Therapy
Award Winning Care at the Harborage.
Experience the difference today
Stunning Views of the Hudson River.
Adjacent to Palisades Medical Center
The Harborage was placed in an exclusive list of facilities that puts patients first.
U.S. News & World Report
Unique Location
Explore the sights and get familiar with the central location in Hudson County
Message from Ed Davis
A word from the Administrator of the Harborage
Our Awards and Ratings
Get the lastest news on one of
U.S. World Report's Top Nursing Homes
Daughters of the Harborage
Meet the inspirational women who give
their time to residents.
MEDIA
Links to media mentioning of
the Harborage
GALLERY
Enjoy some beautiful images of the Harborage
CONTACT US
7600 River Road
North Bergen, NJ 07047
(201) 854-5400
© 2011 The Harborage. Registered 501 C3 Non For Profit. Privacy Statment | Disclaimer
Give to the Harborage and make every dollar count.
Copyright © 2012 The Harborage 501C3
Website designed by THE YA GROUP
Named one of the premier nursing homes in the nation by US News.
The Harborage is a 245-bed facility providing outstanding long-term care in a positive, compassionate and unique setting. Located in North Bergen, NJ, along the Hudson River, residents can enjoy spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. The bustling city across the river is visible from common areas as well as private rooms.
Adjacent to The Harborage is Palisades Medical Center, which has been ranked the #1 hospital in Hudson County and one of the top hospitals in the state. Residents of The Harborage can have the peace of mind that acute care is available as needed right next door.
Each division of The Harborage- Long Term Care, Subacute Care/Rehabilitation and Ventilation Therapy offers residents consistent, comprehensive care and services from a professional and dedicated Care Team. Care Teams are assembled based on the type of care required and always with the individual"s needs and best interest in mind.
"TOP NURSING HOMES IN THE NATION"
-US News and World Report
"ZERO DEFICIENCIES THIRD YEAR IN A ROW"
-NJ Department of Health and Senior Services
"RECOGNIZED FOR ITS EXCELLENT STAFF"
US News Names The Harborage One of the Nations TOP Nursing Homes. In February"s issue of US NEWS and World Report, The Harborage was named one of the top nursing homes in the country. Recognized for its excellent staff, stellar ratings, dedicated service and comprehensive patient care, The Harborage was placed in an exclusive list of facilities that puts patients first.
The Harborage Receives Zero Deficiencies Rating for 3rd Consecutive Year. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) has found that The Harborage at Palisades Medical Center has Zero Deficiencies for the third year in a row. Only 3% of facilities in the entire state receive the zero deficiencies score and it is extremely rare for a facility to receive this distinction three consecutive years, according to the NJDHSS. The Harborage underwent a thorough 6-day evaluation focused on dozens of quality of care and quality of life issues ranging from physical environment to staff ability to assess residents' needs. The Department"s inspection affirms that residents enjoy living at The Harborage and they have a very high regard for staff. The inspection also found that Harborage staff works cohesively towards clear goals.
The Harborage in the Media
HUDSON REPORTER
MYHUDSONCOUNTY.COM
MYBERGEN.COM
Click to open articles in new window.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
To enhance the health status of the diverse communities we serve
and deliver patient care in a safe and nurturing environment
consistent with the highest standards of
excellence, quality and efficiency,
and with strict adherence to ethical practices.
Ed Davis
Administrator of The Harborage
As the Administrator of The Harborage since its inception 20 years ago, Ed Davis has played a crucial role in making The Harborage one of the premiere nursing facilities in the country. After graduating from Salem College with a degree in Business Administration and Economics, he began his healthcare career specializing in developing and managing nursing homes. He became a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator in 1980; and his experience in building a facility from the ground up made him ideally suited to take on the role of Administrator at The Harborage.
Having lived in Hudson County his entire life, Davis has a strong sense of the community he serves on a daily basis. Regardless of the awards and national recognition for its outstanding service, the most important achievement to Ed Davis is that residents and their families trust The Harborage. “That’s what makes me proudest,” he says, “… when people in the community express their trust and confidence in us.”
