Atria Cranford

I visited six other facilities within twelve miles of Cranford, plus another where my Aunt resided closer to Lawrenceville, NJ before settling on Atria, Cranford. The hallways and common areas are more generous than other facilities. The decor is very nice, and the staff is very welcoming to my questions and suggestions; I feel that we partner very well together to keep Mom at her potential. Mom is in the LifeGuidence side which provides a broad level of care for one package-price which she needs now to some extent but will need more-so in the future. I took care of Mom for three years, so I know intimately what she needs and what is provided in Atria. Mom is doing very well -- better than when I was caring for her alone.

The staff seemed very nice and thoughtful trying to help each individual senior have the most comfortable stay. In addition the building was extremely nice and clear with a cafeteria providing healthy foods in a timely manner. The individual rooms were also very nice with individual bathrooms, adjustable beds, and a complementary TV. There were also several computers set up throughout the facility for seniors to use. Also there were several entertainment programs involving bingo. My grandmother seemed to be very comfortable there and was offered individual care from the staff and was allowed to stay for a long period of time due to her health insurance. This facility was exactly what my grandmother needed after she had been in a car accident and needed surgery and physical therapy this assisted living facility provided just that. In addition the staff did this will professionalism and effectiveness. I don't think my grandmother could have recovered nearly as fast without this assisted living facility.

The nursing staff at this facility is above average. Dining hall is above average. Grounds are above average. Facility has 50+ beds. Situated in mixed suburban/commercial zoning.

Atria is a very beautiful facility with a fireplace, a place for residents to watch movies, a courtyard, and other comfy places for people to congregate. It is also a very large facility, with an assisted living side and an Alzheimer's ward. In the assisted living side, depending on the condition of the resident, can come and go as they please, but that is not the case in the Alzheimer's ward. The staff always was friendly to me and other visitors as it appeared, but that's not what my friend always says. My friend, who will remain anonymous, lives in the Alzheimer's ward, where she is locked in. I know that it is for her own safety, but she doesn't realize that, she thinks she's locked away where no one has to deal with her. She says the staff is unfriendly and understaffed. I've noticed that during the day there are a fair amount of staff, but at night they are incredibly understaffed. For a building as large as it is, there should be just as many people working there at night at there are during the day. The amount of residents/patients doesn't change from day to night, so why should the staff. They only have one nurse working at night and a few other staff members. I do think it is a nice place, but it's not my opinion that counts, it's the person who has to live there.

My father and I had to find an assisted living home for my grandfather this past summer. After weeks of searching around various senior communities we finally came across Atria Cranford. Thankfully my family and grandfather have a good amount of money because this senior living home is not cheap. The best thing about Atria Cranford is the independence my grandfather still has with his new living condition. He is still an active and lively guy however; it was too much work for my father to constantly drive to his apartment in order to help with medication. Atria Cranford is perfect because it offers medication assistance and a very friendly as well as helpful nursing staff. While living there I am able to gain the peace of mind that my grandfather is okay and I know my father is relieved and no longer stressed knowing he is living with others. Other than the friendly staff members, the location is beautiful and thankfully it is close by to my home (the next town over). Location was a main deciding factor when it came to choosing the right home. The couple of times I have eaten there the food was not so good but it was definitely better than the meals my father and I use to cook for my grandfather. Some fun we have had since my grandfather has been living at Atria Cranford is at the beginning of the summer there was a barbeque out on the massive back lawn. It was great because my grandfather likes to socialize. It was the perfect opportunity for all the people living at Atria Cranford to get some fresh air and have some fun. I am thankful that my grandpa is living here and we are able to afford it.

Overall the facility seems pleasant and spacious. The residents seem to have a lot of room in the eating and recreation rooms. Other facilities I've visited seem to be over-crowded, but Atria seems to give its residents and its workers enough space to be able to live and work comfortably. It feels home-like rather than like a hospital in the decor and in the lighting. I think the environment contributes to the pleasant, relaxed demeanor of the staff, which is very reassuring for someone considering having a family member live here. Also my impression is that the facilities are clean and well-maintained. The neighborhood the facility is located in is also quiet and residential, which also adds to my positive impression of the facility.