The Merriman

Pros

• The Merriman staff treats residents very well and are attentive to their needs.
• Residents have many activities to choose from, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
• The facility is clean, well-maintained, and features beautiful architecture and decor.
• Rooms in the assisted living area are spacious, bright, and comfortable.
• Residents enjoy a variety of delicious meal options served in an elegant dining environment.
• The supportive staff helps ease transitions for new residents, making them feel at home.
• Many residents have formed friendships and report positive interactions with fellow community members.

Cons

• The food at The Merriman is described as horrible and of poor quality.
• Residents often experience delays in receiving their medications.
• Staff members are reported to be mean to residents while favoring their pets.
• A former resident regrets keeping their loved one there for an extended period due to inadequate care and safety concerns.
• The facility has declined in cleanliness and friendliness after transitioning to for-profit status, according to a long-term resident's observations.
• There are complaints about the lack of proper cleaning services for apartments, with minimal attention paid to dusting and vacuuming.
• Many staff members lack professionalism and a caring attitude, which affects the quality of service received by residents.
• A rude receptionist contributes to an unfriendly environment for residents and their families.
• Frequent staffing changes have created instability and difficulties for both residents and families.
• Mixed reviews about activities indicate that some residents feel neglected or dissatisfied with available options.

Review

The Merriman is a continuing care facility that has garnered mixed reactions from residents and their families, reflecting a diverse range of experiences. On one end of the spectrum, there are poignant testimonials from those who have felt deeply disappointed by the care provided, specifically highlighting issues such as a lack of accountability, poor food quality, unreliable medication management, and staff indifference. One individual recounted the painful decision to keep their mother in the facility for nine years primarily due to its proximity to their home. Despite being aware of the inadequate standard of care, they expressed enduring regret for their choice to stay so long.

Conversely, others report positive experiences while residing at The Merriman. A current resident has been living in assisted living there for nearly a year and praises the attentive staff who treat her well and ensure timely medication distribution. This resident appreciates the variety of activities available and enjoys building friendships with fellow residents, noting that she feels at home and comfortable in an environment that fosters community engagement. Such sentiments contrast sharply with criticisms from former residents and their families regarding staff attitudes predominantly toward pets rather than towards human residents.

Facility aesthetics seem to be a bright spot for many reviewers. Comments about The Merriman frequently highlight its elegant décor — including beautiful chandeliers and superb woodworking throughout the building — alongside clean, spacious rooms filled with natural light. Many guests also admire communal spaces like dining rooms where meals are served with cloth napkins and alternative choices are offered; however, concerns arise regarding consistency in cleaning services within individual apartments.

Another troubling narrative concerns management changes leading to instability within staffing structures—the transition from a nonprofit model to a for-profit status did not go unnoticed by some longtime residents' families. This shift seemingly culminated in high staff turnover rates that disrupted continuity of care. One reviewer noted significant dissatisfaction when 85% of the staff left suddenly after only six months into her mother's residency; negative impacts on patient care became apparent following this upheaval.

It’s noteworthy that while some reviews express appreciation for certain caregivers who dedicated themselves to providing good service during challenging times, others contend that caring professional conduct is not universally upheld across all employees—leading to calls for improved training on how best to serve residents compassionately. Disappointment over perceived lackluster people skills among various departments serves as a common thread across several accounts.

Despite critical feedback surrounding aspects like food quality or housekeeping inconsistencies—and even stark warnings issued by some family members contemplating complaints through formal channels—positive anecdotes do exist about morale among current residents enjoying liveliness stimulated by scheduled activities such as live music events or pet therapy visits alongside recreational opportunities like board games or crafts designed to foster social interaction between community members. Overall impressions underscore an environment rich with potential but plagued by disparities reflective of changing management practices coupled with varied levels of service commitment from staff members tasked with daily caregiving responsibilities at The Merriman facility.

This area of Akron, Ohio offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for convenience and accessibility. With multiple pharmacies nearby, including Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy, obtaining prescription medications is quick and easy. There are also several restaurants within a short distance, such as Frank's Place On Market and The Game Grill & Bar, offering dining options for every taste. Medical care is readily available with reputable physicians and hospitals close by, such as Akron Children's Hospital and Akron General Hematology & Oncology. In addition, there are cafes like Nervous Dog Coffee Bar and parks like Summit Lake Park for relaxing outings. Overall, this area provides a mix of essential services, entertainment options, and healthcare facilities that make it a desirable location for senior living in Akron.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Marc's Stores (3.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Frank's Place On Market (0.4 miles)
• Jilly's Music Room (1.4 miles)
• The Game Grill & Bar (1.6 miles)
• McDonald's (1.8 miles)
• Swenson's Drive In Restaurants (1.8 miles)
• Spaghetti Warehouse (1.8 miles)
• McDonald's (2.1 miles)

Physicians

• Akron General Hematology & Oncology (1.4 miles)
• Internal Medicine Center of Akron (1.5 miles)
• Pediatrics of Akron (1.5 miles)
• Spi Gyn Onc (2.4 miles)
• Omar S Zmeili, MD (2.4 miles)
• Digestive Health Center (2.6 miles)
• Neurology & Neuroscience Associates (2.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Akron Children's Hospital (1.5 miles)
• Summa Akron City Hospital (2.3 miles)
• Summa Western Reserve Hospital (2.8 miles)

Cafes

• Nervous Dog Coffee Bar (1.5 miles)
• Molly Brown Cafe (2.7 miles)
• Biggby Coffee (2.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Cafe Arnone (4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.9 miles)

Parks

• Summit Lake Park (2.7 miles)
• Mountain Bike Area (3.7 miles)
• Galt Park (4.7 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark Cuyahoga Falls And Xd (4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Grace Church (5.7 miles)
• Holy Family Catholic Parish Stow Ohio (6.4 miles)