Ed Davis Message...
At The Harborage we work to make the transition into our facility an easy one. In my years in the adult care industry I have seen how loved ones make the adjustment. Residents realize that they are in a safe and accessible environment getting the assistance they require. Our knowledgeable, compassionate and supportive staff provides first-rate care that is unique to each individual’s needs. The various activities socially engage residents as they get to spend time sharing a laugh, story or memory with one another and the staff. This is a place where bonds are made and strengthened.
Families can feel at ease knowing that we here at The Harborage do everything we can to make this facility as loving and caring as your own home. We invite you to take a look at our website or set up a tour to meet the team and experience The Harborage.
Ed Davis Bio...
Shawn Ryan
Controller & CFO
(p) 201-854-5400 (e) sryan_palisadesmedical.org
Our Controller & Chief Financial Officer, Shawn Ryan, has been in health care finance since graduating from the University of Maryland in 1988. After working in finance for several hospitals and nursing homes, Shawn moved to Tucson, AZ to serve as Corporate Controller for a network of mental health hospitals in Arizona, Texas and New Mexico. He moved on to become the CFO for NOVA Health in Mount Laurel, NJ before joining The Harborage in 2004.
Barbara Urban, RN-BC, BS, CIC
Director of Nursing
(p) 201-854-5400 (e) burban_palisadesmedical.org
Barbara has more than 35 years of nursing experience, with over 20 years in long-term care nursing management. She holds certifications in Gerontological Nursing and Infection Control and Prevention. Barbara has been a member of The Harborage family for 20 years.
Catherine Mooney, RN-BC
Assistant Director of Nursing
(p) 201-854-5400
Cathy has been a nursing professional for more than 40 years and she’s been a part of the nursing management team at The Harborage for the past 20 years. With a certification in Gerontological Nursing, she has the training and the experience to deliver the highest level of care to Harborage residents.
Mary Ellen Smith, CSW
Director of Admissions
(p) 201-854-5400 (e) msmith_palisadesmedical.org
A Seton Hall University graduate with a degree in Social Work, Mary Ellen Smith has spent her 35-year career working in nursing homes. She has served as Director of Social Service and Administration at various nursing homes in NJ, MD and NY. A Certified Social Worker, Mary Ellen has been The Harborage’s Director of Admissions for 20 years.
The group affectionately known as Daughters of the Harborage is made up of generous women with a zest for life and passion for helping others that has brought them together. With active members for over 14 years, each woman witnessed the devoted care and continual dedication to the patients at The Harborage through daily visits to see family members residing there. The consistently great service impressed the women and inspired them to give back to the establishment even after their family members passed.
Daughters of the Harborage is a visible presence at The Harborage. They are best-known for their preparation of the Wednesday Mass for which they transport residents and guide them through all readings and songs in booklets they have prepared with prayers and hymns in English, Spanish and Italian. Members Pat Kelemen and Pat Mazzeo lead Stations of the Cross during Lent. The Daughters visit with the residents that have become like mothers and fathers to them over the years and bring in special treats during holidays. Amazed by the amount of attention that their family members received while residents at The Harborage, the women"s efforts demonstrate their love for the residents, staff and each other. A group that once started off as cousins, co-workers and new friends has become much more. As Barbara Santillo puts it, "It's a sisterhood. We've become family."
The newest member of the group, Vivian met them when she brought her father, who was living with dementia, to stay at The Harborage. When sharing her experience of her father’s three week stay, Vivian talked about an aide who made a strong impression. From the first day, the aide asked permission to stand in and listen as the doctor spoke to Vivian so that she could provide the patient with the best of care. Vivian recalls the day her father passed. She walked in the room and the same aide was standing there comforting her father. “Everybody was just wonderful.” says Vivian. “Three weeks has given me the incentive to be as helpful as I can.”
As the Director of Admissions at The Harborage, Mary Ellen Smith met her fellow members of Daughters of the Harborage through her position and formed a relationship with the outgoing women. Although a staff member, Mary Ellen Smith also had her grandfather in the nursing home for four years. She made sure to visit him whenever she could. While her grandfather has passed, Mary Ellen Smith remains an active member of the group and says that she and the Daughters have “established friendships over the years.”
