Meridian Nursing & Rehab-Brick

Pros

• The staff is nice.
• The facility is clean.
• There are activities and entertainment, including singing and bingo.
• The meals are very good.
• The rooms are a nice size.
• The CNAs are very nice and caring.
• The place feels homey and comfortable.

Cons

• They say the staff hung up on her and claimed there was no one by that name.
• They describe Meridian Brick as the worst place in New Jersey, with staff who do not care about the patients.
• They report filthy, never-cleaned rooms and meds not given on time, with nurses deciding if a breathing treatment is needed.
• They recount a fall caused by an employee using a walker instead of a wheelchair, with a lack of concern or empathy afterward.
• They say CNAs are hard to reach, and aides would appear late while staff were eating or on their phones.
• They describe being screamed at by nurses when requesting timed pain medication.
• They note a roommate who screams all night and admin's refusal to move her, causing sleep deprivation and stress.
• They state arriving felt like being admitted to a prison, with abrupt alarms and little welcome or explanation.
• They warn that infections and poor treatment led to a loved one's death, and the facility does not share hospital services, delaying prescriptions.

Review

Meridian Nursing & Rehab-Brick is best suited for families who prize location, basic rehabilitation services, and certain amenities over a flawless clinical track record. The Brick campus can work for a loved one who wants a home-like environment, easy access to hospital services nearby, and meals and social activities that some residents still enjoy. It may suit someone who can tolerate variability in staffing and oversight while relying on family involvement to triangulate care. Those who need consistently meticulous medication administration, rigorous safety protocols, and transparent, responsive administration should consider alternatives and compare other options with stronger, steadier reputations.

On the upside, some reviewers note genuine warmth from certain staff, and the facility does deliver structured therapy and, in some cases, tasty, from-scratch soups and solid meal options. A few residents mention clean rooms, a sunroom, and outdoor space that give real opportunities to socialize and decompress. The presence of PT/OT services and an engaged activities slate in certain stretches can help move a patient forward, particularly in short rehab windows. When these elements align - competent therapy, decent meals, and reasonably clean surroundings - the experience can feel workable and even reassuring for families trying to navigate transitions.

Yet the downsides dominate the overall picture. Repeated complaints center on inconsistent communication and late or inappropriate medication administration, with some caregivers described as indifferent or overwhelmed. Observations of nurses distracted by personal tasks, limited CNA availability, and frequent delays in routine care create a sense of neglect. Cleanliness is not universally reliable; several accounts describe rooms and bathrooms that were not promptly cleaned. Harsh bedside manner, abrupt safety measures without explanation, and difficulties in obtaining timely information from the staff erode trust and complicate family involvement.

Several high-stakes incidents illustrate the fragility of care. In multiple reviews, residents experienced falls or near-misses tied to staffing gaps or misapplied assistive devices. One account details a rapid decline after inconsistent pain management and missed breathing treatments, suggesting medication errors. Others describe infectious complications and hospital transfers that occurred after the facility failed to coordinate care effectively. Stories of residents waiting for prescriptions from outside providers, or suffering from fecal incontinence-related exposure, underscore ongoing safety and infection-control concerns that no family should overlook.

Administrative friction compounds the risk. Billing disputes, promises of no charges that never materialize, and a perceived reluctance to address concerns through the social worker or administration leave families feeling unheard. Privacy and confidentiality issues also surface in visits, with staff displaying casual behavior around private medical information and inconsistent responses to questions about a loved one's status. Taken together, these patterns of breakdowns make Meridian Brick a place where cautious families must demand clear, written commitments and close oversight.

Bottom line: Meridian Brick is a mixed proposition. It can serve families who can stay actively involved, insist on rigorous daily oversight, and accept that not every shift will meet expectations. For others - especially those needing reliable med management, spotless hygiene, and proactive staffing - alternatives should be pursued with urgency. Before deciding, families should request unhurried tours at different times, speak with frontline caregivers and the unit manager, review incident histories, and verify insurance billing practices. When patient safety and dependable care take precedence, it is prudent to look elsewhere rather than rely on a facility that shows such inconsistent performance.

This part of Brick, New Jersey offers a convenient location with easy access to essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies, and physicians all within a short distance. The presence of Ocean Medical Center and various specialized medical facilities provides peace of mind for seniors seeking quality healthcare options. In addition, there are a variety of restaurants nearby offering a range of dining options, from fast food to upscale dining experiences. The proximity to parks like Windward Beach Park allows for opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Public transportation is easily accessible from Bay Head Station, making it convenient for seniors to get around the area. Overall, this neighborhood provides a blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility suitable for senior living.

Hospitals

• Ocean Medical Center (0.2 miles)
• Children’s Specialized Hospital Outpatient and Long Term Care Center – Toms River Stevens Road (6.8 miles)

Physicians

• Jersey Coast Vascular Institute (0.2 miles)
• Coastal Dermatology - Dr Anita Osmundson (0.2 miles)
• Ami (0.2 miles)
• Thomas R Lake III MD FACS (0.3 miles)
• Brick Rheumatology (0.3 miles)
• Seaview Orthopaedic & Medical Associates (0.3 miles)
• Pineland Associates: Theresa Benecki, MD (0.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Butler Pharmacy (3 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1.3 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (1.4 miles)
• Ikko Japanese Steak House (1.5 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.7 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2 miles)
• River Rock Restaurant & Marina Bar (2.6 miles)
• Harpoon Willy's (2.8 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Brick Plaza 1 (1.5 miles)

Parks

• Windward Beach Park (1.5 miles)
• Angela Hibbard Dog Park (3.2 miles)
• Orchard Park (5 miles)

Transportation

• Bay Head Station (4.3 miles)

Cafes

• Green Planet Coffee Co. (5.2 miles)
• Rook Coffee (6.8 miles)
• Starbucks (7.1 miles)