When it became clear that my 98-year-old mother, Rosalia, would soon no longer be safe in an independent environment, even with assistance from daily aides, I began looking in earnest for a place to care for Mom. My first visit to the Cliffs convinced me that this was the place. But because so many people agreed, there was no spot for Mom. I asked Charlotte to put her name on the “waiting list”, and I kept looking. Indeed, Mom spent time in another facility who gave respite care while I was on a trip. However, I prayed that a spot would open up at The Cliffs, and often dropped in to see if anything had. I pretty much hounded Charlotte!

Finally, prayers were answered, and Mom became a resident. With old age and clinical depression working against her, the staff at the Cliffs kept her busy and engaged to her fullest ability. Even though mom had been reluctant to enter a nursing home, she soon felt comfortable, and my frequent visits helped to ease her anxiety. We both came to know and love the staff at the Cliffs, who took wonderful and gentle care of her.

In addition to having some Easter and Christmas dinners with Mom, we celebrated her 100th birthday with a big family party in the church basement, and on her 101st birthday, with a smaller celebration in the family dining room.

I can never thank the wonderful staff at the Cliffs enough for doing the job that I was unable to do . . . and they did it with love and enthusiasm.

To say that the Cliffs in West Orange is a wonderful place would be an understatement…. It is extraordinary, and I am very comfortable saying that there is none like it and none better.

Annmarie Rogers, Rosalia Barbato’s Daughter