As the Director of Admissions at The Harborage, Mary Ellen met her fellow members of Daughters of the Harborage through her position and formed a relationship with the outgoing women. Although a staff member, Mary Ellen also had her grandfather in the nursing home for four years. She made sure to visit him whenever she could. While her grandfather has passed, Mary Ellen remains an active member of the group and says that she and the Daughters have “established friendships over the years.”
When Eunice’s mother was 92, she called her daughter to say that she wanted to go to a facility. Eunice had found The Harborage and was impressed by the courtesy and respect she experienced. She brought her mother to New Jersey from Florida in August and was amazed at how wonderful the time was that her mother spent at The Harborage. Through her visits, Eunice saw how the transition from living alone to socializing on a daily basis and participating in activities helped. A special memory for Eunice is her mother’s first Thanksgiving at The Harborage when her mother declared, “This is my home.” Eunice was so thankful that her mother had found a place to call her home.
After her mother’s massive stroke, Barbara was distraught to hear that her mother, Anna, needed a facility. Visiting The Harborage, however, eased her anxiety since she knew Anna would be in good hands. As an educator at Memorial High School, she visited during lunch and after school daily. Each time, Barbara witnessed the “beautiful care.” From knowing her mother’s favorite outfit to performing every act with a delicate touch, the staff knew what they were doing. Their attention to detail and continual love left a mark on Barbara. She states, “They kept my mother alive for twelve years. I can never repay them.”
Pat admits, “It was the worst thing I ever had to do in my life.” While the decision to put her mother in a nursing home was heartbreaking, Pat is grateful for the incomparable care her mother received during the nine years she spent at The Harborage. While working at the World Trade Center, Pat would visit nightly with her husband and continued visiting daily after her retirement and her husband’s passing. She saw first-hand how the camaraderie with fellow residents, aides and nurses benefited her mother. While placing her mother in a facility was tough, Pat recognizes the positive impact it has had on her and the other Daughters, “If it wasn’t for all of our mothers being here, we wouldn’t know each other.”
Dementia and mini-strokes among other issues indicated that Linda’s mother, Mildred, required a nursing facility. The decision was made easy for Linda to place Mildred at The Harborage when she asked to join her sisters there. The facility gave her mother the socialization and attention she needed. She shares anecdotes of how staff and residents befriended her mother, the perpetual smile on her face and how she even won the dance contest! After her accounting job in New York, Linda would visit nightly with her mother and aunts. She believes that The Harborage gave her mother life: “She was here six years and The Harborage gave her those. It gave me six more years with her.”
Before entering The Harborage, Pat’s mother had a diabetic incident that landed her in the hospital. When she was released she wistfully turned to Pat and asked, “Oh, is it time to go home?” Pat knew she had to look for a nursing facility that offered her mother the care and socialization for which she was longing. Pat eased her mother into the transition by taking her to visit the Harborage and attend some social events. Before long Pat’s mother was enjoying ice cream socials, celebrating residents’ birthdays and chatting up new friends. This made the change easier for Pat and her mother. By the time her mother moved into The Harborage, Pat knew that her mother had good company, devoted service and loved ones all around.
Ed Davis, Administartor of the Harborage
(p) 201-854-5400 x456 (e) edavis_palisadesmedical.org
All rooms are spacious and can be personalized with a favorite chair, family photos and other valued possessions to reflect the residents life and personality. Residents gather for meals in our dining facilities, which include a formal dining room for entertaining family and friends. Social activities take place in lounges and multi-purpose rooms. fdfddfpersonality. Residents gather for meals in our dining facilities, which include a formal dining room for entertaining family and friends. Social activities take place in lounges and multi-purpose rooms. fdfddf
personality. Residents gather for meals in our dining facilities, which include a formal dining room for entertaining family and friends. Social activities take place in lounges and multi-purpose rooms. fdfddfpersonality. Residents gather for meals in our dining facilities, which include a formal dining room for entertaining family and friends. Social activities take place in lounges and multi-purpose rooms. fdfddf.
