One Bay Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
At Hackensack-Umc Mountainside, the monthly cost for a private room is $3,400, making it a more affordable option compared to the average costs in Essex County and throughout New Jersey. In Essex County, private room rates soar to approximately $4,597, while the statewide average reaches about $5,799. This pricing structure positions Hackensack-Umc Mountainside as an attractive choice for individuals seeking quality care without the financial burden often associated with similar facilities in both the county and state. The competitive pricing reflects a commitment to accessible healthcare while maintaining high standards of patient services.
| Floor plans | Hackensack-Umc Mountainside | Essex County | New Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private | $3,400 | $4,597 | $5,799 |
What level of care are you interested in?

Assisted Living

Memory Care

Independent Living

Skilled Nursing Facility

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)CCRC

Other
A tapestry of experiences unfolds around Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center, weaving together moments of exceptional care with episodes of frustration, miscommunication, and financial confusion. On some evenings, patients and their families were greeted by calm, capable clinicians who steadied nerves and explained what was happening with warmth and clarity. One visitor described a Sunday night when a nail injury led to a split-second decision about treatment, and although the visit began with the feeling of being a burden, the day's better experiences at the bedside painted a contrasting picture of what emergency care can be. The same thread of care recurred in other accounts: Dr Sapira's calm demeanor helped ease a frightened child; Gary the nurse's attentiveness and kindness offered steady reassurance; and elsewhere, Dr Victor Maroun's patient, gentle, thorough approach transformed a frightening abdominal emergency into a calmer, more comprehensible experience. These moments were frequently framed by supportive nursing staff as well as a broader hospital team who could be efficient, professional, and reassuring in stressful circumstances. In addition, a patient who spoke highly of the ICU nurses honored the dedication of the night-and-day teams who deliver life-saving, attentive care, noting that the overall hospital environment could be a source of comfort and safety when the care teams were at their best. Even the front-of-house staff sometimes earned praise, with a visitor describing the front desk as lovely and helpful, and the overall patient experience during some visits as one of relief, gratitude, and trust in those moments when the care felt well-coordinated and compassionate.
Yet behind the scenes of those positive, life-affirming moments lay a different reality for others. A recurring theme across several reports is an impression of unkind or unhelpful behavior from some reception staff. One reviewer recounted an encounter with a receptionist who seemed blunt and unprofessional, and who even communicated directly with a security guard in front of a visiting family member - an incident that left the impression that courtesy and discretion were not being observed at the door. Another account described a similar sense of coldness from a front-desk staff member, suggesting that people visiting loved ones in distress deserve empathy rather than hostility. The pattern here points to a broader concern: while some patients encounter patient-centered, respectful interactions, others report rudeness, dismissiveness, and a lack of empathy at crucial moments that set a negative tone for the entire experience.
Compounding these experiences are reports of specific interpersonal frictions within the clinical setting. A patient described a discharge nurse who argued and who, in their view, did not explain options clearly, leaving the patient with a sense of being rushed or misinformed about next steps. A female physician's communication style in another visit was characterized as dismissive, with suggestions that the patient's concerns were being disregarded. In several narratives, the impression of being dismissed or minimized by medical staff contrasted sharply with the compliments given to peers who conveyed patience, clarity, and reassurance. Taken together, these vignettes suggest that the difference between a healing experience and a frustrating one can hinge on the interpersonal dynamics between patients and the staff who are in direct contact with them, underscoring the need for consistent bedside manners and clear, empathetic communication across the board.
Some of the most emotionally charged accounts focus on neonatal and maternal care. One parent described a newborn experience where an arm fracture occurred under hospital supervision, compounded by concerns about feeding schedules and lactation support. The report criticized a lack of timely guidance about visiting the NICU and about feeding needs, which disrupted breastfeeding and led to a prolonged reliance on pumping. The suggested absence of a lactation consultant visit, despite promises, and frequent interruptions by staff during recovery were described as stressful and disorienting during what should have been a precious and intimate time. While there were individual staff members who delivered kindness and support, the overall experience left the family unsettled and seeking more consistent, family-centered care, particularly around breastfeeding support, consistent nursing presence, and respect for the family's need for quiet, uninterrupted time with a newborn.
Financial and administrative concerns added another layer of strain for many. One family recounted a back-spasm ER visit that culminated in a bill totaling thousands of dollars, with charges for services that they believe were not received. They described requesting an itemized bill, only to be told that those charges were "standard," prompting feelings of injustice and accusations of potential fraud. The billing process appeared slow and opaque, with promises of a 12?14 day window for billing inquiries followed by notices to start paying immediately, and months of unanswered correspondence with the billing department. The sense of being trapped between urgent medical needs and opaque financial practices left some patients wary and distrustful, with warnings to future patients to scrutinize bills closely and be prepared for potential disputes.
Other reviews added to the sense of a mixed, sometimes troubling, experience that could fluctuate widely from visit to visit. A patient who described a routine ER visit felt that the care team's bedside manner varied drastically - from dismissive to supportive - depending on who happened to be providing care. A long-standing frustration with recordkeeping surfaced in a later account, where incorrect or confusing medical records about a child's condition and about a patient's own health history created anxiety and a sense that important information could be misfiled or misread. The impression that information could drift or be misrepresented in the records added to the stress of what was otherwise a difficult hospital experience, particularly when it involved a newborn and the family's long-term health implications.
