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Birchwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

205 Birchwood Ave

4.1(375 ratings)· Cranford average: 4.2

Birchwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, photo 11 / 6

Quick Facts

Total units
200
Medicare rating
5 of 5

CMS Care Compare

Ownership
For profit, Limited Liability company
Certified beds
200
Onsite Dialysis
Only Union County facility with on-site hemodialysis unit
Hospital Partnership
Dialysis services run in partnership with Trinitas Medical Center
Respite Stays
Short-term respite care offered for caregiver relief

What Families Think

The Good

  • Only skilled nursing facility in Union County with on-site hemodialysis
  • Individualized, tailor-made care plans for each resident
  • Advanced wound care with bedside debridement by specialized nurses
  • Respite care available for temporary caregiver relief
  • Orthopedic and subacute rehabilitation services on-site

The Bad

  • No published pricing information for cost comparison
  • No detailed family reviews available to assess day-to-day experience

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

Birchwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is a senior living community in Cranford, New Jersey offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Gathering / Activity Spaces and Housekeeping. Families rate it 4.1 out of 5 across 375 reviews.

About Birchwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

Birchwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center is a skilled nursing and subacute care facility in Cranford, New Jersey. The center provides short-term rehabilitation for patients recuperating after hospital stays as well as long-term care for those managing chronic conditions.

The facility offers a range of specialized medical services including on-site hemodialysis, orthopedic rehabilitation, wound care, and respite care. Birchwood is the only facility in Union County with an on-site dialysis unit, which provides specialized renal care and hemodialysis in partnership with Trinitas Medical Center. The center also provides advanced wound care services including infection prevention and bedside debridement delivered by trained wound care nurses and physicians.

Care at Birchwood is individualized, with each resident receiving a tailor-made care plan developed to address their unique needs, goals, and abilities. The facility employs physicians, specialists, and therapists with expertise in subacute rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and long-term care.

Respite care is available for families who need temporary relief while providing support for their loved ones. The facility is designed to serve as a home away from home, with residents and patients integrated as valued members of the community.

Types of Care at Birchwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Cable or Satellite TV
  • Emergency Call System
  • Private Bathroom
  • Private Rooms
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Meals & Dining

  • Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
  • Restaurant style Dining Room

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Gathering / Activity Spaces
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry Service
  • Medication Management
  • On-Site Nurse (RN)
  • Security

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Reviews of Birchwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

4.1overall · 375 ratings combined

4.1★ on Google (375)

Frank Verducci

Aug 2026

via Google

First time picked this place due to location, but very happy I did. Clean and friendly staff. One floor complex also a bonus. Food looked great from what I witnessed. I was called for a conference call with all my mothers specialists the day after she was admitted. They have a device on the wall which I never saw before at any center or hospital I was called from a nurse explaining it us a monitoring device for my mother that monitors heart rate and respiratory levels. Recommended

Kelsey Brennan

Jul 2026

via Google

Charldene Michel an outstanding employee who has gone above and beyond with her patient care for my mother Barbara Kosinski who has been at Birchwood for 2 months. I thank her dearly. I highly recommend her! The family of Barbara Kosinski

