Overview of Crane‘s Mill

Crane’s Mill sits on Passaic Ave in West Caldwell, New Jersey, and it runs as both a nursing home and an assisted living community out of one two-story building. Lutheran Social Ministries Cranes Mill operates it, and Ms. Lori Vernachio is the administrator on record. The place is open to residents 60 and up. It sits in a somewhat walkable spot, Walk Score 32, so plan on driving for most errands and appointments.

Right now about two-thirds of the 56 beds are filled, 37 in total. The average stay runs 41 days, which says a good number of residents are there for rehab or recovery rather than a permanent move. Nursing staff put in roughly 4 hours and 12 minutes per resident each day, a mix of RNs, LPNs, and nurse aides. Medicare and private pay are both accepted, so there is more than one way to cover the bill.

When the state comes through to inspect, the recurring themes tend to sit around medication management, infection prevention, and staffing and credentials, the same handful of areas that come up across nursing homes broadly.

Crane’s Mill reads as a place built for two overlapping groups: people working through a short rehab stint after a hospital stay, and residents settled in for ongoing nursing care, with staffing and payment options that can flex to cover either path.

Bed community size
56-bed community Rank #499 / 560Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 499th out of 560 homes in New Jersey for bed count. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other New Jersey facilities. Larger communities may offer more amenities, programs, and on-site services for residents and families.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in New Jersey that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 32 / 100 Rank #434 / 629Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 434th out of 629 homes in New Jersey for walk score. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average walk score across New Jersey facilities. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in New Jersey that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate
66%
Rank #352 / 478Occupancy rate — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 352nd out of 478 homes in New Jersey for occupancy. Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the New Jersey average, with its Statewide rank out of 478. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in New Jersey that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Lower than the New Jersey average: 77%
Occupied beds
37 / 56
Average occupied beds in New Jersey homes 119 beds

License Details

Facility TypeLong Term Care Facility
StatusActive
ExpirationJanuary 31, 2027
License Number306300

Ownership & Operating Entity

Crane‘s Mill is legally operated by Lutheran Social Ministries Cranes Mill, and administered by Ms. Lori Vernachio.

Officers

Info Officers are individuals or entities with formal legal or financial responsibility for the organization that owns this facility

Angelique Williams, Brad Hildebrandt, Colleen Frankenfield, David Waddell, Kenneth Vandongen, Raymond Elberson, William Mccracken

Type Of Units

Long Term Care
56 units
Total beds
56 units

Additional Policies & Features

Minimum Age60

Amenities & Lifestyle

Specific ProgramsCommunity Outreach, Senior Healthcare & Retirement Living, Community Residential Services, Hospice/Home Care

Contact Crane‘s Mill

Inspection History

In New Jersey, the Department of Health, Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing conducts mandatory unannounced surveys to ensure facilities provide safe and effective resident care.

Since 2020 · 6 years of data 17 deficiencies 7 inspections

Inspection Scorecard Info This scorecard compares key inspection, deficiency, and complaint metrics at this facility against the New Jersey state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.

Since 2020 vs. New Jersey state average
Overall vs. NJ average 0 Worse No metrics in this bucket. 1 Better Metrics better than New Jersey average:
• Total deficiencies (6% below)

Deficiencies Info Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.

This FacilityNJ Averagevs. NJ Avg
Total deficiencies Info Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types. 1718 This facility has 6% fewer total deficiencies than a typical New Jersey assisted living residence (17 vs. NJ avg 18).↓ 6% better

Inspections Info State inspections evaluate whether the facility meets health and safety standards.

This FacilityNJ Averagevs. NJ Avg
Total inspections Info Combined count of all inspections conducted at this facility. 79 This facility has had 22% fewer total inspections than the New Jersey average (7 vs. NJ avg 9). More inspections can mean more regulatory scrutiny rather than worse care.↓ 22% fewer
Routine inspections Info Scheduled licensing inspections conducted on a regular cycle, separate from visits triggered by a complaint. 74 This facility has had 75% more routine inspections than the New Jersey average (7 vs. NJ avg 4). More inspections can mean more regulatory scrutiny rather than worse care.↑ 75% more

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Two-story

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Managed by Jennifer Blanchard

Administrator, SpiriCare at Home and Journey Hospice of North Jersey

Jennifer Blanchard is the Administrator of SpiriCare at Home and Journey Hospice of North Jersey. She brings extensive home healthcare leadership experience, spanning skilled pediatrics to geriatric home-based care. Jennifer recently joined LSMNJ and is committed to providing compassionate and expert care to the community she leads.

Places of interest near Crane‘s Mill

Address 0.7 miles from city center Info Estimated distance in miles from West Caldwell's city center to Crane‘s Mill's address, calculated via Google Maps. — 8.08 miles to nearest hospital (Chilton Medical Center)

Calculate Travel Distance to Crane‘s Mill

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Address

Compare Assisted Living around Newark

Info below is compiled from the NJ Dept. of Health (NJDOH), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

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Private RoomsArbor Terrace Of MiddletownMs. Nicole D'andrea 58.7% 4
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Arbor Terrace Roseland
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Studio / 1 Bed / 2 BedBenchmark At RoselandMs. Shannon Basile 76.0% 3
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The Bristal at Waldwick
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Private Rooms / Semi-Private RoomsThe Bristal At WaldwickMrs. Colette Peteet 77.4% 2
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Crane‘s Mill
AL
West Caldwell (Westville)
56
Facility 56
NJ AVG 125
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Yes
32
Facility 32
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Rank #434 / 629
Studio / 1 BedLutheran Social Ministries Cranes MillMs. Lori Vernachio 66.1% 7
17
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Rank #270 / 412
2.4
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Winchester Gardens
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Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in New Jersey

Crane‘s Mill is located in West Caldwell, New Jersey.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in New Jersey.