A former English teacher at Memorial High School, Cabrini was working with some of her fellow members of the Daughters of the Harborage in 2001 when her mother was residing at the nursing home. It had become clear that year that it was time for her mother to be admitted into a full-time care facility. Cabrini had watched her mother go from a great athlete, one of the few women to swim across the river, to a woman who had become incapacitated. During her mother’s nearly one year stay at The Harborage, Cabrini would come faithfully every day after school from 4 - 8 to spend time with her mother and the other residents. She is thankful that the staff at The Harborage was always so patient and caring towards her family and those around her.
"Advanced state-of-the-art medical equipment."
"Individuals and families are offered counseling to cope with the emotional aspects of chronic illness."
"Your dignity and comfort is our top priority."
"Our licensed physical therapists promote overall health and fitness."
Our physical therapists aim to treat conditions that limit the body’s movement and functionality. At The Harborage we strive to keep you as independent and mobile as possible in your daily routine. Through carefully designed exercises that take each resident’s condition into consideration, our physical therapists work with the individual to restore the body.
Physical Therapy Services Include:
Specialized exercises to treat individual issues such as mobility, flexibility, balance, endurance and coordination. Help in restoring function and improving mobility. Relieving pain. Prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities. Promote overall fitness and health.
"Gain the skills for everyday living with our occupational therapy."
Every day our occupational therapists give people the “skills for the job of living.” After determining your present fitness level, our therapists guide you to rebuild the skills you need to improve mobility and independence.
Occupational Therapy Services Include:
Instruction in self-help tasks such as bathing, dressing and grooming
Splint fabrication and modification
Upper extremity strengthening/conditioning
Prosthetic device assessment and training
Cognitive visual assessments
Energy conservation techniques
Safety training
"Opening the lines of communication through therapy."
We place the utmost importance on the ability for human communication. It is one of the most important gifts a speech-language pathologist gives to our residents. Our speech pathologists offer instruction to help residents improve speech patterns or learn new forms of communication.
Speech Therapy Services Include:
Speech/language disorders
Dysphagia
Voice Disorders
Cognitive-linguistic disorders
Prosthetic device evaluation and training
"Activities to build
social and physical
strength."
Depending on personal preference and level of fitness, residents take part in a variety of programs that stress social interaction while building strength and mobility.
Rehabilitation is any process that helps residents achieve the highest possible quality of life and health possible based on their individual needs. At The Haborage, residents receive the care and medical knowledge needed to better their everyday quality of life. The Harborage is a contracted provider of Genesis Rehabilitation Services (GRS), a division of Genesis Health Care. GRS is one of the nation's leading providers of physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. It touches the lives of more than 80,000 residents a year in more than 23 states, entirely focused on clinical excellence and continuous staff development.
Subacute Care/Rehabilitation
At The Harborage, subacute and rehabilitation care combines the high-tech resources of a hospital with the operation of a skilled nursing facility. We help residents overcome and adapt to physical and neurological challenges brought about by stroke, Parkinson’s disease, orthopedic injuries, chronic arthritis and pulmonary conditions. Comprehensive wound care services are also available.
Our doctors, therapists, nurses and other health professionals work together in teams that are assembled according to each patient’s needs. These specifically designed care teams provide each resident with the most effective and efficient care possible. Our goal is to help them recover as quickly as possible so they can return to their normal lives.
When residents are able to return home, our social services staff is there to help make the transition easy and efficient. Social services staff assistance includes making special arrangements and educating families on how to provide proper care for the individual.
Subacute Care Services Include:
"The Harborage is the only facility in Hudson County with a Ventilator Care Unit."
The ventilation unit at The Harborage features thoroughly modern accommodations and advanced state-of-the-art medical equipment, as well as a number of safeguards to ensure continuity of care in emergencies. Therapeutic equipment includes piped-in oxygen, supplementary tanks, suction equipment, medical outlets, and emergency electrical power. Respiratory specialists are available 24 hours a day to care for residents and manage emergencies. Along with physical, occupational, and speech therapy, residents take part in a variety of recreational programs to improve morale.
