Merrill Gardens at Solivita Marketplace

Pros

• The staff at Merrill Gardens are friendly and genuinely care about the residents, creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Residents have numerous activities available, including fun options like a chorus, which encourages social interaction and engagement.
• The facility has a homey feeling, making visitors feel comfortable and at ease upon entry.
• Many families appreciate the communication and support provided by the staff, especially during transitions from hospital to assisted living.
• Residents have access to well-furnished apartments with essential amenities, enhancing their quality of life.
• Overall cleanliness and maintenance of the community contribute positively to residents' living experiences.
• The location of Merrill Gardens is convenient for families, allowing for easy visits and peace of mind regarding loved ones' safety.

Cons

• The food leaves much to be desired, with complaints about it being served lukewarm and the repetitive menu lacking variety.
• Maintenance issues in the apartment were neglected, leading to safety concerns such as warped floors and loose outlets.
• Some residents felt ignored or unsupported during emergencies, with reports of unresponsive staff when assistance was needed.
• There were instances where promises made by sales and administration staff about resident care were not fulfilled, raising concerns about their commitment to resident needs.
• One reviewer expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of food available at mealtimes, describing it as inadequate when the kitchen ran out of options.
• A family member noted that their loved one was left isolated during a health crisis and did not receive timely help from nursing staff.
• Despite the friendly demeanor of some staff members, there were reports of inadequate medical attention and care coordination for residents in need.
• The dining experience was marred by long wait times for food pick-up after being prepared, posing potential health risks for residents.

Review

Merrill Gardens seems to present a mixed bag of experiences for its residents and their families, as highlighted by numerous reviews from current and past tenants. Dining appears to be a significant concern across the board. While some residents appreciate the friendly staff, the food fails to impress many. Complaints range from the blandness of meals to concerns about food safety, particularly regarding how long meals sit out before being served to residents. In one instance, breakfast items were left for hours before residents could pick them up for lunch, raising flags about proper meal handling practices. Additionally, there are reports of repeated menu items, with fish being a common offering that does not cater well to all palates. This ongoing dissatisfaction leads some families to rate the dining experience poorly, despite noting that passionate staff members try their best.

The upkeep of residential units is another area that draws criticism. Multiple reviewers mention issues such as warped flooring leading to tripping hazards and worn-out bathroom fixtures that urgently require refinishing. The lack of effective maintenance appears particularly troubling—one resident described feeling unsafe due to loose electrical outlets and slow responses from management on more pressing issues unless they were framed as emergencies, like a fire hazard or an overflowing toilet. Despite these shortcomings in physical maintenance or prompt service, some families noted positive interactions with staff when it came to routine checks and support services.

Surprisingly, amidst all these grievances about food quality and facility maintenance, personal touchpoints with staff often shine through in family reviews. Many expressed appreciation for nursing staff who appear genuinely dedicated to their work and creating an inviting atmosphere for residents. Families have reported positive interactions in which employees demonstrate patience with difficult situations or offer support with health management tasks. This aspect is reassuring for families who prioritized staff friendliness during their search for care facilities.

While the administration has received mixed feedback—from commendations on professionalism during initial admissions meetings to accusations of neglectful communication once residents' health declined—it's clear that the perception of how promises made by sales personnel translate into everyday practice varies widely among different family experiences at Merrill Gardens. Some report feeling supported by proactive communication regarding their loved ones’ well-being while others reflect on stark contrasts as they faced barriers when seeking assistance during emergencies.

The environment itself receives generally favorable remarks; many describe it feeling less like a clinical facility and more like home—a significant factor driving initial decisions in selecting Merrill Gardens over other options available nearby. Reviewers mention cleanliness and thoughtful layouts within individual apartments while pointing out communal areas where organized activities abound—a noteworthy feature appreciated by both residents and visiting relatives alike.

Ultimately, opinions diverge significantly between those delighted by social opportunities available through varied activities—and those struggling with perceived indifference from administration amid rising costs associated with monthly fees during challenging times economically—the latter bringing frustrations that color overall satisfaction levels with placement decisions made prior.

In summary, while Merrill Gardens at Solivita Marketplace shows potential especially through its community-driven spirit fostered amongst caring staff members dedicated towards enriching resident lives visually emphasized through sturdy programming efforts designed around vibrant engagements themselves—families may grapple heavily either way based upon personal experience contours showcased prominently throughout differing resident journeys unraveling within this space: balancing reliable supports alongside facets needing improvement ranging from culinary offerings down navigational pathways intertwined fostering genuine long-term connections alongside more clinical necessities appearing disjointed amidst real-life realities requiring consistent attentiveness reflective beyond surface assurances occasionally provided therein discerningly serving multiple familial needs coalescing over time toward unity shaping shared narratives evolving within these cherished environments!

Located in Kissimmee, Florida, this area offers convenient access to various amenities such as transportation options like SunRail Poinciana Station. There are a variety of dining options nearby including popular fast-food chains like Burger King and McDonald's, as well as more upscale choices like Grande Lobby Sushi at Reunion Resort. Additionally, several pharmacies and medical facilities are within a short distance for easy healthcare access. The area also boasts beautiful parks like Llamas Park and Spring Park for outdoor recreation opportunities. For those seeking spiritual fulfillment, Corpus Christi Catholic Church is located nearby. Overall, this part of Kissimmee provides a range of services and activities that could make it a desirable location for seniors looking to settle in the area.

Transportation

• SunRail Poinciana Station (4.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Burger King (4.3 miles)
• McDonald's (6.9 miles)
• Grande Lobby Sushi At Reunion Resort (7.2 miles)
• McDonald's (8.1 miles)
• Florida Bakery (8.2 miles)
• McDonald's (8.3 miles)
• Columbia Restaurant Of St. Petersburg (8.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (4.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.7 miles)
• Walgreens (5.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (6.8 miles)
• Walgreens (8.2 miles)
• Walgreens (8.5 miles)

Physicians

• Osceola Community Health Services (4.5 miles)
• Florida Joint A Nd Spine (5.1 miles)
• Legends Family Medical Center (8.3 miles)
• Jay Care Medical Center (8.4 miles)
• Extreme Wellness (8.4 miles)
• Cypress Orthopedic and Sports Medicine (8.5 miles)
• Dr Pfeiffer New Office (8.5 miles)

Parks

• Llamas (5.4 miles)
• Spring Park (8.1 miles)
• Celebration Lakeside Park (8.4 miles)
• North Village Park (9 miles)
• Lake Eva Park (10.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (7.6 miles)
• Starbucks (8.5 miles)
• Davenport Diner (8.5 miles)
• Starbucks (8.9 miles)
• Starbucks (8.9 miles)
• Starbucks (9.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Caring Hands Residence (8.1 miles)
• Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center (8.6 miles)
• Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center (10.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Corpus Christi Catholic Church (8.2 miles)

Theaters

• Cinepolis Polk County IMAX (8.9 miles)