Roosevelt Care Center | Edison

Roosevelt Care Center at Edison is a well-established and historically significant long-term care and rehabilitation facility located at 118 Parsonage Road, Edison, New Jersey. It is one of two facilities operated under the Roosevelt Care Center name, the other being in Old Bridge. The Edison location stands out for its blend of modern healthcare infrastructure, specialized services, and a deep-rooted legacy of community care.

Historical Background

Roosevelt Care Center traces its origins to the 1930s, originally created as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal initiatives. The Edison campus began as a tuberculosis sanatorium under the Works Progress Administration (WPA). During this era, tuberculosis was a major public health crisis, and the institution played a vital role in isolating and treating patients with the disease.

By the 1950s, the center transitioned into a general long-term care facility as the need for TB treatment declined and the aging population of Middlesex County began to increase. The county’s commitment to elder care and public health transformed Roosevelt Care Center into a cornerstone of senior healthcare in the region.

Major expansions took place over the decades:

In 1964, the facility added an annex.

In 1982, a 250-bed expansion significantly increased capacity.

In the 1990s, a sub-acute rehabilitation program was introduced, reflecting a growing need for post-hospital transitional care.

In 2005, a new, state-of-the-art 180-bed facility was opened on Parsonage Road, which now serves as the main campus in Edison.

Ownership and Management

Roosevelt Care Center is county-owned, operated under the auspices of the Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA). This public ownership ensures the facility remains mission-driven, with a focus on providing high-quality, accessible care for residents regardless of their income level.

Day-to-day operations and clinical services are currently managed through a partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, one of New Jersey’s largest and most respected healthcare systems. More recently, oversight transitioned to Complete Care Management, a specialized provider of long-term and post-acute care services, ensuring a private-sector level of efficiency while maintaining public-sector values.

Location and Setting

The facility is located adjacent to Roosevelt Park, one of Middlesex County’s most beautiful and spacious public parks. This natural setting provides therapeutic benefits to residents, offering walking trails, gardens, and scenic areas for outdoor activities. The center’s placement allows for easy access from major highways like Route 1, the Garden State Parkway, and I-287.

The campus itself features wide hallways, sunlit common areas, spacious rooms (many private), and landscaped outdoor courtyards designed for comfort and mobility. There is also ample visitor parking, and the facility is close to JFK University Medical Center, enabling smooth transitions between acute hospital care and rehabilitation.

Services Offered

Roosevelt Care Center provides a comprehensive continuum of care, including:

1. Long-Term Care

Designed for elderly individuals or adults with chronic illnesses who need full-time nursing support.

Staffed with licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers, and therapists.

Emphasis on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

2. Sub-Acute Rehabilitation

Short-term stays for individuals recovering from surgery, stroke, injury, or other hospitalizations.

Services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology.

On-site rehabilitation gyms and therapy rooms with state-of-the-art equipment.

3. Memory Care (Alzheimer’s and Dementia Units)

Specialized units for residents with cognitive impairment.

Secured environments with trained staff, routine-based care, and sensory stimulation programs.

Activities designed to support memory retention, calm anxiety, and maintain dignity.

4. Respite Care

Temporary care service for families or caregivers needing a short break.

All medical and personal care needs managed during the resident’s stay.

5. Hospice and Palliative Services

Comfort-centered care for residents facing terminal illness.

Support for both patient and family, including spiritual counseling, grief support, and pain management.

Staff and Care Culture

The facility employs a multidisciplinary team that includes:

Registered Nurses (RNs)

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)

Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists

Social Workers and Case Managers

Nutritionists and Recreational Coordinators

All staff are trained not only in clinical competencies but also in compassionate communication and cultural sensitivity. The center emphasizes patient-centered care, tailoring daily routines, meals, therapy goals, and recreational programs to individual needs and preferences.

Regular assessments and family conferences ensure that care plans remain dynamic and responsive to changing health conditions.

Amenities and Lifestyle

Roosevelt Care Center offers more than medical services. It strives to foster a sense of community and emotional well-being through various amenities:

Private and semi-private rooms

Beauty salon and barber services

Library and reading rooms

On-site chaplain services and multi-faith religious support

Weekly cultural and recreational activities (art therapy, music sessions, game nights)

Outings to nearby parks and events when possible

Accreditations and Compliance

Roosevelt Care Center is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and adheres to federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) standards. Regular inspections ensure compliance with patient safety, cleanliness, medication administration, and infection control protocols.

The center has also received favorable reviews for staff-to-patient ratios, rehabilitation outcomes, and family satisfaction.

Summary

Roosevelt Care Center at Edison is a landmark in the region’s healthcare landscape. With its origins as a WPA project, the center has evolved into a leading provider of long-term care, sub-acute rehabilitation, and memory care. It combines a legacy of public service with modern clinical excellence, offering residents compassionate, personalized care in a safe and nurturing environment.

Its prime location, professional staff, historical roots, and wide-ranging services make it a vital asset for seniors, families, and the broader Middlesex County community.