Individuals and families are offered counseling to cope with the emotional aspects of chronic illness.
Ventilation Therapy Services Include:
Boutique-sized facility
State-of-the-art equipment and treatment programs
Respiratory therapists on duty 24 hours a day
Personalized treatment plans
Access to acute-care services
Family support and education
"Respiratory specialists are available 24 hours a day to care for residents and manage emergencies."
Restorative nursing supervision, direction, assistance, training or retraining in all phases of daily living to promote independence or growth and to develop or restore optimal functions of the individual. (This may include active and passive range-of-motion, bowel and bladder retraining, splint or brace assistance, bed mobility, transfer and ambulation, dressing/ grooming, and amputation/prosthesis care and communication.)
Ongoing assessment for individual care planning by registered nurses
Terminal illness management including hospice and palliative care
Wound care including surgical, pressure, diabetic and vascular wounds
Emergency care
Catheter care
Pacemaker monitoring
Medication administration
Tube feeding
O2 therapy
Respiratory services
IV antibiotic therapy
Trach care
Pain management
Discharge planning
Long Term Care is personalized care at The Harborage.
Long Term Care is personalized care at The Harborage. Every resident is treated like the one-of-a-kind individual that he/she is. Upon admittance, you’ll receive an evaluation by nursing, dietary, social services, rehabilitation and recreational therapy professionals. This interdisciplinary approach helps create a care plan that meets your specific needs. At The Harborage, we encourage every resident to develop and maintain as much independence as possible. Your dignity and comfort is our top priority. We value your individual right to privacy and respect your decisions regarding treatment options.
Easy Admissions
As with everything we do at The Harborage, our admissions process is designed to be easy and as stress-free as possible for you. All the forms you need are available right here and any help or information you require is just a phone call away.
We understand that choosing a rehabilitation/nursing facility is an important decision that cannot only be difficult & confusing, but it comes at a very stressful time.
We’re here to help. Along with answering your questions and quickly processing your forms, our admissions team will provide information on financial aid that may be available from Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance companies, or Long Term Care Policies.
Arrange A Tour
We’re always happy to arrange a tour of our facility, to introduce you to our staff, and to let you see why The Harborage is considered one of the top nursing homes in the country.
To set-up a tour, please call
(201) 854-5400 phone
(201) 295-4197 fax
msmith_theharborage.org
Admissions Forms
HarborageContactInformation.pdf
AdmissionAgreement.pdf
MedicaidAplication.pdf
ResidentDiagnosisForm.pdf
ResidentFinancialAplication.pdf
Download a free PDF Reader here.
Accommodations
Both private and semi-private accommodations are available at The Harborage. All rooms are spacious and comfortable to meet the needs of the occupant. Every room can receive personal touches to make it one’s own. Bring a favorite chair, add a colorful bedspread or adorn the dresser with family photos. At The Harborage, residents can display their valued possessions to reflect the resident’s life and personality. Our dining facilities, which include a formal dining room for entertaining family and friends, are where residents gather daily for meals. Social activities, which range from ice cream socials to music bingo, take place in lounges and multi-purpose rooms. Resident rooms are conveniently located to allow easy access to surroundings including the nursing station, dining area and recreation room. Private areas are available for family visits and home care training.
Personal Services
We at The Harborage believe it is crucial to offer personal services that make your life more enjoyable and less stressful. We prepare your meals, do laundry and help with bathing, grooming and hairdressing. Our complete housekeeping services are designed to pamper you and relieve you of worry over these matters.
Residents can partake in religious services at our Interfaith Chapel, which accommodates all beliefs. Staff and volunteers visit with residents frequently and family members and other visitors are welcome every day of the year.
Activities Calendar
There’s always something going on at The Harborage and our activities calendar lets residents keep track of all the fun. Our recreational therapist and staff create engaging activities for every day and evening of the week, every week of the entire year. Due to The Harborage’s unique location, we’re able to offer regularly scheduled outings that take advantage of what both the vibrant local community and the general metropolitan area have to offer. With our busy calendars, there’s always plenty to do at The Harborage!
