Runnells Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare — Local services in Berkeley Heights

Although I grew up nearby and am familiar with Runnells Hospital from way back, this summer was my first occasion to reside there for 6 weeks as a patient in the orthopedic wing. My overall impressions were that the nursing and CNA staff are amazing! It's a little hard to get to know everyone's names at first since there are different staff members coming into your room at all hours of the day and night, but eventually I got to know my "regulars". I have to give a special shout-out to Cindy, Mary, Jarnissa, and "T" for going waaaay above and beyond the call of duty on my behalf, but virtually all the staff I encountered during my stay were caring and competent. This includes but is not limited to the various doctors and the people from Activities (Pat), Social Work (Bo), Housekeeping (Pamela), Dining, Administration (Stephen), and even the front-desk people (Charlene). They were also generally flexible with my visitors.

It is very hard to be in pain, immobilized, anxious, confined, and losing any sense of modesty for weeks, but these issues were made easier by the sensitivity of the staff. I was not allowed to bathe (other than sponge baths) for two full months, but the first day I got permission to shower my CNA (T) made time to help me do so even though it wasn't on the schedule for that evening; she let me shower as long as I needed to, found toiletries for me to use that I didn't have on hand, and gave up her OWN dinner until we were done at 10 pm that day. That's what I call compassion, and it's also the kind of care that makes you feel 100% better despite your continuing limitations.

I would also be remiss if I didn't mention the utterly fantastic rehab group. The PTs and OTs are gentle, yet firm, and they all have a great sense of humor, which makes painful therapy more bearable. They challenge you but also listen and incorporate your goals into treatment. During therapy I met many other patients who came and went during my confinement and can say that several of them became personal friends as a result (despite our age differences). I found that talking to other patients was therapeutic for them and for me. I guess you could say that your experience with rehab is largely dependent on your attitude and what you make of it.

There are a few things that could be improved but these are small quibbles compared to what went right. Sometimes Runnells is short-staffed and nurses and CNAs work double-shifts on occasion. The windows don't open so the only fresh air is in the small outdoor courtyard. Some fresh fruits or raw vegetables on the menu would be nice, but they make every effort to accommodate requests where possible. The TV channels are limited, but the silver lining is that because the TV is satellite instead of cable I didn't have to deal with those god-awful Verizon commercials every 2 minutes on every channel. In fact, I blissfully forgot about them until I returned home. My biggest complaint is that they would send a person around weekly to take bloodwork at FIVE THIRTY IN THE MORNING (why?!)

I can definitely recommend the care at Runnells. In fact, I will be needing rehab again following another surgery, and I will happily return to Runnells when...

This is Absolutely the worst place you or a loved one could ever be. If it were possible, I would give this place like -100 stars. I was transferred to this HORRIBLE place in Jan 2016 after suffering from a stroke and needed both PT and OT (which I will get to in a few) Within the 1st week of my admission, my roommate who was probably in her 30’s died in the room. The nurses and the rest of the staff thought it was OK to have me sitting there with her DEAD body in the same room for HOURS AND HOURS. Finally 1 of the nurses came and put me in a wheelchair and wheeled me down to the end of a hallway and left me sitting there for some time while her parents came to say goodbye to their daughter. And again that was the 1st week . Things just got much worse. After several months of being there, 1 of the administrators came to my room asking why I didn’t interact with others that used to sit in the lobby by the nurses station and I explained that it was SEVERELY depressing sitting there with patients that were far worse off than I. I also asked when I would start getting ANY THERAPY AT ALL. The next day was the 1st of 8 days IN TOTAL of PT. On the last day, I was told that I would probably never walk again, that was May. In June, my son, my last baby, was graduating from high school and I had cleared it with the administration and doctors and was told that I could ABSOLUTELY be able to leave for the day and return later that night. Then on the day of, I was told they couldn’t allow it because of the meds. So the next day I was so angry and really wanted a cigarette and in talking to an aid, found out that I could GO OUTSIDE but yet was never told, not even by the administrator who wanted me to go sit by the very depressing nurses station. I had become friendly with regs by the smoking station who all told me similar stories about the therapy and was even told how their insurance companies were billed for therapy they had NEVER received. I had someone looking for another facility immediately for me. When administrators found out I was transferring, I got another visit telling me that I would NOT receive any more therapy anywhere else and that my benefits had been exhausted (which I’m sure they were responsible for). That was one of the BEST DECISIONS OF MY LIFE. I transferred and in LESS THAN 1 WEEK the therapist had me up and starting to walk. Within 3 weeks they were ready to discharge me and the only reason I stayed another week was because I had 16 steps up to my apartment from ground level so they wanted to make sure I was good. Not only did they work so tirelessly with me, but it turned out that YES MY BENEFITS WERE EXHAUSTED BY RUNNEL’S and EVEN still, the 2nd facility actually CARED ABOUT ME AND MY WELLBEING. There were quite a few things that I left out but I think I made my point.I’m sorry not to put this out there earlier but I try to leave that very difficult time in the past so if I can help even 1 person or family now, I would...

My Experience at Runnells Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare

I recently had the pleasure of receiving care at Runnells Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare and I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the exceptional experience. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was greeted with warmth, compassion, and a commitment to my well-being.

The staff at Runnells Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare truly go above and beyond. The therapists were incredibly skilled and knowledgeable, tailoring their treatment plans to my specific needs and goals. Their dedication to my recovery was evident in every session, pushing me to my limits while ensuring my comfort and safety.

The facilities were clean, modern, and well-equipped, providing a conducive environment for healing and rehabilitation. The meals were delicious and nutritious, catering to various dietary needs.

What truly sets Runnells Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare apart is the genuine care and support provided by the entire team. The nurses were attentive and responsive, always available to address any concerns or needs. The administrative staff was efficient and helpful, making the entire process seamless.

I am incredibly fortunate to have chosen Runnells Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare for my rehabilitation journey. I wholeheartedly recommend this center to anyone seeking top-notch care and a supportive environment...