My father had a fairly brief stay in nursing home at Crane's Mill from July of 2024 through October of 2024. I waited to write this review so I would be able to reflect more clearly on the experience. Mostly, my father's and my family's time there was not very positive. I am leaving the two stars for those staff members that did treat my father with kindness, compassion and understanding. We decided to put my father on hospice so we could access more daily care and less medical testing ect. However, what we observed is less concern, less care and less compassion. My father's care was not easy as he had little mobility and dementia/delirium the last few weeks was significant. Hospice did provide pharmacological intervention but did not provide much support or communication with the family. Fortunately, my family was able to spend every day with him and provide him with the support required to make him as comfortable as possible. The most disturbing was that my father was placed at the end of the hall and after this daily visit once per shift by the nurse, there was no check- ins by the aides other than the alert bell that he could ring. The thing is when we rang, it was longer then 10 to 15 minutes before anyone would show up and at times it could be 30 to 40 minutes. No aide was stationed outside in the hall, so I spent much of my time searching for help. There were four occasions, I found them on their cell phones in empty rooms. Rarely, did not see supervisors on the floor making periodic checks on both him and staff. Basically, any assistance received other than the bare minimum, was mostly reactive not proactive. I would like to thank the nurse that did sit with him a few times during the end as his anxiety was severe and also the staff members that alerted me when his needs not being met. In the end, an aide assigned to my dad daily was treating me harshly, that I hired a private aide to stay with my father so that I could take a break from what appeared to be passive aggressive cruelty. This aide refused my father his last cup of coffee on his last day telling him the kitchen was closed, as my brother showed up and retrieved a cup in that kitchen. Previously, I did ask supervisor to speak to her but was told, that it was happening. I often wonder how she treated him while I was not present as he was somewhat helpless. Unfortunately, taking care of both my parents, I witnessed other facilities, and it is my opinion as a society, we must do better with the elderly. Working with the elderly and health care is a very difficult job. Owners and administrators must do better providing a caring emotionally and monetary rewarding environment for their staff. The response to these reviews asks the writer to call and discuss. Again, reactive, so I will offer my further input only if it is a proactive response. read more

Crane's Mill is a wonderful place to be! I have been working for the company for over a year now and have had nothing but delight in my life since I started working here. The residents here are so polite and kindhearted. I enjoy seeing their beautiful smiling faces each day. Every time a new resident moves into Crane's Mill, I hear nothing but great things from them about how welcomed they feel. read more

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I cannot get my mom's money back after she passed and they sold her apt. They are 3 months late in sending us the funds owed to my family from sale of apt. Hundred of thousands. We are getting angry and frustrated read more

My sister and I spent a week at CM during the last week of October, so we could visit our Auntie who has been living there for over a year. We were excited to visit her and see where she was living now. And to our pleasant surprise, we found CM to be a beautiful retirement village that catered so well to our Aunt's needs. My Aunt's apartment was so cozy and perfect for her, and what an amazing view she has from her balcony. You're literally looking into a forest of beautiful trees, especially now during the Fall season. And nearby, is another gorgeous view. My sister and I had the privilege of staying in an apartment right on the grounds of CM for guests to those who live there. How convenient that was for all of us. We were impressed with all the staff that my Aunt introduced us to. They were so friendly, attentive and all with a smile. We ate in the formal dining hall once for dinner, and it was so delicious. And we also had lunch one day in the Cafe, which was equally as good. My Aunt is 88 (soon to be 89) years old, but still has a lot of "kick and bounce" in her. And we're so happy she chose CM as her retirement home. We feel she's well taken care of, safe and has everything she needs right there. So thank you, CM, for a wonderful vacation you provided my sister and me. We're looking forward to coming back for another visit next year. And thank you for taking such good care of our Auntie Elaine, too! =) read more

Crane's Mill - Retirement Homes Near Me - West Caldwell, New Jersey

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Cranes Mill quality has gone down hill. I have a relative that went into Sycamore One several years ago, and since the building has really gotten filthy. There's been construction going on for months, this we can understand. But there's no excuse for roaches in the apts. As you walk thru the building there are numerous water stained ceiling panels. Fix the problem, people have had enough. The roach problem has escalated. The next step is getting The Health Department involved. Sorry, NO EXCUSE. read more

My family cannot say enough positive things about the team at Crane's Mill. They were very responsive to all of my parent's needs which made for a welcoming and easy transition. Now that they are living there my parents are more active and social and are enjoying all the facilities. The staff and residents are all so friendly and caring. Moving to Crane's Mill was the best decision my parents could have made. read more

