Meridian Nursing & Rehab-Brick

Pros

• The facility is clean and has a nice size for the rooms, which contributes to a pleasant living environment for residents.
• The physical therapy and occupational therapy staff received positive feedback for their services during the stay.
• The food provided at the nursing home is very good, with some meals being particularly praised, such as soups made from scratch.
• The activities offered are enjoyed by the residents when they are not under quarantine, providing them with entertainment and socialization opportunities.
• The CNA who assisted one resident was described as very nice and helpful, showing compassion in a challenging situation.

Cons

• The nurse refused to provide information about the patient's condition, prioritizing personal conversations over patient care.
• The staff was often unresponsive, delaying assistance and neglecting timely care for patients in need.
• The facility was reported as filthy, with inadequate cleaning and maintenance of rooms and bathrooms.
• Patients experienced a lack of compassion from nurses, who were described as rude and dismissive during critical times.
• There were significant issues with medication management, including incorrect medications being administered and delays in receiving necessary treatments.
• Communication from staff was poor, leaving families frustrated and feeling ignored by administration regarding concerns for their loved ones' wellbeing.
• The admission process felt abrupt and unfriendly, leading to feelings of distress for new residents.
• Staff morale seemed low, impacting the quality of care provided to the patients in the facility.

Review

The experiences of families with loved ones at Hackensack Meridian Health Nursing & Rehab in Brick reveal a troubling pattern of dissatisfaction and neglect that raises serious concerns about the quality of care provided at this facility. Each review paints a picture of frustration, inadequate communication, and systemic failures that leave many questioning if their loved ones are being treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

One recurring theme is the lack of effective communication between staff and family members. One reviewer recounted their attempt to inquire about their mother’s well-being only to be met with dismissive attitudes from nursing staff. After being referred back and forth between the nurse’s station and the secretary, they were ultimately told by a busy nurse that they needed to speak to the unit manager for any concerns regarding their mother. This encounter reflects a larger issue within the facility: a seeming prioritization of internal protocols over patient-centric care, leaving families feeling frustrated and helpless in their attempts to advocate for their loved ones.

The quality of care appears inconsistent as well, particularly regarding basic hygiene and timely medical attention. In one stark instance, a visitor reported finding their family member in a distressed state, covered in feces. Despite alerting staff—a nurse who was seen on her cellphone during this time—there was an unacceptable delay in addressing the situation, further violating standards of dignity and respect for patients. The visitor noted that it took over twenty minutes for proper assistance to arrive after repeated requests for help. Such delays not only pose health risks but also deeply impact the emotional well-being of both patients and their families.

Moreover, some reviews highlighted unwelcoming environments characterized by poor attitudes among nursing staff. One reviewer expressed distress over how an elderly family member was treated upon arrival; the lack of warmth or attentiveness left them feeling like she had been admitted into a prison rather than a place meant for healing and recovery. Staff interactions seemed curt or disengaged, with little effort made to reassure new patients about their environment or treatment plans—a crucial aspect when considering comfort levels for vulnerable individuals.

Compounding these issues is the management's handling—or mishandling—of patient medication regimens. A reviewer experienced significant difficulties receiving timely pain medication post-surgery, often having to beg staff for medications due despite having legitimate need following major surgery. Errors in administering incorrect medications led to severe health complications as well; these alarming lapses highlight systemic problems within medication management protocols at this facility that could have dangerous implications for residents' health outcomes.

From food quality complaints to occasional lockdowns due to COVID-19 outbreaks affecting activities, families have expressed mixed feelings about certain aspects more positively framed by activities available when not restricted by quarantine measures. While some approved of meal quality on occasion or appreciated therapeutic sessions conducted by physical therapists (PT), many described living conditions as dirty and poorly maintained overall—a point emphasized repeatedly across multiple reviews highlighting filthy rooms where cleanliness appeared neglected.

In conclusion, while there may be rare positive anecdotes regarding specific staff members or beneficial programs offered at Hackensack Meridian Health Nursing & Rehab at Brick, overwhelming concerns remain primarily fixated on inadequate clinical oversight—from communication shortcomings down through basic care standards worsening under pressure without apparent accountability mechanisms functionally resolved from upper management levels all necessitating urgent review if trust is ever regained amongst patients' anxious families seeking reliable respite services instead merely facing negligence obscured behind bureaucratic channels.

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)