How Southgate Special Care Improves Quality of Life

Southgate Special Care’s healing, therapeutic environment provides compassionate care for adults with special care needs because of behavioral disturbances – one of only four similarly licensed communities in the state of New Jersey and the only one in Bergen County.

Many people come to Southgate after being in other care centers that were unable to properly address their unique needs. However, after arriving at Southgate, these residents typically improve because of our skilled team’s understanding of their needs, expert training, and effective therapeutic approach, as well as the tranquil, calming atmosphere.

Frank Bartola’s sister, Linda, had experienced severe mental health symptoms for most of her life. Because these symptoms often interfered with her ability to care for herself, she was in and out of state and county hospitals for years.

Frank has limited mobility and was unable to care for Linda on his own. “She couldn't come home because of the nature of her illness,” he said. “It became too much for me.”

Frank knew that Linda needed to find a place that could properly care for her. Linda’s social worker recommended Southgate Special Care.

“I looked at the list of symptoms Southgate was designed to treat, and Linda had many of them,” Frank said. “I knew then that Linda should go there.”

Because Frank has a disability and doesn’t drive, he wanted to know that Linda was somewhere that she would be well-cared for and her unique needs would be addressed effectively and with compassion.

“It can often be much tougher to have a mental problem than a physical problem,” he said. “That’s why it’s so important that there’s a special place like Southgate. You always have to have a unique place in the community that can take care of someone with special care needs.”

Because Frank is unable to visit often, he is thrilled with how helpful the team at Southgate is with facilitating his weekly FaceTime call with Linda.

“She gets to see me and I get to see her,” he said. “It’s almost like I’m there, and I can see any changes in her behavior. That’s very important because I don’t have to worry about her.”

The caring team at Southgate even helped Frank make sure Linda had her favorite cake on her birthday – “whipped cream with strawberry filling.”

“It was very nice,” he said.

Southgate’s specialized care approach also includes therapeutic activities designed to enhance calm and help alleviate resident symptoms and stress. Frank says Linda enjoys many of the activities, such as music and dance, arts and crafts, and journaling.

“Southgate has helped Linda stabilize,” he said. “While I know that she’ll never necessarily get well, I feel confident that they are keeping her safe and comfortable. It’s a great place for her to be long-term. I don’t have to worry about her where she is and I get to see her once a week. I would definitely recommend it for someone who needs special attention.”

Is Southgate Right for Your Loved One?

Southgate Special Care’s multidisciplinary approach includes person-centered therapeutic activities, compassionate care services, and a serene atmosphere to help reduce the severity of resident symptoms. Our expertly trained team gently and effectively deescalates conflict and promotes calmness, leading to an improved quality of life for our residents.

Southgate Special Care’s recently renovated space includes new designs for all resident rooms and common areas, an inviting family lounge for private visits, a comforting pet therapy area, a multisensory Snoezelen lounge, a tranquil Circadian rhythm lighting system, and a state-of-the-art updated security system, upgraded door safety, and a new nurse-call system.

To learn more about how Southgate Special Care can help your loved one, please visit ChristianHealthNJ.info/Southgate or contact us at (201) 848-5855 or LongTermCare@ChristianHealthNJ.org.