Cranford Health & Extended Care/ Birchwood Square in Cranford, NJ
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205 Birchwood Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Cranford Health & Extended Care/Birchwood Square presents competitive pricing for its accommodations, with monthly costs reflecting the premium services provided. For a semi-private room, residents can expect to pay $7,800, which is notably higher than the average cost in Union County at $6,083 and significantly above New Jersey's state average of $5,068. When it comes to private rooms, the facility charges $8,250, again surpassing local and statewide averages - Union County's rate stands at $7,358 and New Jersey's overall figures show a lower average of $5,799. These costs not only encompass essential care but also highlight the facility's commitment to offering a quality living experience tailored to each resident's needs.
| Floor plans | Cranford Health & Extended Care/ Birchwood Square | Union County | New Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Private | $7,800 | $6,083 | $5,068 |
| Private | $8,250 | $7,358 | $5,799 |
Samarah is like a ray of sunshine, with a loving, caring attitude that shines inside and out. Shannon Corbett provides care that always comes with a smile and a joyful attitude. The Birchwood staff are friendly, professional, and genuinely attentive to residents and families. Gretchen Legion goes above and beyond, listening to patients and addressing their concerns with care. Myraciene Saget is the most wonderful, caring CNA at Birchwood. Susie Gardner at the front desk is consistently professional and attentive to families. Deb Hall, the administrator, is extremely helpful and often goes out of her way to solve problems. The Recreational Department, led by Gretchen, brings sunshine to residents and keeps them engaged daily. The facility itself is beautiful and clean, with a dedicated staff and management who treat families like their own. The PT and OT teams are excellent and help residents progress and regain mobility.
The reviewer calls the facility horrid and would not recommend it, citing negligence with medications. A family member’s dehydration and death is described as preventable, with the place labeled chaotic, unsanitary, and disgraceful. The staff are depicted as lazy and unprofessional, with residents not being bathed or properly cared for. Weekend and after-hours care are criticized for being understaffed, leading to long waits for assistance. There are reports of serious cleanliness and safety issues, such as being left in feces, bedsores, dirty rooms, and medications not being given. Administration and social workers are faulted for poor communication and lack of follow-up.This community is best suited for families pursuing short- to medium-term rehabilitation in a setting that leans into hands-on therapy and personal connection. Cranford Health & Extended Care / Birchwood Square functions well for residents who need skilled nursing plus robust rehabilitative services, think subacute rehab, post-hospital recovery, and ongoing nursing supervision with an emphasis on physical and occupational therapy. The environment rewards staff who make residents feel seen and heard, and it tends to work best when families are ready to engage with treatment plans, participate in visits, and partner with a capable care team. For many, the combination of therapy focus, a welcoming atmosphere, and a modern facility layout can translate into steady gains and a smoother transition back home.
Those who should consider alternatives are primarily the families confronting high-stakes concerns about safety, consistency, and oversight. A subset of reviews highlights dehydration, neglect, medication missteps, and sporadic responsiveness, situations that demand a facility with unwavering staffing rigor and transparent, proactive communication. If a loved one has complex medical needs, fragile wounds, or a history of rapid changes in condition, or if weekends and holidays demand consistently ample staffing without exception, this community may not deliver the reliability required. Also, if clean, consistently sanitary environments and pest- or odor-free rooms are non-negotiable, it pays to benchmark against other options with standing, disease-prevention track records.
The strongest positives here are the people and the culture they create. Numerous residents and families praise CNAs and nurses who bring warmth, humor, and dependable care to daily routines. Names like Shannon Corbett and Samarah Butler pop up as examples of staff who lift the mood and attend to needs with genuine kindness. The staff across departments, reception, administration, therapy, and activity teams, are repeatedly described as responsive, capable, and empathetic, translating into smoother intake processes, more engaging rehabilitation, and a feel‑like‑home environment that families value. The therapy team is frequently capped as a standout, with patients reporting meaningful progress and therapists who tailor plans to individual goals. Cleanliness and a bright, welcoming setting augment these strengths, reinforcing confidence in daily operations.