Get Financial aid guidance

Managed Long Term Services and Supports

NJ Medicaid MLTSS

Age 65+ or disabled
General New Jersey resident, Medicaid- eligible, nursing home-level care need.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
NJ

High urban demand; managed care model.

Benefits
In-home care (5-7 hours/day) Assisted living Respite (240 hours/year) Medical services

JACC (Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving)

NJ JACC

Age 60+
General New Jersey resident, at risk of nursing home.
Income Limits ~$2,500/month individual, varies
Asset Limits $40,000 individual
NJ

Higher asset limit; limited funding.

Benefits
In-home care (3-5 hours/week) Respite (up to 10 days/year) Home modifications (~$1,000 avg.)

Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD)

New Jersey PAAD

Age 65+
General NJ resident, enrolled in Medicare Part D or eligible.
Income Limits (2025) ~$42,142/year (individual), ~$49,209/year (couple).
Asset Limits Not assessed.
NJ

Copays $5 (generic), $7 (brand); covers Part D premiums up to benchmark.

Benefits
Prescription cost reduction ($500-$1,000/year savings) Premium assistance ($20/month above benchmark)

Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program

New Jersey Senior Gold

Age 65+
General NJ resident, enrolled in Medicare Part D or eligible.
Income Limits (2025) ~$42,142-$52,142/year (individual), ~$49,209-$59,209/year (couple).
Asset Limits Not assessed.
NJ

Copays $15 + 50% of remaining cost; no premium assistance.

Benefits
Prescription cost reduction (~$300-$800/year savings)

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

New Jersey Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled
General NJ resident, Medicare Part A/B.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.
Asset Limits $9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).
NJ

Three tiers; no waitlist; includes Extra Help for Part D.

Benefits
Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month) Deductibles ($240/year) Copays (~20%)

Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement)

New Jersey Senior Freeze

Age 65+ by Dec 31 prior year
General NJ resident, homeowner, paid property taxes.
Income Limits (2025) ~$150,000/year combined household, projected
Asset Limits Not assessed; home ownership required.
NJ

Combines with ANCHOR/Stay NJ via PAS-1; annual application.

Benefits
Tax reimbursement (~$500-$2,000/year) for increases since base year

ANCHOR (Affordable NJ Communities for Homeowners and Renters)

New Jersey ANCHOR

Age 65+ prioritized
General NJ resident, homeowner/renter, paid property taxes/rent.
Income Limits (2025) ~$150,000/year (homeowners), ~$75,000/year (renters).
Asset Limits Not assessed.
NJ

Combines with Senior Freeze/Stay NJ; broader than prior Homestead program.

Benefits
Tax relief (~$700-$1,500/year homeowners, ~$250-$450 renters)

Stay NJ

New Jersey Stay NJ

Age 65+ by Dec 31 prior year
General NJ resident, homeowner, lived in home 10+ years.
Income Limits (2025) ~$500,000/year projected, subject to final regs
Asset Limits Not assessed; home ownership required.
NJ

Up to 50% tax credit (max $6,500); phased implementation.

Benefits
Tax credit (~$3,000-$6,500/year, projected) starting 2026

Universal Service Fund (USF)

New Jersey Universal Service Fund

Age 65+ prioritized
General NJ resident, utility customer, low-income.
Income Limits (2025) ~$3,970/month individual, 185% FPL
Asset Limits Not assessed; income-focused.
NJ

Must owe >$25 on bill; combines with LIHEAP if eligible.

Benefits
Bill credits (~$300-$1,500/year) to cap energy costs at 6% of income

NJ Family Caregiver Support Program (via NFCSP)

New Jersey Family Caregiver Support Program

Age
General Caregivers of 60+ needing care or 55+ caregivers of others; NJ resident; functional needs (2+ ADLs).
Income Limits (2025) Prioritizes ~$24,980/year (individual); no strict cap.
Asset Limits Not assessed; need-based.
NJ

21 AAAs; rural/low-income priority.

Benefits
Respite (4-6 hours/week or 5 days/year) Adult day care ($60/day) Training Supplies (~$500/year)

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

New Jersey VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse
General NJ resident, wartime service, need for ADL help (A&A) or homebound.
Income Limits (2025) Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.
Asset Limits ~$155,356 net worth limit
NJ

High veteran demand in urban/rural areas.

Benefits
Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs (e.g., in-home, assisted living)

Frequently Asked Questions about Crane‘s Mill

What neighborhood is Crane‘s Mill in?

Crane‘s Mill is in the Westville neighborhood of West Caldwell.

Who is the owner of Crane‘s Mill?

Crane‘s Mill is legally operated by Lutheran Social Ministries Cranes Mill, and administered by Ms. Lori Vernachio.

Is Crane‘s Mill in a walkable area?

Crane‘s Mill has a walk score of 32. Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.

What is the license number of Crane‘s Mill?

According to NJ state health department records, Crane‘s Mill's license number is 306300.

When does Crane‘s Mill's license expire?

According to NJ state health department records, Crane‘s Mill's license expires on January 31, 2027.

What is the occupancy rate at Crane‘s Mill?

Crane‘s Mill's occupancy is 66%.

Are pets allowed at Crane‘s Mill?

Yes, Crane‘s Mill allows residents to bring their pets.

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