Kaplan Companies donates respite rooms to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - Aug. 17, 2021 - PRLog -- Last fall, Michael Kaplan, owner of Kaplan Companies, one of the largest regional builders in the state, became ill and was admitted to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) in New Brunswick. During his stay at the hospital, Mr. Kaplan witnessed firsthand how the toll patient volume took on the nurses who were critical to caregiving throughout the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As RWJUH began to assess staff fatigue, anxiety and trauma, the multidisciplinary committee, Resilient Together, was created. The committee has since developed a proposal for an accessible, quiet space called respite rooms, where nurses or other staff members could retreat to decompress. This space would also boost quality measures of patient care. But who would build this quiet space?

That's when the Kaplan family stepped in. "Supporting the construction of RWJUH's respite room became so important to me after I saw how the dedicated staff and nurses not only cared for me during my stay at RWJUH, but they also comforted my wife Helen," said Michael Kaplan. "We needed to show our appreciation."

The entire Kaplan family, including Jason Kaplan, Lisa Kaplan and Amy Kaplan-Schafer were all eager to support frontline workers who helped make a profound difference in so many lives. "It's so important for nurses to be able to take a moment for themselves so they can go on providing the best care, even in the most challenging situations," said Kaplan-Schafer.

The respite room will be more than just a break room. "The design of this room emphasizes soothing colors, relaxing furniture and high-quality finishes," said Jason Kaplan, President of Kaplan Companies. "Our goal is to provide an escape for nurses to find peace and comfort throughout the day. This is the very least we can do to help all the wonderful people who risk their lives every day. Our recognition of nurses shouldn't go away after the COVID-19 pandemic ends. We should be clapping for nurses and doctors every day."

About Kaplan Companies

Kaplan Companies began in 1952 with a dream to create beautiful neighborhoods built for lasting value. Now, more than four decades and 25,000 homes later, the Kaplan name has become synonymous with top-quality homes and long-term value in today's residential market. Few companies in the industry can match the level of service, integrity and professionalism that Kaplan Companies provides. Today, Kaplan Companies is dedicated to making the dream of home ownership a reality for you and your family. To learn more, visit ThinkKaplan.com (http://www.thinkkaplan.com/).

Pictured from left: Lisa Kaplan, Jason Kaplan, Amy Kaplan-Schafer, Helen Kaplan (seated) and Michael Kaplan (seated).