The Echelon in Medina, OH

Pros

• They describe The Echelon of Medina as beautiful, clean, and home-like.
• The staff are incredibly friendly, caring, and go above and beyond for residents.
• Chrissy, the executive director, is widely praised for her kindness and hands-on involvement with residents and families.
• Families express gratitude for the care, compassion, and peace of mind the facility provides.
• The activities program is varied and engaging, with residents enjoying frequent events and outings.
• The building offers a luxurious, resort-like environment with top-notch amenities and well-kept surroundings.
• The memory care and independent living areas are described as well-run, with attentive, respectful staff.
• Front desk, nursing, and caregiving teams are noted for welcoming service and timely, clear communication with families.
• The Echelon is highly recommended by reviewers for both independent living and memory care.

Cons

• The reviewer notes that the facility left a lasting negative impression, especially in memory care.
• The administration is described as unresponsive, ignoring outreach after repeated contact.
• An extra $900 per month is charged for light nursing assistance.
• Fees and monthly rent were raised almost every quarter, pricing families out.
• The facility served an eviction notice while a loved one was in hospice with only two weeks left to live.
• The owner allegedly lied about RN coverage, with only a single LPN on site at night.
• A fall occurred in the hallway that went unwitnessed due to poor staffing.
• The memory care section reportedly reeked of urine and had dirty carpets.
• Refunds or credits were delayed for months, leading to attorney involvement.
• The facility is described as short-staffed and declining in quality, with poor food.

Review

The Echelon in Medina is best suited for families seeking a luxurious, resort-like senior living experience with a thriving social calendar and a clearly valued memory care option. This community shines for those who want a homey, engaging environment where daily life feels curated rather than clinical, and where leadership and front-line staff are consistently visible and approachable. It is especially appealing to families who prize amenities, polished interiors, a wide range of activities, and a sense that residents are treated with warmth and personal attention. Those prioritizing predictability in pricing, transparent billing, and rock-solid, around-the-clock nursing coverage should consider alternatives that emphasize steadier cost structures and stronger, more consistent clinical oversight.

The Echelon's strengths are grounded in a strong, personable culture that permeates every level of operation. The facility presents as clean, beautifully maintained, and thoughtfully designed to feel more like a high-end hotel than a traditional care setting. Residents frequently praise the executive director and nursing leadership for being hands-on, accessible, and genuinely invested in residents' wellbeing. The front desk and activity teams are consistently described as friendly, responsive, and proactive about individual needs. The environment is rich with programming - from fitness classes and art rooms to social outings and themed events - creating meaningful connections and a sense of belonging. Transportation services, on-site dining that residents describe as high quality, and intimate moments of care from caregivers all contribute to a robust, person-centered experience.

Yet, real concerns appear in several reviews that cannot be ignored. Pricing increases occur quarterly and can outpace perceived value for some families, especially when those charges are layered onto memory care services. A recurring thread centers on billing disputes and attempts to reconcile charges after a loved one's passing, leaving some families feeling patterns of miscommunication and frustration. Specific worries persist about memory care staffing: claims that night coverage relies on a single LPN for the entire campus raise questions about supervision and response times. An eviction notice issued while a resident was in hospice is cited as a harsh misalignment between care needs and administrative decisions. There are mentions of delayed or incomplete service delivery, including concerns about care responsiveness, meal quality, and maintenance of the care environment, underscoring that even a beautifully appointed campus cannot fully compensate for operational gaps.

Despite these drawbacks, the pros often significantly offset the cons for many families. The authentic warmth of the staff, the visible leadership's daily involvement, and the sense that residents are known by name create an atmosphere where people feel valued and safe. The depth and variety of programming - day trips, social gatherings, entertainment, and activity-driven engagement - help sustain independence while enriching daily life. Families repeatedly highlight the quality of the dining experience, the attentiveness of care teams, and the ability to collaborate with administrators to tailor care plans. For memory care residents, the compassionate staff who show genuine affection can translate into meaningful daily experiences, even when financial questions require careful attention and ongoing dialogue.

