Harborside at Melbourne

Pros

• The staff at Harborside at Melbourne are consistently described as very friendly and helpful, making residents feel welcomed and cared for.
• Many residents' family members noted that their loved ones adapted quickly and positively to the community atmosphere.
• The facility offers a variety of activities, such as scenic trips, crafts, and bingo, which many residents enjoy.
• Housekeeping services received praise for being effective, with residents appreciating the cleanliness of their living spaces.
• The dining experience was generally viewed positively, with meals described as good and well-presented.
• The facility has a bright and cheerful environment with nicely appointed rooms that resemble hotel accommodations.
• Family members expressed satisfaction with the proactive medical care provided by the nurses and staff within the facility.
• Tours of the community were praised for being informative and thorough, showcasing the various amenities available to residents.

Cons

• The room isn't always pleasant smelling, and there were concerns about housekeeping practices.
• The facility has been described as understaffed, especially during certain shifts, leading to difficulties in care and communication.
• Some residents cannot stay in their rooms during the day, which may lead to feelings of confinement.
• There are complaints about the quality of meals, particularly dinner options being subpar.
• The pool has been described as a "disgusting cesspool" and is still under renovation despite signing the lease months ago.
• There was confusion during the tour due to a lack of communication regarding appointment scheduling.
• Staff shortages and medical issues have caused concerns about adequate care for residents.
• Activities have been cut down since the community changed ownership, disappointing some families seeking engagement for their loved ones.
• There were references to difficulty understanding who was in charge among nursing staff, complicating communication regarding resident care.
• Cleanliness is an issue with elevators needing more frequent cleaning and upkeep throughout the facility.

Review

Harborside at Melbourne is a memory care facility that has received mixed reviews from families and residents, reflecting both positive experiences and notable concerns. Many families appreciate the friendly and helpful demeanor of the staff, who are often described as attentive and caring. The camaraderie among residents also stands out, with some noting how quickly their loved ones made friends upon moving in. Staff members are frequently praised for being proactive in medical care, conducting regular checkups, and addressing issues promptly when they arise. Families express satisfaction with housekeeping services, which generally provide good support despite some inconsistencies in room upkeep.

However, several reviewers indicated that Harborside at Melbourne struggles with certain aspects of its operations. Issues such as understaffing due to sick calls have been reported, leading to a challenge in consistently delivering high-quality care across all shifts. While many commend the day staff for their attentiveness, some critiques center on nighttime staff performance and the need for more effective communication regarding resident needs and protocols. This divide has left some families feeling uncertain about the level of care their loved ones receive during off-peak hours.

The dining experience at Harborside is another point of contention among residents and their families. While breakfast and lunch options were deemed decent by some reviewers, dinner menus fell short of expectations; complaints ranged from uninspired sandwiches served on plain white bread to a lack of homemade desserts. There’s a shared desire for greater variety in meals—especially during dinner service—and an emphasis on healthier or fresher ingredients. Furthermore, suggestions for snacks available throughout the day point to a need for broader food access beyond scheduled meal times.

Facility cleanliness has been a recurring theme in various reviews. Many found the overall environment cheerful but expressed concerns about specific areas needing closer attention, such as elevator maintenance and pool cleanliness. Suggestions included more frequent cleaning schedules to enhance hygiene standards within communal spaces like elevators. While most visitors noted that the facility overall looked tidy, there was an acknowledgment that being an older property means continual updates are necessary to keep it inviting.

In terms of activities offered at Harborside at Melbourne, there’s recognition that engaging programs play a significant role in resident satisfaction. Some families were initially drawn by promises of scenic trips, arts and crafts sessions, and group activities like bingo; however, recent changes in management appear to have resulted in reduced availability or frequency of these events—leading to disappointment among those who hoped for vibrant community interaction for their loved ones.

Despite these challenges faced by Harborside at Melbourne during its transition period under new ownership, many families continue to advocate for its services based on their personal experiences with staff dedication and overall community atmosphere. They emphasize staying involved with residents' daily lives within the facility as crucial for ensuring quality care continues amidst operational adjustments. For those looking into memory care options in Melbourne area facilities contrastingly perceived through multiple lenses—from warmth amid staffing shortages to yearning for improved meal offerings—the consensus remains: attentive staff make a lasting difference even when operational hurdles exist.

This part of Melbourne, Florida, offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living, with a variety of healthcare options nearby such as Melbourne GI Center and Holmes Regional Medical Center. There are also several pharmacies within a short distance, making it easy to access medication and health-related services. In terms of dining options, there is a range of choices from fast food to casual dining at locations like Sonic Drive-In and Meg O’Malley's Restaurant & Irish Pub. Additionally, transportation options are readily available with Melbourne International Airport only a mile away. For leisure activities, there are cafes like 905 Cafe for socializing and parks such as Sunset Park for outdoor relaxation. Places of worship such as Islamic Society of Brevard County provide spiritual support for residents seeking a community connection.

Physicians

• Melbourne GI Center (0.2 miles)
• First Choice Healthcare Solutions (0.3 miles)
• Health First Cancer Service (0.3 miles)
• Smeal, Darren M, Md - Melbourne Internal Medicine (0.4 miles)
• Melbourne Dermatology Center (0.5 miles)
• Neurology Clinic (0.5 miles)
• Balaji Gobivenkata Balaji Gobivenkata Md Melbourne (0.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Heart Center At Holmes Regional Medical Center (0.4 miles)
• Holmes Regional Medical Center (0.5 miles)
• Kindred Hospital Melbourne (1.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• Night Owl Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Browning's Pharmacy & Health Care (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe (3.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Sonic Drive-In (0.7 miles)
• Subway (0.9 miles)
• McDonald's (1 miles)
• Mustard's Last Stand (1.1 miles)
• Meg O’Malley's Restaurant & Irish Pub (1.1 miles)
• Matt's Casbah (1.1 miles)
• Gyros & More 2 (1.1 miles)

Transportation

• Melbourne International Airport (MLB) (1 miles)
• Hertz Car Rental - Melbourne - Harbor City HLE (1.2 miles)
• Apex Executive Jet Center (1.3 miles)

Cafes

• 905 Cafe (1.1 miles)
• Panther Dining Hall (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (2.6 miles)
• Starbucks (2.7 miles)

Parks

• Sunset Park (1.9 miles)
• Orlando Park (2.5 miles)
• Gleason Park (3.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Islamic Society of Brevard County (2.5 miles)
• People of Destiny Christian Fellowship (3.3 miles)