Yet the record is not uniformly positive, and that matters when choosing a partner for ongoing care. Several reviews point to serious lapses: dehydration that proved fatal in one case, episodes of neglect in others, delays in responding to call lights, and occasional sanitation or housekeeping shortcomings. Weekend staffing gaps and perceived understaffing at peak times are common threads in critiques, as are concerns about inconsistent communication from administration and variability in care quality between shifts. While many families sing the praises of front-desk staff, administrators, and the therapy team, the existence of these outlier experiences cannot be dismissed. These tensions underscore the necessity of a careful, current in-person assessment and of confirming that a solid care plan is in place with explicit escalation paths.
From a practical decision-making standpoint, use these observations to shape a thoughtful, evidence-based visit checklist. First, observe weekend operations: are aides readily available for routine needs and for call lights? Meet the unit manager and the director of nursing to review patient-to-staff ratios, caregiver assignments, and how medication management is monitored. Request recent wound-care and nutrition protocols, and ask to see a care plan that includes hydration and prevention of dehydration, which has appeared as a critical risk in past reviews. Tour the therapy gym, speak with PT/OT staff about typical timelines for progress, and verify whether activities and engagement options are consistently offered across shifts. Finally, probe the dining experience, room cleanliness, and how dietary restrictions are honored, since nutrition quality and timing have been points of friction in some critiques.
In the end, Cranford Health & Extended Care / Birchwood Square is a pragmatic choice for families who prioritize a therapy-forward environment, strong patient–caregiver relationships, and a facility that genuinely strives to treat residents with respect and dignity. It is a compelling option when the goal is rehabilitative progress in a humane, communicative setting, provided that the family remains vigilant about staffing patterns, ongoing care quality, and the execution of hydration and medication protocols. For those who require unwavering consistency, top-tier infection control, or a history of flawless safety with no need for escalation, alternatives with more uniform weekend staffing and a cleaner safety record may be warranted. The facility can deliver meaningful gains and a sense of community, but only when families actively verify that care standards align with the resident’s needs, and when administrators demonstrate sustained, transparent accountability across all shifts.
Skilled Nursing FacilitySkilled Nursing Facilities are crucial for seniors as they provide round-the-clock medical care, rehabilitation services, and assistance with daily activities. These facilities ensure that seniors receive the specialized care they need to maintain their health and well-being as they age.
Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
Beautician on-siteHaving a beautician on-site at a senior living community is important for seniors as it allows them to easily access grooming and personal care services, boosting their self-esteem and overall well-being. It also provides convenience and helps seniors maintain their sense of independence and personal style.
Devotional services on-siteDevotional services on-site provide seniors with spiritual support and a sense of community, as well as an opportunity for reflection and guidance during their senior living experience. This can promote emotional well-being and connection to others, leading to a more fulfilling and enriching lifestyle in their later years.
Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Outdoor common areasOutdoor common areas are important for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, physical activity, and relaxation. Being outside in nature can improve mood and overall well-being, while also encouraging movement and engagement with others. These spaces can help combat feelings of isolation and promote a sense of community among residents.
PrivatePrivacy is important for seniors as it allows them to maintain their independence, dignity, and sense of control over their own lives. It also gives them the space and freedom to relax, reflect, and engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment. Creating private spaces within senior living facilities is crucial for promoting overall well-being and quality of life.
Respite or short term stays offeredRespite or short term stays provide seniors with a temporary solution when their regular caregiver is unavailable, offering them the opportunity to receive additional care and support during times of need, while also giving caregivers a chance to rest and recharge.
Wheelchair accessible showersWheelchair accessible showers are crucial for seniors as they provide a safe and independent bathing option for those with mobility challenges. These showers help prevent falls and allow seniors to maintain their dignity and autonomy while ensuring they can bathe comfortably.
