Listen to Us: Voices from New Jersey’s Nursing Homes

When most people think about rehabilitation after a hospital stay, they think of physical therapy—walking again, building strength, regaining mobility. But what many don’t realize is this: Getting stronger isn’t the same as being ready to go home. That’s where Occupational Therapy (OT) comes in—and why it’s one of the most critical components of a safe, successful discharge.

Nearly half of women over age 20 live with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD) — the leading cause of death among women. Driven by her dedication to improving women’s heart health in New Jersey, Dr. Jessica L. Israel, chief medical officer and executive vice president at Complete Care, has been named the 2025–2026 volunteer chair for the Garden State Go Red for Women movement.