Finding a place for a parent or a spouse when they can’t quite manage at home anymore is stressful. Seriously. You’re looking at dozens of websites that all look the same, filled with stock photos of smiling seniors and vague promises of "excellence." If you’re looking at CareOne at the Highlands in Edison, New Jersey, you probably want to know what it’s actually like behind the marketing brochures.
Is it a hospital? A home? A rehab center? Honestly, it’s a bit of all three.
Located at 1350 Inman Avenue, this facility is a 122-bed skilled nursing center. It’s nestled in a quiet part of Edison, right near the border of Plainfield. While the corporate name is CareOne, the legal entity on the license is often listed as Care One at Birchwood LLC. That’s just legal jargon, but it’s good to know if you’re digging into state inspection records.
The Reality of Medical Care at CareOne at the Highlands
Most people end up here for one of two reasons: they just had surgery (like a hip replacement) and need intensive therapy, or they have a chronic condition that requires 24/7 nursing that a family simply can't provide.
The medical side is heavy-duty. We're talking about physician-led programs. If you've got a loved one dealing with the aftermath of a stroke, they have specific recovery tracks for that. The same goes for cardiac care and pulmonary rehab. It isn't just a place to sit; it’s a place where people are working to get their mobility back.
One thing that stands out is their focus on complex medical needs. They handle:
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- Wound care for post-surgical patients.
- IV therapy for serious infections.
- Diabetes management (which, as anyone who has done it knows, is a constant 24-hour job).
- Tracheostomy and respiratory care.
The staffing levels are generally higher than the New Jersey average. According to CMS data, they clock in around 3.9 to 4.2 total nurse hours per resident per day. That matters. It’s the difference between a call bell being answered in three minutes or twenty.
Living There: Beyond the Therapy Gym
Let’s talk about the "vibes." It’s not a five-star hotel, but it’s also not the "nursing home" stereotype from the 1980s.
The rooms come in private and shared layouts. If you can snag a private room, do it. It makes the transition way easier. They have "restaurant-style" dining, which basically means they try to make meals feel less like a cafeteria and more like a social event. They have a registered dietitian on staff, which is crucial because, at this age, nutrition is basically medicine.
The Social Scene
Isolation is the enemy of recovery. At CareOne at the Highlands, the activity calendar is usually packed. You’ll see:
- Music therapy sessions (which are surprisingly effective for memory care residents).
- Pet therapy (the dogs are usually the most popular visitors in the building).
- Religious and spiritual services for various denominations.
- Standard stuff like bingo, but also more modern "wellness" programs.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Ratings
If you look up the facility on Medicare.gov, you might see a 3-star or 5-star rating depending on which year or "quality measure" you're looking at. As of early 2026, they’ve maintained a strong reputation for clinical outcomes, but like any large facility, they’ve had "deficiencies" in the past.
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What does a "deficiency" mean? It could be something as serious as an infection control mistake or something as minor as a paperwork error. When you're researching CareOne at the Highlands, don't just look at the number of stars. Read the actual inspection reports. Look for patterns.
Current reports show they are generally on top of things like "preventable hospitalizations," which is a fancy way of saying they are good at keeping residents stable so they don't have to rush back to the ER at 2:00 AM.
The Memory Care Component
Memory care is its own beast. The Highlands has a secured unit for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It’s designed to prevent "wandering"—a major safety risk—while still letting people move around.
The staff here are trained specifically in cognitive impairment. They use "distraction and redirection" rather than just medicating people to keep them quiet. Honestly, it’s a tough job, and the quality of the specific aides working on the floor that day makes all the difference.
Money and Logistics
Let’s get real: this stuff is expensive.
Monthly rates can range anywhere from $10,000 to over $13,000 depending on the level of care.
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- Medicare: Usually only covers "sub-acute" rehab for a limited time (usually up to 100 days) after a hospital stay.
- Medicaid: They do accept it, but there are only a certain number of beds, and the waitlist can be a nightmare.
- Private Pay/Long-term Care Insurance: This is how most people cover the long-term stay.
If you’re planning a move, check their license status. Their current license (Number 061202) is active through April 2026.
Is It the Right Choice?
Choosing CareOne at the Highlands depends on your priorities. If you need top-tier physical therapy after a surgery, their "sub-acute" wing is one of the better options in the Edison area. If you’re looking for a long-term home for someone with very high medical needs, the 24/7 nursing presence is a massive plus.
However, you have to be an advocate. No facility is perfect. You need to show up, talk to the nurses, and keep a paper trail of the care plan.
Actionable Next Steps for Families
- Do a "Drop-In" Visit: Don't just go for the scheduled tour with the marketing director. Show up on a Tuesday at 6:00 PM. See how the staff handles dinner time when things are busy.
- Ask About the Ratio: Ask exactly how many Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are on the floor during the night shift.
- Review the Care Plan: If your loved one is there for rehab, ask for a weekly meeting with the physical therapist to see actual data on their progress.
- Check the "Urine Smell" Test: It sounds gross, but it's the gold standard for nursing home quality. If a facility smells like heavy perfume or bleach, they might be hiding something. If it smells like a clean home, they’re doing the work.
Before you sign any contracts, make sure you have a clear understanding of the "discharge plan." You don't want to be caught off guard when Medicare stops paying and the facility says it's time to go home before you're ready.