Brother Bonaventure Care Ctr in Elizabeth, NJ

Pros

• The care is excellent.
• The staff on 5N were always professional and caring.
• The staff from nursing to therapy to housekeeping made days pleasant and comfortable.
• The staff, especially 5 North, were awesome - friendly, caring, and compassionate.
• The center's staff are top notch, warm, and welcoming.
• Under new management, the facility seems to be thriving.
• The 4th floor staff provide care and affection.
• The nurses, the social worker, and the physical therapists are wonderful.

Cons

• The reviewer described the experience as horrible and said they would never return.
• The facility was criticized for its aging condition, subpar food, and lack of off-street parking.
• The office staff were said to never answer phone calls, and doctors did not explain the patient's status or the next steps.
• A family member stated that the patient had not recuperated after four months.

Review

Brother Bonaventure Care Center in Elizabeth is best suited for families seeking highly attentive frontline care, especially for residents who will benefit from skilled nursing and rehabilitation delivered by a cohesive, compassionate team on the ground. The strongest signal comes from the 5 North unit where staff are consistently described as professional, warm, and caring, with therapists, nursing, and housekeeping contributing to daily steadiness and comfort. With new management noted by several families, the culture feels more responsive and forward-moving, which can translate into better day-to-day experience for residents who thrive on dependable staff attention.

That said, this community warrants consideration of alternatives for families who require more consistent administrative communication or who have strict expectations about facility operations beyond the bedside care. Several reviewers flag gaps in office responsiveness and in updates from doctors, making it harder for families to stay fully aligned on treatment plans. Parking logistics and perceived food quality also surface as recurring drawbacks, and one respondent framed a long rehab trajectory with concern about overall improvement. In short, families should weigh the excellent bedside care against optics and logistics that can affect ongoing satisfaction.

The strongest pro, the caregiving team on the floor, more than offsets some shortcomings. The staff's professionalism and genuine kindness create a core continuity of care that becomes the resident's daily experience, which matters most for recovery and comfort. When therapy and nursing are consistent, residents often show meaningful progress, a trend echoed by positive experiences across floors and by multiple admirers of the facility. Cleanliness and housekeeping are also highlighted by families who notice meticulous attention to detail, including examples of thorough room upkeep, which supports a sense of dignity and safety for residents.

Nevertheless, the cons are not trivial, and they require proactive family oversight. Administrative responsiveness can frustrate families trying to track a status or understand the next steps in recovery. On-site doctors or care coordinators may not always provide timely or clear explanations, which can leave families feeling out of the loop during a critical recovery window. Food quality receives mixed reviews, suggesting that diet needs and preferences may require direct, ongoing input to the kitchen and care staff. Off-street parking challenges and the need for clearer signage or guidance around arrival and pickup add practical friction to an otherwise positive care frame.

For families weighing options, the decision hinges on what matters most in the senior's daily life. If the priority is unwavering bedside care, with a bright, supportive environment and a strong rehab trajectory under committed nurses and therapists, Brother Bonaventure delivers substantial value. If, however, the decision hinges on flawless administrative communication, seamless physician engagement, robust dining experiences, and easy parking, this community may demand extra steps or a closer comparison with peers that emphasize administrative clarity and logistics.

Bottom line: this community is a solid pick for residents who respond well to high-quality direct care and a warm, respectful atmosphere, especially where 5 North and therapy teams drive daily momentum. Families should enter with a plan to manage communication channels - designated contacts, regular status updates, and explicit expectations for family involvement in rounds or care conferences. Touring in person, meeting the current leadership, and asking to spend time with the 5 North team will reveal whether the practical comfort and personal care align with the resident's needs. If administrative transparency, dining quality, and parking are non-negotiable, it may be wise to compare with other options before committing.

This part of Elizabeth, New Jersey, offers a convenient location with various amenities nearby. There are several pharmacies within a short distance, making it easy to access medication and healthcare services. Additionally, there are theaters for entertainment options, cafes for socializing, and restaurants for dining out. Transportation options are also readily available with car rental services and airport facilities in close proximity. For medical needs, there are reputable physicians and medical practices nearby. Parks provide opportunities for outdoor activities and places of worship offer spiritual support. Overall, this area provides a mix of convenience and leisure options that may be appealing for seniors looking for a vibrant community to call home.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)
• CVS Speciality (4.5 miles)
• ACME Markets Pharmacy (4.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.8 miles)

Theaters

• 2198 Amc Jersey Garden (1.5 miles)
• AMC DINE-IN Staten Island 11 (5.6 miles)
• Alamo Drafthouse Staten Island (7.7 miles)

Cafes

• Dunkin (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• The Bread Stand (5.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5.2 miles)
• True Salvage Cafe (5.4 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)
• Starbucks (7.7 miles)

Transportation

• American Airlines Admirals Club (2.1 miles)
• Terminal A (2.1 miles)
• Avis Rent A Car (2.2 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (2.2 miles)
• Delta Sky Club (2.3 miles)
• TSA PreCheck (2.3 miles)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) (2.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Vanguard Kitchen (2.8 miles)
• Bond Street Cafe (4.7 miles)
• El Gordo (5 miles)
• Heartland Bagels (5 miles)
• Huck Finn Diner (5.6 miles)
• The Able Baker (6.5 miles)
• Tops Diner (6.6 miles)

Physicians

• Merck (4.2 miles)
• Premier Urology Group (4.8 miles)
• Kenilworth Primary Care (5 miles)
• Kartan Saritha Summit Medical Group Westfield (7.1 miles)
• Summit Medical Group (8.1 miles)

Parks

• Clove Lakes Park Playground (4.6 miles)
• Stephen R Gregg Bayonne Park (4.6 miles)
• Winfield Park (5.1 miles)
• Silver Lake Park Tennis Courts (5.6 miles)
• Clove Lakes Park (5.6 miles)
• Milo S. Borden Park (5.6 miles)
• Milton Lake Park (5.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church (6.6 miles)