Despite these concerns, the reviews collectively emphasize that Mountainside Medical Center can and does save lives, sometimes delivering the kind of care that families will carry with them for years. The strongest testimonials speak to clinicians who communicate with patience, listen attentively, and explain complex medical information in plain terms. The hospital's care teams - nurses, doctors, lactation consultants, and ICU personnel - are not simply performing tasks; they are shaping the emotional experience of patients and their families in moments of fear, pain, or vulnerability. The stories of praise for Dr. Sapira, Dr. Maroun, Nurse Gary, Nurse Bella, and other dedicated staff members stand in vivid contrast to the complaints about rudeness at the front desk, inconsistent bedside manner, and opaque billing practices. Taken together, they suggest a hospital system that has real strengths in clinical competency and compassionate care, but that also faces challenges in patient relations, communication consistency, and administrative transparency that can undermine, or complicate, even the most well-intentioned clinical efforts.
Looking ahead, the overarching takeaway is nuanced. Mountainside Medical Center appears capable of delivering high-quality medical care in urgent, high-stakes situations, and many patients leave with gratitude for the clinicians who listened, explained, and comforted them or their loved ones. Yet a nontrivial number of experiences point to systemic issues that can erode trust: front-desk interactions that feel dismissive, inconsistent bedside manners among some physicians and nurses, interruptions during recovery, and a billing and records process that can seem unresponsive or opaque. For patients and families navigating the ER, NICU, or inpatient units, the call to action is clear: insist on clear communication, request itemized bills and explanations for charges, seek lactation or family-centered care when needed, and, if problems arise, document experiences and advocate for follow-up with the appropriate hospital leadership. In the end, the hospital's capacity to heal remains evident, but the path to consistently excellent patient experience requires attention to human interaction, transparent administration, and a steadfast commitment to empathy at every point of contact.
The Hackensack-Umc Mountainside in Montclair, 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 dining room where residents can enjoy delicious meals prepared by professional chefs. Each living space is fully furnished, providing residents with all the comforts of home.
One notable feature of this community is its beautiful garden, which offers a serene and peaceful outdoor space for residents to relax and enjoy nature. Additionally, housekeeping services are provided to help maintain a clean and organized living environment.
Moving into the community is made easy with move-in coordination services offered by the staff. Residents can expect top-notch assistance during the transition process.
In terms of care services, Hackensack-Umc Mountainside provides activities of daily living assistance such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. The staff also assists with medication management and offers diabetes diet support. Special dietary restrictions are taken into consideration when preparing meals for residents.
To keep residents engaged and entertained, scheduled daily activities are organized within the community. This ensures that there are plenty of opportunities for socializing and participating in enjoyable pursuits.
The location of this assisted living community is advantageous, with several amenities conveniently located nearby. There are four cafes, seven parks, 16 pharmacies, four physicians' offices, 14 restaurants, three transportation options, two places of worship, and one theater all within close proximity.
Overall, the Hackensack-Umc Mountainside in Montclair, NJ provides a comfortable and supportive environment for seniors seeking assisted living. With its exceptional amenities and care services, residents can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle while receiving the assistance they need to thrive.
At Hackensack-Umc Mountainside, the monthly cost for a private room is $3,400, making it a more affordable option compared to the average costs in Essex County and throughout New Jersey. In Essex County, private room rates soar to approximately $4,597, while the statewide average reaches about $5,799. This pricing structure positions Hackensack-Umc Mountainside as an attractive choice for individuals seeking quality care without the financial burden often associated with similar facilities in both the county and state. The competitive pricing reflects a commitment to accessible healthcare while maintaining high standards of patient services.
Hackensack-Umc Mountainside is located at One Bay Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042 in Essex County, New Jersey
Little Nursing Home
Montclair, NJ
Personalized, compassionate care with a home-like atmosphere.
Little Nursing Home costs
Little Nursing Home reviews
Little Nursing Home images
United Methodist Communities At Pineridge Of Montclair
Montclair, NJ
Assisted living with diabetic care, on-site activities, and provided meals.
United Methodist Communities At Pineridge Of Montclair costs
United Methodist Communities At Pineridge Of Montclair reviews
United Methodist Communities At Pineridge Of Montclair images
Horizon Manor South Residential Healthcare Facility
Montclair, NJ
Caring, attentive staff in a small, family-like setting with a well-kept environment.
Horizon Manor South Residential Healthcare Facility costs
Horizon Manor South Residential Healthcare Facility reviews
Horizon Manor South Residential Healthcare Facility images
Cedas Home Care Services LLC
Montclair, NJ
Strong access to dining, parks, healthcare, transportation, and entertainment.
Cedas Home Care Services LLC reviews
Cedas Home Care Services LLC images
The Job Haines Home
Bloomfield, NJ
Caring, professional staff with clean, private rooms and engaging activities.
The Job Haines Home costs
The Job Haines Home reviews
The Job Haines Home images
Coppergate House
East Orange, NJ
Competitive pricing with convenient nearby amenities
Coppergate House costs
Coppergate House reviews
Coppergate House images
Brighton Gardens of West Orange
West Orange, NJ
Friendly staff, clean environment, and a variety of on-site activities.
Brighton Gardens of West Orange costs
Brighton Gardens of West Orange reviews
Brighton Gardens of West Orange images
Nurturing Our Loved Ones: A Daughter's Journey in Caring for Her Mother
Please provide the content you'd like summarized.
Nurturing Our Elders: Linda's Journey of Supporting Her Mother
Linda's caregiving journey for her elderly mother, Joan, is marked by deep love and challenges as she navigates health changes, emotional support, and practical arrangements while learning to prioritize self-care and utilize community resources. Their evolving relationship highlights resilience and the universal themes of empathy and preparedness in caregiver experiences.
A Comprehensive Exploration of Common Misunderstandings about Powers of Attorney
The article clarifies common misconceptions about Powers of Attorney (POA), highlighting the necessity of the principal's consent, the limitations on an agent's authority, and the importance of mental capacity when signing. It also distinguishes between various types of POAs, addresses concerns about potential abuse, and emphasizes the need for legal consultation to ensure valid and up-to-date documents.