Finding a place for your parents isn't just about brochures. Honestly, it's one of the most draining things you'll ever do. If you’ve been looking into Daughters of Miriam Clifton NJ, you’ve probably seen the name pop up alongside words like "legacy" or "Atlas." There’s a lot of history packed into those 13 acres on Hazel Street.
It's been around since 1921. That’s a long time.
But things change. Specifically, the ownership changed recently, and that’s where most of the questions start. People remember it as a strictly Jewish non-profit home. Now? It’s part of the Atlas Healthcare network.
The Shift from Non-Profit to Atlas Healthcare at Daughters of Miriam
For decades, Daughters of Miriam Center was the go-to Jewish facility in Northern New Jersey. It had that specific vibe—glatt kosher kitchens, a synagogue on-site, and a deep connection to the local community. In late 2023, the facility transitioned to new ownership under Hazel Street Operations, LLC, and is now often referred to as Atlas Healthcare at Daughters of Miriam.
Does it still feel the same? Sorta.
The kosher meal program is still a big deal because it's mandatory for many residents, especially those in the Miriam Apartments. But the "for-profit" tag on the nursing home side makes some families nervous. You'll see mixed reviews online lately. Some people swear by the rehab team, while others complain about missing socks or slow response times during the night shift.
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It’s a massive campus. You’ve got the nursing home, the subacute rehab (The Gallen Institute), and the independent living apartments all in one spot.
What’s Actually Offered at Daughters of Miriam Clifton NJ?
The campus is basically split into two main worlds: the skilled nursing facility and the independent living wing.
Skilled Nursing and The Gallen Institute
If someone is coming out of the hospital after a hip replacement or a stroke, they usually land in the Gallen Institute. This is the subacute wing. It's meant to be a bridge between the hospital and going home. They have physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Then there’s the long-term care. This is for people who can't live alone anymore. They have a specific Memory Care Pavilion for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It’s a locked unit, which is standard, but the focus here is supposed to be on "dignity," which is a word you'll hear the staff use a lot.
The Miriam Apartments (Independent Living)
The Esther and Sam Schwartz Building—usually just called Miriam Apartments II—is a different beast. This is HUD-subsidized, meaning it's affordable housing for people 62 and older.
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- 150 one-bedroom units.
- Mandatory kosher dinner. (You can't opt out of this, which is a quirk of their HUD agreement).
- Security 24/7.
- Emergency pull cords in every bathroom.
It's independent, but you aren't "alone." There’s a social worker on staff to help with paperwork or just life stuff.
The Reality of Care: Costs and Inspections
Let's talk money and safety. It’s the elephant in the room.
Nursing home costs here are a wide range. You’re looking at anywhere from $3,800 to over $12,000 a month depending on the level of care. Medicare usually covers the first 20 days of rehab at 100% if you meet the requirements, but long-term care is mostly private pay or Medicaid.
Regarding safety, the NJ Department of Health keeps a close eye on these places. As of early 2026, the facility has had its share of "deficiencies" in state reports—things like infection control issues or paperwork errors. This isn't unique to them, but it’s something you should check on the CMS Care Compare website before signing anything.
The staff-to-resident ratio is another thing to watch. While the facility is licensed for 210 beds, the actual "feel" of the floor depends on which wing you're in. The rehab wing usually feels more high-energy, while the long-term floors can feel a bit slower, maybe even a little "old school" with the fluorescent lighting and tile floors.
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Why People Still Choose This Location
Despite the ownership change and the typical "big facility" headaches, Daughters of Miriam Clifton NJ remains a staple for a few reasons.
- The Jewish Cultural Connection: If keeping kosher and having access to a rabbi matters, there aren't many other options in the Passaic/Clifton area that compare.
- Continuum of Care: You can move from the apartments to the nursing home without leaving the property. That’s huge for couples.
- The Grounds: It’s 13 acres. In a crowded place like Clifton, having a "park-like" setting where you can actually take a wheelchair outside is a luxury.
Actionable Steps for Families
If you're seriously considering this place, don't just look at the website. Here is what you actually need to do:
Show up unannounced. Tours are great, but they show you the "best" room. Go on a Tuesday at 7:00 PM. See how long it takes for a call bell to be answered. Smell the hallways. That’s the real test.
Ask about the "Gallen" vs. "Long-term" staff. Sometimes the rehab wing gets the "star" nurses while the long-term residents get the floaters. Ask specifically about staff turnover in the unit where your loved one will actually live.
Review the latest Survey Report. Every nursing home has to keep a binder of their latest state inspection in the lobby. It's public record. Read it. Look for patterns, not just one-off mistakes.
Check the "Extra" fees. In the Miriam Apartments, things like the "activity fee" ($65) or the "nursing fee" ($85) are often separate from the rent. Get a line-item breakdown.
Choosing a facility is a massive weight. Daughters of Miriam has the history and the infrastructure, but like any large institution, you have to be your own best advocate. Don't be afraid to be "that" family member who asks too many questions.