Bergen New Bridge Named Among Best Nursing Homes In U.S.
PARAMUS, NJ — Bergen New Bridge Medical Center's long-term care facility was named one of the top nursing homes in the nation, in a ranking released by Newsweek and research firm Statista.
Deborah Visconi, president and CEO of New Bridge Medical Center, said the honor was unexpected and has been a boost for staff who have worked so hard during the pandemic.
"We were excited when we first got the notice," she told Patch. "We're very, very proud of that."
Overall performance data, peer recommendations, and how each facility handled COVID-19 factored into the study, which was conducted across 25 states.
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center was ranked 29 on the list.
Donnalee Corrieri, the chief communications and marketing officer for Bergen New Bridge, said the honor is "a validation of our ongoing commitment to long-term care residents and their families."
"To be the largest (nursing home in the state) and to be on this list is a testament to the leadership of Deb and the amazingness of our team," Corrieri said.
Visconi said the long-term care facility at Bergen New Bridge is unique in its connection with the hospital; residents in the nursing home have specialists nearby if they need care.
"One of the things that sets us apart is that we have all of the health professionals under one roof," she said. "So our nursing home residents don't have to leave the facility to get cardiac care or neurology care, or dermatology or podiatry or surgery. ...any of those specialists are physically there on campus."
At the beginning of the pandemic, she said, the long-term care facility was able to share personal protective equipment (PPE) with the hospital, at a time when nursing homes were struggling to find that equipment.
Visconi also noted the facility's recreational therapy activities, greenhouse, and multi-faith chaplains "add to the quality of life" for the 574 residents who call Bergen New Bridge home.
"This is where they live," Visconi said. "This is where their Christmas cards get mailed to. This is where they vote from."
Visconi added that the hospital worked with Paramus Public Schools to send letters and pictures to residents while COVID prevented them from seeing their families face-to-face.
"The nursing home industry took a tumble during the COVID pandemic," Visconi said. "As health care providers in general, it's been a taxing two years and certainly has tested our resiliency and our ability to pivot and to stay standing and stay vibrant and able to serve our communities."
"We provide the highest quality of care but we also focus on the best quality of life, and that's important," Corrieri added.
This article originally appeared on the Paramus Patch
