The Jewish Home Launches American Heart Association-Certified Stroke Recovery Program in Freehold, N.J.

The Jewish Home for Rehabilitation & Nursing in Freehold has launched a Stroke Recovery Program, one of the first specialized subacute care offerings of its kind for the region. In tandem, the center is among the first in the nation to earn the Skilled Nursing Facility Stroke Rehabilitation Certification offered by the American Heart Association®, a global force changing the future of health of all.

The Jewish’s Home’s stroke rehabilitation services are tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of an individual, dependent on how they have been impacted by a stroke. Under the direction of Stacey Miller-Smith, MD, a board-certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) specialist, the program aims to help restore physical function, gain strength and endurance, improve balance and mobility, manage pain and spasticity, overcome speech and communication deficits, and develop new cognitive strategies. Dr. Miller-Smith possesses more than 15 years of medical experience and is affiliated with Sea Girt Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Associates.

“The Jewish Home’s Stroke Recovery Program – designed to meet the American Heart Association’s evidence-based standards of care for stroke survivors – reflects its commitment to transformative skilled nursing services,” said Kate Bauer, regional director of market development for Marquis Health Consulting Services, which supports the Monmouth County center. “With the certification, the Association has armed The Jewish Home with additional tools and recognized its success.”

Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the U.S. and approximately 795,000 people each year experience a new or recurrent stroke, according to the Association’s 2025 statistical update. This certification provides a framework for evaluating skilled nursing facilities against rigorous science-based requirements for stroke rehabilitation, including program management, patient and caregiver education and support, care coordination, clinical management and quality improvement.

“When there are evidence-based processes during every phase of care, patients have the best opportunity for positive outcomes,” said Pamela Duncan, PhD, PT, FAPTA, FAHA, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s Skilled Nursing Facility Stroke Rehabilitation Certification Oversight Workgroup. “Participation in this certification benefits the patient and the facility by standardizing care, helping patients and their loved ones choose a facility that follows important best practices.”

Located at 1151 W. Main Street, The Jewish Home provides post-hospital care, short-term rehab and long-term residential care. The Freehold center includes a synagogue on premise, provides Jewish programming and offers OU certified Glatt Kosher cuisine. Large private rooms with showers and an expansive rehab gym highlight The Jewish Home’s concierge-driven rehabilitation experience. The skilled nursing center also has a cultural initiative for Russian-speaking residents.

The Jewish Home has been recognized at the national level for its quality care and services, being named among America’s Best Nursing Homes 2026 by Newsweek. More information on The Jewish Home can be found at jewishhomefreehold.org.

Marquis Health Consulting Services provides administrative consulting services to skilled nursing facilities and senior living communities along the Eastern Seaboard. The company’s “Care, anew” philosophy supports its mission to help clients transform industry processes, mindsets and outcomes. Marquis-serviced skilled nursing centers have access to an evolving suite of clinician-led specialty care models, signature services and comfort features – enabling innovation, compassion and purpose in every aspect of care.