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

Our Mother originally was a resident of The Presbyterian Home in Newton, KS in the Alzheimers wing. When her husband died, my sister and I were confronted with the dilemma of leaving her in familiar surroundings in Kansas or bringing her to New Jersey and The Cliffs. With prayer, I knew it was the right time to move her closer to us. It was not a simple decision nor was the trip on an airplane with a 91 year old, but once Mom was safely in her new room at The Cliffs, I was at peace with our decision. The Cliffs had arranged for everything and her room was fully furnished when we arrived. When I looked out the window of her new room, I saw a spacious Interior courtyard, walking paths, green lawns, flowers, and beautiful blooming red bud trees. I knew Mom was home.
Mother received excellent care from the Cliff’s staff over the next 4 years. I noticed Mom’s mental acuity actually improved because of the many special daily activities in the Haven. Mom and I always attended the Annual Christmas Concert in the Chapel and when I would come before lunch, we would sing old songs from the 40’s with all the Haven residents. When possible, I would push her wheel chair around the beautiful walking paths surrounding the Cliffs.
On Mother’s Day 2015, I wheeled Mom around the Cliffs and decided to take her to the Upper Gazebo. Below is a picture taken that day in May; I treasure this beautiful moment, her last Mother’s Day.

When mother began to fail, St. Barnabas Hospice was called to assist in her final days at the Cliffs. Hospice along with the Cliff’s staff took such wonderful care of Mom and helped my sister and me to fully understand the dying process. Daily, Cliff’s staff would come to Mom’s room to comfort and pray with us. The compassion and sincerity exhibited during those last days was almost beyond words.
I so appreciate the 4 years Mom spent at The Cliffs. Thank you, thank you too all who knew and cared for our Mother, known affectionately at the Cliffs as Gee Gee.

“All the family agrees, there is no other place more perfect for Mom. The staff is a gift to the Cliffs and brings such a calm and kindess to the entire energy of this ‘home’ energy.”

Five years ago, when it was clear that my mother needed to move from Chicago to live closer to us here in New Jersey, my wife and I searched relentlessly for the perfect assisted living home. We must have personally gone to more than a dozen facilities, and checked out many others online. We consulted state websites to see whose inspection records were the best. In the end, it was an easy choice. The Cliffs was far and away the best place. Five years later, we are more convinced of that than ever, especially after Mom had to move into the Haven. We saw just how much the staff invested in the care of everyone, from making sure medications were taken to providing great activities and entertainment. Mom loved all of you. Monica, thank you. Madame President (you know who you are!), thank you. I thank all you terrific people who spent days and nights checking on, talking with and helping my mother. Leni, you worked wonders to make sure she could stay at The Cliffs. Orlando and the nursing office, you kept such a good eye on her medical conditions. Mark and the building staff, what a clean, fine-tuned machine you make at The Cliffs. To the kitchen crew, those are mighty tasty meals you whip up. I hope the administration posts this letter so that the entire staff can read it. You should all take a bow. You gave my mother’s family great peace-of-mind because she was in such good hands.