Father Hudson House

Pros

• The staff is caring and very responsive.
• The building is older, but well maintained and very clean; everyone was very kind.
• What a wonderful place - the staff are angels among us, caring and professional, there for loved ones when they can't be.
• The nurses and aides go above and beyond to care for the patient and family, keeping them as comfortable and happy as possible.
• The Center for Hospice went over and beyond expectations and provided a comforting atmosphere.
• The place is beautiful, serene, and the staff are attentive and caring.

Cons

• One reviewer reported that their father was sedated to the point of not being able to open his eyes, calling the practice inappropriate and not compassionate care.
• Another reviewer described the experience as horrible and inhuman, expressing sadness and disappointment with the staff and questioning how the center could maintain a high rating.
• A reviewer lamented that because they lived out of state, their family member's last moments were marred and their feelings were hurt by the staff.
• A reviewer stated that the home hospice was "very average," not meeting their expectations.
• A reviewer said they had to remove their father from the facility due to excessive sedation.

Review

Across the many testimonials for the Center of Hope (also referred to in some reviews as the Center for Hospice), a common thread emerges: in some of the most difficult moments of end-of-life care, families found comfort, compassion, and a sense that their loved ones were cared for with genuine kindness. Families describe a place that feels like a home, where staff members become a steady presence during a chaotic time, and where the attention to both patient and family members makes a meaningful difference.

A large number of comments center on the staff's warmth and dedication. Several families highlight specific individuals who stood out: Chris emerges repeatedly as a compassionate, capable nurse who helped reassure relatives when they could not be there in person. Jonathan is frequently credited for creating an environment where patients are believed to be well cared for and where staff members truly appear to care about their work and their patients. The impression formed by these caregivers is not merely professional proficiency but deep, personal concern for those in their care, with families feeling that their loved ones were safe and valued in their final days. In many notes, relatives express gratitude for a staff that treats patients and families like extended family, going above and beyond what they expected.

The overall atmosphere of the facility is repeatedly described as warm, welcoming, and home-like. Reviewers praise a sense of openness, with mentions of open spaces and a clean, comfortable environment. Comments about in-house cooking and food prepared with care contribute to a sense of normalcy and comfort during a time when families are trying to do right by their loved ones. The staff's responsiveness and willingness to work with families - beyond routine rounds to provide comfort and reassurance - also stands out in multiple accounts. Several families specifically mention a trust that develops with the nurses, aides, social workers, and even kitchen and maintenance staff, reflecting a holistic approach to care that includes both the patient and the family.

Within these positive narratives, there are also recognitions of special moments when care made a real difference - such as a loved one dying peacefully in their sleep, or feeling supported through difficult decisions and emotional stress. Phrases describing "a blessing" or "a ray of hope" recur, underscoring the emotional impact of compassionate, attentive hospice care. Several testimonials express relief that they were able to place their loved ones in a setting where staff took the time to explain care plans, answer questions, and maintain a respectful, dignified environment during the final chapters of life.

However, the collection is not without its cautions and criticisms. One reviewer shared a painful experience of sedation that left their father unable to open his eyes, raising concerns about how and when sedation is used. That account stresses the importance of clear communication, trust, and a patient-centered approach to comfort - reminding readers that end-of-life care must balance relief from anxiety and distress with preserving dignity and humanity. This perspective calls for ongoing attention to how treatment decisions are made and perceived by families, especially when they are not present at the bedside.

There are also honest expressions of disappointment. A few reviews note that their experiences did not meet expectations: one family described the patient's health care as "average" in the hospice setting, implying variability in experience. Others emphasized the emotional weight of the situation, noting that the last moments with a loved one were affected by how the staff answered questions, provided updates, and showed empathy to grieving relatives who live out of state. These perspectives serve as a reminder that while many families find great solace in the care provided, consistency and transparent communication remain essential components of unmet needs.

Overall, the sentiment across the majority of reviews is one of gratitude and relief for the care they received at the Center of Hope/Center for Hospice. Families repeatedly credit the team - especially named individuals - for delivering compassionate, respectful, and professional end-of-life care that acknowledges both the patient and their loved ones. The ongoing praise for kindness, attentiveness, and a sense of family within the facility reflects a deeply felt impact: in what is invariably one of life's hardest times, there are moments of grace, dignity, and human connection that make a meaningful difference. At the same time, the mixed feedback about sedation practices and occasional dissatisfaction underscore the need for continued attention to patient comfort, clear communication, and personalized care plans that align with each family's values and wishes.

This part of Elizabeth, New Jersey, offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With several pharmacies nearby such as CVS and Walgreens, access to medication and healthcare supplies is convenient. Additionally, there are reputable physician offices in the area including Premier Urology Group and Kenilworth Primary Care for medical care. For leisure activities, there are cafes like Dunkin and Starbucks for socializing, theaters such as AMC Jersey Garden for entertainment, and restaurants like Vanguard Kitchen and El Gordo for dining out. The proximity to parks like Winfield Park and Memorial Park provides opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Overall, this area of Elizabeth combines essential services with recreational options, making it a suitable choice for senior living.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• ACME Markets Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• CVS Speciality (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.9 miles)

Transportation

• Avis Rent A Car (2.7 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (2.7 miles)
• Terminal A (2.8 miles)
• American Airlines Admirals Club (2.8 miles)
• Delta Sky Club (3.1 miles)
• TSA PreCheck (3.1 miles)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) (3.1 miles)

Physicians

• Merck (2.7 miles)
• Premier Urology Group (3.4 miles)
• Kenilworth Primary Care (3.5 miles)
• Kartan Saritha Summit Medical Group Westfield (5.6 miles)
• Summit Medical Group (6.8 miles)

Cafes

• Dunkin (2.8 miles)
• The Bread Stand (4.1 miles)
• True Salvage Cafe (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)

Theaters

• 2198 Amc Jersey Garden (3 miles)
• AMC DINE-IN Staten Island 11 (6.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Vanguard Kitchen (3.4 miles)
• El Gordo (3.7 miles)
• Bond Street Cafe (4 miles)
• Huck Finn Diner (4.2 miles)
• The Able Baker (5.4 miles)
• Heartland Bagels (5.9 miles)
• Millburn Delicatessen (6 miles)

Parks

• Winfield Park (3.9 miles)
• Milo S. Borden Park (4.8 miles)
• Milton Lake Park (4.8 miles)
• Memorial Park (5.2 miles)
• Stephen R Gregg Bayonne Park (6 miles)
• Clove Lakes Park Playground (6 miles)
• Mindowaskin Park (6.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church (5.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Saint Barnabas Medical Center (8 miles)