I just wanted to let someone know that my mother was in ManorCare Mountainside, N.J. for a little under three months, and received very good care. The medical doctors, mental health doctor, nurses, nursing aides, and even the managers and reception staff were very solicitous of her and of me as a family member. Many of them went out of their way to help my mother, who had a difficult time rehabilitating after a broken hip. The kitchen staff was also very responsive to her complex dietary needs and strove to meet her needs. The certified nursing assistants were kind and attentive and tried hard to draw my mother into activities and get to know her.

My name is John. I was a patient at ManorCare Mountainside for two weeks and was recently discharged. The care was very good. The nurses and staff were good, especially the physical therapy department. Monica and Christine in OT and Pat and Rich in PT. Kenny and Zee, the nurses, were also good. The care was excellent.

I’m writing to commend several of your staff who have been involved in my husband Bill’s care over the past several weeks. Dana and Evelyn, my husband’s nurses. They are extraordinary and willing to go the “extra step” on care, make the necessary calls, pull together documents and ensure they are sent, and provide input and advice to us, the family. This makes a huge difference, as we go through this difficult period. Here are the qualities that we’ve seen in Dana and Evelyn:

        • Professionalism – On top of everything.
        • Attitude!!! – This is a “toughie” in a rehab situation and they are
           amazing!
        • The ultimate ‘go-to’ – If we need to understand something about
           Bill’s care.

Kathy, Jessica in OT and Pat in PT. They are professional and caring and continue to help Bill throughout his stay. He stays optimistic and encouraged, largely due to their efforts, even during challenging periods, including last week and this week where he has been in considerable pain.

Kennette. She takes the time to do as well as teach her patient. When he was in great pain, she was the one that my husband asked to help him because, as he said, “She is amazing and knows how to do what’s needed. She should be teaching the others.” A point well made! In addition to her professionalism, she has a great attitude. She is encouraging and “let’s get down to business” in one package. This becomes particularly important under the current circumstances, where progress is paramount and tied to attitude and working as a team.

These health care professionals are standouts among professionals at your facility. Additionally, the admissions and administrative teams are very helpful, when needed. Yours is a tough industry! These professionals have helped to make this challenging experience a bit easier for us, and we hope they will be recognized, celebrated and commended for their efforts.

On February 25, my wife was admitted to your facility at Mountainside, N.J. She had been transported from the hospital after undergoing surgery for a broken hip. I have since visited her almost every day, up to and including discharge. Additionally, both my daughters have visited her constantly. We have observed and are in agreement as follows:

Your personnel, at all levels, showed themselves to be well-trained and skilled in the performance of their duties. Additionally, they demonstrated compassion and great kindness in their relationship with my wife on a personal level, as well as a professional level. I cannot overstate the impact of their behavior on the families of your patients.

This was my wife's second stay at your facility. If we are unfortunate enough to need it again, it will be HCR. Please post a copy of this letter where all the involved staff can see it. Thank you