My husband and I lived at Crane's Mill before he passed. Everyone on the staff was great. They provided my husband with assistance and support, from Elizabeth George, the dietician helping him figure out what was good for him to eat to the Physical Therapy team that kept him walking and Lauren, the speech therapist who taught him to chew. I am very grateful for all that the staff did for him. During the Covid 19 virus period, the entire staff work cooperatively to prevent the residents in Independent Living from getting sick. Every precaution was take. All food and mail was delivered. There was no need for anyone to leave their apartment. The diligence was impressive. The facility and my apartment was lovely. Also enjoyed all the exercise classes. Thank you, Barbara Miller read more

Crane's Mill is the best Assisted Living Facility in the state. My mom moved to New Jersey from Chicago, and we visited many facilities in the area, from the onset Crane's Mill stood out above all the others. The staff is extremely professional, kind, and caring. They went out of their way to ensure all her needs were met and her transition was seamless. They are providing the best care for my mom. You will have peace of mind if you have a family member who resides at Crane's Mill knowing they are being well cared for and living their best life. read more

My father has been here twice. Both in the wellness center for rehab. I cannot offer feedback on the assisted living portion however I can absolutely offer a review on the wellness center/rehab. I feared for my fathers safety. I witnessed a patient being restrained rather than helped. There is very little compassion for the elderly here. I will never send my father here again. read more

If there was a negative star, they should get it. This "corporation" worries about one thing. Getting old folks with cash in the door, and that's all. The grounds look fantastic, the buildings are magnificent, but that's where it stops. The food is deplorable. The residents pay a fortune, for what really should be good quality meals, and this is NOT what they're given. There should be an investigation as to the cost of what's paid, to what they're served. This money is going somewhere, and it's not into the food. It's gone from bad to worse. The emergency call lights - sometimes they work, most times they don't. Recently, while visiting a relative, we heard a woman screaming for help. She had hit the emergency call button in her room, no lights, no call. Nothing. The food services and whoever oversees it should be fired along with investigated. Roads where just replaced. Why? Nothing wrong with the old ones. But, "we have to make it look good for future owners." It's a disgrace, and I would not recommend Cranes Mill. read more

My Mom was a patient in "subacute" and it was horrendous. I eventually had to call 911 to get her the care she needed and back into the hospital as the lack of care nearly killed her. The medical director, who seems to still be there, is horrible, absent, incompetent and unprofessional. We were looking for another subacute care facility and were hoping things had changed so she could be near home and friends. CM is doing a media blitz. But, it is the same old dump in terms of care. Stay away! The assisted living may be okay but if care is needed, this is not the place. read more

I have a conflicting review to Rob S's. My grandmother was given excellent care and rehab while staying at the Cranes Mill health center after a fall resulting in hip surgery. To this day, 2 years later, she still raves about the physical therapists, food and level of comfort during her time there. As a visitor, I found the facility to be clean, bright, amply staffed and possessing a high end feel. As a family, we were so glad that a place like Cranes Mill extends their services to non-residents. It was a tremendous relief during a stressful time. Living here permanently would be a real privilege. read more

My in-laws have been residents here for about 10 years (mostly living independently in an apartment). They have made good friends and enjoy the activities very much. As a visitor, I am impressed with many of the staff. The one complaint - and it's a big one - is that the food is terrible. The administration made the decision a couple of years ago to save money by hiring a cheap food service provider. Where the meals had been consistently quite good to excellent, they are now consistently mediocre to inedible. The residents who still drive find themselves recruited to grocery shop for their neighbors, as the prepared food is so poor. When my family visits now, we bring our own food - or get take out from a neighborhood restaurant. It seems to me that quality meals should be a top priority for a facility like Crane's Mill. read more

My mother has been a resident of Crane's Mill Nursing home for almost 2 months now. I have been very pleased and impressed with the quality of care. The facility itself is immaculate, the nurses and nurse's aides very caring and dedicated. They have also been extremely responsive to any concerns or questions that we have raised. My mother is thriving there. I would strongly recommend it for rehab and nursing care. read more

The skilled nursing unit is understaffed or just full of neglectful workers. The residents have to wait a half an hour for someone to respond to the call button. The aids are rude. Please reconsider leaving a family member here. read more

We just moved our father-in-law to Crane's Mill In December, and we could not be more pleased. They provided terrific support and assistance throughout the entire process. This included providing extensive social support to help our FIL meet lots of people and new groups. Germaine Loudon at CM was, and continues to be, particularly helpful. She not only follows up thoroughly on everything, but importantly, she sincerely cares about the people. Out father-in-law is now very happy in his independent living unit. read more

