It is always a thrill for me to visit our magnificent Nursing and Rehab facility in Somerset NJ.
This is the Regency Heritage Nursing Center, located on DeMott Lane. For those in Somerset County, you may recall our recent achievement of a World Record for hosting the largest gathering of Centenarians in one room (including many of our own residents).
I captured some beautiful pictures of the facility during my visit today!
Take a look.
Flashes popped and smart phones bobbed up and down for position. Small children pushed their way past taller adults to get a better view. Gasps of admiration escaped from wide-eyed spectators as “You Make Me Feel So Young” played in the background.
On Sunday, May 19, Regency Jewish Heritage Nursing and Rehab Center, celebrated an event of epic proportions. 40 men and women, all of them centenarians, gathered together in the magnificent auditorium at Regency to rejoice in life itself!
They came from all across New Jersey and were treated to a spectacular program, with music, delicious food and great cheer, all courtesy of Regency Heritage.
Collectively, these heroic individuals represent a jaw dropping 4000 cumulative years of life’s experiences. It was simply amazing to be in the room and to witness this historic gathering!
I believe we were able to achieve a new world record for the books, since the last documented gathering of this nature was in the UK in 2009 and featured 29 centenarians.
Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Regency, Marie Barnes, worked tirelessly to put together this wonderful event and her efforts were well rewarded.
Regency Founder and President, Mr. David Gross, expressed his gratitude for hosting this event and for continuing to blaze a trail of excellence in healthcare. Indeed, Regency has become the standard by which others measure themselves.
We were also written up in the New Jersey Star Ledger!
Regency Jewish Heritage hosted a beautiful Passover model Seder with Rabbi David Glicksman on Monday, March 18th and a second seder on Passover. These were intimate events with the participation of many residents and their families. The families were suitably impressed with the beautiful table décor, the culinary delights (food was scrumptious and delicious!) and the compassionate help from the staff! In fact, Regency Heritage Director of Recreation, Caroline Santiago, had her staff catering to every family at their own designated table. Take a look at several pictures from the Seder!
Tucked away in Somerset New Jersey on a sprawling and lush property, is the Regency Jewish Heritage Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
It is considered a ‘gem’ in the community and beyond and is steeped in a rich Jewish tradition. However, Regency Jewish Heritage is known for providing compassionate care to all religious denominations. There are religious services for everyone and all religious traditions are respected and appreciated. As a result of this commitment, seniors regardless of their affiliation, make Regency their home.
I spent some time at Regency Heritage and loved to converse with the Jewish residents in their native Yiddish language. Yiddish is actually my first language and I speak it fluently in every dialect. Of course, the residents were equally thrilled to be able to ‘shmooze’ in their beloved Yiddish. Many of the Jewish residents at Regency Jewish Heritage are of European descent and grew up speaking only Yiddish in their home Country before moving to the United States.
During my time at Regency Heritage I was privileged to befriend a particular elderly Jewish man who was a scholar of high repute. The man was a brilliant Talmudist and a prolific writer and teacher.
We spent many hours discussing Talmudic topics and he would regale me with anecdotes, personal stories and his profound interpretation of the ancient Jewish texts.
When he passed away, I felt a deep sense of personal loss. The family asked me whether I’d be inclined to offer a eulogy at his funeral service and I immediately accepted.
In my eulogy I mentioned that our mandate at Regency Heritage is to offer companionship, inspiration and compassion to all of our residents regardless of faith or creed.
In this instance, instead of inspiring, I was inspired by this great man and his wisdom!
I further pointed out how part of the human condition is that we do not live in a vacuum of isolation. Rather, we are constantly interacting with people, be they family, friends, colleagues, etc. We often leave an indelible impression upon those who come in contact with. When that impression is positive, it stands as a testament to time well spent upon this earth. My friend at Regency left a profoundly positive impact with all people and he shall forever be missed.
At Regency Jewish Heritage, we care for all people. This isn’t an artificial or superficial caring. Rather, our care and compassion is deeply rooted and exceptionally meaningful to us and to our residents and their families.
Regency Jewish Heritage Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 380 DeMott Lane, Somerset hosted a brunch and booking signing event on January 13, 2013. The author, Michael Levy, spoke about his book, “Living, Teaching and Eating with China’s Other Billion”.
Over 85 people from the Somerset Community attended this lively, stimulating presentation by this delightful young man’s experience in the Peace Corps. Michael Levy is an educator, writer, and traveler, who currently teaches in Brooklyn, New York. Levy returns frequently to Guiyang, China to check in on his students and visit the basketball courts where he momentarily attained stardom.
The audience was riveted by his charismatic portrayal of his experience deep in China’s heartland. His students, neighbors, and coworkers found many other uses for him during his time there: resident “Friendship Jew,” romantic adviser, provincial basketball star, and culinary club founder, among other things. His account of overcoming vast cultural differences to befriend his students and fellow teachers is poignant and laugh-out-loud funny.
A delicious buffet brunch was provided by Regency and enjoyed by all. Books were sold to benefit the local Hadassah groups, and the afternoon was enjoyed by all that attended.
Pictured left to right are Rita Levy, of Canal Walk Hadassah Chapter, Michael Levy, author, and Ruth Weinfeld of the Somerset Run Hadassah Chapter. For further information regarding Regency Jewish Heritage Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, please call 732-873-2000, or visit www.regencynursing.com.
Regency Nursing and Rehab Centers are in the news again!
FRANKLIN (Somerset) Regency Jewish Heritage Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 380 Demott Lane in Somerset, will be participating in the Alzheimer’s Central Regional Walk at ETS, in Princeton on Oct. 14.
Maribel Restrepo, recreation director at Regency Jewish Heritage, will be integrating the staff along with residents for this life changing cause. This will be a fulfilling and gratifying experience for the participants at Regency knowing that they can possibly make a difference in the lives of those who suffer from the disease. Maribel Restrepo also brings forth innovative ideas to the activities and entertainment she provides to the sub-acute patients, and all who reside at the Center. While there is always music, dancing, spa days, crafts, contests, and many more, Maribel always strives to explore new projects.
Regency Jewish Heritage is a 255 bed facility, which was recently awarded the prestigious 5-Star Rating: the highest mark from the Federal Government’s Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The residents’ and patients’ care, comfort and quality of life are paramount to the entire staff at the facility.
If you have any questions about the important work of Regency Jewish Heritage Nursing and Rehabilitation Center visit – 380 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873, call 732-873-2000 or visit us online at www.regencyheritagenursing.com
September 11, 2012:
Regency Heritage Nursing & Rehabilitation Centers is proud to announce that they have achieved the coveted 5 star rating for excellence from the CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid) Governmental group for compliance.
In an interview with Regency founder and President, David Gross, he commented on the significance of such an honorary distinction and remarked; “I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish together. This award is a true testament to our perseverance in pursuit of excellence in all areas of healthcare.”
For more information on Regency Heritage, visit them online, or call 732-873-2000
