Merriam Casa Bella

Pros

• The staff at Merriam Manor is described as friendly, caring, and responsive to residents' needs.
• Residents enjoy a variety of activities, including bingo, karaoke, and crafts.
• The community is noted for its cleanliness and cozy atmosphere, resembling a home rather than an institutional facility.
• Meals are praised for being homemade and nutritious, with generous portions offered regularly.
• Many families feel reassured by the prompt communication from staff regarding any issues that arise with their loved ones.
• Residents appreciate the beautiful features of the rooms, such as stained glass windows and high ceilings, which enhance their living experience.
• The facility is seen as safe and well-maintained, contributing to residents' overall comfort and satisfaction.

Cons

• The staff did not provide an evaluation for new residents, which is unprofessional for such an establishment.
• There were multiple complaints about the lack of proper medication administration and monitoring by the housekeeping staff.
• Security measures in the facility were noted as being minimal, raising concerns about resident safety.
• The meals served were criticized as inadequate and lacking nutritional value, often consisting of processed foods and poor portion sizes.
• Cleanliness was a significant issue, with residents' rooms frequently not cleaned properly or at all.
• Communication from the management regarding medical emergencies was inadequate and caused distress to family members.
• The building appeared dark and old, which contributed to an uncomfortable atmosphere for some visitors.
• Many residents seemed unable to engage in meaningful conversations or activities due to their conditions, leading to a less vibrant community environment.

Review

Merriam Manor has elicited a wide range of responses from families and residents, reflecting both positive experiences and significant concerns regarding the level of care, facilities, and overall management. Many reviews express satisfaction with the attentive staff who are described as friendly, caring, and responsive to the needs of residents. Families often highlight the quality of care provided for daily living activities, indicating that their loved ones feel comfortable and well-supported during their stay. Reviews mention that the food served is home-cooked and nutritious, with meal options including roasts, mashed potatoes, soups, and desserts like pudding. Several residents appreciate the variety of activities available—such as bingo, karaoke, arts and crafts—that help keep them engaged.

However, not all feedback is positive. Some families have raised serious concerns about the administration's practices at Merriam Manor. Issues regarding transparency in pricing have surfaced repeatedly; some reviewers noted a lack of clarity when it came to billing procedures. In particular, one family experienced difficulty when they were told about an overpayment but had to advocate repeatedly for adjustments in future payments. This led to frustration among families who felt they were not being properly informed or supported concerning financial matters.

The cleanliness of the facility also seems to be a point of contention. While some reviews commend the community's cleanliness and aesthetic appeal—including high ceilings, wood floors, stained glass features—others reported inadequate housekeeping standards. Some residents' rooms reportedly went uncleaned for extended periods despite complaints made to management. A notable complaint involved instances where medication was handled irresponsibly by staff members; reports indicated that medications were given without ensuring that residents actually took them. Such lapses in care could raise significant red flags regarding resident safety and well-being.

Food service emerged as another critical area for improvement according to several reviewers. Although many expressed satisfaction with home-cooked meals featuring fresh ingredients at certain times, others encountered issues with food quality—describing it as bland or overly processed—and unsuitable for special dietary needs such as diabetic-friendly options. One review pointed out that only basic breakfast items were available while lunch consisted primarily of sandwiches served after 4:30 PM—a schedule some found impractical.

Transitioning into new accommodations appears to have been challenging for some residents at Merriam Manor due to unexpected changes upon arrival; issues included having roommates assigned unexpectedly or concerns about room sizes not matching initial descriptions provided during tours. One family's experience was particularly disheartening when they discovered that an elevator frequently mentioned was locked away from resident use; this led to complications whenever mobility assistance was needed.

While the environment may present a homely feel akin to "living at home" rather than in an institutional setting—as some reviews suggest—the darker aspects come across clearly in other testimonies expressing dissatisfaction with the overall management style. The weighty accusations against management’s responsiveness include inadequate communication during emergencies and neglectful attitudes toward necessary repairs or staffing issues within common areas such as dining rooms.

In conclusion, Merriam Manor stands out as a facility filled with potential based on many positive testimonials focused on its caring staff and engaging community environment; however, significant complaints about managerial oversight warrant careful consideration from prospective families seeking housing for their loved ones with specific needs. The mixed reviews underscore an essential balance: supportive care intertwined with structural improvements that can lead to more consistent satisfaction throughout all levels provided by this establishment.

Located in Newton, New Jersey, this area offers a variety of convenient amenities for seniors. With several physicians' offices nearby such as Dr Sam Kahlam and Northern NJ Endoscopy Center, access to medical care is easily accessible. In addition, there are pharmacies like Walgreens and Walmart Pharmacy within a short distance to fulfill medication needs. For dining options, Dominick's Pizzeria and Applebee's offer delicious meals close by. Nearby parks such as Swartswood State Park and Station Park provide opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Overall, this area provides a balance of essential services and recreational opportunities that would be beneficial for seniors looking to settle in Newton.

Physicians

• Dr Sam Kahlam (0.3 miles)
• Northern NJ Endoscopy Center (0.3 miles)
• Metropolitan Dermatology (0.6 miles)
• Blackwell Martin DO (0.6 miles)
• The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey (0.6 miles)
• Cardiology Associates of Sussex County - Newton Office (0.6 miles)
• Image Care Center (0.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Dominick's Pizzeria (0.6 miles)
• Applebee's (1.1 miles)
• McDonald's (1.2 miles)
• KFC (1.4 miles)
• The Greek's (2.3 miles)
• A & B Bagels & Deli (2.3 miles)
• Sheridan's Lodge (2.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Barn Hill Rehab (0.7 miles)
• St Clare's Hospital MICU (5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Sparta Pharmacy (6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (6.4 miles)
• CVS Speciality (8.5 miles)
• Panther Valley Pharmacy (9.5 miles)
• Walgreens (9.5 miles)

Cafes

• Hampton Diner (1.7 miles)
• Starbucks (5.3 miles)
• Cafe Pierrot (6.2 miles)
• Cloveberry (6.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (12 miles)

Parks

• Swartswood State Park (4.4 miles)
• Station Park (6.8 miles)
• Stokes State Forest (9.4 miles)
• Hopatcong State Park (10.6 miles)
• Lakeside Park (11.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Stanhope Presbyterian Church (10.5 miles)