My mother lived at Crane's Mill for almost 10 years, and had a wonderful experience there! She did the usual progression through the different levels of care-- she started out in Independent Living for several years, where she made many friends and had an active social life. She moved to Assisted Living when she had an accident and her health started failing, and then did several stints in Skilled Nursing, following various hospitalizations. Once when she was in Skilled Nursing, she was so ill that Hospice was brought in, and even that was a good experience. The staff went above and beyond to try to revive her--incredibly, she pulled through and lived another 3 years! The quality of Crane's Mill's facility and staff, in all phases of care, was excellent. The nurses were always warm, caring, and upbeat, even when my mother put up a fuss over taking so many pills, or doing other things she didn't want to do. The recreational services director did an amazing job of keeping the residents occupied, playing games, showing movies, singing, doing crafts, etc. The PT staff was also wonderful--so warm and encouraging, even in the face of failing physical abilities. Even the dining staff was friendly and caring! When my mother finally passed away last October at the age of 98, I was truly touched by the outpouring of sympathy by the staff. The Director of Community Relations even came to the wake, which meant so much to me. The staff truly tries their best to make life pleasant for the residents; they took exceptional care of my mother in her final years, for which I am truly grateful. Thank you, Crane's Mill! read more

Absolutely deplorable. My father-in-law was admitted to Crane's Mill for rehab in order to regain strength to prepare for cancer treatment. Although we read many horrifying reviews, members of the family chose this location due to hospital recommendation and the convenience of locality. I really wish they had listened to the reviews we had read. Our experience was equally as dreadful...and worse. Upon entering we immediately recognized the filthy carpets, horrid smell and lack of competent staff. Our beloved family member was so uncomfortable but no body did anything to support him. The staff "tried" to get him to eat...despite him telling them (repeatedly) how much pain he was in. After close to THREE WEEKS of not eating more than half a banana or a piece of bacon (at most) we finally DEMANDED a transfer back to the hospital. How a medical establishment could so deliberately overlook the needs of this man was beyond appalling. The "trained staff" should have advocated on his behalf rather than waiting for a confused elderly wife to make medical decisions on his behalf. Our 7-year-old son has moments of distress remembering visiting his grandfather in this repugnant establishment....and it's been over a month since he visited there! There is no other word for this place other than gruesome. If you care about a family member in the least, DO NOT subject them to the horrors of this place. read more

I wouldn't put any stars this place is the worst .. they leave patients in bed until the afternoons for them to eat breakfast they are roughy with there patients they have no compassion !!! It breaks my heart how they treat these elderly people don't go there please !!! read more

Best care for your loved one!!! My father-in-law was at Crane's Mill for rehabilitation after a hospital stay, and then moved into the Assisted Living area. The staff is absolutely outstanding....they are skilled professionals, each in their own right, and readily addressed any changes or adjustments to his care. Barbara Davey, Director of Community Relations, is not just a figure head. When our family was given a tour of the facility, she knew every resident's name and they knew her too. That connection meant a lot to our family, as we knew our loved one would be in the best of care. Christina Brophy-Goldsmith, Admissions Director, is amazing. Any blips, she handled with kindness and professionalism, as we moved from Rehab to Assisted Living. The entire staff....nurses, aides, handy men, security guards...all greet you with a friendly smile. We had visited other facilities, and this one was by far the cleanest and best kept. Most other places have a distinct "odor" that is unforgettable, however, this place prides themselves on getting it right. I would highly recommend this facility for anyone that is looking for options related to aging parents. read more

Both my parents resided at Crane's Mill over the course of three years. My Dad was very happy in an independent apartment. Both he and my mother had bouts in skilled nursing. I rank Crane's Mill high overall, with two areas in need of improvement: skilled nursing response times, which are still decent compared with other nearby facilities we either experienced directly or had extensive conversations about with former residents; and the food service, which was middling in quality but good in terms of nutritional value. RE FOOD: The majority of Americans can't identify a diet that follows nutritional guidelines, especially for patients with serious health considerations, so their yelps about any facility's food may only reflect that it's not what patients ate at home and that it's bland -- a problem, but a common one with institutional food. We are well-educated in nutrition in my family, so I know what they fed my parents was appropriate. SECOND: WHEN COMPARING facilities, MAKE SURE YOU CONSIDER THE LENGTH OF TIME A FACILITY HAS BEEN OPERATING. Crane's Mill opened nearly 20 years ago, so they've been through several cycles of directors, food services, etc. Some of the other facilities in northern NJ are practically brand new, so no true long-term perspective is possible and any rankings that seem extremely high may diminish over time. These places are VERY expensive, which definitely reflects our ridiculous health care system in this country, but should not be blamed on these sponsoring institutions. They're of course trying to make a profit within our screwed up system. Explore their financials and make sure the place you pick is solvent. read more

