532 North Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
What level of care are you interested in?

Assisted Living

Memory Care

Independent Living

Skilled Nursing Facility

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)CCRC

Other
The collection of notes about Little River Manor paints a picture that is both praise-filled and troubling in equal measure. On one hand, readers describe the facility as beautiful and the staff as excellent. On the other hand, there are numerous concerns about safety, policy, and day-to-day operations that some residents and their families find deeply troubling. This juxtaposition creates a complex impression: a place that can feel welcoming and well-staffed, yet one that may fall short when it comes to essential safeguards and transparent practices.
Several reviewers raise alarms about the way mobility and independence are handled. A recurrent complaint is that walkers - crucial aids for residents who rely on them for safe movement - are taken away from residents during the day and night. The implication is that this practice undermines safety and independence at times when mobility assistance is most needed. The sentiment behind these claims is not merely about inconvenience; it is about a sense of vulnerability and dependence that is being managed in a way that feels inconsistent with residents' safety needs.
Rules and the culture of the house are another major thread. Reviewers ask why so many rules seem arbitrary and why residents appear afraid to break a rule or to lodge a complaint. The fear surrounding rule-breaking or reporting problems hints at a perceived power dynamic within the facility - one in which voicing concerns or challenging procedures may be discouraged or met with discomfort. This atmosphere can erode trust and make it harder for residents and families to advocate for changes that might improve safety or quality of life.
There is documented friction between safety recommendations from licensed physical therapists and what actually happens in the facility. In particular, reviewers point to safety accommodations suggested by therapists - such as placing a toilet chair next to a bed for nighttime use - that are not implemented. When professional guidance is offered to enhance safety and ease of use, and those suggestions are refused, it leaves residents without potentially useful aids. The disconnect between clinical recommendations and in-facility practices is presented as a safeguard failure that affects daily living and nighttime safety.
Communication about incidents and emergencies appears to be another weak point. Several notes state that families are not notified when a resident experiences a fall, which can delay awareness, monitoring, and timely responses. In addition, questions are raised about preparedness for emergencies: there are claims that there are no fire drills, and there is concern about what happens when the elevator breaks and a resident is downstairs. These gaps in communication and emergency readiness contribute to a sense of uncertainty and risk, especially for families who want to stay informed about their loved ones' safety.
Infrastructure and staffing concerns add another layer of unease. Reviewers describe high staff turnover and point to practical safety shortcomings, such as the absence of handrails on the porch and bathrooms that cannot accommodate a walker. Such details matter for everyday safety and accessibility, particularly for residents with mobility challenges. More serious and less controllable problems are also noted: a bat infestation in the attic and an MRSA outbreak. There are references to skyrocketing pharmacy costs tied to dispensing practices in a setting where there is no nurse on staff, implying gaps in nursing coverage that escalate medication-related expenses and complicate care coordination. Lastly, promises about room placement and choice - specifically, assurances that residents would have first pick when another room opened - are described as false, undermining trust and suggesting a misalignment between assurances and reality.
Within the mixed portrait, there is a clear contrast in the tone of individual comments. Some residents and families emphasize that the staff are excellent and that the facility is stunningly beautiful, which points to strengths in personnel and ambiance. Yet other comments describe the environment as dishonest or condescending with respect to employees, raising concerns about how management and leadership interact with staff and, by extension, how residents are treated. This tension - between admired frontline care and reported managerial shortcomings - appears repeatedly and complicates any straightforward assessment of the facility.
Putting these strands together, the overall impression is of a place with genuine strengths in its people and aesthetics but significant questions about safety culture, transparency, and operational rigor. The praise for staff and visual appeal sits alongside a catalogue of concerns about mobility controls, rule enforcement, family communication, emergency preparedness, and infrastructural adequacy. For families weighing a move to this kind of setting, the notes suggest a careful, perhaps cautious approach: while a more professional and consistently safety-focused environment might offer real benefits, there are noteworthy red flags that deserve thorough examination and proactive addressing before making a commitment.
