Merion Gardens Assisted Living

Pros

• The staff at Merion Gardens Assisted Living provided outstanding love and care to residents, treating them with kindness, dignity, and respect.
• The facility is described as nice, clean, pleasant, and well-kept, creating a comfortable environment for the residents.
• Residents have access to a variety of activities that promote engagement and socialization, allowing them to enjoy their time.
• Families felt confident in the care provided to their loved ones and appreciated the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff.
• Many reviewers noted that their loved ones found happiness and independence while living at Merion Gardens.
• The dining area was praised for being clean, with no complaints about the food from residents.
• Visitors reported positive experiences during events, with staff accommodating both residents and guests in a friendly manner.

Cons

• The head administrator brought in COVID-19, leading to the infection of 14 residents and the death of four, including one reviewer's loved one.
• Staff did not consistently wear masks, and safety protocols could have been followed better during the pandemic.
• Residents did not receive adequate care, including improper medication administration and missing personal belongings.
• The quality of caregivers varied significantly, with some providing poor performance.
• One reviewer expressed concerns about their loved one not receiving necessary medical equipment such as charged hearing aids and compression socks.
• A reviewer experienced disappointment regarding their loved one's isolation and lack of attention during the pandemic.
• Despite initial positive impressions, another reviewer would not recommend Merion Gardens due to their negative experiences with care and safety measures during COVID-19.

Review

Merion Gardens Assisted Living has garnered a range of reviews from families of residents, reflecting both positive experiences and significant concerns. Initially, many visitors were impressed by the facility's cleanliness, pleasant atmosphere, and the kindness exhibited by staff members during tours. One reviewer mentioned that their loved one enjoyed the room assigned to her, noting its spaciousness and proximity to amenities like a library, which catered well to her interests. On a positive note, activities offered at Merion Gardens have been cited as sufficient for residents who may have cognitive challenges; this suggests that the community is committed to keeping its residents engaged and active within their capacities.

However, as much as some families appreciated the initial impression of Merion Gardens, their experiences later revealed serious shortcomings. A heart-wrenching review described how a resident contracted COVID-19 shortly after an administrator returned from quarantine without wearing appropriate protective gear. Tragically, this led not only to the infection spreading among several residents but also resulted in multiple fatalities—including that of the reviewer’s mother. The reviewer expressed their disappointment over not being informed about falls experienced by their parent while under care and highlighted inadequate adherence to safety protocols involving mask-wearing among staff.

Despite these alarming incidents surrounding health safety during an unprecedented pandemic, there were varying opinions on the caregiving quality itself at Merion Gardens. Some families reported dissatisfaction with the administration of medications and other necessities. Concerns were raised about missing personal belongings and insufficient attention given to medical requirements — such as hearing aids charging and compression sock usage — which compounded feelings of neglect in what was expected to be a nurturing environment.

Conversely, other reviewers voiced satisfaction regarding caregivers' attentiveness—especially in specialized units where they perceived outstanding compassion for loved ones in critical conditions. One family recounted how exceptional care was provided during their father’s final days; they praised staff members for treating him with kindness and dignity while also attending sensitively to family needs.

The facility itself seems well-equipped for social interaction among its residents—those who encountered Merion Gardens on visits noted ample shared spaces designed for gatherings and activities conducive to building community connections. Reviews often spoke positively about dining experiences too; while some personal anecdotes suggested variability in meal satisfaction levels among residents overall impressions regarding food were favorable enough to indicate that it met expectations.

In examining these varied perspectives on Merion Gardens Assisted Living—a venue praised for creating a vibrant atmosphere yet marred by critical narratives concerning health management—it becomes essential for potential residents or their families to weigh both sides carefully when considering if this particular facility aligns with their needs and standards of care. It is evident that while many aspects are commendable—the warmth of staff interactions and diligence towards maintaining clean facilities—the broader implications surrounding health safety protocols must be addressed earnestly given recent hardships faced within the community due to COVID-19. As potential clients assess this assisted-living option, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses will be crucial in making informed decisions based on individual priorities regarding care quality and safety measures.

This area of Carney's Point, New Jersey, offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing for seniors looking to relocate. With several physicians' offices and pharmacies within a short driving distance, accessing healthcare and prescription medications is convenient. There are also multiple restaurants and cafes nearby for dining out or grabbing a quick bite to eat. Transportation options include a railroad station for those who prefer public transportation. In terms of recreation, there are parks in the vicinity for enjoying nature and outdoor activities. Additionally, places of worship provide spiritual support, and nearby theaters offer entertainment options for leisure time. Overall, this area provides a mix of essential services, recreational opportunities, and conveniences that can contribute to a comfortable senior living experience.

Physicians

• Carneys Point Center (0.1 miles)
• Cooper Primary Care Pennsville (2.6 miles)
• Fleming Optical (3.9 miles)
• Gregory Papa (5.2 miles)
• Medical Examiner Office (5.6 miles)
• Total Care Physicians (5.7 miles)
• Bellevue Heart Group - Hamid Deliri M.D. (5.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (4.9 miles)
• Walgreens (4.9 miles)
• Walgreens (5 miles)
• Walgreens (5.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.7 miles)
• Walgreens (6.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (2.3 miles)
• McDonald's (4.5 miles)
• Casablanca Moroccan Restaurant (5 miles)
• Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (5.3 miles)
• Big Fish Grill (5.3 miles)
• Del Pez Mexican Gastropub (5.3 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (6.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (7.3 miles)
• Starbucks (7.9 miles)
• Starbucks (8.5 miles)
• Border Cafe (9.9 miles)
• Starbucks (9.9 miles)

Transportation

• Joseph R. Biden Jr. Railroad Station (WIL) (4.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Delaware Psychiatric Center (5.6 miles)
• St Francis Hospital (6.1 miles)
• Wilmington VA Medical Center (7.8 miles)
• Salem Medical Center (7.8 miles)
• Limestone Medical Center (9.9 miles)

Parks

• Brandywine Park (5.7 miles)
• Shipley Heights Park (6.2 miles)
• Wilmington Manor Gardens Park (6.5 miles)
• Alapocas Woods Park (7 miles)
• Talley Day Park (7.2 miles)
• Marlton Recreation Park (7.5 miles)
• Market Square Memorial Park (8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Sharptown United Methodist Church (6.2 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Brandywine Town Center (9.6 miles)
• Cinemark Christiana and XD (9.8 miles)