Cazz Fleming

Jul 2026

via Google

If I could give this facility zero stars, I would. My family’s experience at Birchwood Rehabilitation Center was one of the worst healthcare experiences we have ever had. My mother was admitted for rehabilitation, and from the moment she arrived, it became clear that patient care was not a priority. One of the biggest concerns was communication. Several staff members could not effectively communicate in English, making it difficult to ask questions or understand what was happening with my mother’s care. When we did ask questions, many staff members seemed irritated, rolled their eyes, or acted as though we were inconveniencing them simply for advocating for our loved one. The most disturbing experience occurred when my mother had a serious episode of confusion and what appeared to be a mental health emergency in her room. Despite being informed about what was happening, no nurse or staff member came to check on her or speak with our family. My son even approached a nurse and asked for help. She looked directly at him, turned around, and walked away without saying a word. I have never witnessed such a lack of compassion in a healthcare setting. My mother remained at the facility for several days, and despite repeatedly requesting an update, I never once heard from the on-call physician. No one explained her condition, discussed a treatment plan, or answered my questions. Families deserve communication, especially when they are trusting a facility with someone they love. The facility itself was also disappointing. The bathroom faucet in my mother’s room was rusted and clearly old. It gave the impression that basic maintenance and cleanliness are not priorities. The unit caring for patients with cognitive or mental health issues also had an unpleasant odor that was difficult to ignore. What was equally upsetting was what happened after I removed my mother from the facility. She was discharged on a Sunday, and no one from administration ever contacted us to ask why we were leaving, check on her condition, apologize for our experience, or offer any assistance. The complete lack of follow-up demonstrated to me that patient and family concerns simply do not matter. Since this experience, I have spoken with multiple people who shared similarly negative opinions about Birchwood Rehabilitation Center. Based on what my family experienced, I cannot recommend this facility to anyone. Patients deserve compassionate care, responsive nurses, physicians who communicate with families, professional staff, and a clean, well-maintained environment. Unfortunately, our experience was the opposite. I sincerely hope the administration takes these concerns seriously because no family should have to endure what ours did while trying to care for a loved one.

Kimberly Lee

May 2026

via Google

My mom spent 2 months at Birchwood, and although I did have some issues along the way I must say that most of the staff were very sweet and friendly. They treated my mom like a friend, and that was very comforting for me and my family. A few of the fabulous staff members were Murphy CNA Mary Paul 3-11 CNA Shannon CNA Osha Unit clerk Jackie rehab Hassan maintenance Eleanor wound nurse These employees deserve 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Serena Ramos Brown

Apr 2026

via Google

Our experience at Birchwood exceeded all of our expectations from past experiences with other family members at other facilities by far Birchwood met all of her needs. She was content even being far from home. And ATE very well all of her meals. Staff always welcoming, nurses and aids attentive and PT and OT as well kudos to the staff.

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Government Inspection History

6 inspection visits in the last three years, 39 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Dec 11, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard7 citations
  • Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 31, 2025

  • Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 31, 2025

  • Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 31, 2025

  • Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 30, 2025

  • Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 31, 2025

  • Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 30, 2025

  • Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 31, 2025

Jan 2, 2025Infection ControlNo citations
Nov 14, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 6, 2024

Aug 6, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard14 citations
  • To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 30, 2024

  • Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 30, 2024

  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 3, 2024

  • Install proper backup exit lighting.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 5, 2024

  • Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 5, 2024

  • Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 30, 2024

  • Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 3, 2024

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 3, 2024

  • Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 3, 2024

  • Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 3, 2024

  • Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 3, 2024

  • Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 27, 2024

  • Ensure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 3, 2024

  • Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 3, 2024

Aug 25, 2023Infection ControlNo citations
Aug 4, 2022Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard17 citations
  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 3, 2022

  • Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 3, 2022

  • Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 3, 2022

  • Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 3, 2022

  • Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 3, 2022

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 3, 2022

  • Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 3, 2022

  • Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 3, 2022

  • Assess the resident when there is a significant change in condition

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 3, 2022

  • Have power receptacles that are properly grounded.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 3, 2022

  • Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 3, 2022

  • Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 3, 2022

  • Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 3, 2022

  • Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 3, 2022

  • Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 3, 2022

  • Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 3, 2022

  • Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 3, 2022

Source: CMS Care Compare, public federal data covering certified nursing facilities, refreshed monthly. Citations range from A (least serious) to L (most serious) on the federal scope and severity scale. Most citations are corrected quickly; review the details and ask the community about anything that concerns you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does Birchwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center offer?

Birchwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

Where is Birchwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center located?

Birchwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is located at 205 Birchwood Ave in Cranford, New Jersey.

How did Birchwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center do on recent health and safety inspections?

Birchwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center had 6 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 39 citations on file according to CMS Care Compare data. The full history, including what each citation was for and whether it was corrected, is in the inspection section on this page.

How can families visit Birchwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center?

Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Birchwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.

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