Newark International (7 miles away) LaGuardia (23 miles away)
Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.
High acuity careHigh acuity care is important for seniors because it provides specialized medical attention and support for individuals with complex medical needs. This level of care ensures that seniors receive the appropriate treatment and assistance to maintain their health and quality of life as they age.
Incontinence careIncontinence care is essential for seniors to maintain their dignity, hygiene, and overall quality of life. By addressing incontinence issues promptly and effectively, seniors can enjoy a sense of independence and comfort in their daily activities.
Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities. Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life. Devotional activities on-siteDevotional activities on-site provide seniors with a sense of community, spiritual fulfillment, and emotional support, promoting overall well-being and a positive sense of purpose in their lives.Cranford Health & Extended Care/ Birchwood Square is an assisted living community located in the charming town of Cranford, NJ. Our community offers a range of amenities to ensure our residents enjoy a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
For those looking to maintain their beauty routine, we have a beautician on-site, providing services such as haircuts and styling. We also offer devotional services on-site, allowing residents to practice their faith in a supportive environment.
Our indoor common areas provide spaces for residents to socialize with each other or relax with a good book. For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, our outdoor common areas offer tranquil spaces to appreciate nature and soak up some sunshine.
We understand that sometimes caregivers need a break, which is why we offer respite or short-term stays. Whether it's for a weekend or a longer period of time, families can trust that their loved ones will receive quality care and support during their stay.
Our commitment to accessibility is reflected in our wheelchair accessible showers, ensuring that all residents can easily navigate their personal hygiene routines with comfort and ease.
In terms of care services, we provide high acuity care for individuals with more complex medical needs. Our dedicated staff are trained to provide specialized care and support to enhance our residents' well-being. Incontinence care is also available for those who require assistance with managing this aspect of daily life.
While health and wellness are important aspects of life at Cranford Health & Extended Care/ Birchwood Square, we also understand the importance of staying socially engaged and mentally stimulated. Devotional activities are offered on-site for residents interested in spiritual enrichment.
Our location in Cranford provides easy access to various amenities and services in the surrounding area. With three cafes, six parks, 13 pharmacies, five physicians' offices, six restaurants, five transportation options, and one place of worship nearby, our residents have plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining out, accessing healthcare, and staying active in the local community.
At Cranford Health & Extended Care/ Birchwood Square, we strive to create a warm and inviting environment where our residents can thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. We invite you to join our community and experience all that we have to offer.
This part of Cranford, New Jersey offers a convenient location with various amenities nearby that may be beneficial for senior living. There are several physicians, pharmacies, cafes, parks, restaurants, transportation options, places of worship, theaters and a hospital within close proximity. This area is well-connected and provides easy access to healthcare services, shopping centers, dining options and recreational activities. The presence of multiple parks offers opportunities for outdoor excursions and relaxation. Additionally, the nearby transportation options make it convenient for seniors to travel within the area and beyond. Overall, this part of Cranford presents a well-rounded community with essential services and facilities for senior residents.
Cranford Health & Extended Care/Birchwood Square presents competitive pricing for its accommodations, with monthly costs reflecting the premium services provided. For a semi-private room, residents can expect to pay $7,800, which is notably higher than the average cost in Union County at $6,083 and significantly above New Jersey's state average of $5,068. When it comes to private rooms, the facility charges $8,250, again surpassing local and statewide averages - Union County's rate stands at $7,358 and New Jersey's overall figures show a lower average of $5,799. These costs not only encompass essential care but also highlight the facility's commitment to offering a quality living experience tailored to each resident's needs.
Cranford Health & Extended Care/ Birchwood Square is located at 205 Birchwood Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016 in Union County, New Jersey
Cranford Health & Extended Care/ Birchwood Square on seniors.fyi includes 7 photos including images showing building, healthcare, outdoors, interior, entrance, trees, clouds, parking, and more.
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