Little River Manor is an assisted living community located in the beautiful coastal town of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Our community offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, providing personalized care for seniors in need of board and care home or respite care services.
Residents at Little River Manor enjoy a variety of amenities designed to enhance their comfort and well-being. Our dining room provides nutritious meals tailored to meet special dietary restrictions, ensuring that each resident receives the proper nutrition they need. The community is fully furnished, creating a cozy and homelike environment for our residents. Additionally, our outdoor space allows residents to enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Our dedicated staff provides assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and transfers, ensuring that each resident receives the support they need while maintaining their independence. We also coordinate with healthcare providers to ensure that each resident's medical needs are met. Medication management services are provided to ensure that medications are taken correctly and on schedule.
At Little River Manor, we understand the importance of social engagement and provide scheduled daily activities to keep residents active and engaged. Nearby cafes offer opportunities for socializing while enjoying a cup of coffee or a meal outside the community. For those who enjoy nature, there are several parks nearby where residents can take leisurely walks or participate in outdoor activities.
Convenience is key at Little River Manor with an abundance of nearby amenities. With eight pharmacies located within close proximity, medication refills and other pharmaceutical needs are easily accessible. In case of any medical emergencies or routine check-ups, there are 23 physicians nearby as well as three hospitals within reach. Residents can also find various dining options in the area, allowing them to explore different culinary experiences.
Residents who have spiritual needs will find solace in one place of worship located nearby where they can attend services if desired.
Overall, Little River Manor offers a comfortable and supportive environment for seniors seeking assisted living services. With a range of amenities and care services, residents can enjoy their golden years with peace of mind and the independence they desire.
Little River Manor is located at 532 North Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 in Volusia County, Florida
Brilliance Assisted Living
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Memory-care focused with 24/7 supervision and varied on-site amenities.
Brilliance Assisted Living reviews
Brilliance Assisted Living images
Seashore Senior Living
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Engaging activities program with attentive, nurse-led care in a welcoming, well-maintained environment.
Seashore Senior Living costs
Seashore Senior Living reviews
Seashore Senior Living images
Lexington Place Florida
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Comprehensive care options with engaging amenities.
Lexington Place Florida reviews
Lexington Place Florida images
Smyrna West Assisted Living Facility
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Warm, engaging community with attentive staff and home-like dining.
Smyrna West Assisted Living Facility reviews
Smyrna West Assisted Living Facility images
Crown Assisted Living
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Well-maintained memory care/assisted living with engaging activities and compassionate, experienced staff.
Crown Assisted Living costs
Crown Assisted Living reviews
Crown Assisted Living images
Countryside Lakes Senior Living
Port Orange, FL
Friendly, attentive staff with engaging activities and high-quality dining.
Countryside Lakes Senior Living costs
Countryside Lakes Senior Living reviews
Countryside Lakes Senior Living images
Seagrass Village of Port Orange
Port Orange, FL
Friendly, helpful staff; immaculate facilities and a vibrant range of activities and amenities.
Seagrass Village of Port Orange costs
Seagrass Village of Port Orange reviews
Seagrass Village of Port Orange images
Majestic Gardens Living
South Daytona, FL
Clean, modern facility with compassionate staff and strong on-site medical oversight.
Majestic Gardens Living costs
Majestic Gardens Living reviews
Majestic Gardens Living images
Transitioning from assisted living to memory care is driven by an individual's cognitive decline and specific needs, requiring careful evaluation of indicators like increased confusion and wandering. The process involves consulting medical professionals, researching suitable communities, considering financial and legal aspects, and ensuring effective communication for personalized care plans.
Assisted Living and Memory Care: Understanding Their Core Differences
Assisted living provides moderate support for seniors seeking independence, while memory care offers specialized support for individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments through structured routines and trained staff. Key differences include care approaches, environment security measures, staff training levels, activity types, and cost considerations.
Beyond the Bingo Hall: 50+ Enriching Activities for Seniors in Assisted Living
Assisted living communities offer diverse activities beyond traditional games to enhance seniors' physical health, cognitive well-being, emotional enrichment, and social connections, including fitness classes, creative expression, and intergenerational interactions. These enriching programs foster community bonds and support residents' independence and happiness.