Click here to view a sample activities calendar.
Dining
At The Harborage food service is provided by Sodexo, the leader in integrated food service and facilities management in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Sodexo is in business to create a positive experience for the people it serves through its food. Its goal is to offer services that contribute to a more pleasant and satisfied way of life for people. One of the “World’s Most Admired Companies,” according to Fortune Magazine, Sodexo is dedicated to making every day a better day for residents at The Harborage.
Residents at The Harborage have options when it comes to their dining. Each resident provides input and participates in regular menu planning meetings where they choose their meals from a long menu that offers a vast selection every day. Daily specials are included in the menu as well as food that honors culture and religion.
"Food that honors culture and religion"
"Residents choose their meals from
a long menu that offers a
vast selection every day. "
Food service is provided by Sodexo. One
of the “World’s Most Admired Companies.”
-Fortune Magazine.
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(201) 854-8798
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www.theharborage.org
Directions to The Harborage
We are here to help
From N.J. Turnpike, North or South
Take Route 3 East (Lincoln Tunnel) and follow signs to Lincoln Tunnel. Exit Weehawken, Pleasant Ave. (Last exit before tunnel.) Continue straight. At the 2nd light, turn left (follow blue “H” sign) onto Boulevard East. Proceed North on Blvd. East until 60th St. Turn right onto River Road. Hospital is less than one mile away on right.
From Rt. 4, Rt. 46 or Rt. 80 Eastbound
Take last exit before bridge. Proceed straight (through traffic lights towards Hudson River) until you can go no further. Turn right and follow road alongside river southbound (approximately 3 miles) to Hospital on left.
From New York via George Washington Bridge
Take the upper level to first exit in New Jersey, marked “Fort Lee.” Do not get on the Palisades Parkway. Take sharp hairpin right turn to light under Bridge; continue south to River Road, through Edgewater, past Edgewater Commons and past movie theatre. Approximately ¾ mile South on your left is the Emergency Room entrance to the Hospital. Enter here and ask the guard to assist you in parking.
From New York via Lincoln Tunnel
On leaving the tunnel, take ramp to Turnpike/Rt 3 and stay in extreme right hand lane. Near top of ramp (helix) take the first exit, “Weehawken.” This exits at a Hess station and continues North along top of Palisades (Boulevard East) to 60th Street. Take a right at 60th Street, down to the river. Bear left at fork in the road and continue on River Road. Hospital is on your right.
Bus from Port Authority
Monday- Friday Express
#158 Platform 200, to River Road
Bus from George Washington Bridge
Monday-Friday
#188
Gallery
Central and Unique Location
Located in the heart of Hudson County, The Harborage is home to spectacular views, easily accessible via public transportation, near a multitude of activities and close to an acclaimed hospital. Residents enjoy scenic sights of the Manhattan skyline. The bustling city is balanced by the soothing Hudson River along which The Harborage is found. Its central location means that it is easily reached by public transportation in NJ and NY. Directions to The Harborage can be found under the Contact Page. Hudson County is full of plenty activities including theatre, fine dining and shopping. The proximity to New York City allows outings to partake of the metropolitan area as well as local community events. Adjacent to The Harborage is Palisades Medical Center, a multiple award-winning and state-recognized hospital that ensures the best care for residents of The Harborage at all times.
Palisades Medical Center, a multiple award-winning and state-recognized hospital, is located adjacent to The Harborage. A member of the New York- Presbyterian Healthcare System, Palisades is a 202-bed facility. Its dedicated and professional staff is accessible to The Harborage residents as needed. Each resident can feel at ease knowing that a medical facility is right next door. The State of New Jersey’s annual healthcare report card ranked Palisades as one of the top hospitals in the sate and #1 in Hudson County. Palisades was also one of only two hospitals in New Jersey to receive a perfect 100% score in treating heart attack patients. With Palisades Medical Center but a step away, The Harborage residents are in some of the most capable medical hands in the state.
Visit Palisades Medical Center at www.palisadesmedical.org
Our Team
Subacute Care - Rehabilatation
Long Term Care
Ventilation Care
Directions
