School Play Ground (3.1 miles)
• Columbia Park (3.1 miles)
• Donaldson Park (4.1 miles)
• Ponderosa Farm Park (5.8 miles)
• Merrill Park (6.2 miles)
• Forest Road Park (6.7 miles)
• Mindowaskin Park (8.1 miles)

Physicians

• University Radiology Group (3.4 miles)
• Cancer Institute of New Jersey (4.1 miles)
• Medemerge (4.4 miles)
• University Orthopaedic Associates (4.8 miles)
• Johnson & Johnson (4.9 miles)
• Raritan Bay Cardiology (5.2 miles)
• University Radiology (5.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Emergency Department, St Peter's University Hospital (4.1 miles)
• Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (4.2 miles)
• Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center (7.7 miles)

Theaters

• 2220 Amc New Brunswic (4.4 miles)
• AMC DINE-IN Menlo Park 12 (4.5 miles)