155 Fortieth Street, Irvington, NJ 07111
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Across a broad range of firsthand accounts, this facility emerges in many voices as a place where families feel distressed, dismayed, and often outraged by what they describe as neglect, poor sanitation, and a troubling pattern of communication failures. Several reviewers frame their remarks with a blunt verdict: this is not a place you want to entrust to your loved ones. They speak of unsanitary conditions, rude and inattentive staff, and a sense that administration is distant or unresponsive. A recurring thread is the impression that basic levels of care - food, cleanliness, timely assistance, and clear updates - are not consistently delivered, and that families are left to fight for information and support.
In one particularly jarring set of events, a driver who was transporting a family member was involved in an accident, and the family learned of it only after the fact when the person was already in the hospital. The author of that account emphasizes a painful gap between what happened and when they were informed. Even more painful is the claim that a loved one's illness or death occurred while nobody could be sure how long it had gone unaddressed; a daughter laments, "I wish I was given options," reflecting a perceived lack of proactive communication and plan management during a crisis.
A number of reviews center on long-term residents and the daily quality of care, or the lack thereof. One family describes their aunt as having "been a resident for the past 7+ years" and says the service is "very poor," despite the aunt's affection for the place and her sense that it is "her home." Another account details an atmosphere of neglect: a nighttime outage left lights off, walls with peeling paint, and a lack of essential supplies. The reviewer notes that beds were not secured, incident reports were not completed after a fall, and there were no exams to assess potential additional injuries. The overall tone is of danger and chronic under-resourcing, with rude staff and a sense that basic safety and accountability are not reliably in place.
Pre-pandemic and early post-pandemic experiences are also described as consistently negative by some. A reviewer who had previously left a facility in a hurry still felt compelled to try again because the facility accepted their insurance, but the outcome was again "Terrible Facility." The brevity of that verdict contrasts with others who provide longer, more graphic recollections of care failures, yet the shared thread is a sense of urgency and dissatisfaction that eclipses any potential positives.
Nightmarish stories of medical neglect surface with regularity. One account recounts that it "killed my grandmother" after Covid-19 and poor cleanliness, while another describes another relative "let my grandfather die" and accuses staff of failing to feed him or notice changing conditions in a timely way. A strong sentiment runs through: some reviewers feel that patients are allowed to deteriorate or die because needs are not addressed promptly, and there is a sense of betrayal by a system that families believed would protect their loved ones. The language is stark - phrases like "death camp" and "blood on their hands" appear in some posts - reflecting the depth of anger and disappointment felt by those who have faced serious harm or loss.
Several reviewers go further, urging decisive action. There are calls for investigations, closures, or shutdowns: "The FBI needs to lunch an investigation into this facility," one person writes, albeit with a typographical slip that underscores the immediacy and intensity of the demand. Others urge that the entire building be closed and completely restaffed from administration downward, or that the state be informed and involved. These critiques are not only about individual lapses but about a broader sense of systemic failure that, in their view, permits avoidable harm.
Amid the sea of negative experiences, a few voices acknowledge moments of professionalism and care. Some reviewers specifically commend certain staff members as "professional and kind," and credit administrators with helping to secure Medicaid or navigate paperwork. A few mention that the place is generally clean, or that certain facilities - like the room or the bathroom - were adequate or fine for their loved one's needs. One reviewer notes that the front desk staff were polite and that the social worker seemed capable and kind. Another describes moments of positive engagement during visits, including time spent with a God sister in what appeared to be a relatively well-kept setting. These positive notes stand in contrast to the overwhelming majority of horror stories, reminding readers that individual experiences can vary and that some staff may indeed strive to do good work under difficult circumstances.
The overall impression left by these accounts is complex but overwhelmingly weighted toward concern for patient safety, dignity, and timely communication. Families repeatedly describe a lack of real visitation options, with windows the only practical way to connect - especially when the patient is on the first floor - creating emotional distance at a time when closeness and reassurance would be most meaningful. The sentiment that care quality has been inconsistent - from "Arrogant and disrespectful" aides to genuinely caring professionals - pervades the narratives. The recurring call is for greater transparency, accountability, and structural improvements to ensure that residents are fed, medically monitored, and treated with respect, and that families are kept informed rather than left to infer what is happening behind closed doors.
Taken together, these stories offer a searing portrait of a facility that many families feel failed to meet basic expectations for safety, cleanliness, and compassionate care. They are not merely about isolated incidents but about a pattern of communication gaps, care lapses, and administrative disconnects that leave loved ones vulnerable. Yet within the chorus of complaints there are occasional glimmers of hope - a few staff and administrators who provide meaningful support, and the possibility that improvements can be made when concerns are raised and formally addressed. For anyone considering this facility, the accounts urge caution, thorough tours, and careful consideration of whether there are options that can better safeguard a loved one's health, dignity, and well-being.
Alaris Health At Essex in Irvington, NJ is a premier assisted living community that offers a wide range of amenities and care services to ensure the comfort and well-being of its residents.
The community boasts a beauty salon where residents can pamper themselves, and cable or satellite TV in each room for entertainment. Community-operated transportation is available for outings and appointments, while a computer center provides access to technology.
Meals are served in a dining room with restaurant-style dining, offering delicious options prepared by the community's skilled culinary team. For those who prefer to cook their own meals, there is a kitchenette available. Housekeeping services ensure that residents enjoy clean and tidy living spaces.
Fitness enthusiasts can make use of the fully equipped fitness room for workouts, while gaming enthusiasts can enjoy the gaming room for some friendly competition. Outdoor space with a garden provides opportunities for relaxation and fresh air.
Residents can stay connected with family and friends through Wi-Fi/high-speed internet access, and a small library offers reading materials for leisurely enjoyment. Telephone services are also provided.
Alaris Health At Essex takes care of all transportation arrangements, both non-medical transportation as well as transportation to doctors' appointments. Move-in coordination services are available to make the transition smooth.
In terms of care services, the community offers 24-hour call systems and supervision to ensure the safety of residents at all times. Trained staff members provide assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. Medication management is provided to ensure timely administration. The mental wellness program focuses on promoting emotional well-being among residents.
The community caters to special dietary restrictions such as diabetes diet and other dietary needs. Additionally, concierge services are available to assist residents with any requests or inquiries they may have.
To keep residents engaged and active, Alaris Health At Essex offers various activities such as fitness programs, planned day trips, resident-run activities, and scheduled daily activities.
With several cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians, restaurants, transportation options, places of worship, and hospitals in close proximity, residents have convenient access to essential services and recreational opportunities.
Alaris Health At Essex is dedicated to providing a comfortable and vibrant living environment where residents can maintain their independence while receiving the support they need.
Alaris Health At Essex is located at 155 Fortieth Street, Irvington, NJ 07111 in Union County, New Jersey
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