For families considering a move, several practical steps help translate the positive signals into a sound decision. Request up-to-date staffing ratios and the exact RN vs. LPN coverage schedule, particularly for memory care and nighttime hours. Obtain a detailed, line-item contract that clearly defines what is included in monthly fees and what constitutes additional charges, along with a transparent billing policy and refund procedures. Tour with a critical eye for the memory care environment - assess cleanliness, scent, and supervision - and meet current residents' families to gauge consistency of care and communication. Probe management responsiveness to concerns and verify the process for escalations, routine family updates, and access to on-site physicians or therapists.

In the end, The Echelon stands out as a compelling option for families who want a high-end, active, community-focused setting with a strong sense of home and personal connection. Its leadership, caregiver dedication, and broad activity slate create a meaningful quality-of-life difference that many families will value deeply. However, those who require predictable, tightly controlled costs, uninterrupted clinical coverage, and a rigorously transparent billing record may find the administrative and pricing concerns disqualifying. For the right family - one that accepts the occasional administrative friction in exchange for hospitality, engagement, and genuine, daily affection - the Echelon can be a superb choice. For others, exploring alternatives with steadier pricing and stronger, round-the-clock clinical oversight may be the prudent path.

Located in the heart of Medina, Ohio, this area offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. With several hospitals nearby, such as The Children's Center of Medina County and Medina General Hospital, residents have access to quality healthcare facilities. In addition, there are numerous pharmacies in close proximity for easy access to medications. Seniors can enjoy dining options at local restaurants like Jo Jo's Sports Bar & Grill and Los CantRitos, as well as relax in the beautiful parks such as Buckeye Woods Park and Fred Greenwood Park. Places of worship like St Francis Xavier Catholic Church and Grace Lutheran Church provide spiritual support to residents. With physicians offices like Trillium Creek Dermatology & Surgery Center and North Ohio Heart nearby, seniors can easily access medical care. Overall, this part of Medina offers a peaceful and convenient living environment for seniors looking to settle down in a welcoming community.

Hospitals

• The Children's Center of Medina County (0.3 miles)
• Medina Medical Office Building (1.6 miles)
• Medina General Hospital (7 miles)
• Lodi Community Hospital (10.1 miles)
• Akron General Radiology (10.7 miles)
• Lodi Community Hospital (10.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.4 miles)
• Discount Drug Mart (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Marc's Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Discount Drug Mart (2.3 miles)
• Discount Drug Mart (6 miles)
• Discount Drug Mart (6.3 miles)

Cafes

• Cool Beans Cafe (0.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (7 miles)
• Starbucks (12 miles)

Parks

• Buckeye Woods Park (0.5 miles)
• Fred Greenwood Park (1.9 miles)
• Hinkley Reservation (9.4 miles)
• Green Leaf Park (10.2 miles)
• Memorial Park (10.9 miles)
• Durling Park (11 miles)

Restaurants

• Jo Jo's Sports Bar & Grill (0.7 miles)
• Los CantRitos (1.1 miles)
• McDonald's (2.2 miles)
• Bob Evans (3.8 miles)
• Blue Heron Brewery (4.1 miles)
• On Tap Medina (4.4 miles)
• Roadside Inn (4.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Francis Xavier Catholic Church (1 miles)
• St Ambrose Endowment Foundation (7.4 miles)
• Seville Presbyterian Church (9.1 miles)
• Wadsworth Church of the Nazarene (10.2 miles)
• Grace Lutheran Church (11 miles)
• Ghent Christian Church (11 miles)
• First Church of God (11.1 miles)

Physicians

• Trillium Creek Dermatology & Surgery Center (2 miles)
• Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center (2 miles)
• Brio Neurobehavioral Consultants (2.9 miles)
• North Ohio Heart (3.1 miles)
• Akron Children's Hospital (3.1 miles)
• Digestive Disease Consultants (7.7 miles)
• Akron Children's Hospital Pediatrics (9.7 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark 383 Strongsville (11.6 miles)