Recently, I have taken a tour of Crane's Mill and I am still in awe. The tour guide was extremely helpful and provided all the information we needed to know about the facility and how things work. I had the opportunity to meet several residents who were welcoming and had nothing but great things to say about their home. Everyone I encountered was friendly and was willing to share their experiences with us. It was definitely difficult to leave. I am going to look further into this facility very soon. I would recommend Crane's Mill to anyone looking for a pleasant and nurturing environment. read more

This place has gone way downhill. The rehab center does have some pros: Good physical therapy, great kitchen staff and descent food, good physician assistant and on call doctor, some nurses who care. Cons: It takes ages to find out who is assigned to help your loved one. When you do, good luck finding them. Aids are not dispatched to rooms in a timely manner (call buttons ring in perpetuity), patients with physical limitations hardly get assistance when they need it (left to pee in diapers even when cognitive and continent), aids have a negative attitude, temporary staff comes in and out and don't even know the patient's case.I hope they work on getting things right because this has the potential to be a much better place read more

My father was a patient here. The service was for most part good. Some went beyond and some fell short. The administration was unrelenting concerning the financial end. They added a far undue stress on our family. The second day we arrived the been to harangue us about money. They never let up. They sent my dad home and he was back in the emergency room the next day. I would avoid the facilty. They treat your loved one as a profit center as opposed to a senior who is there for care. They continue to have my post taken down but we are so angry with them we will not relent. We have contacted every state agency and will make sure they know they mistreated the wrong family read more

I can only speak for the independent living, we have not utilized the assisted living. Mom and Dad moved in last fall when Dad needed living on one floor and a walker. He had a physical therapist we all loved that is still there. it is expensive but excellent in cleanliness and reaction time and services. My Dad passed away in January 2014 in the apartment but emergency services came immediately and did all they could. For relatively healthy adults there are many social offerings and those folks are happy and busy and probably do not have time to post here. The food services cost Cranes Mill the 5th star. While service and quality was very good, just a little understaffed in the dining room last year, a management change of services this year has been very dissapointing.Kirk on the grill was fantastic and he is no longer there. There seems to be a shortage of food service workers, less food choices and longer wait times. This is difficult for the elderly, especially those very independent except for relying on walkers. It also has discouraged visitors, who are vital to the residents in the winter. read more

My parents moved into Crane's Mill in July of 2014 from their home in a retirement community in Florida. It had always been their intention to move to Crane's Mill when one (or both) of them needed more "care" than the community in which they lived could provide. Both my parents were born and raised in Essex County and had many friends who live (or lived) at Crane's Mill. When the inevitable happened-my father became too ill for my mother to be his primary (sole) caregiver-it was huge relief for all of his five adult children who all live in the Northeast. My mother was so overwhelmed for the last year of their living in FL and while there ARE five of us to help her, it required many trips to FL. Crane's Mill was the ideal place for them. They were able to live in an apartment (and a very nice one) together. The staff at Crane's Mill was/is absolutely phenomenal in helping not only my father (most other assisted living homes do not have a doctor in residence-Crane's Mill does) and also my mother. The social worker(s) gave her the much needed support she needed. My father passed away in January of 2015 but there was a whole community who could and did help in so many ways. My mother is still living there. Even though she is healthy, she is 85 and Crane's Mill helps her with all the "logistics" one needs at that age. She enjoys very much the friends she already knew and has made many other new ones. She leads an active social life-still drives-but is relieved of the burden of maintaining a home. We enjoy visiting her and it's not, in anyway, even a remotely "gloomy" place. She is happy and we are thrilled that she is, and can simply ask a staff member. She can purchase her own food and eat in her apartment that has a large kitchen or eat at one of the 3 dining facilities Crane's Mill offers. All in all, it was and is the ideal place for my parents. It is expensive but they knew that and had budgeted for it. We are all very happy with all aspects of Crane's Mill. read more

My family had realized that we had to find a more suitable iving situation for my grandfather. We found Crane's through a firend and decided to take a tour, it was the first assisted living facility that we walked into and it did not smell like a hospital, more like a home. After our tour we decided it was the place fir grandpa, there are activities, great meals, a private room, and a very helpful staff, Even though we visit very often we get updates and have meetings whenever there is a concern, everything seems very personalized. One thing that really impressed me: we stopped in to have an afternoon with my grandfather and there was a puddle on the sidewalk that was very slippery, we told a staff member just so shed know, when we went for a walk just a few minutes later the puddle was cleared and sand was placed on the ground to improve traction! It was so nice to find a place that not only listens but also respects there residents and there faimiles read more