Merrill Gardens at Rolling Hills Estates

Pros

• The staff on the Memory Care floor at Merrill Gardens at Rolling Hills Estates are exceptional, demonstrating kindness, patience, and care.
• The facility is pristine and conveniently located, creating a beautiful environment for the residents.
• Residents receive excellent support from caring and knowledgeable staff, who provide regular updates to family members about their loved ones' well-being.
• The activities offered at the community, especially during holidays and movie screenings, impress both residents and their families.
• Many reviewers express appreciation for the great value provided in relation to the cost of services.
• The cleanliness and maintenance of rooms are consistently praised by family members.
• Overall, visitors find the facility inviting and welcoming, with a friendly atmosphere facilitated by dedicated staff.

Cons

• The office staff lacks knowledge about the tiers of service and cost calculations, leading to confusion for family members.
• There is a concern about the lack of medical oversight for residents with specific health conditions, such as high blood pressure.
• Despite the caring nature of the staff, there are mentions of significant staffing issues and high turnover rates.
• Some residents found that the facility had fewer amenities compared to other options they were considering.
• The dining experience and perceived quality of food were criticized, with comments on unreasonable additional fees affecting overall value.
• A disconnect between management focused on selling and those handling individual care levels was noted as a source of frustration.
• The facility's memory care area has been described as small and not offering everything desired by potential residents or families.
• Staff inconsistency was highlighted, indicating that although some workers are excellent, others are still learning how to run memory care effectively.
• High rent increases have caused concerns about affordability for current residents and potential future moves.

Review

Merrill Gardens at Rolling Hills Estates has garnered a mix of appreciation and criticism from families seeking memory care for their loved ones. Many reviewers highlight the kindness, patience, and genuine concern displayed by the staff on the Memory Care floor. Indeed, it's apparent that caregivers are not only committed to assisting residents but also to maintaining open lines of communication with family members. One reviewer expressed gratitude for weekly updates about their loved one’s well-being, further illustrating the supportive environment fostered by the staff. Such sentiments echo across multiple reviews, reaffirming the notion that staff accountability is paramount in healthcare settings.

Nonetheless, some concerns arise regarding medical oversight within the facility. A caregiver recounted a personal experience involving their mother's hypertension; although her proactive approach to monitoring her blood pressure led to timely medical intervention, it raises questions about how vigilant the facility's medical oversight actually is. While families appreciate the caring nature of staff members, they suggest there may be gaps in knowledge, particularly among office personnel regarding service tiers and pricing structures—elements essential for informed decision-making in care services.

The actual physical environment of Merrill Gardens presents an attraction for many families considering this community. Reviewers describe the facility as beautiful and immaculate, noting its pristine condition and appealing layout. Amenities such as gardening activities, movie screenings in a dedicated theater, exercise rooms, hair salons, and proximity to local establishments like libraries and stores contribute positively to resident experiences. However, some families wish for more diverse or plentiful amenities compared to other facilities under consideration during their search for memory care options.

Despite these positive features, certain drawbacks have been mentioned regarding staffing consistency and overall administration management. A few reviewers noted a high rate of staff turnover that could potentially hinder residents’ continuity of care—a crucial aspect when dealing with memory-related ailments. Furthermore, while many current staff members are praised as outstanding individuals doing their best amidst challenging conditions, there seems to be a sentiment that administrative issues detract from what could otherwise be an exemplary living environment.

Conversely, concerns over rising fees have been raised as well; one reviewer noted an unexpected 10% increase in rent coupled with additional charges for parking—factors contributing to potential financial strain on residents' families. This has led some individuals to contemplate possible relocations due to affordability challenges associated with staying at Merrill Gardens long-term. In light of these economic considerations juxtaposed against positive evaluations regarding food quality and overall value received for costs incurred—a duality reflective of broader trends in senior living communities today—is evident in various accounts.

Despite receiving mixed reviews detailing both commendable aspects and areas ripe for improvement at Merrill Gardens Rolling Hills Estates, many conclude that they would recommend this community under certain circumstances—primarily those related to financial capabilities or specific individual needs concerning memory care services. Newer facilities can often face operational hurdles during initial transitions; however considering recent staffing efforts alongside engaging activities designed specifically for residents could very well enhance overall experiences felt within this community over time should appropriate infrastructural support be established by management going forward.

Rolling Hills Estates, California, offers a peaceful and well-connected community for seniors looking to settle in a comfortable environment. With easy access to quality healthcare providers such as Palos Verdes Dermatology and Kaiser Permanente, residents can rest assured knowing their medical needs are taken care of. Nearby pharmacies like CVS and Rite Aid provide convenient access to medications and healthcare products. The area also boasts several places of worship for spiritual enrichment, as well as numerous parks like De Portola Park and Charles H. Wilson Park for relaxation and outdoor activities. Additionally, there are plenty of dining options ranging from fast food chains like In-N-Out Burger to more upscale restaurants like Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar. Access to transportation hubs such as Metro stations and the Port of Long Beach make it easy for seniors to travel within the city or beyond. Rolling Hills Estates offers a well-rounded environment that combines convenience, healthcare accessibility, recreational opportunities, and transportation options for older adults seeking a comfortable retirement setting.

Physicians

• Paulson Theresa A Palos Verdes Dermatology Rolling Hills Estates (0.3 miles)
• Monica B Espiritu M.D. | Kaiser Permanente (4.6 miles)
• Lighthouse Pediatrics (4.6 miles)
• Harbor Ucla Medical Center - David Durkovich Do (5.9 miles)
• UCLA Health Manhattan Beach Pediatrics (7.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Peninsula Community Church (0.4 miles)
• St Catherine Laboure Church (7.5 miles)

Parks

• De Portola Park (2.1 miles)
• Sur La Brea Park (4.2 miles)
• Charles H. Wilson Park (4.6 miles)
• Sunnyglen Park (5.3 miles)
• Noble Park (6.5 miles)
• Polliwog Park (8 miles)
• Shoreline Aquatic Park (10.2 miles)

Cafes

• Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee (2.6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.4 miles)
• Lees Sandwiches - Gard (8 miles)
• Corner Bakery Cafe (8.8 miles)
• Donut King 2 (9.2 miles)
• Starbucks (10.4 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Rolling Hills 2 (2.8 miles)
• AMC Del Amo 18 (4.4 miles)
• AMC DINE-IN South Bay Galleria 16 (6.9 miles)

Restaurants

• In-N-Out Burger (3.2 miles)
• King's Hawaiian Bakery (4 miles)
• Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar (4.4 miles)
• McDonald's (4.5 miles)
• Redondo Beach Pier (4.7 miles)
• Tendon Tempura Carlos Junior Restaurant (5.3 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (5.4 miles)

Transportation

• Metro - Willow Street Station (10.7 miles)
• Port Of Long Beach (10.8 miles)
• Aviation/LAX Metro Station (10.8 miles)
• Metro Rail - Hawthorne/Lennox (11.2 miles)
• LAX-it (11.8 miles)
• Terminal 8 (11.8 miles)
• American Airlines Admirals Club (11.8 miles)